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 Nepal 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 TrekPackage is one of the most popular short trekking holidays in Nepal 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.

Short and Easy Trek in Nepal Annapurna

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.

Popular Viewpoint in Annapurna

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 Viewpoint (Ghorepani), 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?

The shortest trek to Poon Hill-Ghorepani is just 2 days from Pokhara. After driving up to Ulleri Village (or further to Banthathi village), you can start walking for four hours to reach Ghorepani. Poon Hill is a 45-minute walk from Ghorepani, which is the last place to stay. Poon Hill itself is the viewpoint.

Can you do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 2 days?

Absolutely! Yes, our 2-day "Poon Hill Drive and Trek" tour package makes this possible.

2 Days Poon Hill Trek Package From Pokhara

Day 1: Pokhara drives to Ulleri and treks to Ghorepani.
Day 2: Morning poon hill visit and trek back to Ulleri; drive to Pokhara.

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 to 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 and most popular short trekking holiday, suitable for all age groups, involves driving from Pokhara to Banthahi and then trekking to Ghorepani (Poon Hill). 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.

During the monsoon season from July to mid-September, the road after Tikhedhunga might be closed due to landslides and floods. Therefore, the hike will need to begin from Tikhedhunga, and this route involves the famous Ulleri stairs.

Annapurna Poon Hill Trek Package

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 (Poon Hill), 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!

3 Days Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

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 1: Pokhara drive to Ulleri (Banthahi) and trek to Ghorepani.
Day 2: Poon Hill trek to Tadapani via Thapla Danda.
Day 3: Tadapani trek to Ghandruk and drive 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!

4 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary.

The 4 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill itinerary follows the same route and visits the same key locations as the 3 days, but 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.

4-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary

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

4 Days Mulde Hill Poon Hill Trek.

Among the suggested 4 days Nepal 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 coversGhandruk village, Tadapani, Dobato, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill, and concludes in Ulleri village, creating a perfect loop trek in theAnnapurna 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 Mulde (Dobato) viewpoint trek is 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.

Pokhara By Flight

The 25 minutes flight to Pokhara is the shortest and easiest way to reach pokhara from Kathmandu. The Airfare to Pokhara costs from 100 USD by Buddha Air, Yeti Air and also from other airlines. For indian nationalities the airfare is cheaper, starting from 2800 INR

Pokhara By Road

Private vehicles: cost from 100 USD which is by car and it takes 5 hours for now.
By Tourist Buses: Tourist bus tickets start at USD 10 and depart from Kathmandu at 7 am. If you want to travel overnight, then there are several tourist buses which depart at 7:00 pm from Balaju, Kathmandu. Tourist buses are luxurious and comfortable, so pick the right ones to travel smoothly on.

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 2025, and 2026, so pick the right times and dates.