The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an 11-day Himalayan odyssey that weaves together lush forests, traditional Gurung villages, and jaw-dropping mountain panoramas, without the crowds of longer Annapurna treks.
From the moment you leave the lakeside calm of Pokhara, each day brings a new discovery: terraced rice paddies, rhododendron-clad slopes, and the warm smiles of villagers who have called these hills home for generations.
Your journey begins with a winding drive to Nayapul, where the real adventure kicks off. You’ll follow the river through leafy valleys, crossing bamboo bridges and mist-shrouded waterfalls en route to Ghandruk, a postcard-perfect village perched at 1,940 m.
Here, the sound of prayer flags flapping in the breeze and evenings spent swapping stories in cosy teahouses immerse you in authentic mountain life.
From Ghandruk, gentle ascents and forested trails lead you to Ghorepani, the gateway to Poon Hill. On Day 6, you’ll rise before dawn, trekking the last ridge in the crisp morning air to reach Poon Hill at 3,210 m—where a sweeping sunrise over Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri will take your breath away.
Beyond the peak, the descent is just as rich: daybreak hikes through oak and bamboo groves, visits to hidden waterfalls, and nights spent under starlit skies with hearty bowls of dal bhat fueling you for the next leg.
Villages like Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Kimche offer glimpses of rural Nepal—women in vibrant dress tending goats, children racing down stone steps, elders chanting blessings as you pass.
By Day 11, as you return to Pokhara, you’ll carry more than photographs: you’ll bring home the feeling of having walked through a living tapestry of culture, nature, and timeless Himalayan beauty.
This is more than just a trek—it’s a journey into the heart of Nepal’s Annapurna foothills, where every step, sunrise, and shared cup of chai becomes part of your story. The Ghandruk–Poon Hill Trek is the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and soul-stirring scenery for anyone seeking an unforgettable mountain escape.
Poon Hill Trek cost for 2026 is $250, $450, and $750 for the Budget, Standard, and Comfort packages respectively, covering the classic 5-day route to the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m), famous for its sunrise panorama over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. These three tiers are designed to suit different travel styles, from independent budget trekkers to those seeking full comfort with private transportation and porter support.
Several factors influence the overall cost of the Poon Hill Trek, including group size, trekking duration, transportation choices, use of porters, the trekking season, and the specific package scheme chosen. For a complete breakdown of how these variables affect pricing, you can refer to our detailed Poon Hill Trek cost guide.
Group Size: Trekking in a larger group generally lowers the cost per person, since fixed expenses like guides, permits, and transportation are shared across more participants. Solo travelers or very small groups usually pay a higher rate, since there’s less opportunity for cost-sharing through economies of scale.
Trekking Duration: Extending the itinerary beyond the standard 4–5 days — for example, combining Poon Hill with Ghandruk or Mardi Himal — raises the total cost, since additional days mean more accommodation, meals, and guide or porter wages. The route can be customized to match your available time, so flexibility is always possible.
Transportation: Choosing a private jeep from Pokhara to Nayapul, and again from Ghandruk or Tadapani back to Pokhara, adds a noticeable premium compared to shared jeeps or local buses. This is one of the biggest cost differences between the Comfort package and the more economical options.
Porters: Hiring a porter to carry your gear adds to the overall trip cost, though this is generally affordable since porters are shared, with one porter typically allocated per two guests.
Trekking Season: Peak seasons—spring and autumn—bring higher demand for guides, permits, and teahouse accommodation, which can push prices up slightly compared to quieter months. Trekkers seeking lower costs may consider off-season travel, keeping in mind the trade-offs in weather and visibility.
Quality of Services: Ultimately, the chosen package—Budget, Standard, or Comfort—determines which specific services and amenities are included, directly shaping the final cost of the Poon Hill Trek.
| No of people | Price P.P |
|---|---|
| 1 | $590 |
| 2 – 3 | $490 |
| 4 – 6 | $460 |
| 7 – 15 | $450 |
| Budget Price $250 | Standard Price $450 | Comfort Price $750 |
|---|---|---|
|
Includes Guide, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card, Transportation shared jeep Pokhara to Nayapul and return, Agency charges and government service charge Excludes Food and Accommodations, Porter, Drinks, Tea, Coffee, Drinking water, Desert and all others which not in Includes above |
Includes Guide, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card, Food and Accommodations, Transportation shared jeep Pokhara to Nayapul and return, Agency charges and government service charge Excludes Alcoholic Drinks, Tea, Coffee, Porter, Drinking water, Desert and all others which not in Includes above |
Includes Guide, Porter, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card, Food and Accommodations, Agency charges and government service charge, Private jeep transfer Pokhara to Nayapul, Private vehicle return from Ghandruk/Tadapani to Pokhara, Night in Pokhara hotel included pre/post trek Excludes Alcoholic Drinks, Desert and all others which not in Includes above |
The Poon Hill Trek remains one of Nepal’s most accessible and family-friendly Himalayan adventures, and with these clear pricing tiers, trekkers can plan their journey to the Poon Hill viewpoint with full transparency on what’s included every step of the way.
Spring (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and comfortable temperatures.
Autumn (September to November): Stable weather, excellent mountain views, and pleasant temperatures.
Winter (December to February): Cold, occasional snow, fewer trekkers—good for clear views but chilly conditions.
Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rain, slippery trails, and leeches; trekking not recommended.
Poon Hill (3,210 m): Famous sunrise viewpoint offering spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Ghandruk Village: A beautiful traditional Gurung village rich in culture and hospitality.
Rhododendron and Oak Forests: Scenic trails winding through vibrant forests, especially colorful in spring.
Terraced Farmlands: Picturesque rural landscapes showcasing traditional Nepalese farming.
Local Culture: Experience Gurung culture, homestays, and traditional cuisine.
Mountain Views: Panoramic views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri.
Comfortable trekking boots (well broken-in)
Warm clothing layers and fleece
Waterproof jacket and pants
Thermal base layers for cooler mornings and evenings
Trekking poles for support on uneven trails
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Hat for sun protection
Water bottle and purification method
Headlamp and spare batteries
Basic first aid kit and personal medications
Snacks and energy bars
Camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning scenery
