Ask any guide in Pokhara which trek delivers the most for the time invested, and Poon Hill comes up first. Four to five days, no technical terrain, no high-altitude risk - and a sunrise viewpoint at 3,210m that lines up Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and a long stretch of the Annapurna range in a single sweep.
It is the trek people do when they have a week in Nepal, not a month. It is also the trek seasoned trekkers come back to, because the rhododendron forests above Tikhedhunga, the stone-step climb into Ulleri, and the pre-dawn walk out of Ghorepani are good enough to repeat.
This guide covers the route day by day, how hard it actually is, what the sunrise looks like once you're standing on the tower at the top, when to go, what it costs, and who it suits. For longer options in the same region, see our Annapurna region trekking guide, our short hiking trips page, and our Pokhara Valley guide for what to do before and after the trek.
How Difficult Is the Poon Hill Trek?
Cost, Permits and What's Included
The Poon Hill trek is a short loop in Nepal's Annapurna region, starting and ending near Pokhara. It climbs through Gurung and Magar villages, terraced farmland and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, a village at around 2,860m, then continues to the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210m for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Unlike Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, there's no multi-week commitment, no high-altitude acclimatization schedule and no camping required. Teahouses line the entire route, serving dal bhat, noodle soups and basic but reliable rooms with shared bathrooms in most places.
It's commonly combined with a side trip to Tadapani or Khopra Ridge for trekkers with extra days, or done as a standalone 4-day loop for those working with a tighter schedule. Either way, the Poon Hill viewpoint - a multi-tiered stone tower built specifically for the sunrise crowd - is the destination everyone is walking toward.
Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri
A scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (about 1.5 to 2 hours), then the trek begins along the Bhurungdi Khola river valley through Birethanti and on to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri. Expect roughly 4 to 5 hours of walking on a mostly gentle trail with one steep stretch into Ulleri.
Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani
The famous stone staircase - thousands of steps - climbs out of Ulleri into rhododendron and oak forest. The gradient eases past Banthanti, and the trail opens into views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli before reaching Ghorepani, the overnight base for the Poon Hill sunrise.
Day 3: Poon Hill Sunrise, then Ghorepani to Tadapani
A pre-dawn start - usually around 4:30 AM - for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill in the dark, arriving in time for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After descending back to Ghorepani for breakfast, the trail continues through dense rhododendron forest to Tadapani.
Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk, then drive to Pokhara
A descent through forest and farmland to Ghandruk, one of the Annapurna region's most photogenic Gurung villages, followed by a drive back to Pokhara. Trekkers with an extra day often spend a night in Ghandruk itself before returning.
Trekkers with more time can extend this route through Khopra Ridge or Mardi Himal for additional viewpoints without significantly raising the difficulty level.
The walk up from Ghorepani happens in the dark, headlamps bobbing along a stone path already busy with other trekkers heading the same way. The Poon Hill viewing tower has multiple levels, and by the time the sky starts to lighten, most of them are full.
What unfolds is a wide Himalayan panorama: Dhaulagiri's massive bulk to the west, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli directly ahead, Annapurna I behind them, and the sharp fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre to the east. As the sun clears the horizon, the snow on each peak turns from grey to pink to gold in sequence, working across the range over 15 to 20 minutes.
On a clear morning, this is one of the most accessible "big mountain" views in Nepal - reached without glacier travel, high camps or serious altitude exposure. On a cloudy morning, Ghorepani's surrounding rhododendron forest and village life are still worth the trip, but the mountain payoff depends on weather, which is why the autumn and spring windows matter.
Poon Hill sits at the easier end of Nepal's trekking options. Maximum altitude is 3,210m, well below the range where altitude sickness becomes a serious concern for most healthy trekkers, and the trek doesn't require the rest days built into longer high-altitude itineraries.
The main physical test is the stone staircase between Tikhedhunga and Ulleri - a steep, sustained climb that surprises trekkers who assumed "easy" meant flat. After that, daily walking is 4 to 6 hours on well-maintained trails through forest and farmland, with teahouses at regular intervals.
Reasonable fitness - the kind that lets you walk uphill for a couple of hours without stopping every five minutes - is enough preparation. No prior trekking experience is required, which is part of why Poon Hill remains one of the most recommended first treks in Nepal.
October to November is peak season: stable post-monsoon weather, the clearest mountain views of the year, and comfortable daytime temperatures. Trails and teahouses are busiest during this window.
March to April is the second prime window, with rhododendron forests in bloom along much of the route - entire hillsides turn red and pink. Visibility is generally good, though afternoon haze can occasionally soften distant peaks.
December to February brings cold mornings and possible snow at Ghorepani and Poon Hill, but also quieter trails and crisp visibility on clear days. Warm layers are essential.
June to September (monsoon) brings daily rain, leeches on the lower trail sections, and a high chance of cloud cover at sunrise. It's the least recommended period for this particular trek, since the sunrise view is the main draw.
A guided 4 to 5-day Poon Hill trek from Pokhara typically runs USD 250 to 450 per person, depending on group size, season, and teahouse standard. This generally covers a licensed trekking guide, permits, teahouse accommodation along the route, and transport between Pokhara and the trailhead at Nayapul.
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Both are straightforward for a registered operator to arrange, either in advance or on arrival in Pokhara.
Porters are optional but popular, typically priced around USD 20 to 25 per day and capable of carrying bags for two trekkers. Meals are usually paid separately at teahouses unless the package specifies full board.
Well suited for:
First-time trekkers in Nepal who want a genuine Himalayan sunrise without committing to a multi-week itinerary.
Families with older children and groups with a mix of fitness levels, since the trail is forgiving and teahouses appear frequently.
Travelers on a tight schedule who still want mountain views to match the scale of Everest or Annapurna treks, just compressed into 4 to 5 days.
Photographers chasing rhododendron season (March-April) or the clearest possible sunrise conditions (October-November).
Less suited for:
Trekkers seeking a high-altitude challenge or glacier terrain - Poon Hill's appeal is accessibility, not extremity.
Anyone with limited time who also wants to avoid stairs - the Ulleri staircase is unavoidable on the standard route.
Trekkers traveling during peak monsoon months who specifically want guaranteed mountain views at sunrise.
How many days does the Poon Hill trek take?
Most itineraries run 4 to 5 days from Pokhara and back, including the drive to the trailhead, the walk up to Ghorepani, the sunrise climb to Poon Hill, and the return via Tadapani or Ghandruk. A faster 3-day version suits fit trekkers with limited time, and it can be extended to a week by adding Khopra Ridge or Mardi Himal.
How difficult is the Poon Hill trek?
Easy to moderate. The trail is well-maintained stone steps and forest paths with no technical sections and no high-altitude exposure. The main physical challenge is the steep stone staircase into and out of Ulleri. Reasonable fitness is enough preparation for most healthy adults.
What is the best time to do the Poon Hill trek?
October to November and March to April are the best windows. Autumn brings the clearest mountain views, while spring adds blooming rhododendron forests along the trail. Winter is doable with warm gear, and the June-September monsoon is the least recommended period for sunrise views.
How much does the Poon Hill trek cost?
A guided 4 to 5-day trek from Pokhara typically costs USD 250 to 450 per person, covering a licensed guide, permits, teahouse accommodation and transport to and from the trailhead. Porters can be added for roughly USD 20 to 25 per day.
Do I need a permit for the Poon Hill trek?
Yes, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card are both required. A registered trekking operator can arrange these before departure or on arrival in Pokhara.
Can beginners or families do the Poon Hill trek?
Yes. Poon Hill is one of the most popular treks in Nepal for first-time trekkers, families with older children, and travelers with limited time who still want a genuine Himalayan sunrise experience. Teahouses along the route provide hot meals, basic rooms and charging facilities.
Poon Hill compresses what many people travel to Nepal for - a genuine Himalayan sunrise over an 8,000m peak, days of walking through forest and village life, and the rhythm of teahouse trekking - into a trip that fits comfortably alongside a Pokhara or Kathmandu itinerary.
It rewards trekkers who book it with enough buffer days for weather, who pack warm layers for the pre-dawn climb, and who treat the staircase to Ulleri as part of the experience rather than an obstacle. The view from the tower at 3,210m, with Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range lighting up at sunrise, is the payoff.
For trekkers wanting to extend the experience, see our Annapurna region trekking guide for Khopra Ridge and Mardi Himal add-ons, or our short hiking trips page for other treks under a week. Combine it with a few relaxed days in Pokhara before or after for a complete short-break itinerary.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and fitness level. We respond within 24 hours with availability, pricing and a suggested itinerary.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
TripAdvisor