5 Days Poon Hill Trek From Pokhara

5 Day Poon Hill Trek- Pokhara to Pokhara Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
5 Days Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara
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What to see & do
Specific information about 5 Days Poon Hill Trek From Pokhara
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Duration5 Days
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Trip GradeEasy
i
altitude icon
Max Altitude3210M
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Starts atPokhara
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Ends atPokhara
travel-style icon
Travel StyleLodge to Lodge Trek
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Group Size10
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TransportationTourist Vehicles
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Best SeasonMarch, April, May and Sept, Oct, Nov

The 5 Days Poon Hill Trek, starting and ending in Pokhara, is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region. Despite being a short trek, the Poon Hill journey is abundant in natural beauty and cultural settings, giving you the true essence of trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas. The trekking trail passes through lush green forests, several suspension bridges over gorgeously flowing rivers, small human settlements, and agricultural lands in the hilly terrain of central Nepal. Poon Hill, above all, is an excellent viewpoint to watch the glorious sunrise over the snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna Range.

This Short Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara is a thrilling introduction to the wonders of trekking in the Himalayas. It is a more relaxed trek compared to other options in the Annapurna area, like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill itself at 3210 meters above sea level, so altitude sickness is out of the question. Its easy trail and short duration attract a number of beginners to Poon Hill. This leisurely trek is equally accessible to children and the elderly, so it becomes a great family vacation for adventurous families. Trekking in the Himalayas is a great way for your kids to expose themselves to the world outside of their comfort zone and learn about different cultures. 

The main highlight of the 5 days Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara is Poon Hill, a hilltop from where you can witness a breathtaking dawn over the Himalayas and take in views of numerous white peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and many more. Your heart will melt at this exquisite scene, where the rays of dawn light dance across shimmering snow-capped peaks. The hike back from Poon Hill also offers an exciting experience of hiking in the middle of an incredible variety of flora, including deep woods of birch, oak, juniper, rhododendron, and other plants.

The Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara is available throughout the year with Outfitter Nepal. Both private and fixed departure group treks are open for booking. Find the list of dates and select one to join our group trek. Contact us if the given date is unsuitable for you or if you want a private trek. We are also open to customizing the trek according to your liking. If you are landing in Kathmandu and want to start the trek from kathmandu itself, we also have Poon Hill Trek from Kathmandu.

Best Features of 5 Days Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara

  • Hiking through gorgeous woodlands of juniper, birch, and rhododendron
  • Taking in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains
  • Enjoying the panoramic sunrise view from Poon Hill
  • Visiting the typical Magar and Gurung villages and learning about their culture
  • Exploring the beautiful city of lakes, Pokhara

Is the short 5 Days Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara right for me?

This short Poon Hill Trek is designed for people with limited time on their hands but who still want to have a real trekking experience. This trek is just 5 days long, which makes it the shortest trek in the Annapurna region. Anyone with time constraints can easily manage 5 days to get lost in the Himalayan landscape. Similarly, this trek is meant for beginner trekkers who are just starting out their outdoor adventure. With a maximum altitude of 3210 meters, anyone without prior trekking experience can easily commence this trek. Furthermore, the 5-day Poon Hill Trek is an excellent family vacation that you can go for with your kids and elderly parents, as it does not demand great physical strength. You will stroll slowly while taking in the area's lush scenery and flora. Moreover, children with get a sense of humbleness and gratitude in their hearts from the modest residents of this culturally rich area.

What does the 5 days itinerary of the Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara look like?

As the title suggests, the 5-day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara begins and concludes in Pokhara. On the first day of the trek, your trekking guide will meet you at your hotel in Pokhara in the morning and take you to Nayapul in a taxi. The drive from Pokhara to Nayapul takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Nayapul is the starting point of the trek. From Nayapul, you begin the trek and pass by several small villages until you reach Tikhedhunga, where you stay the night. The next morning, you hike up a steep trail to Ulleri, passing by a terraced farm and ultimately reach Ghoepani for the night stay after a few hours of easy trek through a dense forest.

On the third day, you wake up early and hike up to Poon Hill for the sunrise view. You’ll be stunned by the vista of golden sunrays falling on top of the snowy mountains. Then, you’ll head down and move towards Tadapani for an overnight stay. The following morning, you head out for your hike day on a downhill trail to Ghandruk village, where you experience some Gurung culture at the local Gurung museum, enjoy some delicious Nepali meals, and stay the night at a homestay. On the final day of the trip, you hike down to Nayapul, take a taxi, and head to Pokhara, where your trip ends.

Major Attractions of the 5 Days Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara

Stunning Himalayan Mountain Views

The Poonhill trekking region offers some of the most stunning short treks in Nepal, with jaw-dropping views of the mountains that will captivate you. A number of Himalayan peaks, including the Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), etc., are breathtakingly visible during the Poon Hill Trekking.

Marvelous Sunrise from Poon Hill View Point

Witness breathtaking dawn and dusk, as well as a far-off view of the western Himalayas. Watching the stunning dawn over the peaks of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna regions is the highlight of the journey. Stay till dusk and you'll be equally as astounded if you're not into getting up early. Views from the Poon Hill viewpoint include Annapurna (8091m), Hiuchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhare (6993m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), and more. Fire-orange light from the sun makes the peaks look like they're on fire. What a beautiful sight!

Ghandruk, discover a culture unlike any other

You will pass through the charming village of Ghandruk on this 5-day Poon Hill trek. The area is widely known among photographers as "Photographer's Heaven." The main draw of Ghandruk is the unique culture of the Gurung people who reside there. It provides travelers with the opportunity to dress in traditional Gurung clothing and jewelry. Visitors look excited as they put on the new Gurung attire and take beautiful pictures. Another major attraction of Ghandruk is the local food, particularly for tourists from foreign countries. Additionally, visitors can have fun playing in the snow on the top slope of Ghandruk, when it's snow season.

Itinerary
Trip day to day detail itinerary
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Our trekking guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning. Following breakfast, we leave your Pokhara hotel and drive a short distance to Nayapul (1 hour and 15 minutes). The trek begins in Nayapul and heads towards Tikhedhunga (1577 m), passing by Birethanti (1065 m) on the way. The trail moves along the bank of a small river crossing several suspension bridges, agricultural lands, and a number of small villages with beautifully decorated houses. You’ll find enough tea houses for lunch along the trail. After walking for about 5 to 6 hours, we finally reach Tikhedhunga and stay the night at a local guest house.

  • max-altitude iconMax. Altitude: 1540m/5052ft
  • meal iconMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • elevation-gain iconElevation Gain: 720m/2362ft
  • accomodation iconAccommodation: Mountain Lodge
  • walking-hour iconWalking Hours: 3-4 hours
  • walking-distance iconWalking Distance: 8km/5mi

After having breakfast at the overnight guest house, we start today’s hike. The trail ascends steeply for the first 2 hours until we get to the settlement of Ulleri (2070 m). Then, we ascend gently on the forestry trail for another few hours. The route is full of greenery with a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna. If lucky, you’ll be able to witness some rare birds and animals. Not to miss, we will also get a good view of Mt. Machhapuchhare, also known as Mt. Fish Tail (6997 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m), and Annapurna South (7219 m) on the way. Once we reach the Ghorepani gate, we’ll show our permits at the checkpoint and head towards upper Ghorepani, which is where we stay the night at a mountain lodge.   

  • max-altitude iconMax. Altitude: 2874m/9429ft
  • meal iconMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • elevation-gain iconElevation Gain: 1334m/4377ft
  • accomodation iconAccommodation: Mountain Lodge
  • walking-hour iconWalking Hours: 6-7 hours
  • walking-distance iconWalking Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Today is the day we reach our trek’s destination, also the highest point of the trek, Poon Hill (3210 m). Early in the morning, at around 3 a.m., we get up and get ready for the hike. Depending on the sunrise timing, we can leave our lodge 2 hours before the sun rises. The upward hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill takes about 1 to 2 hours, based on your pace. Once the sun shines, you’ll get to enjoy the panoramic view of golden rays striking upon Himalayan mountains of the Annapurna region.

Some of the mountains you’ll see from Poon Hill are Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche Peak (6920 m), Nilgiri (6940 m), Varaha Shikhar (7847 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7855 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6993 m), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and so on.

After enjoying the vista for a couple of hours and clicking enough photos, we hike down to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast at our overnight lodge, pack our bags, and head out for our trek to Tadapani (2650 m). For most of the trail today, we trek through the rhododendron forest, which is in full bloom in spring. The beautiful flowers make the jungle colorful and pleasant to hike and take pictures of. For the first few hours, you get to see the expansive view of the Annapurna range in the distance. After 5-6 hours of hike, we finally reach Tadapani and stay the night at a tea house.

  • max-altitude iconMax. Altitude: 3210m/10531ft) and trek to Tadapani (2630m / 8628ft
  • meal iconMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • elevation-gain iconElevation Gain: 336m/1102ft
  • elevation-loss iconElevation Loss: 580m/1903ft
  • accomodation iconAccommodation: Mountain Lodge
  • walking-hour iconWalking Hours: 6-7 hours
  • walking-distance iconWalking Distance: 14km/8.7mi

We begin the hike from Tadapani after breakfast. Today, it is easy trekking by descending gently through rhododendrons, oak, and other kinds of dense forests. En route, we can hear different kinds of birds chirping melodiously. It takes a total of 3 hours to hike down from Tadapani to Ghandruk. After reaching Ghandruk and checking in at the homestay, we spend the rest of the day exploring the village. The beautiful Gurung Village of Ghandruk is a major highlight of the trek. There is a handicraft center and Gurung museum in Ghundruk from where you can learn a lot about Gurungs and their culture. From this village, you can also see excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Fishtail.

  • max-altitude iconMax. Altitude: 1940m/6364ft
  • meal iconMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • elevation-loss iconElevation Loss: 690m/2264ft
  • accomodation iconAccommodation: Mountain Lodge
  • walking-hour iconWalking Hours: 3-4 hours
  • walking-distance iconWalking Distance: 8km/4.97mi

Today is the last day of our Poon Hill Trekking journey and it is an easy hike down by descending gently halfway through the rice field and local villages to Syauli Bazaar. From here, the trekking route is somewhat flat till Nayapul, where the trek ends. At Nayapul, we take a taxi and drive to Pokhara. Our trek guide will drop you off at your hotel in Pokhara and here concludes our 5-day trip to Poon Hill.

We hope you had a pleasant experience trekking with us. Hope to see you again in Nepal.

  • max-altitude iconMax. Altitude: 820m/2690ft
  • meal iconMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • elevation-loss iconElevation Loss: 870m/2854ft
  • accomodation iconAccommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • walking-hour iconWalking Hours: 4-5 hours
  • walking-distance iconWalking Distance: 10km/6.21mi
Customize Trip
Trip Map
Day to day route map and altitude graph
5 Days Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara Route Map
Cost Details
Good to know before trip booking
What's Included
  • Accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek.
  • Meals during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast.
  • Necessary paper works, conservation entry permits and TIMS permit.
  • Transfer from Pokhara to Nayapul and from Nayapul to Pokhara.
  • A knowledgeable and friendly guide who speaks fluent English.
  • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and insurance for the guide and porters.
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking map, if necessary, (return after the trek).
  • Seasonal fruits after dinner as a dessert.
  • Well-equipped first aid kit, oximeter.
  • All the government Tax, Vat, and service charges.
  • Farewell dinner on the last night in Kathmandu.
  • Trip Achievement Awards for your lifetime memories.
  • Outfitter Nepal Company T-short, Camp, and Trekking map.
  • In case of emergency: A helicopter service will be arranged and paid through your travel insurance
What's not Included
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu).
  • Travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (if you require a porter to carry your stuff, it will cost you USD 100 each porter and 1 porter for 2 trekkers; the porter has a 20-22kg weight limit)
  • Hotel and Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Your personal expenses, drink water, hot and cold drinks & bar bills.
  • Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charge.
  • Tips for the guide and porters.
  • Anything not mentioned in included section.
Dates & Prices
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Showing Departure of Nov 2024
Starts: Saturday
Nov 09, 2024
Ends: Wednesday
Nov 13, 2024
Price (Per Person)
US$315
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Nov 12, 2024
Ends: Saturday
Nov 16, 2024
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Nov 14, 2024
Ends: Monday
Nov 18, 2024
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Ends: Wednesday
Nov 20, 2024
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Nov 19, 2024
Ends: Saturday
Nov 23, 2024
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Nov 21, 2024
Ends: Monday
Nov 25, 2024
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Ends: Wednesday
Nov 27, 2024
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Nov 26, 2024
Ends: Saturday
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Nov 28, 2024
Ends: Monday
Dec 02, 2024
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Starts: Saturday
Nov 30, 2024
Ends: Wednesday
Dec 04, 2024
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US$315
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If your preferred dates are not mentioned or are closed for booking, you can book a private trip by clicking on “make it a private trip” below. Private trips are available every day throughout the year.

  • Departure dates are fixed for group joining trips. Please select a date and reserve your spot.
  • Guaranteed dates are confirmed to depart as we already have people booked for those dates. 
  • Available dates are available to book and become guaranteed once you book for that date.
  • The price listed above is only for up to 10 people. If you have a group of more than 10 individuals, you can either make it a private trip or contact us for the further booking procedure. You may be eligible for a discounted group price.
  • Solo travelers are welcome to join the trek. However, you might have to share a room with other travelers in the group while on the trek because of the lesser availability of rooms in remote mountain lodges.
Useful Information
Good to know before you travel

Transportation

As the trip begins from Pokhara, the only transportation required during the entire trekking journey is from Pokhara to Nayapul at the beginning of the trek and from Nayapul to Pokhara at the end of the trip. It is a short 1 hour to 1 and half hour drive on comfortable black-topped roads. You’ll be transported in a private taxi. You will have to self-fund any other transports that you might require for the trip. 

Accommodation

During the 5-day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara, you will be staying in simple mountain lodges, guest houses, or teahouses in the villages of Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. The lodges offer simple beds, and cozy mattresses with clean bedsheets, blankets, and pillows. Some also provide Wi-Fi and hot showers for additional cost. In addition to reasonably priced hotels and lodges, you and your group can also choose to stay at upscale and luxurious establishments only if it’s available, for which you have to pay the extra cost. 

Meals on the trail

The Nepalese meal, Dal Bhat is the most common meal option for lunch and dinner. It provides your body with adequate protein and carbohydrates. Your body will get enough protein from Dal (the lentil, bean, or pulse soup) and carbs from Bhat (white rice). Seasonal vegetables and pickles will also be offered in the meal, giving your body extra nutrition. You can sample other menu items like momo (dumplings), locally grown barley, buckwheat, millet, and corn roti (bread), noodles, fried rice, sandwiches, baked goods, tea, coffee, and more. For breakfasts, you usually get Tibetan bread with potato curry and eggs, or bread toast or cereal. A variety of international cuisines including spaghetti, macaroni, pizza, lasagna, and different curry meals, can also be made for you in selected tea houses.

Permits Required

To trek in Nepal, one needs to acquire various permits because most of the trekking locations are located in some conservation areas or national parks. To go on this 5-day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara, you will require 2 permits from the specific authorities. Those are - 

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Packing List

When you're out in the mountains, your equipment is your best friend. No matter where you're heading, having the right gear is crucial. Whatever the situation, having the right tools can make the difference between having a good time and a bad time during the trek. So, we’ve enlisted a rough idea of what you should carry for the trip. Here is the list!

  • Trekking Boots
  • Sandals/Crocs
  • High-quality down jacket and pant
  • T-shirts and trousers
  • Thermal wears
  • Few pairs of undergarments
  • Trekking pole
  • A pair of gloves
  • Woollen hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries
  • Energy bars
FAQs
5 Days Poon Hill Trek From Pokhara frequently asked questions

Poon Hill Trekking is best experienced in the spring and fall. March through May and September through November are the months that make up these two seasons. The vistas are breathtaking, and the weather is typically stable around that time. The pleasant weather of spring and autumn results in an enjoyable trekking experience. Winter (December to February) is the finest time to photograph the breathtaking majesty of the Annapurna Himalayas, but the intense cold makes trekking less exciting. On the other hand, due to rain and slick paths, it is not advised to undertake the Poonhill Trek during the monsoon season (June to August).

As this journey traverses the lower foothills of Nepal's Annapurna region, it doesn't need a lot of physical labor. Anyone with a mediocre level of physical fitness is welcome to participate in this trekking. All ages, including young children and the elderly, can enjoy this hike. It's also the greatest choice for those who are new to hiking. However, the trip involves walking every day for 3 to 8 hours, which demands cardiovascular endurance. So, hiking around your hometown, swimming, jogging, and cycling are some of the best ways to prepare.

Trekking in the Poon Hill region is not too difficult. When compared to other hikes in the area, the walk is pretty easy and straightforward. The likelihood of experiencing altitude illness is very low as you’ll only get to 3200 meters in altitude. Nevertheless, let your guide know as soon as you have any signs of AMS. There is a good mix of challenging and moderate courses on the path. However, you need to be in good health and stamina because you will be hiking for extended hours every day.

Here at Outfitter Nepal, safety is our top priority. We don't take any chances when it comes to our guest's safety. Our trekking guides are picked based on their technical proficiency, track record of maintaining safety, excellent judgment during crisis, polite attitude, and ability to provide clear, concise instructions. They have received substantial training in first aid and personal protection equipment. Don't worry, you're in safe hands.

Hiring a porter is absolutely your choice. If you’re capable of carrying your own backpack for 5 days, you don’t need to hire porters. However, trekking guides are compulsory while hiking in most trekking regions of Nepal, including the Annapurna region. So, you must be accompanied by a certified trekking guide during the entire trekking journey. Outfitter Nepal provides you with the best trekking guides with years of experience in the mountains.

The locals rely on local sources of water like rivers in the region, which isn’t recommended for tourists. Bottled water is available to buy but not recommended due to its environmental impact. We suggest you get boiled water from the tea houses or purify the water with purification tablets or liquid.

Yes, you can charge your phone and other electronics in the guest houses you stay in. Most of the lodges in isolated areas use solar power as an energy source, so be mindful of the power you consume. If you need to charge your phone on the way while hiking, you can charge it at the tea houses along the trail for some extra cost. Carrying a power bank is the safest option.

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TAN SUAN KEE
SINGAPORE,Singapore,April 19, 2023
Excellent Experience

We had engaged Outfitter for the 5 days scenic Poon Hill trek. They’re chosen because of their competitive fee, no hidden costs & what were included & excluded were clearly spelled out in the website. More importantly was their excellent customer service, support & professionalism rendered before & during the trek. The coordinator Raj was promptly in replying my queries / emails before the trip. And we were blessed to have experienced guide Hom to lead the team. Hom was...

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D
Dee Williams
Australia,October 20, 2019
Excellent Experience

Truely well looked after from start to finish. Amazing First Experience Trekking. Would definitely use Outfitter Nepal again when I come again.

Bala is an outstanding Guide, highly experienced and knowledgeable. Felt very safe as a single traveller.

Terrific Porters Also !!

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