Poon Hill Trek: 3-Day Annapurna Hike with Female Guide

Summary

Short trek to Poon Hill for sunrise views & village life

You’ll wake before sunrise for tea on Poon Hill, watch Annapurna light up in silence, walk through rhododendron forests past Gurung villages, and share laughs with your local female guide. All meals are included along with permits and private transport—just bring your curiosity (and maybe an extra pair of socks).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cold air biting my nose just before dawn, standing with numb fingers wrapped around a mug of sweet tea in Ghorepani. Our guide, Sita, handed it to me while she laughed at my attempts to pronounce “Namaste” properly — apparently my accent is hopeless. The sky was this deep blue-black, and you could just make out the outlines of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It’s funny how quiet everything feels up there except for the soft shuffle of boots and someone’s distant cough.

The climb up Poon Hill itself isn’t long but it gets your heart going — especially if you’re still waking up. We started early so we’d catch the sunrise (I mean, that’s why most people do this day trip from Pokhara or even as a quick adventure from Cusco-style itineraries). When the sun finally cracked over the peaks, everyone went silent for a second. The snow lit up pink and gold, and Sita pointed out each summit by name: “That’s Nilgiri… Manaslu over there…” I didn’t expect to feel so small and happy at the same time. There were locals selling chai at the top — honestly, I still think about that spicy steam in the cold air.

We passed through Gurung villages on the way down, kids waving from stone porches, chickens darting around our boots. Rhododendrons everywhere — red and magenta against all that green. Lunch was simple dal bhat in a family-run teahouse; nothing fancy but after trekking it tasted like a feast. Sita told us stories about growing up nearby, how she learned these trails as a girl. She walks faster than anyone I know but always waits if you stop to take photos or just need to breathe.

By afternoon my legs were jelly but I didn’t really care — it felt good being tired for something real. The drive back was quiet; I watched clouds snag on the hills and tried not to fall asleep. Three days sounds short for trekking in Nepal but somehow it felt like more than that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek overview

• Start trek from Pokhara
• Ascend towards Ghorepani village
• Enjoy views of Annapurna range
• Observe Kali Gandaki Valley and villages
• See colorful rhododendrons

Top questions

How difficult is the 3-day Poon Hill trek?

The trek requires moderate fitness; daily hikes are manageable but include some steep sections.

Is a female guide included on this trek?

Yes, an experienced female trekking expert leads the group throughout the tour.

Are meals provided during the trek?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day while trekking.

What mountains can you see from Poon Hill?

You’ll see Dhaulagiri Himal, Tukuche Peak, Mardi Himal, Manaslu Himal, Annapurna I-III, Nilgiri, Khopra danda.

Does this tour include transportation?

Private transportation is included for transfers during the tour.

Are permits arranged for this trek?

TIMS permit and ACAP permit are both included in your booking.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to the starting point.

Is this trek suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to altitude and physical demands.

Do I need special equipment for winter months?

Micro spikes are provided from December to February if needed.

What’s included

Your three-day journey includes all required permits (TIMS and ACAP), private transportation between stops, an expert female guide throughout the trek plus one porter per two guests. All meals—breakfasts, lunches, dinners—are covered during trekking days along with use of hiking poles and a kit bag; micro spikes are provided in winter months too.