Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Annapurna RegionEasy

Ghorepani PoonHill Trek

Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. Walk through Gurung villages, rhododendron forest, and terraced farmland. Easy difficulty, 8 days, from USD 675.

View Itinerary
8
DaysTotal trek duration
3210m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Sep–Jun
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$675
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Poon Hill sunrise is one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal. The 45-minute pre-dawn climb from Ghorepani leads to a viewing platform at 3,210m. As the sun rises, Dhaulagiri's 8,167-meter summit glows gold, then the light sweeps across the entire Annapurna range from north to south. On clear mornings, Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal are visible to the east.

The stone staircase from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri is the most iconic section of trail: 3,300 hand-laid stone steps climbing through terraced farmland with mountain views at every turn. It is steep but short, and the village of Ulleri rewards you with hot tea and Gurung hospitality.

Ghandruk village on the return leg is a living museum of Gurung culture. Stone houses, slate roofs, carved wooden windows, and community lodges serving dal bhat on terraces facing Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. The village has a Gurung museum and a military history exhibition.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an 8-day route from Kathmandu through the lower Annapurna foothills to the sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210m). The trail passes through Gurung villages, terraced farmland, and rhododendron forest without exceeding 3,210 meters. It is rated Easy and is the most accessible multi-day trek in the Annapurna region.

From Nayapul the trail climbs through Tikhedhunga and up the famous stone staircase to Ulleri (2,070m), then through oak and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860m). The pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) takes 45 minutes. From the summit, the sunrise panorama includes Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu in the distance.

The return trail descends through Ghandruk (1,940m), one of the largest Gurung villages in the region with stone-paved streets, slate roofs, and community lodges with mountain-facing terraces. Walking days average 4 to 5 hours. The rhododendron forest between Ghorepani and Ghandruk blooms from March to May and is one of the best wildflower walks in Nepal.

Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, both included. Licensed guide mandatory since 2023.

For a higher-altitude option from the same trailhead, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek continues from Ghandruk to the Annapurna Sanctuary (4,130m) in 13 days. The Mardi Himal Trek offers a quieter alternative to 3,900m in 11 days. For an off-the-beaten-path ridge walk with similar views, the Khopra Danda Trek reaches Khopra Ridge (3,660m) with views of 20+ peaks in 14 days.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
2,800m2,436m2,073m1,709m1,345mKathmanduTikhedhungaGhorepaniTadhapaniGhandrukKathmandu2,800m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

8 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul & Trek to Tikhedhunga

Tikhedhunga

Fly to Pokhara, drive to Nayapul (1 hour), and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,440 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,440m5h trekTeahouse95m
Day03

Trek to Ghorepani

Ghorepani

Trek to Ghorepani (2,800 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,800m6h trekTeahouse1,360m
Day04

Trek to Tadhapani

Tadhapani

Trek to Tadhapani (2,650 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,650m5h trekTeahouse150m
Day05

Trek to Ghandruk

Ghandruk

Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,940m4h trekTeahouse710m
Day06

Trek to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara

Pokhara

Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, approximately 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.

865mHotel1,075m
Day07

Drive Back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel480m
Day08

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 675
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

10

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 2 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all other necessary permits.

Surface transfer from Kathmandu.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge and VAT.

Not Included

9

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$70per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$40per person / night · breakfast included

Note: We kindly offer the option of a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back at an additional cost of US$200 per person (US$100 for one way). Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Poon Hill sunrise is world-class. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and 10+ other peaks in a single 180-degree panorama from a 45-minute climb.

Thrill

Easy difficulty and 8 days make this the most accessible Himalayan trek. Beginners, families with children over 8, and older trekkers complete this route regularly.

Connection

Rhododendron forest between Ghorepani and Ghandruk blooms from March to May. Walking through tunnels of pink and red flowers at 2,500m with mountain views above.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You are a beginner trekker, a family with children, or prefer a gentle introduction to Himalayan trekking. This is rated Easy.

You have 8 days or fewer. This is the shortest multi-day trek in the Annapurna region with a world-class viewpoint.

You do not want to go above 3,210m. Altitude sickness is very rare at this elevation.

Walking days of 4 to 5 hours on well-maintained trails with teahouses every hour. Steep stone staircases near Ulleri require reasonable knee fitness.

Budget is a priority. At USD 675 this is the cheapest guided multi-day trek Mountain Hawk Trek offers in the Annapurna region.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

23 items

Duffel or Rucksack bag (This should be nice with good zipper)

Daypack

Sleeping bag

Hiking pants

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

Waterproof jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots

Camp shoes/Sandal

Light cotton socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Walking stick. (company also provide or you can buy in Kathmandu)

Camera ( donít forget to buy the spare film and batteries to go with it before you leave.)

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
More Journeys

You might also love

Fantastic trips that pair well with this one. Similar spirit, similar fun.

Annapurna Circuit Trek
Strenuous
Annapurna

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Circle the entire Annapurna massif in 20 days, crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Rice paddies to arid plateau, six climate zones, Manang acclimatization, Muktinath temple, and the deepest gorge on Earth. From USD 1,825.

20 Days5,416m
From $1,825
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Moderate
Annapurna

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130m, surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli. Walk through Gurung villages, bamboo forests, and terraced farmland. 13 days from Kathmandu, from USD 1,275.

13 Days4,130m
From $1,275
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
Easy
Annapurna

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Reach the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang by 4WD on a 12-day jeep tour through Upper Mustang. Same walled city, cave monasteries, and Tibetan culture as the trek, covered faster with less walking. From USD 1,800.

12 Days4,200m
From $1,800
Trail Stories

What trekkers say

Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.

No reviews yetBe the first to share your experience on this trek.