🌅 4-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Pokhara • Ulleri • Ghorepani • Poon Hill • Tadapani • Pokhara
Poon Hill Sunrise
Experience one of Nepal's most famous sunrise views from Poon Hill (3,210m) with 360-degree panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, and Machapuchare glowing in morning light.
Rhododendron Forests
Trek through magnificent rhododendron forests that burst into vibrant colors during spring season (March-April), creating a stunning natural corridor of red, pink, and white blooms.
Short & Sweet
Perfect for those with limited time, this 4-day trek offers the best of Annapurna region without the longer commitment. Ideal for families, beginners, and time-conscious travelers.
Cultural Immersion
Experience authentic Gurung and Magar culture in traditional mountain villages, stay in cozy tea houses, and enjoy warm Nepali hospitality throughout your journey.
Why Choose This Trek?
Trek Quick Facts
Pokhara to Ulleri (2,010m)
Duration: 5-6 hours trek
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Morning: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hours)
Trek Highlights:
- Start trekking from Nayapul through Birethanti village
- Follow Modi Khola river with beautiful waterfalls
- Checkpoint at Tikhedhunga for permits
- Begin famous 3,300 stone steps ascent
- Reach Ulleri village with Magar cultural influence
- First mountain views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Duration: 4-5 hours trek
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Trek Highlights:
- Gradual ascent through magnificent rhododendron forests
- Pass through Banthanti and Nangethanti villages
- Enter dense forest with occasional mountain glimpses
- Arrive at Ghorepani - strategic viewpoint village
- Evening preparation for Poon Hill sunrise trek
- Sunset views over Dhaulagiri range
Cultural Experience: Interact with local Gurung communities and learn about mountain lifestyle
Poon Hill Sunrise & Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
Duration: 6-7 hours trek
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Early Morning (4:30 AM): Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise
Poon Hill Experience (3,210m):
- 45-minute pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill viewpoint
- Arrive at top for spectacular sunrise over Himalayas
- 360-degree panoramic mountain views
- Dhaulagiri (8,167m) glowing in golden light
- Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare visible
- Perfect photography opportunities
- Return to Ghorepani for breakfast
After Trek: Continue through Deurali Pass and rhododendron forests to Tadapani
Tadapani to Pokhara via Ghandruk
Duration: 4-5 hours trek + 2 hours drive
Distance: Approximately 9 km trek
Morning Trek:
- Final mountain views from Tadapani
- Descend through beautiful rhododendron forests
- Visit Ghandruk - famous Gurung village
- Explore traditional stone houses and local culture
- Visit Gurung museum (optional)
- Final descent to Kimche or Syauli Bazar
Return to Pokhara:
- Private vehicle from Kimche to Pokhara
- Scenic drive through rural landscapes
- Arrive Pokhara by afternoon
- Check into hotel and celebrate completion
- Trek completion certificate presentation
- Evening free for lakeside relaxation
✅ PACKAGE INCLUDES
🚗 Transportation
- Private vehicle: Pokhara - Nayapul (Day 1)
- Private vehicle: Kimche - Pokhara (Day 4)
- All fuel, parking, and driver expenses
- Comfortable AC vehicle for transfers
🏠 Accommodation
- 3 nights tea house accommodation during trek
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara after trek
- Twin/double sharing rooms
- Clean and comfortable mountain lodges
🍽️ Meals
- All meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Welcome dinner in Pokhara
- Tea/coffee with breakfast
- Safe drinking water (boiled/filtered)
👨🏫 Guide & Support
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Experienced porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Porter carries up to 20kg (10kg per person)
- Guide and porter's insurance and expenses
📋 Permits & Documentation
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- All government taxes and service charges
- Trek completion certificate
🎁 Additional Services
- Comprehensive pre-trek briefing in Pokhara
- Route map and trekking information
- First aid medical kit and oxygen meter
- 24/7 emergency support and coordination
- Ghandruk village cultural experience
❌ PACKAGE EXCLUDES
Flights to/from Nepal and Nepal entry visa fee ($30-50)
Hotel in Pokhara before trek (can be arranged separately)
Meals in Pokhara except welcome dinner
Battery charging ($2-5), hot showers ($3-5), WiFi ($3-5), laundry
Alcoholic drinks, bottled water, soft drinks, extra snacks
Tips for guide and porter (recommended: $40-60 for 4-day trek)
Comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
Helicopter rescue or emergency evacuation costs
🎒 Packing List Essentials
Clothing
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Quick-dry trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts and long sleeves
- Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
- Trekking socks (4-5 pairs)
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
- Camp shoes or sandals for tea houses
- Trekking socks (wool blend recommended)
- Gaiters (optional for muddy conditions)
Equipment
- Sleeping bag (0°C comfort rating)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Water bottles (2L capacity)
- Daypack (25-35L with rain cover)
Personal Items
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with SPF
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Basic first aid kit and blister treatment
- Camera with extra batteries
- Power bank for devices
- Passport copies and cash (Nepali Rupees)
💪 Fitness & Preparation
Physical Requirements
Poon Hill trek is rated as easy to moderate difficulty. You should be:
- Able to walk 4-6 hours daily with some elevation gain
- Comfortable with uphill and downhill walking
- In reasonable physical condition
- Capable of carrying 5kg daypack
- No previous trekking experience required
Training Preparation (4-6 weeks before)
- Cardio: 2-3 sessions weekly (walking, cycling)
- Walking: Regular walks with gradual distance increase
- Stairs: Practice stair climbing with backpack
- Strength: Basic leg and core exercises
Altitude Considerations
- Maximum altitude 3,210m - low risk of altitude sickness
- Gradual ascent allows proper acclimatization
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek
- Walk at comfortable, steady pace
🌤️ Best Time to Trek
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Weather: Warm days, clear mornings, blooming flowers
Temperature: 15-25°C day, 5-10°C night
Highlights: Rhododendron forests in full bloom, excellent photography
Wildlife: Best bird watching opportunities
🍂 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Weather: Clear skies, stable conditions, perfect visibility
Temperature: 15-20°C day, 5-10°C night
Highlights: Crystal clear mountain views, ideal trekking conditions
Note: Most popular season - book early
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Weather: Cold but clear, possible snow at higher elevations
Temperature: 10-15°C day, 0-5°C night
Highlights: Fewer trekkers, pristine mountain views
Challenges: Colder temperatures, warm clothing essential
🌧️ Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
Weather: Heavy rainfall, leeches, cloudy skies
Temperature: 20-30°C, humid conditions
Challenges: Poor visibility, slippery trails
Note: Trekking possible but views often obscured
⚠️ Important Information
🏥 Travel Insurance
Required: Comprehensive insurance should cover:
- Medical treatment and evacuation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost baggage and personal items
- Coverage up to 4,000m altitude
📋 Required Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Nepal tourist visa (available on arrival)
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Travel insurance documents
- Emergency contact information
💰 Money Matters
- Carry Nepali Rupees cash (no ATMs on trek)
- Budget $15-20 daily for personal expenses
- Small bills recommended for purchases
- Keep money in multiple secure places
📱 Connectivity
- Mobile network available at most villages
- WiFi available at tea houses ($3-5 per day)
- NTC or Ncell SIM cards work best
- Limited electricity for charging devices
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this trek suitable for children?
A: Yes! Poon Hill is one of the most family-friendly treks in Nepal. Children as young as 8-10 years old can complete it with proper preparation and pacing.
Q: How difficult are the famous stone steps?
A: The 3,300 stone steps to Ulleri are challenging but manageable. We take them slowly with frequent breaks, and the reward is worth the effort!
Q: What if I can't wake up for the sunrise?
A: While the sunrise is spectacular, the mountains are visible throughout the day. However, we highly recommend the sunrise experience - it's the highlight of the trek!
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: No strict age restrictions. We've had trekkers from 10 to 70+ years complete this trek successfully. Good health and reasonable fitness are more important than age.
Q: Can I do this trek solo?
A: While possible, we recommend going with a guide for safety, cultural insights, and better overall experience. The trail is well-marked but having local support is valuable.
Book Your Poon Hill Adventure
✅ Best Value: All meals, accommodation, permits, guide, porter, and transportation included!
✅ Family Friendly: Special discounts for families with children
✅ Weekly Departures: Join our regular group treks every Monday and Thursday
Booking Information
20% deposit to confirm booking, balance due in Pokhara before trek start
Book 2+ weeks ahead for peak season. Last-minute bookings often available!
Minimum 2 people, maximum 8 people for personalized experience
Free cancellation 15+ days before, 50% refund 7-14 days before
Why Choose Nepal Adventure Tours?
What Our Trekkers Say
"The Poon Hill sunrise was absolutely magical! Perfect short trek for our family. Our guide made the experience unforgettable for our children."
"Incredible value for money! The rhododendron forests were stunning, and the mountain views exceeded all expectations. Highly recommended!"
"Perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. Short but packed with amazing experiences. The team took great care of us throughout."