Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary: 4-Day and 5-Day Options

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek follows a loop through the Annapurna foothills west of Pokhara. It starts at Nayapul, climbs through terraced farmland and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani at 2,860 m, reaches the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 m for the sunrise, then descends through Tadapani and the Gurung village of Ghandruk before returning to Nayapul. Most trekkers complete the loop in 5 days. A 4-day version cuts the overnight at Tikhedhunga. A 6 or 7-day version adds Panchase Danda or extensions through Landruk on the return leg.

This page covers every day of the standard itinerary in detail, with distance, altitude, and walking time for each section, plus the most common alternatives and the trail conditions by season.

Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga

Day 1 begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Most trekking agencies arrange a private vehicle that departs between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on a paved road that follows the Modi Khola river valley. Nayapul is a small market town at the road end where you register your permits at the ACAP checkpoint before setting foot on the trail.

From Nayapul, the trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola and follows the Modi Khola south bank. The first section to Birethanti (1,025 m) takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is completely flat. Birethanti is the last settlement with reliable ATMs and phone coverage before the upper trail sections. Stock up on cash here. The TIMS checkpoint in Birethanti registers your trekking permit before you turn north toward Hile.

From Birethanti the trail climbs gradually through Sudame to Hile, passing through cultivated fields and small Magar settlements. Hile sits at 1,430 m and has a cluster of teahouses where many trekkers stop for an early lunch. The section from Hile to Tikhedhunga (1,525 m) follows the Bhurungdi Khola on its right bank, a flat walk through shaded forest and past small waterfalls. Tikhedhunga is a village of about 12 teahouses strung along the trail. It is the last flat ground before the famous Ulleri stone staircase begins.

Whether to stop at Tikhedhunga or push on to Ulleri depends on your fitness and departure time from Pokhara. Groups leaving Pokhara at 7:00 am typically reach Tikhedhunga by 1:00 pm and can comfortably push on to Ulleri by 3:00 pm. Groups leaving after 9:00 am are better served stopping at Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri climb is punishing in afternoon heat and should ideally be done in the morning.

The Tikhedhunga teahouses are basic but adequate. Expect a private room with two single beds, a shared bathroom, and blankets. Meals are standard trekking food: dal bhat, fried rice, noodle soup, pasta. The village sits in a narrow valley with no mobile signal on NTC or Ncell. Download offline maps before you leave Pokhara.

If you stop at Tikhedhunga, you face the Ulleri staircase first thing the next morning with fresh legs and cool air. Most guides recommend this split: Tikhedhunga on Day 1, Ghorepani on Day 2. Covering the hardest climbing across two mornings rather than one long push is more comfortable for the large majority of trekkers.

Key stops today: Nayapul (permits), Birethanti (ATM, TIMS check), Hile (lunch option), Tikhedhunga (overnight).

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

The Tikhedhunga to Ulleri section is the section every trekker remembers. From the bottom of the village, the trail cuts sharply upward on stone steps that climb approximately 500 m in under 2 km. The steps are wide and well maintained, edged with mani stones and small shrines. In October and November the surrounding forest is open and the views back down the Modi Khola valley open up quickly as you gain height. In March and April the rhododendron trees along this section are in full bloom, red and pink against the green slopes, and the climb feels less demanding with the colour around you.

The climb to Ulleri takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on pace. Ulleri (1,960 m) is the largest Magar village on the route, spread across a broad ridge with a handful of teahouses, a school, and a health post. Stop here for tea and second breakfast before continuing. The views from Ulleri toward Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m) are the first clear mountain views of the trek.

Above Ulleri the trail enters the lower edge of the rhododendron forest that covers the entire hillside up to Ghorepani. The forest thickens as you gain altitude. By Banthanti (2,250 m) you are walking through old-growth trees with hanging moss and a cool, damp air that smells of damp earth and bark. Banthanti has three or four teahouses and is a natural lunch stop roughly halfway between Ulleri and Ghorepani. From Banthanti the trail continues steadily upward through Nangethanti (2,460 m) to the ridge at Ghorepani.

Ghorepani (2,860 m) sits on a wide saddle between two ridgelines. It is the largest settlement on the trek, with approximately 30 to 40 teahouses and lodges, several small shops, and an ACAP information centre. The Poon Hill viewpoint is a 30-minute walk northeast of the village, at 3,210 m. Most trekkers arrive in Ghorepani between 1:00 and 3:00 pm, check in, rest, eat dinner early, and sleep by 8:00 pm in preparation for the 4:00 am Poon Hill start.

At 2,860 m, Ghorepani nights are cold. In October and November expect temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees C overnight. In December and January, the temperature drops below zero. Your teahouse provides blankets, but bring a sleeping bag liner or a light sleeping bag rated to at least minus 5 degrees C for October through April. Down jackets are available for rent at most Ghorepani lodges if you do not have one.

The teahouses in Ghorepani range from basic to quite comfortable. Rooms with attached bathrooms cost more but are available at most mid-range lodges. Solar hot showers cost NPR 200 to 400. NTC and Ncell both have signal in the village. WiFi is available at most teahouses for NPR 300 to 500 per session.

Key stops today: Ulleri (tea, mountain views), Banthanti (lunch), Nangethanti (checkpoint), Ghorepani (overnight).

Day 3: Poon Hill Sunrise, Then Ghorepani to Tadapani

The Poon Hill sunrise is the defining experience of the entire trek. Every group staying in Ghorepani begins the climb to the viewpoint before dawn. The trail from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is marked with stone steps all the way to the summit tower. It climbs approximately 350 m over 1.5 km. In October and November the path is crowded with 100 to 200 trekkers from multiple teahouses, all converging on the observation tower at the top. In quieter months (December through February) you may find yourself with far fewer people.

Sunrise from Poon Hill presents one of the most complete high-altitude panoramas in the Annapurna region. From the tower, looking northeast, you see Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) framed to the left, Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Annapurna South (7,219 m) filling the centre, and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) to the right. The alpenglow on these peaks as the first light turns the snow from grey to orange to gold happens over approximately 20 minutes beginning about 15 minutes before the sun clears the horizon. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to find a position on the tower or on the open slope below it.

Sunrise times by month at Poon Hill: October (6:15 am), November (6:30 am), December (6:45 am), January (6:50 am), February (6:35 am), March (6:10 am), April (5:50 am). Set your alarm to allow 60 minutes for the walk from Ghorepani plus 30 minutes of waiting time at the top. This means departing Ghorepani no later than 4:30 am in all months except January when you can leave at 4:45 am.

After sunrise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast. The descent back to the village takes about 30 minutes on the same stone steps. Most teahouses serve breakfast from 5:30 am onward for the Poon Hill groups. After eating and packing, you continue the main walk of the day toward Tadapani.

The route from Ghorepani to Tadapani passes through Deorali (3,100 m), a high pass on the ridge east of Ghorepani. The climb from Ghorepani to Deorali takes about 1 hour through dense rhododendron. On a clear day the views from Deorali are wider than from Poon Hill itself, with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre directly ahead as you face east. From Deorali the trail descends steeply through forest to the small settlement of upper Banthanti, then continues along the ridge to Tadapani.

Tadapani (2,590 m) sits on a forested ridge with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from the teahouse terraces. The village is smaller than Ghorepani, with 8 to 12 teahouses. It is quieter and many trekkers find the views from Tadapani more direct and more rewarding than from Poon Hill. The lodge terraces face toward Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and on clear evenings the reflection of sunset on the peak is one of the better photographic moments of the trek.

Key stops today: Poon Hill (sunrise), Ghorepani (breakfast and pack), Deorali (views, checkpoint), Tadapani (overnight).

Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk

Day 4 is the shortest trekking day of the standard itinerary by distance, but the descent from Tadapani to Ghandruk is steep and needs careful footing, particularly on wet or muddy days. The trail drops 650 m over 6 km through thick forest. Trekking poles help significantly on this section for the knee impact of the sustained descent over stone and root-covered ground.

The trail from Tadapani first passes through a section of old-growth forest where the trees are large, with hanging moss and occasional clearings that give partial views toward the valley below. There are no permanent settlements between Tadapani and Ghandruk, only a small tea stall about halfway down where you can rest. On a clear morning the south face of Annapurna South and the tip of Hiunchuli appear through gaps in the trees as you descend toward the valley floor.

Ghandruk (1,940 m) is the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region. It is built on a terraced hillside facing Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South, with traditional stone-paved lanes, slate-roofed houses, and stone-walled terraces going down the hillside in layers. The village has had electricity for several decades and the main walking lanes are clean and well maintained. It is also accessible by dirt road from Pokhara via Kimche, which means Ghandruk has a wider range of accommodation than other villages on the route, from basic teahouses to mid-range lodges with attached bathrooms and solar hot water.

The Gurung Cultural Museum in Ghandruk documents the history, dress, and traditions of the Gurung people, who have lived in these hills for centuries and have provided soldiers to the Gurkha regiments for over 200 years. Entry costs a small fee. There is also an ACAP information centre in Ghandruk with trail condition and weather updates.

The views from Ghandruk are outstanding. On a clear afternoon, the terraced village and its surrounding fields sit in the foreground while Annapurna South and Hiunchuli rise directly to the north. Machhapuchhre appears to the east. This is the most photogenic village on the trek and many trekkers rate the view from their teahouse terrace in Ghandruk as equal to Poon Hill, without the pre-dawn alarm and the crowds.

Because Day 4 is short in walking hours, you can use the afternoon for a walk around the village, a museum visit, or simply resting your legs before the final descent on Day 5. Most trekkers find the afternoon in Ghandruk one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole trip.

Key stops today: Tadapani (breakfast), forest trail, Ghandruk (overnight, museum optional).

Day 5: Ghandruk to Nayapul to Pokhara

The final day descends from Ghandruk to Nayapul via Kimche and Birethanti. Leave Ghandruk by 7:00 to 8:00 am. The trail from Ghandruk initially descends on stone steps to the Kimche river crossing, then continues downhill on a mix of stone and dirt path. At Kimche (1,640 m) there is a jeep track running back to Pokhara via the Landruk road. Trekkers who are short on time or have significant knee discomfort can arrange a jeep from Kimche. Most groups continue on foot to Birethanti, which is a pleasant walk along the river.

From Kimche the trail follows the Modi Khola on a mostly flat path to Syauli Bazaar and then to Birethanti. This lower section passes through smaller farming villages and terraced rice fields. By the time you reach Birethanti (1,025 m) the trail feels much warmer and the landscape is subtropical compared to the cold ridgeline of Ghorepani two days earlier. At Birethanti there is a small market, a few restaurants for a final lunch, and the exit checkpoint for your TIMS card.

From Birethanti to Nayapul takes about 20 to 30 minutes on a flat, wide track. Nayapul is where your private vehicle waits. The drive back to Pokhara lakeside takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Most groups return to Pokhara by 1:00 to 2:00 pm, in time for a hot shower, a proper meal, and an evening rest before travel the following day.

If your flight or bus departs Pokhara on Day 5, this is manageable. The return to Pokhara lakeside from Nayapul takes 1 hr 30 min, meaning you can catch an afternoon bus to Kathmandu departing at 3:00 pm or an evening flight at 5:00 pm or later. Confirm your return travel time with your guide before Day 5 to plan the morning departure from Ghandruk accordingly.

Key stops today: Ghandruk (breakfast), Kimche (jeep option), Birethanti (exit checkpoint, lunch), Nayapul (end), Pokhara (return by vehicle).

4-Day Itinerary Option

Day 3 of the 4-day version is the demanding part: Poon Hill at 4:30 am, breakfast, then 16 km from Ghorepani through Deorali, Banthanti, and Tadapani to Ghandruk, arriving around 4:00 to 5:00 pm. This is feasible in October and March when daylight is long and trail conditions are good. In December or January it gets dark by 5:30 pm, so this combined day requires an early breakfast and a strong pace throughout.

We do not recommend the 4-day version for first-time trekkers or anyone who has not walked 6 or more hours on mountain terrain recently. The standard 5-day version is more comfortable and gives you time to actually enjoy the villages, the culture, and the views rather than just moving through them.

6-Day Extended Itinerary

The 6-day extension adds an optional hike from Ghandruk toward the Australian Base Camp viewpoint at approximately 2,100 m, which looks directly toward the Annapurna South face from a different angle than Poon Hill. The trail is less used than the main Poon Hill route and passes through dense forest. Alternatively, Day 5 can be spent walking from Ghandruk to Landruk (1,565 m), a smaller Gurung village that is quieter than Ghandruk and has excellent views of Machhapuchhre. From Landruk, Day 6 descends to Nayapul via Tolka and Birethanti.

Altitude Profile and Daily Elevation

Best Time to Start Each Day

The daily start time matters on this trek because Poon Hill clears quickly after sunrise and afternoon clouds build from 11:00 am onward on most days. Mountain mornings in Nepal are almost always clearer than afternoons.

Trail Conditions by Season

Transport to the Trailhead

The standard approach to the trailhead at Nayapul is a 42 km drive from Pokhara lakeside. Options:

• Private vehicle (included in NTN packages): A private car or minibus drops you at Nayapul and collects you on Day 5. Booked independently, a private vehicle from Pokhara to Nayapul costs NPR 2,500 to 3,500 each way depending on vehicle size.
• Tourist bus or local bus: Buses run from Pokhara bus park to Nayapul. The journey takes 2 to 2 hr 30 min due to stops. Cost is NPR 100 to 150 per person. Not practical for groups with large luggage.
• Taxi from Pokhara lakeside: A one-way taxi to Nayapul costs NPR 1,500 to 2,000. Return taxis need pre-booking or arrangement at Nayapul on arrival.

If you start from Ghandruk on the reverse route, the drive from Pokhara to Kimche takes approximately 2 hours by jeep on a rougher road. The cost is NPR 3,500 to 5,000 per jeep.

Permits and Checkpoints on the Route

You need two permits for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:

• TIMS card: USD 20 per person (approximately NPR 2,700). Obtained at Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through a registered trekking agency. Checked at Birethanti checkpoint on Day 1 and at the exit checkpoint on Day 5.
• ACAP permit: NPR 3,000 per person. Obtained at ACAP offices in Pokhara or at the checkpoint in Nayapul. Checked at multiple points along the route including Ghorepani.

Both permits are included in all Next Trip Nepal trekking packages. If booking independently, allow 2 to 3 hours in Pokhara the day before departure to obtain both permits. The ACAP office in Pokhara lakeside and the Nepal Tourism Board office are both within 10 minutes of most guesthouses.

Accommodation Overview by Night

What to Eat Each Day

Every teahouse on the Ghorepani route serves a standard trekking menu. Dal bhat (lentil soup with rice, vegetables, and pickles) is the most filling and most affordable option, typically NPR 350 to 550 depending on altitude. It is also the most nutritious option for sustained daily walking. Most NTN guides eat dal bhat at least twice a day during this trek.

Other items available on every menu: pasta, fried rice, noodle soup, spring rolls, momo (steamed dumplings), Tibetan bread, eggs any style, porridge, pancakes, and sandwiches. At higher altitudes (Ghorepani and above), prices are 20 to 40 percent higher than at lower villages because all food is carried up by porter or mule team. A full meal costs NPR 600 to 1,000 at Ghorepani versus NPR 400 to 600 at Birethanti.

Drinks on trail include black tea, milk tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, and bottled mineral water. Bottled water costs NPR 100 at Nayapul and NPR 300 to 400 at Ghorepani. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill from the teahouse boiled water supply (NPR 50 to 100 per litre) to reduce plastic on the trail. Iodine tablets or a SteriPen are useful backup above Banthanti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Money and Cash on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

There are no ATMs on the trail after Birethanti. Withdraw enough Nepali rupees in Pokhara before departure or from the ATMs in Birethanti on Day 1. A rough budget for personal expenses across 5 days:

In total, carry NPR 8,000 to 15,000 in cash for personal expenses across 5 days, depending on how freely you spend. Groups that buy snacks and drinks in Pokhara beforehand spend considerably less on the trail. Credit cards are not accepted anywhere on the trek beyond Birethanti. USD is not accepted at teahouses. Exchange in Pokhara before you leave.

Teahouses on this route generally do not overcharge significantly compared to the Everest Base Camp trail. Prices are posted in most lodges and are relatively standardised across villages at the same altitude. At Ghorepani, do not be surprised if your teahouse includes a minimum meal order as a condition of staying in their rooms for a low room rate. This is normal practice and is typically NPR 500 to 700 per person per meal.

Solo Trekkers and Small Groups

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular routes in Nepal and you will always have company on the trail, even if you book alone. Solo trekkers booked through a trekking agency are assigned a private guide. If you prefer to share a guide with another solo traveler for a lower cost, ask your agency whether they can match you with another solo trekker on the same dates.

The trail is well marked and the teahouses are well spaced, so getting lost is unlikely on the main route between Nayapul and Ghorepani. However, above Ghorepani on the Deorali to Tadapani section, the trail becomes less obvious in snow or fog. A guide is not just a regulatory requirement on this route; on Day 3 in poor weather, a guide who knows the Deorali section is a genuine safety asset.

Couples and pairs are the most common group size for this trek. The teahouse rooms are designed for two people. If you are traveling solo, most teahouses assign you a twin room as a single supplement may or may not apply depending on the lodge. On busy nights in October, solo travelers are sometimes asked to share a room, which is common practice in the busiest teahouses. Your guide handles room allocation and will advocate for your preference.

What to Carry Each Day

Your porter carries the main pack (up to 15 kg). You carry a daypack with items you need access to during walking hours. What to keep in your daypack each day:

• Water (1 to 2 litres): Refill at teahouses. Do not drink directly from streams on this route.
• Snacks: Nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, or chocolate for between meal energy. Buy in Pokhara before leaving.
• Rain jacket and warm layer: Weather above 2,500 m can change within an hour. Even in October, afternoon rain or wind is possible above Ghorepani.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen SPF 50, sunglasses, and a hat. The UV is significantly stronger at altitude than at sea level.
• Headlamp with charged batteries: Essential for the Day 3 pre-dawn Poon Hill climb. LED headlamps with red light mode are easiest on your eyes in the dark.
• Trekking poles: Optional on the ascent, very helpful on the long descent from Tadapani and on Day 5. Reduces knee stress significantly on sustained downhill sections.
• First aid basics: Ibuprofen, blister pads, and any personal medication. Your guide carries a group first aid kit with altitude medication (acetazolamide is not needed on this trek due to the low max altitude).
• Camera or smartphone with full charge: The Poon Hill sunrise, the Ulleri mountain view, and Ghandruk village are the three main photography opportunities.
• Permit documents: Carry your TIMS card and ACAP permit in a waterproof bag or envelope. They are checked at multiple points and need to be accessible quickly at each checkpoint.

Safety Tips for the Trail

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the safest trekking routes in Nepal because of its low altitude, dense teahouse network, and heavy foot traffic. Serious altitude sickness is extremely rare at 3,210 m. However, basic safety awareness applies:

• Watch the stone steps: The Ulleri staircase and the descent from Deorali are both on wet stone that becomes very slippery in rain or with ice before dawn. Tread carefully, place each step deliberately, and use poles on descents.
• Start Poon Hill early: The pre-dawn trail from Ghorepani to Poon Hill involves a steep rocky path with torch light only. Walk at a pace that allows careful footing. Falls on this section do happen in the dark when trekkers rush.
• Communicate with your guide: If you feel unusually short of breath, have a persistent headache, or feel nauseated at or above Ghorepani, tell your guide immediately. Even at 2,860 m, a small number of people experience symptoms. Your guide has dealt with this before and knows when a descent is the right call.
• Do not hike alone above Deorali: The trail between Deorali and Tadapani passes through an area with limited visibility in cloud or snow. This is a mandatory guide situation in these conditions.
• Travel insurance must cover trekking: Standard travel insurance does not always cover mountain trekking. Confirm your policy covers trekking up to 4,000 m and helicopter evacuation before departing Nepal.