Poon Hill Trek Route: Tips, updated trekking routes, driving options, beginners trek itinerary, and Breathtaking Views

Poon Hill Trek is a popular trekking route in Annapurna Region for beginners. Poon Hill is the viewpoint that is just above Ghorepani, and it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Poon Hill. The distance from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is almost 1.5 km. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Package is one of the most popular short trekking holidays in Annapurna Region. Here, we are going to give you all the possible options and ways to reach Poon Hill by foot and by car. After the road expansion from Pokhara, this trek has many confusions, and here we are clearing all the questions related to the Poon Hill Trek.

Why is Poon Hill a popular trekking route in the Annapurna Region?

Just giving one reason is not enough to explain why this trek route became popular in Nepal. Poon Hill is a highly sought-after destination in Nepal's Annapurna region for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, it boasts the title of the shortest trekking route in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of mountains, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the unique settlements and culture of the Gurung people. Additionally, its proximity to Pokhara, a vibrant tourist hub, makes it easily accessible.
Beyond the stunning mountain panoramas, Poon Hill gained its popularity due to the lack of alternative trekking routes with proper tea houses or lodges at the time. In the past, trekking in Nepal often meant camping, but Poon Hill offered a comfortable and convenient option.

The crown jewel of Poon Hill, however, is its unforgettable sunrise and sunset. Imagine witnessing the first rays of dawn paint the majestic Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fishtail (Machhapurchhre), Tukuche Peak, Tharpachuli, Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Dhampus Peak, Manaslu ranges, and Lamjung Himal in a spectrum of vibrant colors. This breathtaking spectacle is the highlight for many trekkers.

How long does the Poon Hill trek take?

On this day (2024), it takes 2 to 4 hours to reach Poon Hill by walking, but there are many different routes and ways to reach Ghorepani Poon Hill. So let's find out the easiest, shortest, and most moderate way to reach Poon Hill.

The easiest way to reach Poon Hill.

Jeep drives are possible to reach Ghorepani!! While it's true that reaching Poon Hill by jeep is technically possible, it's important to understand that driving all the way up is not allowed. The road from Pokhara to Ghorepani is mostly paved until Beni, but after that, it becomes rough and unpaved, making it unsuitable for regular jeeps. Therefore, the typical "jeep ride" to Poon Hill actually refers to reaching Ghorepani village by jeep, which takes about 6–8 hours. From Ghorepani, it's a 45-minute to 1-hour hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint itself.

Pokhara to Ghorepani: Jeep ride (6–8 hours)
Ghorepani to Poon Hill: Hike (45 minutes to 1 hour)

Note: In the near future, the roads via Ulleri Banthahi village to Ghorepani will be the shortest, and they're under construction and might be completed within the next year, but again, the road will be rough and unpaved.

The shortest trekking route to reach Poon Hill.

Driving from Pokhara to Banthahi and then trekking to Ghorepani is the shortest and most well-liked short trek that suits all age groups. As mentioned earlier, the road is being extended towards Vale Odar, but for now, a safe and responsible option is to drive to Banthahi and enjoy a 4-hour maximum trek to Ghorepani. During the summer, spring, and autumn, drivers might occasionally reach the last point of the road, shortening the walk to Ghorepani to 2-3 hours.

Can you do Poon Hill in 2 days? Absolutely! Our 2-day "Poon Hill Drive and Trek" tour package makes it possible. Click the link to book your 2-day Poon Hill adventure!

2 Days Poon Hill Trek Plan

Day 01: Pokhara drive to Ulleri and trek to Ghorepani.
Day 02: Morning poon hill visit and trek back to Ulleri; drive to Pokhara.

A moderate way to reach Poon Hill

The two options above are ideal for people with limited mobility or time in Nepal who still want to experience the majesty of the Annapurna Mountains.

For those seeking a true trekking experience, immersing themselves in nature, and having ample time in Nepal, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek offers a fantastic option. Many people wonder about the difficulty level, but rest assured, this trek is perfectly suited for beginners, families, and even children. The entire trail stays below 3,200 meters, so altitude sickness is unlikely. However, be prepared for 4-6 hours of walking through diverse terrain, including ascents and descents within the jungle. Several moderately-paced packages can guide you on this rewarding journey. Let's explore them below!

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary for 3 Days.

Choosing your 3-Day Trek Start Point. The 3-day Poon Hill trek offers the chance to witness breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, traverse diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in local culture. Deciding your starting point—Ulleri or Ghandruk—adds another layer of personalization to your adventure. Both options showcase the Ghorepani Poon Hill circuit trek, but each delivers unique experiences.

Day 01: Pokhara drive to Ulleri (Banthahi) and trek to Ghorepani.
Day 02: Poon Hill trek to Tadapani.
Day 03: Tadapani trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara.

With the road expansion, many wonder: Can we do the Poon Hill trek in one day? Technically, yes, but it's a demanding itinerary. Following a 3-hour trek to Poon Hill and a 2-hour hike back, you would drive from Pokhara to the road's end via Ulleri. Finally, you'd drive back to Pokhara.

Can we reach Poon Hill itself by car? Absolutely not. While 4WD jeeps can reach Ghorepani village,. Poon Hill remains a must-visit for anyone who can spare a few hours and has some days in Nepal. Gear up and experience the magic for yourself!

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary for 4 Days.

While both the 3-day and 4-day treks follow the same route and visit the same key locations, the 4-day option offers the additional benefit of spending time in Ghandruk village. This allows you to explore the village and its surroundings after visiting Poon Hill and Tadapani.

The 3-day itinerary might be challenging for beginners, especially reaching Ghandruk village. Experienced trekkers often skip Tadapani and choose to stay in Ghandruk for their extra day. The Ghorepani to Ghandruk village distance is approximately 14.5 km and takes 7 hours by walk. The maximum height of the poon hill trek is 3210 m, and the Ghorepani village elevation is 2874 M

Here's an overview of the 4-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary:

Day 1: Pokhara drive to Ulleri and trek to Ghorepani.
Day 2: Poon Hill trek to Tadapani.
Day 3: Tadapani trek to Ghandruk village. 6.5 Km
Day 4: Trek to Nayapaul and drive to Pokhara. (Or drive to Pokhara from Ghandruk village.)

Mulde Hill-Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Route.

Among the suggested 4-day trek routes, Rugged Trails Nepal's Mulde Hill or Mulde Viewpoint (Dobato) trek is a popular choice. While many companies follow the same traditional routes, we believe this option is perfect for those seeking to avoid crowds and experience the charm of higher grasslands. Our "Short Muldai Viewpoint" package covers Ghandruk village, Tadapani, Dobato, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and concludes in Ulleri village, creating a perfect loop trek in the Annapurna foothills. This route grants access to a stunning viewpoint from Dobato, offering closer views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Fishtail.

Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts looking for grasslands, mountains, and breathtaking panoramas will find this trek ideal. We highly recommend the Mulde Hill Ghorepani Poon Hill trek during spring, and even families with children are welcome; we'll ensure their safety and enjoyment. For more details, including cost, map, itinerary, and specific routes, please follow the link provided.

Mulde Hill (Dobato) Poon Hill Trek

Extend your Poon Hill adventure! The trek can be seamlessly combined with additional destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Mohare Danda, Khopra Danda, Mardi Himal, and even natural hot springs.

Below are some trekking routes that include Poon Hill and Ghorepani in their itineraries, offering various short trips from Pokhara, Nepal:

How do I reach Pokhara from Kathmandu?

Reaching Pokhara is convenient, offering both scenic road journeys and swift flights. By road, the trip takes 5-7 hours in private vehicles or tourist buses, while a quick 25-minute flight whisks you directly to your destination.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Magic of the Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek.

Poon Hill, nestled in the majestic Annapurna region, offers a breathtaking Himalayan experience for trekkers of all levels. Whether you're seeking a quick escape or a moderate challenge, this trek has something for everyone. Rugged Trails Nepal offers a trekking package to Ghorepani in all options with an experienced mountain guide. For all groups, families, and solo travelers, we are here to make your holiday memorable for a lifetime. Poon Hill Trek bookings are open for 2024 and 2025, so pick the right time and dates.

Poon Hill is renowned for its sunrise views, showcasing the Annapurna range in all its glory.
Several routes offer varying difficulty levels, from jeep-assisted journeys to multi-day treks.
Ghorepani serves as the central hub, with options to explore nearby villages and viewpoints.
The 3-day itinerary provides a taste of the trek, while the 4- to 5-day option allows for deeper exploration.
Rugged Trails Nepal's Mulde Hill route offers a unique perspective with fewer crowds.
Extend your adventure by combining Poon Hill with other destinations in the Annapurna region.