Poon Hill & Ghandruk
4 days · Easy · up to 3,210 m
Stone stairways, rhododendron forest and a sunrise viewpoint over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The classic short trek from Pokhara.
OVERVIEW
If you only have a few days in Pokhara, this is the walk to do. The trail climbs through Magar and Gurung villages, rhododendron forest that flowers red and pink in spring, and up to Poon Hill for one of the most famous sunrises in the Himalaya.
The return through Tadapani and Ghandruk makes it a loop, so you never walk the same trail twice.
Day by day
A sample itinerary. I adjust stages and rest days to your pace, the season and the weather.
Day 12,070 m
Pokhara to Ulleri
Drive to Nayapul or Tikhedhunga, then climb the long stone staircase to the Magar village of Ulleri.
Day 22,860 m
Ulleri to Ghorepani
A gentler day through rhododendron and oak forest to the ridge-top village of Ghorepani.
Day 33,210 m
Poon Hill sunrise, on to Tadapani
Climb Poon Hill before dawn for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South, then follow the forest ridge to Tadapani.
Day 41,940 m
Ghandruk and back to Pokhara
Descend to the Gurung village of Ghandruk, visit the old village and museum, and drive back to Pokhara.
Included
- Licensed guide (wages, meals, lodging and insurance)
- All trekking permits
- Lodge accommodation on the trail
- Ground transport to and from the trailhead
Not included
- Meals and drinks on the trail
- Travel insurance
- Porter (available on request)
- Tips
Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
I arrange the permits for you. Nepal Tourism Board permit guidance
Questions about Poon Hill & Ghandruk
Is this trek good for families?
Yes. Altitude stays low, the lodges are comfortable and the stages are short. Children who enjoy walking usually love it.
Do I need trekking experience?
No. You should be able to walk 5 to 6 hours a day with many stone steps, but no previous trekking is needed.
FROM GUESTS ON THIS TREK
What walkers say
Recommended
Narayan is a completely amazing man and guide. With his fun energy and infectious love of nature and the mountains of Nepal he diligently and professionally guided us to Poon Hill.
He was extremely conscientious and went above and beyond when I had stomach issues.
I would highly recommend him and our lovely porter I felt that I made 2 new friends on our 6 day hike it was hard to leave them and the mountains behind.
Until next time
Recommended
Narayan is a truly amazing guide I would highly recommend him. Whether a you are planning a long distance walk in the Himalayas or just a short walk to Annapurna Poon Hill from Pokhara he is definitely your best choice. He is very knowledgeable and caring and knows Nepal’s tracks very well. As an experienced guide her knows the best places to visit and has all the good connections to local places to stay. He knows where the best view or where to watch your step… he knows where to eat the best or meet the kindest host. I highly recommend Narayan for the best tracking experience in Nepal.
ALSO IN ANNAPURNA
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Make Poon Hill & Ghandruk yours.
Send me your dates and group size, and I will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.