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7 days
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Annapurna
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Easy
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3,210 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Ghorepani, a village of Magar and Gurung communities
- Rhododendron forests that bloom in spring
- Only three days on the trail
- A good first trek in Nepal
Overview
The Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the quickest way to see the Annapurna range up close. From Pokhara you walk up through terraced fields and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, a village of Magar and Gurung communities.
At dawn you climb Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, then walk back down to Pokhara the same day. With three days on the trail, it fits easily into a short holiday or before a tour of Nepal. If you have two more days, our 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek continues along the ridge to Tadapani and Ghandruk.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom.
Because the route stays at a lower altitude, winter (December to February) is also a good option, with clear days and quiet trails, though nights are cold. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud, and we do not recommend it.
Difficulty and fitness
This is an easy trek that suits most fitness levels, including families. Walking days are four to six hours, and the high point at Poon Hill (3,210 m) is low enough that altitude is rarely a problem.
The trail has many stone steps, especially on the climb to Ulleri and Ghorepani, so some regular walking before the trip will make it more comfortable.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A scenic bus journey of around 6–7 hours follows the river valleys west to Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside city. The rest of the day is free to relax and stroll along the lakeshore. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A drive of one to two hours takes you to Birethanti, where the trek begins. The trail follows the river to Hile and then climbs a long stone staircase via Tikhedhunga to Ulleri, with the first views of the Annapurna range opening up. Overnight in a teahouse in Ulleri (1,960 m).
The trail climbs steadily through dense rhododendron and oak forest, which blooms red and pink in spring. You reach Ghorepani, a village on a ridge with views towards Dhaulagiri. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghorepani (2,850 m).
An early climb of about an hour brings you to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. After breakfast in Ghorepani you descend the stone steps through rhododendron forest to Hile and Birethanti, around five to six hours, where a vehicle takes you back to Pokhara. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest, pick up souvenirs or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
