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The Poon Hill Trek

Tea House Trek - Beautiful short walk in the Himalayas - Fantastic Himalayan sun rise from Poon Hill - Annapurna & Dhaulagiri

All meals on trek included

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Duration

8 Days
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Grade

Moderate
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Max Altitude

3210m
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Walking Days

5 Days
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Accommodation

3 Nts Hotels - 4 Nts Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

Poon Hill is one of the most famous view points in the entire Himalayas.

For those short on time, this is a turbo tea house trek to reach Poon Hill for a panoramic, classic Himalayan sun rise over Annapurna and across the Kali Gandaki to mighty Dhaulagiri. As far as Himalayan trekking goes, it's quite an easy trek as it's short in duration. But there are two days of stiff and tough ascent before heading down and meandering out of the Modi Khola Valley. It may well be a short trek, but the views on the Poon Hill Trek are simply breathtaking. It's tea house trekking all the way too, so there's no roughing it camping. This abridged itinerary can readily include an additional night in Pokhara before commencing the short walk into the Himalayas. For anyone who has never been trekking in Nepal before, this is an ideal first Nepal trek at a relatively moderate altitude. A great one-week walking holiday in Nepal. For a slightly longer trek that also includes Poon Hill, please see our Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Panorama trek, or the "Full Monty" on the Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill Trek.

Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

Poon Hill is one of the most famous view points in the entire Himalayas.

  • For those short on time, this is a turbo tea house trek to reach Poon Hill for a panoramic, classic Himalayan sun rise over Annapurna and across the Kali Gandaki to mighty Dhaulagiri. As far as Himalayan trekking goes, it's quite an easy trek as it's short in duration. But there are two days of stiff and tough ascent before heading down and meandering out of the Modi Khola Valley. It may well be a short trek, but the views on the Poon Hill Trek are simply breathtaking. It's tea house trekking all the way too, so there's no roughing it camping. This abridged itinerary can readily include an additional night in Pokhara before commencing the short walk into the Himalayas. For anyone who has never been trekking in Nepal before, this is an ideal first Nepal trek at a relatively moderate altitude. A great one-week walking holiday in Nepal. For a slightly longer trek that also includes Poon Hill, please see our Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Panorama trek, or the "Full Monty" on the Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill Trek.

    Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Tirkehedunga
    • Day 3
      Trek to Ghorepani
    • Day 4
      Poon Hill sun rise & trek down to Tadapani
    • Day 5
      Trek to Ghandruk
    • Day 6
      Trek to Nayapul & transfer to Pokhara
    • Day 7
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 8
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Tirkehedunga

    Ready to trek, the day begins with a private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Nepal's premier resort, Pokhara. One option is to add an additional night in Pokhara if you don't want to hit the ground running. If not, then upon arriving at Pokhara, a private vehicle transfer will whisk you to the trail head at Hille. Here the two-day ascent to Poon Hill begins as you follow a trail that rises ever upwards to reach the village of Tirkedhunga (approx. 1600m). Walking time is approx. 3–4 hours with around 400 m of ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tirkedhunga
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY 2

    Fly to Pokhara & Trek to Tirkehedunga

    Ready to trek, the day begins with a private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Nepal's premier resort, Pokhara. One option is to add an additional night in Pokhara if you don't want to hit the ground running. If not, then upon arriving at Pokhara, a private vehicle transfer will whisk you to the trail head at Hille. Here the two-day ascent to Poon Hill begins as you follow a trail that rises ever upwards to reach the village of Tirkedhunga (approx. 1600m). Walking time is approx. 3–4 hours with around 400 m of ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tirkedhunga
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Ghorepani

    By far the toughest day of the trek. It's a very steep climb of around 2 hours to walk up to Ulleri (2070m). Although the gradient eases in places, it's still all uphill as you continue to Banthanti. Here you are greeted by some fabulous Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. Crossing a mountain stream, the trail now climbs up the hillside to reach Nangethanti. The relentless uphill continues virtually all the way until you arrive at Ghorepani (2900m). Ghorepani is quite a bustling sort of place, as it has always been a stopping place between the Kali Gandaki Valley (from which it is a long steep climb up to Ghorepani) and Pokhara; hence, Ghorepani means 'horse watering place'. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours with around 1300m of challenging ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghorepani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Ghorepani

    By far the toughest day of the trek. It's a very steep climb of around 2 hours to walk up to Ulleri (2070m). Although the gradient eases in places, it's still all uphill as you continue to Banthanti. Here you are greeted by some fabulous Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. Crossing a mountain stream, the trail now climbs up the hillside to reach Nangethanti. The relentless uphill continues virtually all the way until you arrive at Ghorepani (2900m). Ghorepani is quite a bustling sort of place, as it has always been a stopping place between the Kali Gandaki Valley (from which it is a long steep climb up to Ghorepani) and Pokhara; hence, Ghorepani means 'horse watering place'. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours with around 1300m of challenging ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghorepani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Poon Hill sun rise & trek down to Tadapani

    A pre-dawn wake-up so that you can ascend to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210m) in order to witness the sunrise at this classic Himalayan view point. Across the Kali Gandaki, the stupendous peak of Dhaulagiri begins to glow surreal colours as the first light of the sun hits it, while closer and above you is Annapurna South. This now-very-popular view point ensures that some enterprising locals will have a hot brew for sale. Back down to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then it's time to begin descending. It's now virtually downhill for the next two days, with some little climbs and hillside contouring, but  primarily down. Today you'll descend as far as Tadapani (2650m). Walking time is around 5 hours, plus an hour or two for the earlier excursion to Poon Hill. Total descent: 580m.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tadapani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 4

    Poon Hill sun rise & trek down to Tadapani

    A pre-dawn wake-up so that you can ascend to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210m) in order to witness the sunrise at this classic Himalayan view point. Across the Kali Gandaki, the stupendous peak of Dhaulagiri begins to glow surreal colours as the first light of the sun hits it, while closer and above you is Annapurna South. This now-very-popular view point ensures that some enterprising locals will have a hot brew for sale. Back down to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then it's time to begin descending. It's now virtually downhill for the next two days, with some little climbs and hillside contouring, but  primarily down. Today you'll descend as far as Tadapani (2650m). Walking time is around 5 hours, plus an hour or two for the earlier excursion to Poon Hill. Total descent: 580m.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tadapani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Ghandruk

    An easier day as you follow the often stone-stepped trail down to Ghandruk. There are some great views across the Modi Khol Valley to Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) and above to Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Ghandruk (2000m) is the headquarters for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the largest settlement in this part of the Annapurnas. With a total walking time of 4-5 hours, today is a more unhurried affair, and with around 650m of descent, memories of the steep climb up to Poon Hill from the start are in the past.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghandruk
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Ghandruk

    An easier day as you follow the often stone-stepped trail down to Ghandruk. There are some great views across the Modi Khol Valley to Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) and above to Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Ghandruk (2000m) is the headquarters for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the largest settlement in this part of the Annapurnas. With a total walking time of 4-5 hours, today is a more unhurried affair, and with around 650m of descent, memories of the steep climb up to Poon Hill from the start are in the past.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghandruk
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Trek to Nayapul & transfer to Pokhara

    An even easier day. Leaving Ghandruk, the trail contours the hillside before commencing its relatively steady descent down to the Modi Khola River. Eventually, the trail levels out, becoming a more relaxed, undulating affair. All the way, there are great Himalayan views, as well as a likely increase in temperature. All in all, the descent of around 900m to the main road just beyond Birethanti at Nayapul takes circa 4-5 hours. From here, a private transfer of under an hour takes you to Pokhara. If you get an early start this morning, you may well be back in Pokhara by mid-afternoon.

    IMPORTANT NOTE - The trekking route from Ghandruk to the main road at Nayapul is now entirely on a recently constructed jeep road. Whilst this road (of sorts) does not experience much in the way of vehicular activity, it is possible that, while the scenery remains the same, some people may not wish to or enjoy walking on the jeep road. Consequently, if you prefer, you can be driven directly from Ghandruk to Pokhara by a private 4WD vehicle.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 6

    Trek to Nayapul & transfer to Pokhara

    An even easier day. Leaving Ghandruk, the trail contours the hillside before commencing its relatively steady descent down to the Modi Khola River. Eventually, the trail levels out, becoming a more relaxed, undulating affair. All the way, there are great Himalayan views, as well as a likely increase in temperature. All in all, the descent of around 900m to the main road just beyond Birethanti at Nayapul takes circa 4-5 hours. From here, a private transfer of under an hour takes you to Pokhara. If you get an early start this morning, you may well be back in Pokhara by mid-afternoon.

    IMPORTANT NOTE - The trekking route from Ghandruk to the main road at Nayapul is now entirely on a recently constructed jeep road. Whilst this road (of sorts) does not experience much in the way of vehicular activity, it is possible that, while the scenery remains the same, some people may not wish to or enjoy walking on the jeep road. Consequently, if you prefer, you can be driven directly from Ghandruk to Pokhara by a private 4WD vehicle.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY
    7

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. You'll be met upon arrival and receive a private vehicle transfer to the KGH Hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 7

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. You'll be met upon arrival and receive a private vehicle transfer to the KGH Hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    8

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 8

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • £ GBP 685
  • $ US 890
  • € EUR 786

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, internal flights in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits, National Park fees, and the Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are english-speaking professionals and fully licenced

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