The sky is still dark when you leave the teahouse at Ghorepani. Torchlight bounces off stone steps ahead of you as other trekkers climb the same trail in the pre-dawn cold, breath rising in thin white clouds. Forty-five minutes later you reach the summit of Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531ft) and the eastern horizon is already burning orange. Then the sun breaks. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) catches the first light and turns gold. Annapurna South follows, then Annapurna I, then the entire chain of peaks strung across the northern sky — Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV — all lit from below as if someone had set fire to the snow. The 360-degree panorama from this modest hilltop viewpoint is one of the most photographed sights in the Himalayas, and it takes less than a week to reach it.
This 6-day trek is one of Nepal's easiest high-altitude routes, designed for anyone who wants mountain views without extreme altitude or punishing daily distances. From Pokhara, you drive to Nayapul, climb through terraced farmland and rhododendron forest past Ulleri to the ridgeline village of Ghorepani, wake early for the Poon Hill sunrise, then descend through the trail villages of Tadapani and Ghandruk — one of Nepal's most beautiful Gurung settlements — before returning to Pokhara. You'll sleep in family-run teahouses, eat dal bhat cooked over wood fires, walk beneath prayer flags strung between ancient trees, and feel the warmth of communities that have welcomed travellers for generations. It is the perfect introduction to the Himalayas, designed by Shreejan Simkhada, whose family has been guiding people through these mountains since the 1960s.
What Makes This Trek Unforgettable
- Watch sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531ft), a 360-degree viewpoint with uninterrupted views of Dhaulagiri, the full Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) — widely considered one of the finest mountain sunrises on earth
- Complete one of Nepal's top treks in just 6 days, making it ideal for travellers with limited annual leave or those seeking a short trek that still reaches proper mountain country
- Rated Easy to Moderate (2 out of 5), with no technical sections, no glacier crossings and a maximum altitude well below the danger threshold — perfect for first-time trekkers, families with children and trekkers over 50
- Walk through the Gurung village of Ghandruk, where stone houses with slate roofs sit among terraced fields and the Gurung and Magar cultural heritage is palpable in the architecture, the food and the people
- Trek through rhododendron forests that explode into crimson, pink and white blooms between March and May, one of the most spectacular spring displays in the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Stay in genuine family-run teahouses along the trail, eating home-cooked Nepali food and meeting hosts who know every peak by name
- All permits included (ACAP and TIMS), so you don't spend a day in Kathmandu queuing at government offices
- Small groups of 2 to 20, always with a Nepal government well-trained guide who knows this trail intimately
- Three tiers (Budget, Standard, Luxury) let you choose your comfort level without compromising on safety, expertise or the route itself
- Every booking supports education for 70 children in rural Nepal through the Nagarjun Learning Center
6-Day Overview
Your journey begins and ends in Kathmandu, but the trek itself starts from Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside adventure capital, reached by a scenic drive through the middle hills. From Pokhara, a shorter drive takes you to Nayapul, the traditional trailhead on the western edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The first day climbs steadily through Tikhedhunga and Ulleri, where the stone staircase is the steepest sustained climb of the entire trek. By evening you're in the rhododendron belt, and by the following morning you've reached Ghorepani, the ridgeline village from which the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill begins. After sunrise, the trail descends eastward through oak and rhododendron forest to Tadapani, a quiet settlement with evening views of Machhapuchhre. The final trekking day takes you down through terraced farmland to Ghandruk, one of Nepal's most photogenic Gurung villages, before you return to Nayapul and then Pokhara. By the end of day six, you're back in Kathmandu with mountain memories that will stay with you for years.
Before You Arrive
Please arrive in Kathmandu the day before your trek starts. This gives you time to recover from your international flight, meet your guide, and do any last-minute gear shopping in Thamel if needed. We arrange your airport transfer, so you can step off the plane knowing everything is sorted. Make sure your Nepal visa and trekking insurance are in order before you fly, and bring enough Nepali rupees for personal spending on the trail.
Online Briefing
After you book, we schedule a video call to walk you through everything: what to wear, what to pack, what the teahouses are really like, and anything else on your mind. This is also when you share your hotel preferences in Kathmandu and Pokhara so we can match the right accommodation to you. No question is too small. We'll also cover the layering system for this altitude range, how much cash to carry, and what WiFi and charging to expect on the trail.
Transport
All three tiers travel the same route: Kathmandu to Pokhara by road (approximately 6-7 hours), then Pokhara to Nayapul (about 1.5 hours) to reach the trailhead. The return follows the same route in reverse. The difference between tiers is the vehicle. Budget trekkers travel by local tourist bus or shared vehicle, which is comfortable, safe and well-used by Nepalis and travellers alike. Standard trekkers ride in a private tourist vehicle with more legroom and air conditioning. Luxury trekkers get a premium private vehicle with extra comfort for the long drive. There are no flights on this itinerary; everything is by road, which keeps costs down and gives you more of Nepal's countryside to enjoy through the window. For a full breakdown of what trekking in Nepal actually costs, see our complete cost guide.
Your Trek, Your Way
Every trek we run is arranged privately for your group. You won't be paired with strangers unless you choose to join a public departure. Whether you book as a solo trekker, a couple on your honeymoon, a family with children, or a group of friends, this itinerary belongs to you. Want to add a rest day in Ghorepani? Extend to include a visit to Fewa Lake in Pokhara or a sunrise drive up to Sarangkot? We can adjust. Our three tiers (Budget, Standard and Luxury) give you genuine choice over accommodation, meals, porter support and transport without affecting the route itself. Same expert guides. Same safety standards. Three comfort levels. Read more about what the price difference actually buys or explore our budget trekking guide.
Difficulty
We rate this trek Easy to Moderate (2 out of 5). The maximum altitude is 3,210 metres (10,531ft), which is well below the threshold where altitude sickness becomes a serious concern. There are no glacier crossings, no exposed ridgelines and no technical sections. The toughest stretch is the stone staircase from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri on day one, roughly 3,300 steps climbing through forest, but you'll be fresh and your guide will set an easy pace. Daily walking ranges from 4 to 6 hours over well-maintained trails. The trail passes through villages every hour or two, so you're never far from a teahouse, a cup of tea and a place to rest. If you can walk 5-6 hours a day on hilly terrain, you can do this trek. It's a favourite with beginners, families and anyone wanting a genuine Himalayan experience without the demands of higher-altitude routes.
Compare Our Three Packages
| Feature | Budget | Standard | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | USD $305 | USD $420 | USD $1,000 |
| Meals on trek | Not included (order and pay at teahouses) | 3 meals daily + tea, seasonal fruits and 2L hot water | All meals + all drinks (except alcohol), fruits and dry nuts |
| Meals in Pokhara | Breakfast only at hotel | Breakfast only at hotel | Breakfast only at hotel |
| Room | Shared teahouse room | Private twin with attached bathroom (where available) | Private deluxe with bed heater and attached bathroom (where available) |
| Porter | Not included | 1 porter per 2 trekkers (max 15-20kg) | 1 porter per trekker (carry nothing yourself) |
| Guide | 1 guide per group (assistant at 8+) | 1 guide per 6 trekkers (assistant at 6+) | 1 guide per 2 trekkers |
| Transport | Local tourist bus / shared vehicle | Private tourist vehicle | Luxury private vehicle |
| SIM & Data | SIM card only | SIM with limited data | SIM with unlimited data (see our SIM card guide) |
| Best for | Backpackers and independent travellers | Comfort trekkers, couples, families | Premium experience seekers |
Himalayas for Every Budget. Same expert guides, same safety, three comfort levels. Every tier includes all permits, a Nepal government well-trained guide, airport transfers and 24/7 emergency support. The only things that change are the comfort details. Read our full comparison of what the price difference actually buys or explore luxury trekking in Nepal. Note: in Pokhara, only breakfast is included at your hotel across all tiers; other meals in Pokhara are at your own expense and choice, giving you the freedom to explore the lakeside restaurants, try Nepali street food and find your own favourites. Meals during the Kathmandu-Pokhara drive are also not included, for the same reason. Check our guide on WiFi and charging on the trail so you know what to expect on the Poon Hill route.
Your Trek, Our Family
The Everest Holiday is not a faceless agency. It's a family.
Hari Lal Simkhada, Shreejan's grandfather, arranged logistics and supported Himalayan expeditions in the 1960s and 1970s, back when reaching Nepal's high mountains required weeks of approach marching and a willingness to solve problems nobody had solved before. Ganesh Prasad Simkhada, Shreejan's father, has held senior positions in Nepal's tourism and mountaineering institutions, helping shape the industry that now brings over 200,000 trekkers to Nepal each year.
Today, Shreejan Simkhada runs The Everest Holiday as CEO and third-generation guide. He personally designs every itinerary, selects every guide, and remains available to trekkers before, during and after their trip. This is not a company where you are handed off to a call centre. When you message us on WhatsApp (+977 9810351300), you are talking to the family.
Our Credentials
- 196 TripAdvisor Reviews, rated 4.9 out of 5, TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2024
- 108+ Google Reviews, rated 4.9 out of 5
- TAAN Certified, Member #1586, Government Registration: 147653/072/073
- Secure 10% deposit processed through Himalayan Bank Limited, Nepal's most trusted commercial bank
- Himalayas for Every Budget: three tiers, one standard of care
- Three generations of Himalayan guiding since the 1960s
Solo Trekkers Welcome
Most of our trekkers book alone. It's the single most common booking type we receive, and if you're wondering whether it's strange to trek solo in Nepal, it isn't. Nepal's mandatory guide rule means nobody treks without professional support, and our small groups (2-20 people) mean you'll be walking with a handful of like-minded travellers, not a convoy. The Poon Hill trek is particularly popular with solo travellers because of its shorter duration and lower difficulty — you can fit it into a ten-day holiday from the UK and still have time to explore Pokhara and Kathmandu on either side. You can book a private departure if you prefer to walk with just your guide, or join a public group to share costs and meet people. Either way, you are not alone out there. Read our guide on Nepal travel etiquette before you go, and our notes on tipping your guide and porter. Our solo female trekking guide covers safety, social dynamics and practical tips that apply to everyone, not just women.
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate (2 out of 5). Here is what that means in practical terms for the Poon Hill trek.
The maximum altitude is 3,210 metres (10,531ft) at the Poon Hill viewpoint. You'll only be at this height for an hour or so during the sunrise visit — the overnight stop at Ghorepani sits at approximately 2,860 metres. At these altitudes, mild headaches are possible, but serious altitude sickness is very rare. Our guides still carry a pulse oximeter and monitor you throughout, because safety is the same regardless of how easy the route is rated. If you have concerns about altitude, read our guide on Diamox and altitude medication.
The terrain is well-maintained and clearly marked throughout. The biggest physical challenge is the stone staircase between Tikhedhunga and Ulleri — roughly 3,300 steps ascending through forest. It's steep, but your guide will keep the pace comfortable, and there are teahouses along the way where you can stop for tea. The descent from Tadapani to Ghandruk includes uneven stone steps that can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended.
Daily walking hours range from 4 to 6 hours, with the longest day being the trek to Ghorepani. You don't need previous trekking experience, though some fitness preparation will make the days more enjoyable. If you can comfortably walk up and down hills for 5 hours, you'll be fine. This trek is regularly completed by children, by trekkers in their sixties and seventies, and by people who have never spent a night in the mountains before. Read our beginner's guide if you're planning your first Himalayan trek.
Trek With a Purpose — Changing the World, One Step at a Time
In 2019, Shreejan Simkhada and Shamjhana Basukala founded the Nagarjun Learning Center in one of Nepal's most remote communities. Today, 70 children receive free education and hot meals every school day at the centre's flagship branch in Saldum Village, Dhading District. More than 600 people have received free medical care through annual health camps. 275+ women have been reached through support and skills programmes. Seven learning centres now operate across Nepal.
The Nagarjun Learning Center is verified and listed on the UN Partner Portal.
When you trek with us, you are not just walking through the mountains. You are building futures. A portion of every booking goes directly to the centre, funding teachers, meals and internet access for children who had none before. Every trek also upholds our commitment to responsible trekking and porter welfare. You can learn more at nepallearningcenter.com.
What Trekkers Say About This Trek
"We did the Poon Hill trek with Shreejan and it was perfect. The sunrise over the Annapurna range brought tears to my eyes. Our guide Manoj was brilliant — funny, knowledgeable, and always made sure we were comfortable."
— Emma Richardson, United Kingdom (TripAdvisor, 5 stars)
"Our guide Manoj was brilliant. The rhododendron forests were in full bloom and the hot springs at the end were a perfect way to celebrate finishing the trek."
— Google Review, 5 stars
"Our guide Manoj was brilliant. The rhododendron forests were in full bloom and the hot springs at the end were a perfect way to celebrate finishing the trek."
— Google Review, 5 stars
"The sunrise from Poon Hill over the Annapurna range was worth waking up at 4am. Short trek but packed with beauty. Perfect for those with limited time."
— TripAdvisor Review, 5 stars
"Our guide Manoj was brilliant. The rhododendron forests were in full bloom and the hot springs at the end were a perfect way to celebrate finishing the trek."
— Google Review, 5 stars
