Poon Hill Trek: 3 Days Annapurna Hike with Guide & Tea Houses

Summary

Poon Hill Sunrise Trekking & Ghandruk Village Experience

If you want real mountain views without weeks of hiking, this Poon Hill trek is for you. You’ll get Himalayan sunrises, friendly guides, and a peek into village life—all in just three days.

What’s the experience like?

Boots laced up, we set off just after sunrise from Nayapul. The air felt cool and sharp, carrying the smell of damp earth and wood smoke from the nearby tea stalls. Our guide, Ramesh, kept a steady pace and pointed out tiny wildflowers peeking through the moss. The first stretch wound through thick rhododendron forests—honestly, I didn’t expect the trees to be so tall or the trail to echo with birdsong. Every so often, we’d pass locals carrying baskets of vegetables or chatting in Nepali, and it felt like we were walking through someone’s backyard rather than a tourist trail.

The climb up to Ghorepani was no joke—stone steps seemed endless, and my legs definitely noticed. But the reward? That first glimpse of the Annapurna range at dusk, snow peaks glowing orange behind low clouds. Our tea house was simple but cozy; the owner’s daughter served us ginger tea that tasted extra spicy after a day on the trail. Early the next morning, we hiked up to Poon Hill in the dark—bring a headlamp if you can. The sunrise was slow and quiet; everyone just stood there, shivering a bit, watching the mountains light up one by one. Later, we trekked down through Ghandruk village, where old stone houses line narrow paths and kids waved from doorways. Ramesh explained some Gurung traditions and even helped us order dal bhat at a tiny café—honestly, it tasted better than any restaurant meal back in Pokhara.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Poon Hill Trekking Adventure

• Trek Annapurna Area
• Explore lower Himalayan forests
• Visit traditional village Ghandruk

Top questions

How tough is the Poon Hill trek?

It’s doable for most people with moderate fitness. There are lots of stone steps and some steep bits, but our guide set an easy pace and we took plenty of breaks.

What’s the accommodation like during the trek?

You’ll stay in local tea houses—basic but clean rooms, usually twin beds and shared bathrooms. Hot showers are available for a small fee.

Do I need to bring food or water?

No need to carry much—there are plenty of places along the way to buy snacks and bottled water. Meals are available at the tea houses.

What’s included

Your permits, all entry fees, private transport to and from the trailhead, a licensed mountain guide who knows every shortcut, and two nights’ stay in local tea houses are all sorted for you.