It starts before sunrise. From Ghorepani, you walk uphill in the dark toward Poon Hill, waiting for the first light to reach the mountains. As the sky brightens, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and the surrounding peaks come into view. That early morning climb is the part most trekkers remember from the 3 Day Poon Hill Trek.
There is plenty to see before and after the sunrise as well. You stay in local teahouses and see everyday life in the Gurung and Magar communities around Ghorepani. At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill gives you a high mountain viewpoint without requiring a long Nepal trekking itinerary.
If you are searching for a short Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara, this itinerary brings together the sunrise viewpoint, Annapurna mountain scenery and the traditional trail around Ghorepani in just three days.
Poon Hill Trek Overview
The 3 Day Poon Hill Trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region, with Poon Hill as its main destination. The early morning climb from Ghorepani is the main reason for doing the trek. From the viewpoint, you can see Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and other peaks across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as the sun rises.
The trail includes Ulleri and Ghorepani, along with long stone steps, forest, terraced fields and mountain villages. Gurung and Magar communities have lived in this part of the Annapurna region for generations, and their culture is still visible in the villages along the trail. In spring, rhododendron flowers cover sections of the forest, while October and November are known for generally clearer mountain views.
The 3 Day Poon Hill Trek route is different from older itineraries because vehicles can now travel farther into the lower trekking area. This reduces the amount of walking required on a three day itinerary. The actual Poon Hill Trek distance depends on the roadhead used for the trip, so two 3 day itineraries may not have exactly the same walking distance. The climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill remains the defining part of the trek.
Poon Hill Trek Highlights
- Poon Hill sunrise at 3,210 meters, reached by an early morning climb from Ghorepani
- Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views from the Poon Hill viewpoint
- The long stone stairway at Ulleri, a memorable part of the lower trail
- Ghorepani village and local Magar culture, with traditional mountain houses and teahouses
- Rhododendron forest inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, especially colorful in spring
- The early morning Ghorepani to Poon Hill hike, with the trail taking about an hour to the viewpoint
- Terraced farmland and hill villages between the lower trailhead and Ghorepani
- A short Annapurna trekking route from Pokhara that can be completed in three days when the itinerary uses the current road access
3 Days Poon Hill Trek Difficulty
The Poon Hill Trek is a moderate trek. The stone steps around Ulleri are one of the harder parts, while the early morning climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill adds another tough section. Starting the climb before sunrise, especially in cold weather, can make this part more tiring.
At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill is high enough for some trekkers to experience headache, dizziness or tiredness. These symptoms should not be ignored, and your guide should know if you start feeling unwell.
The actual Poon Hill Trek difficulty and distance depend on where the trek starts. Jeeps now reach farther into the lower Annapurna region, so many current three day itineraries involve less walking than the older route from Nayapul. The main physical work comes from the Ulleri steps, the climb toward Ghorepani and the early morning walk to Poon Hill.
Poon Hill Trek Distance
The walking distance is approximately 30 to 40 km, depending on where the jeep drops you and where you finish the walk. From Nayapul to Ulleri, the distance is around 10 to 12 km, while Ulleri to Ghorepani is about 8 to 10 km.
The early morning walk from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is about 1.5 km one way. After returning to Ghorepani, you continue down toward the roadhead and drive back to Pokhara. Because the road now reaches different points along the route, the total walking distance is not exactly the same for every trip.
Poon Hill Trek Cost
The Poon Hill Trek cost with Nepal Trekking Routes starts at USD 300 per person for a group of 6 to 15 travelers. For 2 to 5 people, the price is USD 350 per person, while the price for one traveler is USD 400. These are our current group prices for the 3 day trip.
If you are planning a Ghorepani trekking package for your own group, the cost depends mainly on the number of people traveling together. We can also adjust the trip if you want to change the walking plan or other arrangements, and the price will be updated accordingly.
For the exact Poon Hill tour cost, send us your group size and preferred travel dates. We will confirm the price and details for your trip.
3 Day Poon Hill Trek Cost for Nepali Citizens
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek for Nepalese citizens can cost around NPR 8,000 to NPR 12,000 per person, depending on how you arrange the trip. The main expenses are transportation, food, accommodation and applicable local fees.
Transportation from Pokhara is one of the main costs. A shared jeep costs less, while a private jeep costs more. During the trek, you stay in local teahouses in Ulleri and Ghorepani, where you pay for your room and meals. Traveling with friends or family and sharing the vehicle cost can help keep the total expense lower.
3 Day Poon Hill Trek Cost for Indian Citizens
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek for Indian travelers costs around INR 24,000 to INR 40,000 per person for a guided package. The price depends on the group size and what is included in the package.
The trek starts from Pokhara, so the cost mainly covers the drive to the trailhead, accommodation in Ulleri and Ghorepani, meals, guide service and the required local fees. If you are traveling with friends or family, sharing the transportation cost can reduce the price per person. A private jeep or extra services will cost more.
Poon Hill Trek Permits
This sunrise view trek is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. The current ACAP fee is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. TIMS is NPR 2,000 for non SAARC trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC trekkers.
For our 3 day itinerary, we arrange both permits before you leave Pokhara. Your passport details are needed for the issuance of the permits. The same ACAP also covers routes such as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek and Mardi Himal Trek.
