How long does it take to trek to Poon Hill: Itineraries

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal with wonderful vistas of the mountains, scenic villages, and diverse landscape. The trek is ideal for beginners and those seeking a moderate trek in the Annapurna region. The highest point of Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft), which is renowned for its sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m) make an appearance in the backdrop.

The Poon Hill trek route goes through dense rhododendron woods, which flower in spring and color the scenery with red and pink blooms. Trekkers can see several species of wildlife, such as langurs, Himalayan monals, and barking deer in popular and largest protected area of the world, Annapurna Conservation Area. Gurung and Magar villages like Ghorepani, Ulleri, and Ghandruk offer a real and unique cultural experience with warm hospitality and local cuisines.

Accommodation in Poon Hill Trek consists of teahouses and lodges with basic but clean rooms and local cuisine like dal bhat, momos, and Tibetan bread. The trek starts from Nayapul, which is accessed by a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times with good weather and moderate temperatures.

Recently, people can begin Poon Hill Trek directly from Ulleri or Banthanti (clockwise) and from Ghandruk village( Anticlockwise) as one can get jeep ride to Banthanti/Ulleri and Ghandruk from Pokhara. This way, one can save two working days for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

You can hire a licensed porter and guide for your Poon Hill in Pokhara. TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are required and can be bought in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Special experience during Poon Hill Trek is bathing in Jhinu Danda's hot springs if you want to extend it to Jhino Danda via Tadapani and stunning mountain and sunrise views from the top of Poon Hill and interacting with the locals. The Ghorepani trek is moderate, suitable for all irrespective of fitness, and a good introduction to trekking in Nepal. Mostly, beginners enjoy this beautiful hike to Poon Hill for a couple of days from Pokhara in the heart of Annapurna Himalayan ranges.

How long does it take to trek to Poon hill?

Poon Hill Trek is a short, scenic trek within the Annapurna area and typically takes 4 to 5 days. From Kathmandu to Kathmandu, the Poon Hill round-trip distance is approximately 520 km, including the driving back and forth to Pokhara. When started from Pokhara, the Ghorepani Poon Hill round-trip distance along the same trail via Ulleri and Banthanti is approximately 80 km.

From Kathmandu, the Poon Hill Trek begins with a 200 km (6-8 hours) drive to Pokhara, and then a further 40 km (2-3 hours) drive to Nayapul. Trekking officially commences from Nayapul/Birethanti around 40 km round trip through the same trail. In case one is taking the Poon Hill circuit route through Tadapani and Ghandruk after ascending Poon Hill(3210m), the Poon Hill trekking distance adds up to 50 km.

Poon Hill Trek Day-by-Day Itinera with Distance (via Same Trail)

Day 1: Pokhara Drive from Kathmandu (200 km, 6-8 hrs).

Day 2: Nayapul Drive to Nayapul (40 km, 2-3 hrs), trek to Tikhedhunga (8 km, 4-5 hrs).

Day 3: Ghorepani Trek to Ghorepani (12 km, 6-7 hrs).

Day 4: Poon Hill Hike to Poon Hill (1.5 km, 1 hr), trek back to Nayapul (20 km, 7-8 hrs), drive to Pokhara.

Day 5: Kathmandu Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (200 km, 6-8 hrs).

Alternative Route on the Loop by Tadapani and Ghandruk

Day 4: trek to Poon Hill, Tadapani (10 km, 5-6 hours).

Day 5: trek to Ghandruk (9 km, 5 hours).

Day 6: trek back to Nayapul (11 km, 5 hours) and drive to Pokhara.

Trek distance from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is 1.5 km (1 hour). Alternative route from Ghorepani to Ghandruk via Tadapani is approximately 19 km (10-11 hours) over two days.

Average daily trekking distance in Poon Hill Trek is 10-12 km and average walking duration per day is 5-7 hours. The actual Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is of a moderate grade involving steep downs and ups.

The Poon Hill trek would typically take 4–5 days based on the trekking route to follow. The shortest route is a 2 or 3-day trek from Ulleri to Poon Hill and back to Pokhara on the same trail. This involves a rigorous ascent from Ulleri (2,050m) to Ghorepani (2,860m) on day one, an early start trek to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise on day two, and then to Ulleri and then to Pokhara on day three. From Kathmandu, this trek would take approximately 5 days, including transportation.

IF you are in Pokhara and want to go to Poon Hill in a couple of days, it is possible. For this, you can take jeep ride from Pokhara ( Harichowk) to Ulleri and Banthanti and trek to Ghorepani on the same day( 5-6 hrs) and the next day, hike up to Poon Hill and trek back to Banthnati and Ulleri and drive back to Pokhara by jeep (6 hrs.).

For a more scenic and extended Poon Hill loop, groups of trekkers can move on from Poon Hill to Tadapani and Ghandruk and return to Pokhara with an extra day (4 days of trekking). Including transfers to and from Kathmandu, this will take around 6 days. If you want to rest one day in Pokhara, add an extra day. Exploring Pokhara city will be an exciting thing to do during your Poon Hill Trek. It is a moderate trek with amazing Himalayan panoramas and pleasant Gurung villages.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Altitude: 1,400m → 822m

Distance: 200 km

Time: 6–7 hours (Drive) / 25 minutes (Flight)

Day 2: Pokhara to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri

Altitude: 822m → 1,540m (Tikhedhunga) / 2,050m (Ulleri)

Distance: 42 km (Drive), 8–10 km (Trek)

Time: 2-hour drive, 4–6 hours trek

Day 3: Tikhedhunga/Ulleri to Ghorepani

Altitude: 1,540m / 2,050m → 2,860m

Distance: 10–12 km

Time: 6–7 hours

Day 4: Poon Hill Trek & Tadapani Hike

Altitude: 2,860m → 3,210m (Poon Hill) → 2,630m (Tadapani)

Distance: 10–12 km

Time: 6–7 hours

Day 5: Ghandruk to Tadapani, Drive to Pokhara

Altitude: 2,630m → 1,940m → 822m

Distance: 9 km (Trek), 55 km (Drive)

Time: 3–4 hours trek, 2–3 hours drive

Day 6: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Altitude: 822m → 1,400m

Distance: 200 km

Time: 6–7 hours (Drive) / 25 minutes (Flight)

Poon Hill Trek itinerary from Pokhara to Pokhara ( Direct)

Day 1: Pokhara (822m) → Nayapul (1,070m) → Ulleri (2,050m)

Drive: Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hrs, 40 km)

Trek: Nayapul to Ulleri (~10 km, 5–6 hrs)

Elevation Gain: 980m

Highlights: Walk through villages of Birethanti, Tikhedhunga; ascend ~3,200 stone steps to Ulleri

Day 2: Ulleri (2,050m) → Ghorepani (2,874m)

Trek Distance: ~7 km

Duration: 4–5 hrs

Elevation Gain: 824m

Highlights: Rhododendron forests, Himalayan views en route

Day 3: Ghorepani (2,874m) → Poon Hill (3,210m) → Ulleri (2,050m) → Nayapul (1,070m) → Pokhara (822m)

Hike to Poon Hill: 1 hr (~1.5 km, 336m ascent) for sunrise views

Trek Distance (Ghorepani to Nayapul): ~17 km

Duration: 6–7 hrs

Elevation Loss: 1,804m

Drive: Nayapul to Pokhara (1.5 hrs, 40 km)

Highlights: Panoramic sunrise views from Poon Hill, retracing steps through Ulleri, drive back to Pokhara

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary from Pokhara to Pokhara by Jeep Ride via Ulleri/Banthanti

Poon Hill Trek – 2 Days Itinerary (Pokhara to Pokhara via Jeep to Ulleri/Banthanti)

Day 1: Pokhara – Ulleri/Banthanti – Ghorepani

Drive: Jeep from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti (~3–4 hrs)

Start Point: Pokhara (827m)

Jeep Drop-off: Ulleri (2,050m) / Banthanti (2,250m)

Trek Distance: ~7-8 km (from Ulleri) / ~5-6 km (from Banthanti)

Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs (Ulleri to Ghorepani) / 3–4 hrs (Banthanti to Ghorepani)

Elevation Gain: ~1,000m

Overnight Stay: Ghorepani (2,874m)

Day 2: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ulleri/Banthanti – Pokhara

Early Morning Hike: Poon Hill (3,210m) – ~1 hr climb (~1.5 km)

Sunrise View: Panoramic Himalayas (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, etc.)

Return to Ghorepani: ~30-40 min downhill walk (~1.5 km)

Breakfast at Ghorepani

Trek Back: Ghorepani to Ulleri/Banthanti (3–4 hrs)

Drive Back: Ulleri/Banthanti to Pokhara by Jeep (~3–4 hrs)

Arrival in Pokhara: Late afternoon/evening

Poon hill Trek Itinerary from Pokhara to Pokhara with Tadapani and Ghandurk Village

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary (Pokhara to Pokhara) via Tadapani & Ghandruk

Day 1: Pokhara → Banthanti/Ulleri → Ghorepani

Drive: Pokhara (822m) → Banthanti (2,250m) / Ulleri (2,050m) | Jeep: 2.5-3 hrs

Trek: Banthanti/Ulleri → Ghorepani (2,860m) | Distance: 7-9 km | Time: 4-5 hrs

Day 2: Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani

Hike: Ghorepani → Poon Hill (3,210m) → Ghorepani | Round Trip: 3 km | Time: 1.5-2 hrs

Trek: Ghorepani → Deurali (2,960m) → Tadapani (2,630m) | Distance: 10-11 km | Duration: 5-6 hrs

Day 3: Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara

Trek: Tadapani → Ghandruk (1,940m) | Distance: 7 km | Duration: 3-4 hrs

Drive: Ghandruk → Pokhara | Jeep: 3-4 hrs

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary Clockwise from Pokhara to Pokhara

Day 1: Pokhara → Ulleri/Banthanti → Ghorepani

Drive: Pokhara (822m) → Ulleri (1,960m) / Banthanti (2,210m) (Jeep: 2.5–3 hrs)

Trek: Ulleri/Banthanti → Ghorepani (2,874m) (~6 km, 3–4 hrs)

Day 2: Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani

Hike: Ghorepani → Poon Hill (3,210m) (~1.5 km, 1 hr up) to view sunrise

Trek: Poon Hill → Ghorepani → Deurali → Tadapani (2,630m) (~10 km, 5–6 hrs)

Day 3: Ghandruk → Pokhara

Trek: Tadapani → Ghandruk (1,940m) (~7 km, 3–4 hrs)

Drive: Ghandruk → Pokhara (Jeep: 3–4 hrs)

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary (Anti-Clockwise) – 4 Days

Pokhara, Starting & Ending Point

Trek Duration: 4 Days

Highest Point: 3,210m (Poon Hill)

Trek Length: ~30 km

Day 1: Pokhara (820m) → Ghandruk (2,012m) → Tadapani (2,630m)

Drive: Jeep from Pokhara to Ghandruk (2–3 hrs, 50 km)

Trek: From Ghandruk to Tadapani (~3–4 hrs, 7 km)

Height Gain: 618m

Highlights: Gurung village, sight of Annapurna & Machhapuchhre

Day 2: Tadapani (2,630m) → Ghorepani (2,874m)

Trek Time: ~5–6 hrs, 9 km

Height Gain: 244m

Trail: Wooded trail with gentle rise and small villages

Highlights: Rhododendron forests, mountain views

Day 3: Ghorepani (2,874m) → Poon Hill (3,210m) → Ulleri (2,050m) / Banthanti (2,210m)

Early Morning Hike: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (45 mins, 1.5 km)

Elevation Gain: 336m (Poon Hill)

Descend: Ghorepani to Ulleri/Banthanti (~4–5 hrs, 10 km)

Highlights: Sunrise view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre

Day 4: Ulleri/Banthanti (2,050m / 2,210m) → Hile/Nayapul → Pokhara

Trek Duration: ~2–3 hrs, 5 km

Drive: Jeep from Hile/Nayapul to Pokhara (~3 hrs, 50 km)

Highlights: Scenic downhill hike, village scenery

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary 2 days from Pokhara to Pokhara

Day 1: Pokhara to Ghorepani

Duration: 6-7 hours (jeep ride + walk)

Distance: Jeep ride 75 km, walk 4-5 km

Elevation Gain: 1,700 m (Pokhara to Ghorepani)

Elevation at Starting Point: Pokhara (820 m)

Elevation at Ghorepani: 2,850 m

Itinerary:

Morning: Early morning jeep drive from Pokhara to Ulleri (4-5 hours, 75 km). EnRoute scenic viewings.

Midday: Having reached Ulleri (1,960 m), start your trek to Banthanti (2,250 m) for a break (1-1.5 hours).

Resume trek from Banthasti to Ghorepani (2,850 m) in around 2-3 hours.

Evening: Arrive at Ghorepani, relax, and have a look at the stunning views.

Day 2: Ghorepani to Pokhara

Duration: 5-6 hours (including downhill trek and jeep ride)

Distance: Trek 10-12 km, jeep ride 75 km

Loss of elevation: 1,850 m (Ghorepani to Pokhara)

Elevation at Ghorepani: 2,850 m

Pokhara altitude: 820 m

Itinerary:

Morning: Early trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise view (about 1 hour climb).

After sunrise, return to Ghorepani and then descend further to Banthanti (2,250 m) or Ulleri (1,960 m) for lunch (3-4 hours walking).

Afternoon: From Ulleri/Banthanti, jeep drive back to Pokhara (2-3 hours).

Total Elevation Gain and Loss:

Day 1: Elevation gain of 1,700 m.

Day 2: Elevation loss of 2,030 m.

This route provides a more accessible, shorter alternative for hiking the Poon Hill Trek with jeep rides and walking.

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary with Muldai Hill from Pokhara to Pokhara

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (Altitude: 1,940m) – Tadapani Trek (Altitude: 2,630m)

Distance: 10-12 km

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 690m

Elevation Loss: 0m

Activity: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (approximately 2-3 hours). Then begin trekking to Tadapani. The region is a gradual slope with great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare.

Day 2: Tadapani to Muldai Hill (Altitude: 3,600m) – Ghorepani Trek (Altitude: 2,850m)

Distance: 12-13 km

Duration: 5-6 hours

Elevation Gain: 1,020m

Elevation Loss: 770m

Activity: Early morning trek to Muldai Hill to enjoy breathtaking sunrise views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Continue to trek to Ghorepani, a preferred stop for sunrise at Poon Hill.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (Elevation: 3,210m) – Trek to Ulleri or Banthanti (Elevation: 1,960m)

Distance: 8-10 km

Duration: 5-6 hours

Elevation Gain: 360m (to Poon Hill)

Elevation Loss: 1,250-1,290m

Activity: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (sunset view). Then, walk down to Ulleri or Banthanti, from where you can drive back to Pokhara by jeep.

Drive back to Pokhara

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

This itinerary includes the scenic highlights of the Poon Hill Trek as well as Muldai Hill, with wonderful views and a fulfilling trek.

Classical Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Birethanti to Tikhedhunga

Altitude: Pokhara (827m) → Tikhedhunga (1,570m)

Distance: 40 km drive + 3-4 hours trek

Time: 6-7 hours

Altitude Gain: +743m

Altitude Loss: 0m

Information: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1-1.5 hours), trek to Tikhedhunga via Birethanti.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

Altitude: Tikhedhunga (1,570m) → Ghorepani (2,850m)

Distance: 13 km

Time: 6-7 hours

Altitude Gain: +1,280m

Altitude Loss: 0m

Information: Steep ascent to Ghorepani, through villages and green forests.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani

Altitude: Ghorepani (2,850m) → Poon Hill (3,210m) → Tadapani (2,630m)

Distance: 12 km

Time: 6-7 hours

Elevation Gain: +360m (to Poon Hill)

Elevation Loss: -580m

Description: Early morning ascent to Poon Hill for sunrise, followed by descent to Tadapani.

Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk

Altitude: Tadapani (2,630m) → Ghandruk (1,940m)

Distance: 5 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 0m

Elevation Loss: -690m

Description: Easy descent through the forest to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village.

Day 5: Ghandruk to Syauli Bazaar to Birethanti to Pokhara

Elevation: Ghandruk (1,940m) → Syauli Bazaar (1,200m) → Birethanti (1,025m) → Pokhara (827m)

Distance: 14 km

Duration: 5-6 hours

Elevation Gain: 0m

Elevation Loss: -1,115m

Details: Descend through Syauli Bazaar and Birethanti to Nayapul, return to Pokhara by driving.

Summary:

Total Distance: 84 km

Highest Elevation: Poon Hill (3,210m)

Total Elevation Gain: 2,383m

Total Elevation Loss: 2,383m

This is a moderately difficult hike for the average fitness level. I can provide you with more information if you need it!

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek ending at Kande via Landruk and Australian Camp

Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m)

Distance: 3-4 hours trek, 1 hour drive

Elevation Gain: 540 m

Duration: 3-4 hours

Description: Trek and drive to Nayapul from Pokhara, followed by trekking to Tikhedhunga. Easy walk with villages and forest.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,850 m)

Distance: 10 km

Elevation Gain: 1,310 m

Duration: 6-7 hours

Description: Challenging walk to Ghorepani in forest and hamlets.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and Tadapani (2,630 m)

Distance: 10 km

Elevation Gain: 360 m (Poon Hill)

Elevation Loss: 580 m (to Tadapani)

Duration: 7-8 hours

Description: Sunrise hike to Poon Hill early morning, then descend to Tadapani.

Day 4: Tadapani to Landruk (1,640 m)

Distance: 6 km

Elevation Loss: 990 m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Description: Descend to Landruk, a scenic village with great views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks.

Day 5: Landruk to Australian Camp (2,050 m)

Distance: 5 km

Elevation Gain: 410 m

Duration: 4-5 hours

Description: Steady ascent to Australian Camp with breathtaking mountain scenery.

Day 6: Australian Camp to Kande (1,770 m) and drive to Pokhara

Distance: 4 km

Elevation Loss: 280 m

Duration: 2-3 hours

Description: Brisk descent to Kande and subsequently a drive to Pokhara.

Final Words

The Poon Hill Trek can be of different durations depending on the itinerary one chooses. The classic trek would be 4-5 days, starting from Kathmandu, heading to Pokhara, and then trekking Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk back to Pokhara. For those with limited time, it can be reduced by driving up to Ulleri or Banthanti from Pokhara by jeep, cutting down the trekking days. This allows us to complete the trek in 3-4 days. The most rapid journey is the 2-3 day trek. Travel by jeep from Pokhara to Ulleri, walk up to Ghandruk and Poon Hill, then ride a jeep from Ghandruk back to Pokhara.

Whatever your preference, make sure to choose an itinerary that will fit your budget and time availability. The classic trek provides a more leisurely time to appreciate the scenery, while the quicker treks are ideal for those who prefer to see Poon Hill highlights in less time.

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