Everything You Need to Know About Poon Hill Trek
Route, Cost & Tips
Do you love Himalayan snowy peaks, crisp air, and dramatic sunrises but don’t have weeks to spare or stamina for Everest’s altitude extremes? Poon Hill Circuit trek is made exactly for you!
It’s short, scenic, easier, and delivers sunrise views of both Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges that leave your jaw-dropping. The best part about this trek is that you can wrap it up in under a week with no altitude sickness stress.
That sounds like a dream, right?
Let’s see what this dream will look like in reality.
Step-by-Step Guide to Route
Poon hill trek usually begins in Pokhara, which is Nepal’s laid-back lakeside town. From there, you’ll drive for about 2 hours to reach Nayapul, the traditional starting point of the trek.
But the real hiking usually begins from Ulleri or Hille, depending on your transport. The 4-day route of the Poon Hill trek will look something like this:
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Day 1: Pokhara → Nayapul → Ulleri (2,070m)
After reaching Nayapul from Pokhara, you’ll make a steep ascent with thousands of stone steps that take you through terraced fields and quaint villages. It’s a bit of a leg burner, But Hey! You’re in the Himalayas; that much is to be expected.
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Day 2: Ulleri → Ghorepani (2,874m)
From Ulleri, you’ll hike through dense forests of oak and rhododendron. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Ghorepani, which is a cozy mountain village that feels like it was built for trekkers. You’ll rest there and recharge for the next day.
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Day 3: Poon Hill Sunrise Hike (3,210m) → Tadapani
Waking up before dawn, you’ll begin the short climb in the dark up to Poon Hill. This is the perfect site to witness the heavenly sunrise that slowly turns the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre into light pink and gold.
After sunrise, you’ll descend back to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and then continue your walk through more enchanting forest trails that lead to Tadapani.
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Day 4: Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara
From Tadapani, you’ll enjoy a scenic downhill walk to Ghandruk. It’s a Gurung village that entails traditional houses and enchanting Himalayan views. You’ll have your lunch there and then begin your descent to the road, where a jeep will take you back to Pokhara.
Cost Breakdown
Poon Hill trek is one of the most affordable treks in the Himalayan range, especially when you compare it to the Everest and Annapurna Circuits.
Here’s a rough breakdown for a 4-day guided trek:
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| TIMS + ACAP Permits | $40–45 total |
| Guide (per day) | $25–30 |
| Porter (optional, per day) | $20–25 |
| Accommodation (teahouses) | $5–10 per night |
| Meals(3 per day) | $20–30 |
| Transport (Pokhara–Nayapul round trip) | $20–30 |
Total (4 days, mid-range): Around $250–350, depending on your group size and extras. If you opt for more luxurious options, the pricing may differ.
Practical Tips for Poon Hill Trek
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Pack Light But Smart
This is one of the most commonly used phrases by expert trekkers, ‘Pack light but smart.’ You must know that you’re not going on a luxury trip; you must pack for necessities rather than vibes. Since the Poon Hill trek is not as cold as other Himalayan treks, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and hiking boots will do the deed. Pack a headlamp for the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill, and Yes, Don’t forget your sunscreen; the sun hits really hard at altitude.
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Start Early for the Best Sunrise
Poon hill is one of the busy treks in Nepal, especially in peak season. So, if you want to grab yourself a good spot to capture the sunrise, leave your tea house by 4:30 am.
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Stay Hydrated
This trek is not very high or physically challenging, so you can easily avoid altitude sickness. However, you still need to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Also, try to carry a bag of snacks since you’ll be burning more energy than you might think.
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Go Off-Season If You Prefer Peace
As we mentioned that Poon Hill can get very crowded in peak season, i.e., October – November and March- April; if you want to enjoy a rather serene, quieter path and a more personalized experience, you can book your trek for December or early February. But don’t forget to pack for colder nights.
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Support Locals
Most families earn their living via tourism. So, if you finally make it to the trek, stay in family-run teahouses, buy handicrafts in Ghandruk to support them, and tip your guide and porter. This act will not only enrich your experience but also support the communities that make these treks possible for you.
Bottom Line
Poon Hill is among those mountains that don’t demand you to hike for several weeks just to enjoy those jaw-dropping views, warm hospitality, and rich culture. You can enjoy everything within 4 days.
Find yourself the best guide, like Mosaic Adventure, who’ll take care of all the details so you can simply focus on the experience.