Annapurna region
Poon Hill Trek
Three days to the most famous sunrise panorama in the Annapurnas
The trek
Overview
Poon Hill is Nepal's classic short trek: three days from Pokhara to a 3,210 m viewpoint where dawn lights up two 8,000 m giants — Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I — and the whole wall of peaks between them. It is the walk we recommend first to families, first-timers and anyone short on days.
The route climbs from Nayapul through the Magar villages of the Bhurungdi valley, up Ulleri's famous staircase of more than 3,300 cut-stone steps, to the lodge town of Ghorepani at 2,860 m. Stages are short, teahouses come every hour, and there is always somewhere to stop for tea.
After the sunrise you cross a small rhododendron pass to Tadapani and descend to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in the hills, where the jeep meets you for the drive back to Pokhara. In March and April the entire forest is in bloom.
Highlights
- Sunrise at 3,210 m over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machapuchare
- Ulleri's stone staircase — more than 3,300 steps, climbed at teahouse pace
- Magar villages of the Bhurungdi valley and lodge town of Ghorepani
- Rhododendron forest in full bloom in March and April
- Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in the middle hills
- Short stages that suit first-time trekkers and children
Trip facts
- Group size
- 2–10 trekkers
- Meals
- All meals on trek, lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3
- Accommodation
- Teahouse lodges in Ulleri and Ghorepani
- Transport
- Private jeep from Pokhara to Nayapul and back from Ghandruk
Itinerary
Day by day
Morning pickup from your Pokhara hotel and a 90-minute jeep ride to Nayapul (1,070 m). The trail follows the Bhurungdi river through Birethanti and Tikhedhunga, then climbs the stone staircase — 3,300 steps and more — to the Magar village of Ulleri, taken slowly with plenty of tea stops.
1,960 m · 4–5 h · Meals L, D
Cost
What it costs
Group prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 trekker | US$ 390 |
| 2–4 trekkers | US$ 330 |
| 5–8 trekkers | US$ 315 |
| 9+ trekkers | US$ 300 |
What's included
- Pokhara hotel pickup and private jeep to the Nayapul trailhead
- Private jeep from Ghandruk back to Pokhara
- Teahouse accommodation in Ulleri and Ghorepani
- All meals on trek (lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3) with tea or coffee
- Licensed, English-speaking trek guide, insured and equipped
- One porter between two trekkers (max 18 kg shared load)
- ACAP and TIMS permits
- First-aid kit carried by the guide
- NTP route map and trek completion certificate
Not included
- Travel to and from Pokhara (we arrange flights or coach on request)
- Accommodation and meals in Pokhara
- Travel insurance (required on all our treks)
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers and device charging on trek
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Optional add-ons
Private porter
Your own porter for the full trek (max 18 kg)
US$ 60
per person
Ghandruk overnight extension
Add a fourth day with a night in Ghandruk's old stone quarter, splitting the long final descent
US$ 70
per person
Single room supplement
Private teahouse rooms in Ulleri and Ghorepani
US$ 30
per person
Sleeping bag rental
Three-season bag for the two nights on trek
US$ 15
per person
Extra night in Pokhara
3-star lakeside hotel with breakfast, before or after the trek
US$ 40
per room per night
Route map
The route
Detailed route map in production — every itinerary stage above is GPS-logged.
Dates & availability
Departures
| Start | End | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Sep 2026 | 27 Sep 2026 | US$ 330 | Open |
| 9 Oct 2026 | 11 Oct 2026 | US$ 330 | Guaranteed |
| 23 Oct 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 | US$ 330 | 4 spots left |
| 6 Nov 2026 | 8 Nov 2026 | US$ 330 | Open |
| 4 Dec 2026 | 6 Dec 2026 | US$ 330 | Open |
| 28 Dec 2026 | 30 Dec 2026 | US$ 330 | Guaranteed |
| 22 Jan 2027 | 24 Jan 2027 | US$ 330 | Open |
| 19 Feb 2027 | 21 Feb 2027 | US$ 330 | Open |
| 19 Mar 2027 | 21 Mar 2027 | US$ 330 | Open |
| 9 Apr 2027 | 11 Apr 2027 | US$ 330 | Open |
- Open
25 Sep 2026 – 27 Sep 2026
US$ 330
- Guaranteed
9 Oct 2026 – 11 Oct 2026
US$ 330
- 4 spots left
23 Oct 2026 – 25 Oct 2026
US$ 330
- Open
6 Nov 2026 – 8 Nov 2026
US$ 330
- Open
4 Dec 2026 – 6 Dec 2026
US$ 330
- Guaranteed
28 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026
US$ 330
- Open
22 Jan 2027 – 24 Jan 2027
US$ 330
- Open
19 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027
US$ 330
- Open
19 Mar 2027 – 21 Mar 2027
US$ 330
- Open
9 Apr 2027 – 11 Apr 2027
US$ 330
Every departure runs with a minimum of 2 trekkers — or book it as a private trip.
Before you go
Essential information
Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3,000, checked at Birethanti — included in the trip price
US$ 23
TIMS card
NPR 2,000, arranged by us before departure — included
US$ 15
Permits are included in the trip price.
Best seasons
Departure dates above keep to these windows.
FAQs
Questions, answered
Trusted by trekkers
Walked with us
4.9
out of 5, average rating
111
traveler reviews
15
years in the Himalaya
“Mardi Himal packs a lot into five days: rhododendron forest in full April bloom, then a narrowing ridge where Machapuchare fills the sky ahead of you. Sunrise above High Camp, with a cloud sea flooding the valleys below, justified every early start. The guide's pacing and teahouse choices were spot on. Four stars only because spring is popular and High Camp's lodges are basic and full — go expecting a bunkhouse atmosphere and you will love all of it.”
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