Annapurna Poon Hill Trek: Local Guides, Permits & All Gear

Summary

Trekking to poon hill for sunrise with local guides and gear

You’ll hike stone paths through rhododendron forests, wake early for sunrise over Annapurna from Poon Hill, share tea with locals in mountain villages, and learn stories from your guide along the way. Expect simple comforts — warm meals, laughter around stoves — and moments that linger long after you’re back in Pokhara.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the stone steps near Ulleri when I realized how much I’d underestimated Nepali tea houses — warm ginger tea in mismatched mugs, a dog curled up by the stove, and our guide Ram chatting quietly with the owner about tomorrow’s weather. The air smelled like woodsmoke and wet earth. I kept stopping “just to look at the view,” but really my legs were burning. Ram just grinned and said, “Slowly-slowly is best here.” He was right. The Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill trek isn’t a race — it’s more like a moving meditation, if you can ignore your calves complaining.

The morning we climbed Poon Hill itself started before dawn. Everyone shuffled out of Ghorepani with headlamps bobbing in the dark, boots crunching on frozen ground. There was this hush except for someone’s cough and a rooster somewhere (I swear they crow earlier up here). When we reached the top — 3,210 meters — people just stood there quietly as the sky turned pink behind Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. Someone passed around biscuits. I didn’t expect to feel so small or so awake at that hour. That sunrise is still stuck in my mind.

Later that day we wound down through rhododendron forests toward Tadapani. The trees looked almost fake — too red against all that green mist. Lunch was dal bhat at a tiny tea house where Li laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Nepali (I probably butchered it). By then my socks were damp but spirits weirdly high. Our group swapped stories about home while Ram pointed out which peaks belonged to which gods — he knew them all by heart.

The last stretch took us into Ghandruk village, where kids played marbles outside the Gurung museum and old women waved from doorways. We had lunch with a view of terraced fields dropping away below us; honestly, I could’ve sat there for hours if we didn’t have to catch the local bus back to Pokhara (which rattled so much my teeth felt loose). It wasn’t always comfortable but it felt real — like you’re part of something older than yourself for a few days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive in Kathmandu and briefing

• Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
• Transfer to hotel
• Explore city if early arrival
• Attend trek briefing

Day 2 — Trek preparation and Kathmandu sightseeing

• Prepare trekking equipment
• Visit Swyombhunath Stupa
• Visit Patan Durbar Square
• Visit Pashupatinath Temple
• Visit Bouddhanath Stupa

Day 3 — Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara

• Take tourist bus to Pokhara
• Stop for toilet, snacks, and lunch
• Arrive and stay at hotel in Pokhara

Day 4 — Drive to Ulleri and trek to Ghorepani

• Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri
• Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani
• Stay overnight at tea house

Day 5 — Climb Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani

• Ascend Poon Hill for sunrise
• Trek back to Ghorepani for breakfast
• Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani
• Stay overnight at tea house

Day 6 — Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara

• Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk
• Have lunch and explore Ghandruk village
• Visit Gurung museum
• Drive to Pokhara by local transport
• Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara

Day 7 — Drive back to Kathmandu

• Take tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Enjoy cultural dinner with team

Day 8 — Departure from Kathmandu

• Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport
• Catch international flight home

Top questions

How long does the Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill trek take?

The trek typically takes about 7 days including arrival and departure days from Kathmandu.

Is hotel pickup included for this trek?

Yes, hotel pickup is included at arrival in Kathmandu and during transfers between cities.

Are permits provided on this Annapurna trek?

Yes, trekking permits and TIMS are included as part of your booking.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?

You’ll stay in standard tea houses during trekking nights and hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Is there a local guide on the Poon Hill trek?

Yes, an experienced English-speaking local guide leads the group throughout the trek.

Are meals included on this Annapurna trek?

Meals are provided at tea houses during trekking days; some lunches are also included during sightseeing or village visits.

Can children join this Annapurna Ghorepani trek?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult as per guidelines.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup on arrival in Kathmandu, all necessary trekking permits and TIMS card, an English-speaking local guide throughout the journey, private transportation between cities when needed, accommodations at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara plus standard tea houses along the route, use of down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles and crampons if needed—all fees and taxes covered so you can focus on walking (and maybe catching your breath).