Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Annapurna Views & Local Guides

Summary

Short trek in Annapurna with sunrise views and village stays

You’ll follow ancient stone paths through rhododendron forests, share laughs with locals over sweet chai, and watch sunrise spill across Annapurna’s peaks from Poon Hill. With a local guide handling permits and transport plus cozy mountain lodges each night, you’re free to just walk — even if your legs complain later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of boots on stone — ours and a dozen others, echoing through the narrow lanes of Nayapul as we set off. Our guide, Prakash, grinned at my overstuffed backpack (he was right, I didn’t need half of it). The air smelled like wet leaves and wood smoke from someone’s breakfast fire. We’d barely left Pokhara that morning but already everything felt different — quieter, except for the river somewhere below us and the odd rooster yelling his opinion.

I wasn’t prepared for how steep Ulleri would be. There’s this long stretch of stone steps that just keeps going — honestly, I lost count after a while. We stopped at a tiny tea house where an old woman handed me sweet chai in a chipped mug. She laughed at my red face and said something to Prakash; he translated: “She says you walk like city people.” Fair enough. The rhododendrons were just starting to bloom — flashes of red against all that green. It rained a little, not enough to soak us but enough to make the earth smell sharp and alive.

We reached Ghorepani late afternoon, legs wobbly but spirits high (or maybe just delirious). The lodge was basic but warm, with thick blankets and dal bhat for dinner. Everyone seemed to go quiet early — maybe saving energy for the sunrise hike up Poon Hill. That climb was in the dark, flashlights bobbing ahead of us like fireflies. At the top, people stood in silence as the sky turned pink behind Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Someone next to me whispered “worth it” — I couldn’t have said it better.

After breakfast back at the lodge (eggs never tasted so good), we headed down through forests that smelled like pine needles and damp moss. Kids waved from Ghandruk village; one tried to teach me a Nepali greeting but I probably butchered it — he just giggled anyway. By the time we reached Kliu for our ride back to Pokhara, my legs were jelly but my head felt clear in a way it hadn’t for ages. I still think about that view from Poon Hill sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara

• Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus
• Walk around Fewa Lake

Day 2 — Drive to Birethanti and trek to Ulleri

• Drive to Birethanti and trek to Ulleri via Tikhedhunga

Day 3 — Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani

• Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani via Banthanti and Nangethanti

Day 4 — Hike Poon Hill and trek Tadapani

• Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise
• Trek from Poon Hill to Tadapani via Banthanti

Day 5 — Trek Tadapani to Kliu and drive Pokhara

• Trek from Tadapani to Kliu via Ghandruk
• Drive from Kliu to Pokhara

Top questions

How long does the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek take?

The trek typically takes 5 days including travel from Pokhara.

Is Ghorepani Poon Hill trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s considered short and manageable for beginners or families.

Where does the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek start?

The trek starts from Nayapul after driving from Pokhara.

What mountains can you see on this trek?

You can see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I & South, Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Himchuli and more.

Are permits included in this tour?

Yes, ACAP Permit and TIMS card are included in the package.

Is accommodation provided during the trek?

You’ll stay 2 nights in Pokhara hotels & 3 nights in mountain lodges.

Does this include transportation from Kathmandu?

A tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara is included; private transport is used locally during the trek.

What’s included

Your trip includes two nights’ hotel stay in Pokhara plus three nights in simple mountain lodges along the route. All necessary trekking permits are sorted for you by your local guide. Private transport covers drives between Pokhara and trailheads as well as a tourist bus transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara at the start — so you can focus on walking (and catching your breath) instead of logistics.