Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular short treks, which starts from the Pokhara region and passes through terraced rice fields, stone-paved village paths, river valleys and lush rhododendron forests toward the ridgeline village of Ghorepani. It’s designed as an accessible introduction to Himalayan trekking from Pokhara, with cozy teahouses, well-defined trails, and moderate daily walking hours that perfectly suits for beginners, families, and trekkers who are looking for a shorter adventure rather than a high-altitude expedition.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek’s signature highlight is the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), a broad grassy viewpoint that offers a famous sunrise panorama over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other snow-capped peaks glowing gold above rolling middle-hill ridges. The Ghorepani Trekking route then typically continues through villages like Tadapani and Ghandruk, mixing forest trails, long stone staircases, and cultural stops where you can experience Gurung and Magar hospitality before returning to Pokhara. Overall, it combines big mountain views with a relatively low maximum sleeping altitude, making it a rewarding “first Himalayan trek.”
Quick Facts about Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Route Map
| Details | Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek |
| Location | Annapurna region, Nepal |
| Starting Point | Usually Pokhara, Trail access to Nayapul |
| Duration | 6-8 days |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Maximum Elevation | 3,210m at Poon Hill |
| Trail Style | Short scenic trek through villages, forests, and stone steps |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and family-run lodges |
| Best for | Beginners, families, and travelers with limited time |
Day by Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
The first day of Ghorepani Poon Hill journey is drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Today’s drive covers about 200 km which usually takes around 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Leaving the Kathmandu valley, our drive takes steep ascent towards the Nagdhunga checkpoint. From here, the road plunges downward in the series of sharp switchbacks towards the floor of the Trishuli River valley.
The driving route follows the Prithivi Highway, with a mix of paved road, winding hill sections, river views and different small roadside settlements along the way. Around midday, our Mount Face Nepal private vehicle pulls over at the riverside highway restaurant for a lunch. After having lunch, we will continue driving where we will enter Tanahun district. Here road leaves the riverbed to climb over rolling hills, passing through busy trading towns like Dumre and Damauli. In afternoon clear sky, we can witness the very first glimpse of the snow- capped Himalaya peaks like Annapurna and Macchapuchhre from our vehicle window.
By late afternoon we will enter into Pokhara valley, which introduces itself with a much cleaner and calmer atmosphere framed by the reflection of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak on the calm waters of Phewa Lake. In evening, trekkers can walk along the vibrant lakeside environment.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapool and trek to Ulleri
Here, first we will drive from Pokhara to Nayapool and then start the Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking journey.
Section A: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapool
Our second day starts with an early breakfast before we pack our bags into a private vehicle for the drive to Nayapool which takes about 1-1.5 hour covering 40 km. The driving route follows the winding Bhupi Sherchan Highway, that climbs steadily out of the Pokhara valley through the lush and green hills of Yamdi. As the vehicle moves towards rural villages like Naudanda and Lumle, we can witness the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Mt. Macchapuchhre flash between the trees.
Section B: Trek from Nayapool to Hile
From Nayapool we will trek down to a rough dirt track to the checkpost at Birethanti, which is located at the confluence of Modi Khola and Bhurungdi Khola. After registering ACAP and TIMS Card, first we will cross a sturdy steel suspension bridge over the roaring and turquoise waters of Modi River. Here, we will follow on a dirt jeep road track on the northern bank of Bhurungdi Khola. The terrain rises gently while passing through different villages like Sudame. Here walking is straightforward and gradual, which really creates a comfortable trekking journey. By midday we will reach the village of Hile for lunch and rest.
Section C: Hile to Ulleri
having lunch and short rest break, true physical challenge of the day begins. After a mix of ascent and descent we reach Tikedhunga. We start by crossing two suspension bridges over the Bhurungdi Khola and the smaller Tikhedhunga Khola. After crossing these bridges, we will take the challenging Ulleri stone staircase, which is a very steep ascent over 3,000 stone steps carved into the hillside to reach Ulleri village at 1,960 meters. After climbing for about 3 to 4 hours, we finally reach to Ulleri, where we can rest our tired legs and body.
Day 3: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani
The trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani covers about 8 to 10 kilometers and takes about 4 to 6 hours.
Section A: Ulleri to Banthanti
After breakfast, the trail starts with a continuation on the stone steps winding upward through the upper edges of the village. This section’s incline is steady but far more manageable than the previous afternoon’s climb. Within an hour, lush rhododendron and oak forest take over which is incredibly beautiful. The trekking trail here is mixed with stone steps. After trekking for a while, we will take a short tea break at Banthanti which is beautiful small settlement with collection of blue painted teahouses.
Section B: Banthanti to Ghorepani
Trail continues with steady climb through the lush forest, occasionally crossing small wooden bridges over crystal-clear streams. The trail opens up briefly at Nangethanti, which is another forest clearing where we will have lunch. The final two-hour stretch from Nangethanti to Ghorepani is a steady ascent through a beautiful mix of towering bamboo and rhododendron forest. As we approach to the top of the ridge, the dense canopy suddenly thins out, and we finally enter Ghorepani passing through Ghorepani Welcome Gate. Ghorepani welcomes us at an elevation of 2,860 meters, which is situated on a high mountain pass.
Day 4: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m) - Trek Back to Nayapool Then drive to Pokhara
4th day is the most important highlight of the day, as we will reach to Poon Hill today. Today we will trek for around 6- hours covering 17 km.
Section A: Ghorepani to Poon Hill
Armed with headlamps, warm beanies, and multiple layers of clothing we start the pre-dawn climb to poon hill. The path consists entirely of wide stone steps climbing. After about an hour of steady climbing, we reach the flat, windy summit of Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, marked by a view tower. Here we, watches the sun rises, striking the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South.
Section B: Poon Hill to Ulleri
After spending some time here, we will return back to Ghorepani on stone steps descending trail for breakfast. With packed bags, we will then begin a long descent back down the valley toward Nayapool. The return journey follows the familiar path down through the rhododendron forests of Nangethanti and the open ridges of Banthanti. Going down is much faster than climbing up, but the thousands of stone steps down to Ulleri demand focus and challenges us with heavy workout on our knees.
Section C: Ulleri to Nayapool
Ulleri, the trail drops down the steep stone steps to Tikhedhunga, where we will cross the suspension bridges over the rushing rivers. After that we will follow the gentle dirt track alongside the Bhurungdi Khola, passing back through the small farming villages of Sudame and Birethanti where we will have our lunch. From this point onward, our knees will thanks us on the flatter terrain as we are closer toward Nayapool. Reaching the highway town in the afternoon completes our trekking journey.
Section D: Drive from Nayapool to Kathmandu
In Nayapool, our Mount Face Nepal private vehicle waits at the roadside to transport us back to Pokhara. The drive from Nayapool to Kathmandu takes about 1-1.5 hours and covers about 40 km total distance. This drive along the winding highway really provides a relaxing environment to rest our tired legs while watching the rural landscape for one more time. Arriving at Pokhara, we will check in to lakeside hotel where we can rest and relax. You can spend your final evening in Pokhara by celebrating at a lakeside restaurant by enjoying the fresh food, cold drinks, and the live music while looking out over the dark and quiet waters of Phewa Lake.
Day 5: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (or 30-minute flight option)
Our morning begins with a final look at the Annapurna mountains reflecting on Phewa lake before we start our journey back to Kathmandu. If you choose overland option, we will take a comfortable tourist bus early in the morning which takes about 5-6 hours to reach Kathmandu while covering total distance of 200 km. The vehicle follows the familiar Prithvi Highway, retracing the route eastward across the rolling hills of Tanahun. As we travel, the midway journey involves a lunch stop at a highway restaurant in places like Mugling or Malekhu along the Trishuli river. The final climb back up the Nagdhunga pass into Kathmandu is slow and bumpy, reintroducing us to the city’s thick traffic, hum of motorcycles, and urban energy.
Alternatively, if you choose 30-minute flight option, it provides a spectacular aerial view to the mountains. From our window seat, we can look down on a green ridge, deep river gorges, small hilltop villages that we explored on a foot and distant Himalayan peaks. Within minutes, the white peaks fade into the distance as the plane drops into the Kathmandu valley, landing smoothly at domestic terminal. Arriving back in Kathmandu, we check back into hotel in Thamel. In evening, trekkers gather with our Mount Face Nepal guide for a final farewell drink or dinner.
Final Words
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short but very rewarding trek that is often seen as one of the best beginner-friendly routes in western Nepal. This Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek itinerary takes you through stone steps, village paths, lush rhododendron forests, and peaceful hill settlements, making the journey enjoyable from very start to finish. Each day here really offers a comfortable trekking rhythm, with moderate walking hours and well-marked routes. It is a great choice for those trekkers who wants a beautiful Himalayan experience without a very tough trail.
With its easy-to-follow route, rich local culture, and stunning and magical sunrise viewpoints, this trek leaves a lasting memory for every traveler. At the end of the journey, trekkers can look back on a route and realize that it is both scenic and manageable journey, making it as an ideal choice for first-time visitors, families and nature lovers alike. With reliable service and experienced guides from Mount Face Nepal, your trek becomes smoother, safer, and fully enjoyable. Take your time and enjoy every step of the trail with us.
