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The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal, offering an unforgettable Himalayan experience within a few days. Located in the heart of the Annapurna region, this scenic route is ideal for beginners, families, and trekkers looking for a rewarding adventure without extreme altitude challenges. The trail passes through charming Gurung and Magar villages, terraced farmlands, and lush rhododendron forests that come alive with color during spring.
The highlight of the trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), a world-famous viewpoint known for its breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. As the first light of day touches peaks like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, trekkers are rewarded with one of the most iconic Himalayan panoramas in Nepal.
The journey begins from Nayapul and passes through picturesque settlements such as Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani. Stone staircases, forested trails, and warm local hospitality make the trek both culturally rich and visually stunning. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is also well known for its accessibility, making it one of the best short trekking routes in Nepal for first-time visitors.
The best seasons for the trek are spring (March to May), when rhododendron forests bloom in vibrant reds and pinks, and autumn (September to November), when clear skies provide uninterrupted mountain views. Winter trekking is also possible for those seeking quieter trails and crisp Himalayan air.
Combining natural beauty, cultural encounters, and panoramic mountain scenery, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal remains a timeless favorite in the Annapurna region and a perfect introduction to trekking in the Himalayas.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best short trekking experiences in Nepal, offering an ideal blend of accessibility, cultural immersion, and spectacular Himalayan scenery. It is especially popular among first-time trekkers because it delivers world-class mountain views without requiring technical climbing or high-altitude trekking experience.
One of the main reasons to choose this trek is the unforgettable sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m), where the golden light illuminates the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Peaks such as Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, and Hiunchuli create a panoramic Himalayan amphitheater that is considered one of the most iconic views in Nepal.
The trail itself is equally rewarding. The route passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages such as Ulleri and Ghorepani, where trekkers can experience authentic Nepali hospitality, local cuisine, and centuries-old mountain culture. Stone staircases, terraced fields, and dense rhododendron forests make the journey visually diverse and engaging from start to finish.
Another key advantage of the Poon Hill Trek in Nepal is its flexibility. The itinerary typically ranges from 3 to 5 days, making it perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a genuine Himalayan trekking experience. It is also considered one of the safest and most beginner-friendly routes in the Annapurna region, with well-established teahouses and clearly marked trails.
Whether you are traveling in spring, when rhododendrons bloom in vibrant colors, or in autumn, when the skies are crystal clear, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers consistently stunning scenery and comfortable trekking conditions. This combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and convenience makes it one of the most recommended treks in Nepal.
Yes! The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers great flexibility, and we actually encourage you to customize the trip to make it unique and truly yours. You don't need to figure out the logistics alone—we are here to help you design the perfect plan. Whether you want to speed up the pace for an extra challenge, extend your stay in Ghandruk village for deeper cultural immersion, or link the route with the Annapurna Base Camp trek or Mardi Himal for a more adventure treks, the choice is yours. Simply contact us with your preferences, and we will tailor the itinerary to match your ideal pace, plan and interests.
Drive Time: 6–7 hours
Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Today your adventure begins with a scenic bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where you will spend the night before starting your trek to Mardi Himal on the the following morning. Pokhara lakeside is a beautiful town nestled at the base of the Annapurna Range. If the weather is clear, you can see your first stunning views of the snow-capped peaks reflecting in Phewa Lake in the evening. If you would like to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara rather than traveling by tourist bus for 6–7 hours, a 25-minute domestic flight is available at an additional cost.
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Trek Time: 5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ulleri
Today is the first day of your trekking adventure! After breakfast, we begin the trek with a 1.5-hour scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the official starting point of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. After a local lunch in Hile, the hike to Ulleri village begins after crossing the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola. It will take approximately 2 hours uphill climb on the staircase to reach the village of Ulleri, which is beautifully surrounded by different villages, Annapurna South and Fishtail.
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani
After breakfast, the trail leads you through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees. You'll pass through Magar villages, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals. The ascent becomes steeper as you approach Ghorepani, but the views are truly rewarding.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani
Wake up early to hike to Poon Hill for a spectacular sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After enjoying the panoramic view, you will descend to Ghorepani for hot breakfast and continue your trek towards Tadapani. The route to Tadapani is notoriously hilly, featuring plenty of 'Nepali flat'—the local term for the lots of up-and-down along the way! The trail climbs toward the Deurali Pass, but the effort is rewarded by the sight of dense, ancient forests, narrow gorges, and a canopy of creeping vines and giant rhododendrons. As we descend through the deep woods, keep your eyes peeled for playful Langur monkeys jumping through the trees. After a final climb from a small river, we arrive at Tadapani, where you’ll be greeted by an incredible 'close-up' views of Annapurna South and the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail) right from your lodge doorstep.
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghandruk
Today is a relatively easy downhill trek through lush forests, pastures and Bhaisikharka. Once you arrive in Ghandruk, you will have great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). You will arrive in Ghandruk by lunch and you will have a free time in the afternoon to visit the Gurung Museum and school, or explore the village with your trekking guide.
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Drive Time: 1 hour
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Today is the last day of trekking in the Himalayas. While we cover some distance, it is all downhill and relatively easy until Syauli Bazar. You will have great views of Annapurna South and Fishtail as you walk. Once you reach the small village of Syauli Bazar, the path levels out on a flat road toward Nayapul. We will arrive in Nayapul by early afternoon with plenty of time for the one-hour drive back to Pokhara.
Drive Time: 6-7 hours
Optional Flight: 25 minutes (US$125)
End of your Mardi Himal Trek! Enjoy a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu through picturesque hills and the roaring Trishuli River. Along the way, you will pass through roadside villages and terraced farmlands that show the beauty of rural Nepal. We will stop for lunch en route, which allows you to soak in the river views before completing the the in the capital of Kathmandu. If you would like to fly back from Pokhara rather than traveling by tourist bus for 6–7 hours, a 25-minute domestic flight is available at an additional cost.
April 2, 2025
“We did the Everest Base Camp trek in April with Above & Beyond. The views were breathtaking and our guide made everything so easy and fun. Highly recommend!”
October 10, 2025
“It was a trip of a lifetime! Our guide Sam was incredibly professional, and always ensured we were safe and comfortable. I will never forget this experience”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”