morning sunrise view at poon hillmorning sunrise view at poon hill

Poon Hill Short Trek 3 Days

Quick Facts
  • Trip Duration3 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Maximum Altitude 3,210 m/10,531 ft. (Poon Hill)
  • Activity Trek
  • Starts/Ends Pokhara
  • Group Size 1-16
  • Transportation Drive Pokhara-Nayapul & Banthanti-Pokhara
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Why You'll Love This Trip
  • A quick 3 days trek from Pokhara
  • No prior trekking experience or preparations are needed
  • Trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area, enjoying the abundant flora and fauna along the trail
  • Cross-suspension bridges and rhododendron forests
  • Trek past picturesque villages resided by many ethnic groups
  • Witness stunning mountain views from Ghorepani village and Poon Hill
  • Catch gorgeous sunrises and sunsets during the trek
  • Get to experience mountain lifestyle and hospitality in a short time
  • Perfect for anyone looking for a short getaway from Pokhara

If you are in Pokhara and looking for a quick gateway into the Himalayas, then our Poon Hill short trek is a fantastic trekking package. It is a 3 days program that starts in Pokhara and takes you to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft) viewpoint via Ulleri (2,050 m/6,726 ft) and Ghorepani (2,874 m/9,429 ft) villages. This trek is on the easier side than other famous trekking routes in the Annapurna region, likeAnnapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit, so people of all ages can join it. 

Poon Hill trek 3 days is also great for a family adventure in Nepal. The trekking route is well made and passes by beautiful villages resided by ethnic groups like Magar, Brahmin, Gurung, Chhetri, etc. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming. The interactions with them and their hospitality will make your time in the wilderness of the mountains very meaningful.

You will be trekking through rhododendron forests and verdant hills. On the way from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri, the trail includes around 3,000 stone stairs. This is a challenging part of the trail, but it is manageable if you maintain your pace and take small breaks in between ascending. While trekking, you will come across many stunning mountain panoramas and lovely landscapes.

The outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Gangapurna, etc are popular on Poon Hill short trekking. Likewise, the Ghorepani village is also known for its beautiful surroundings of rhododendron trees and snow-capped mountains. 

The Poon Hill short trekking route is inside the home of numerous flora and fauna- the Annapurna Conservation Area. There is no doubt you will come across a variety of flowers, vegetation, birds, and animals while trekking, including rhododendrons- the national flower of Nepal. The trail has waterfalls, streams, and rivers. You will have a great time trekking to Poon Hill. 

Poon Hill short trek itinerary 3 days

The Poon Hill short trek begins in Pokhara with a one and half hour drive to Nayapul. You can also join our short Poon Hill trek from Kathmandu. Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu, drive you to Pokhara, and drop you back at your hotel in Kathmandu at the end of the trek. Do note that starting the trek from Kathmandu will incur an additional charge. 

From Nayapul, you will follow forested hills and trek through small villages. Upon reaching Tikhedhunga, register the permits and continue trekking, crossing suspension bridges. The final part of the trail to Ulleri includes steep stone staircases (over 3,000). This is also the most difficult part of the Poon Hill trail. Further, the trail goes through lush rhododendron and pine forests. 

The higher parts of the trail involve pastures and passes by Banthanti village at 2,200 meters (7,218 ft). So, you will reach Ghorepani village, surrounded by rhododendron trees and Himalayan mountains. On day three, hike to Poon Hill viewpoint and return to Banthanti, where the trek ends. Our team will drive you back to Pokhara, and the trek will finish. In the late evening, we will have a farewell dinner, which will mark the end of our trip together. 

Join short Poon Hill trek with Nature Excursion

Join us on a quick adventure in the Himalayas of Nepal. Trek with a team of experts who will help you navigate the trails and connect with the locals. Get the benefit of special discounts by booking the Poon Hill short trek 2024/2025 early with us. Contact us today to be a part of this transformative trek and embark on an unforgettable journey through the abundance of the Annapurna Conservation Area. 

Benefits of doing upper Mustang trekking with us and add-ons

Explore the beauty of the Poon Hill trek with our all-inclusive package, offering the best value for your money. When you trek with us in Nepal, you're free to enjoy the journey while we handle all the trek arrangements. With our transparent policies, you won't encounter any hidden costs or surprises. Our reliable and experienced team ensures your trek's safety.

Discover the perks of trekking with Nature Excursion:

  • Enjoy a complimentary farewell dinner.
  • Experience free airport pickup and drop-off.
  • Benefit from a flexible itinerary that suits you.
  • Choose from budget-friendly trekking packages.
  • Receive a duffel bag and company t-shirt (return the duffel bag after the trek, keep the t-shirt).
  • Join fixed departure dates for convenience.
  • Access 24/7 support throughout your trek.
  • Rest assured- there are no hidden costs.
  • Trek with native guides and porters who know the region inside out.

Join us for an unforgettable short Poon Hill trek 3 days, where every detail is taken care of, leaving you free to soak in the breathtaking scenery and create endless memories.

These are some of our add-ons that you can combine with your package:

  • extend the itinerary to other nearby trails such asAnnapurna circuit, Tilicho Lake, Annapurna base camp, Nar Phu valley, Dolpo region, etc 
  • add day activities in Pokhara like paragliding, bungee jumping, ultra-light mountain flight, helicopter tour to Annapurna base camp, cooking class, local market tour, etc
Poon Hill Short Trek 3 Days pictures and video
Annapurna Base Camp Trek /ABC-2023/ Annapurna Sanctuary

Itinerary

Day1

After a delicious breakfast in Pokhara, we will leave for the starting point of our trek. A short drive from Pokhara in a private or shared car will take us to Nayapul. We will begin trekking from here, following a lush forested path. At Birethanti, register the permits and gradually ascend to Tikhedhunga. 

On the way, we will cross suspension bridges and trek past small settlements. From Nayapul, it takes around 4 to 5 hours of walking to reach Tikhedhunga. Further, we will ascend steep stone staircases (over 3,000) to reach Ulleri for the night stay. The trail is not difficult today but involves long walking.

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,050 m/6,726 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:7 hours
Day2

The trail from Ulleri goes through lush rhododendron and pine forests. As we ascend higher, we will come out to pastures and fields. We will trek past Banthanti village and continue trekking towards Ghorepani village. While trekking, we can see glimpses of snow-capped mountains. However, upon reaching Ghorepani village, the views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli mountains are heavenly. 

Ghorepani is a beautiful village resided by Gurungs and Magars. This is also one of the major recruiting points of Gurkhas. The villagers are very welcoming and friendly. Away from the bustle of city life, you will have a great time in this village.

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,874 m/9,429 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Duration:4 hours
Day3

Today is our last day of the short Poon Hill trek. Early in the morning, we will hike to Poon Hill, the famous viewpoint. From Ghorepani village, we will follow a well-marked path. Some sections are slightly steep and pass through rhododendron forests. Trekking in the spring season is exceptionally gorgeous because the trail is entirely bloomed with colorful rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal.

Upon reaching Poon Hill, we will get to witness a spectacular sunrise along with a vast panorama of the western Himalayan mountains. Beyond us, we can see Mt. Annapurna range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Gangapurna, Tukuche Himal, etc. After enjoying the view, we will trek back to Ghorepani for breakfast. 

Later, following the same trail back, we'll descend to Banthanti. The trek ends here. From Banthanti, we will take a local jeep back to our hotel in Pokhara. The remaining day is free. Explore the Phewa Lake and bustling Lakeside Market. We will meet in the late evening for a farewell dinner. 

 

  • Max. Altitude:3,210 m/10,531 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch & farewell dinner
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Duration:4-5 hours

You can also start this trek from Kathmandu. Starting and ending the Poon hill trek in Kathmandu will add two more days to the itinerary and additional cost as per that.

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Cost Details
Includes
  • Airport pick up and drop off services during your arrival and departure date From and To the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
  • Accommodation during the trek in the mountain (lodge)
  • All ground transport ‘From and to Pokhara’
  • Hotel in Pokhara after the trek complete 1 night (private washroom with Ace room)
  • All healthy meals during the trek, (3 breakfast, 3 lunches, and 3 dinner)
  • Government licensed, English speaking, and experienced Nature Excursions native guide with his meals, salary, transportation, insurance, and other necessary expenses
  • Porter to help trekkers luggage, two trekkers can share one porter
  • Purification tablets for safe drinking water
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses
  • First aid kit box carried by the guide
  • We provide sleeping bags and duffle bag as per your request (has to return after the trek completion)
  • Assisting, if any emergency evacuation or rescue operation due to uncertainty or any serious health condition (incur charges should be covered by your travel insurance company)
  • Complementary farewell dinner at the end of the trek
Excludes
  • International flight cost
  • Nepal entry visa fee depending how much time you want to spend in Nepal ($25 - for 15 day, $40-50 for 30 day, and $100-110 for 90 day)
  • Your meals and hotel in Kathmandu except complimentary farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Hotel and meals in Pokhara than our schedule itinerary
  • Your personal clothing and gear
  • Personal nature expenses like- energy bar, hard and cold drinks, tea/coffee, hot shower, laundry, battery recharge, internet, extra porter etc.
  • Your travel insurance which covers your emergency evacuation
  • Extra expenses which are not listed in the include section

Clients Reviews

  • Very good trekking

    Me and my friend did Ghorepani Poon hill trek with Raju. It was an amazing one week short trekking experience in the high mountain. Very highly recommended trekking company, Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd in Nepal. Raju is a very expertise guide, he knows everyone and all the places. He’s Also such a nice guy. We really enjoyed it.

    Viggy B
    Viggy BSpainAug 05, 2023
    TripAdvisor
Useful Information

Last-minute Poon Hill short trek booking

The convenience of last-minute booking offers an opportunity for those inspired by the call of the mountains to be part of this short trek. However, to seamlessly facilitate such spontaneous arrangements, a payment of 100% is required at the time of booking. This ensures that every logistical detail is arranged on time. You can get in touch with us for last minute booking. 

Poon Hill short trek cost

The Poon Hill short trek cost starts at USD 450 per person. Yes, you can do this trek at a very affordable price with us. Likewise, if you are in a group of 8 or more trekkers, we will give you additional discounts. Your cost covers accommodation and meals during the trek, the expense of guides and porters, the company's service charge, permits, and all transportation, as per the itinerary. 

Can I do the Poon Hill trek solo?

No, you cannot do the Poon Hill short trek alone. Solo trekking has been banned in the Annapurna region since 2023, April 1st, when the Nepal government imposed a TIMS Card for trekking in the region, and solo travelers cannot obtain this by themselves. You have to trek with a local company like us to get the TIMS card or hire a licensed independent guide. Anyways, you cannot trek solo.

Short Poon Hill trek difficulty

Poon Hill is a moderate trek. The trekking route starts with a gentle walk and gradually rises. The trail passes through lush forests and rolling hills. You will cross bridges and small villages. The toughest part of the Poon hill trail is when you ascend to Ulleri from Tikhedhunga. On this part of the trail, you will climb over 3,000 stone staircases. 

Anyone can do Poon Hill short trek in Nepal. It is for people of all ages and experiences. You just have to be in good health and can walk 5 to 6 hours a day. Daily exercise and walking for a few weeks before the trek starts will help you get ready for the journey physically. 

Altitude Sickness

The altitude sickness risk is low on Poon Hill short trek. The elevation gain is minimal, with the highest point 3,210 meters (10,531 ft) from sea level. You will spend a night at 2,050 m/6,726 ft (Ulleri) and 2,874 m/9,429 ft (Ghorepani) before reaching the highest point of the trail. It will help you acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness. 

If you see any discomfort while trekking or symptoms like headache, loss of appetite, breathing problems, vomiting, nausea, etc, inform your trek leader. He will help you cure the symptoms and provide the necessary assistance. Drink plenty of water while trekking. Keeping yourself hydrated is key to avoiding altitude sickness while trekking in the Himalayas. 

Accommodation & meals during the Poon Hill short trekking

The accommodation during the Poon Hill short trek is the lodge. It is a simple accommodation available along the trail. We have both twin-sharing and single-room bookings available as per your requirement. Booking a single room may cost you a few extra bucks. Many places offer private washrooms. We will book you the best possible accommodation along the trekking route. 

The meals during the Poon Hill trek 3 days are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Apart from these, you are free to buy any additional snacks and beverages on your own. The meal options are quite good on this trail. You will get a good variation of Nepali, Indian, and Western cuisines. Dal bhat and thukpa are two common heavy meals that are found everywhere. 

Likewise, momo, noodles, chapati, curries, soups, pasta, sandwich, porridge, pudding, etc, are also available. For desserts, there are apple pies, bread, pastries, fruits, etc. Different kinds of teas and coffee are also available everywhere. And boiled drinking water is found in all the lodges to refill water bottles. 

Best time to do Poon Hill short trek

You can do Poon Hill short trek throughout the year, however the season you choose to trek does define your trekking experience. Nepal has four seasons, and all of them have their speciality. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are known as the best time to trek to Poon Hill, whereas summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are the off-seasons. 

Spring is the season of flowers. Hundreds of rhododendrons and many other flowers decorate the entire Poon Hill trail, making it extremely beautiful. The mountain views are clear and beautiful in this season. Likewise, the stable weather and no rainfall make trekking excellent. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C during the daylight hours and can drop to -5°C during nights/mornings.

Autumn is another famous time to do Poon Hill short trekking. The splendor of nature and the festival vibe, makes trekking during this time of the year mesmerizing. The trekking route is full of travelers, the atmosphere is cheerful, and the weather is just right to enjoy trekking in the Himalayas. As it is the post-monsoon season, the air is clean and crisp. The temperature ranges between 14°C to 20°C during the daytime, while nights and mornings are a bit cold. 

Poon Hill short trek tips

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory for joining a trek in Nepal. It provides you with an additional layer of safety while trekking in the mountains. You will get a prompt response from the rescue provider in case of any emergency with travel insurance. So, you must include a medical bill and emergency evacuation in the travel insurance. 

Passport & Visa:  To trek in Nepal, you need to have a valid passport and travel visa. We need your passport information at the time of trek booking. You can get a travel visa upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You also have the option to get a Nepali travel visa from the Consulate Office or Nepalese Embassy in your country. Do note that there are some restrictions over on-arrival travel visas, so do check the Nepali visa status for your country. 

Trek Group: Our Poon Hill short trek groups consist of 8 trekkers max. You can join us in our fixed departure groups for Poon Hill trek 2023 autumn (September to November) or join the trek in 2024 winter, spring, or autumn. We welcome both solo and group trekkers to join us on Poon Hill trekking in Nepal. You can also do a private trek with us.

Luggage: The luggage limit for the trek is 10 kg for each trekker. The duffle bags will be carried by our porters. Additionally, you can also carry a backpack to keep essentials with you all the time while trekking. If you have any extra suitcases left with you, store them in your hotel's locker or our office free of cost for the trek duration. 

Charging & Internet: WiFi is available in most of the lodges along the trekking route. You have to pay a few extra bucks to get the paid WiFi service. Likewise, charging facilities are also available throughout the trail. You may have to pay USD 2 to 3 at some places to charge your devices. 

Tips: Tips are an essential part of trekking and touring in Nepal. As the package cost does not include tips, you can tip as much as you wish at the end of the service provided by our on-field team like drivers, porters, guides, etc. 

Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as international flights, travel insurance, shopping, tips, extra meals & snacks are not covered by our Poon Hill short trek cost. So, make sure to have a budget for these expenses. 

Equipments

HEAD

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Winter hat or insulating hat or wide-brimmed hat
  • Headlight with extra battery

FACE

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglass with UV protection
  • Face and body wipes

HANDS

  • Lightweight gloves
  • Lightweight winter gloves

BODY

  • Hiking shirt
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Hooded rain jacket
  • Fleece jacket
  • Lightweight cotton pants
  • T-shirt (bring lightweight wool)
  • Polypropylene underwear
  • Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
  • Sweater
  • Waterproof jacket and pant

FOOTWEAR

  • Hiking boots
  • Thick wool socks (take an extra pair of thick wool socks)

ESSENTIAL GEARS

  • Backpack or day back (size depends on whether you take a porter or not)
  • Thermal bottle
  • Water purification
  • Trekking pole
  • Sleeping bag (-10 degrees sleeping bag is best in high altitude trekking)

TOILETRIES

  • Medium size drying towel
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Biodegradable bar soap
  • Nail clippers

PERSONAL ACCESSORIES

  • Money
  • Watch
  • Cell phone
  • Camera

EXTRA ITEMS

  • First aid kit
  • Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
  • Notebook and pen
  • Binoculars

Poon Hill Short Trek 3 Days FAQs

  • You can hike to Poon Hill and return to Pokhara in 3 days. During the trek, you will cover around 40 kilometers (25 miles). From Kathmandu, you can do this trek in 5 days and extend the trek by adding villages like Ghandruk to the itinerary.

  • Compared to treks like EBC, ABC, and Annapurna Circuit, the Poon Hill trek is definitely on the easier side. People of all ages can do the Poon Hill trek for three days with us. The elevation gain is nominal, and the trail is moderate.

     

  • Poon Hill trek, Langtang valley trek, Everest Panorama trek, Chisapani Nagarkot trek, Jomsom Muktinath trek, etc, are some of the best treks for beginners in Nepal.

  • You can carry a sleeping bag for extra comfort and warmth during the Poon Hill trekking, but it is not necessary. The blankets provided in the lodges will be enough in the spring and autumn seasons. 

     

  • Yes, for a quick, short trek in Nepal, Poon Hill is definitely worth it. You will get to see stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and abundant flora and fauna and experience mountain lifestyle in just three days. 

     

  • The Mardi Himal trek and Poon Hill trek both are fantastic trekking options in the Annapurna region. Both are short treks and ideal for new trekkers. The Mardi Himal trek is on the slightly offbeat side with less tourist infrastructure than the Poon Hill trek.

  • Yes, you will need a trekking permit for Poon Hill. This trek requires the TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit. Our team will help you get the permits without any worries. 

     

  • From Pokhara, Poon Hill is approximately 64 kilometers (40 miles) away at 3,200 meters (10,531 ft) from sea level. It is located north of Pokhara.

  • Poon Hill offers a quick gateway into nature from Pokhara. You will get to enjoy tranquility, fresh air, and serene views during the hike. For a short trek like this, the views are incredible, and the trekking experience is also great.

  • To reach Poon Hill, first, you have to reach Pokhara. From here, a short drive will take you to Nayapul, and you can trek to Poon Hill in two days.

  • Yes, you can see Mt. Manaslu from Poon Hill. Other mountains like Dhaulagiri, Bahari Shikhar, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, Machhapuchhre, etc, are also visible from here. 

     

  • Yoga in the serene environment of the Himalayas is the best. You can combine yoga sessions in our Poon Hill trek package. If you do so, one of the finest yoga instructors will trek with you and give you morning and evening sessions in the best locations along the trail.

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