Ulleri

Ulleri is a busy, traditional Magar settlement in the Annapurna region that marks the first major milestone for trekkers heading towards Ghorepani and Poon Hill. 

It is famously known for the steep stone staircase leading up to it, a tough climb that serves as a rough but effective first test for Himalayan trekking. 

Once you finish the steps, Ulleri rewards you with the first clear, impressive views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, alongside comfortable teahouses that blend authentic village culture with modern trekking amenities 

Where Is Ulleri Located?

Ulleri lies on a south-facing hillside above the Bhurungdi Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. It sits between Tikhedhunga below and Ghorepani above, about 12 km from Nayapul and 6–7 km from Ghorepani. 

The village is roughly 2 km from Tikhedhunga in horizontal distance, but the climb involves an ascent of around 800 metres.

Country	Nepal
Province	Gandaki Province
District	Kaski
Municipality	Annapurna Rural Municipality, Ward 9
Region	Annapurna region
Latitude	Approximately 28.3567° N
Longitude	Approximately 83.7354° E
Elevation	About 2,050 m (6,725 ft)

What Is Ulleri Known For?

Ulleri is well known on the Annapurna trails. It is universally recognised as the site of the great physical hurdle of the lower trekking routes, testing leg strength and stamina early in the journey.

• The Stone Staircase from Tikhedhunga

Ulleri is most famous for the relentless 3,200-plus stone steps connecting it to Tikhedhunga below. This continuous, steep ascent defines the first or second day of the trek, carving its way up the hillside and demanding significant physical exertion. The staircase is a test for anyone heading to Poon Hill.

• A Magar Village on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trail

Beyond the steps, Ulleri is a culturally rich Magar village. Recognisable by its tightly clustered, blue-roofed and slate-roofed stone houses, it offers trekkers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the Magar people, who have farmed these terraced hillsides for generations.

How to Reach Ulleri?

Ulleri is reached by a combination of road travel from Pokhara and a steep trek up the valley. The journey transitions from paved highways to rugged dirt roads, before switching entirely to footpaths.

By Road and On Foot Route: Pokhara → Nayapul → Birethanti → Tikhedhunga → Ulleri

The journey begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, covering approximately 45 km. This drive along the Pokhara-Baglung Highway usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, twisting through the lower middle hills.

From Nayapul, the route turns onto a rough, unpaved jeep track heading north. Vehicles generally continue past Birethanti to Hille or Tikhedhunga, covering another 8–10 km, which takes about 1 hour depending on the road conditions.

On Foot (After the vehicle stops): Once the jeep drops you at Tikhedhunga (1,540 m), you cross two suspension bridges over the Bhurungdi Khola. From here, the trail immediately hits the famous stone staircase.

Route: Tikhedhunga → Ulleri Distance: Approx. 2.5 km Walking Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours of continuous, steep climbing. The path weaves through terraced fields and small rest stops before flattening out as you enter the main settlement of Ulleri.

 

How Difficult Are the Ulleri Stone Steps?

The Ulleri steps are steep and tiring, even though the walk from Tikhedhunga is short. You gain roughly 500 m (1,640 ft) in elevation. The stone steps vary in height and there are few long, flat sections where your legs can rest.

Start early on warm days and give yourself time for short stops. Shoes with a good grip help on uneven or wet stone. Walking poles are useful if you plan to come down the same way, as the long descent can be hard on the knees.

If you want to shorten the first day, stay in Tikhedhunga and take the steps in the morning. A jeep to Ulleri skips this climb altogether, although the walk to Ghorepani still goes uphill.

What to See and Do in Ulleri

Ulleri is your first true viewpoint village on the trek. After the enclosed valley approach, the landscape opens up, giving you a chance to see the peaks and look around the village.

1. Photography: Mountains, Terraces, Villages and Forest Trails

From the upper part of Ulleri, the steep faces of Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m) rise above the village. The contrast between the snowy peaks and the green terraces below makes this a good place for landscape photography.

2. Walk Past Terraced Farmland and into Rhododendron Forests

The village itself is built into the hillside terraces. A short walk around the edge of the village lets you see the channels that carry water to the fields and how local families farm the land. As you look towards the trail heading further north, you can see where the fields end and the forest begins.

3. See Spring Rhododendrons on the Trail Above Ulleri

If you visit between March and May, you can look for flowers on the trail just above Ulleri. As you leave the village heading towards Banthanti, you enter a dense forest of rhododendron trees. In spring, these trees flower in shades of red, pink and white, adding colour to the trail.

 

Popular Treks That Include Ulleri

Trek	Ulleri on the route
Poon Hill Trek – 4 Days	Walks from Birethanti via Tikhedhunga and spends the first night in Ulleri.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 5 Days	Drives from Pokhara to Ulleri, then walks to Ghorepani the same day.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 11 Days	Climbs the stone steps from Tikhedhunga and stays overnight in Ulleri before walking to Ghorepani.
Khopra Danda and Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 13 Days	Starts the walk to Ghorepani in Ulleri after the drive from Pokhara.
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 14 Days	Reaches Ulleri on the descent from Ghorepani after the morning hike to Poon Hill.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake – 16 Days	Reaches Ulleri on the final walk down from Ghorepani after visiting Poon Hill.
Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda Trek – 13 Days	Passes Ulleri on the walk from Ghorepani down to Birethanti.

History of Ulleri

Before trekking became popular, Ulleri was a Magar farming village. It stood on an old trade route where mule trains carried salt and other goods between Pokhara and Mustang.

The village changed in the late 20th century as the Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill treks became more popular. Local families opened simple teahouses for walkers climbing the stone steps. Today, some lodges along the trail offer hot showers and Wi-Fi, and families still grow millet and maize on the terraces around the village.

Best Time to Visit Ulleri

At 2,050 metres, Ulleri sits below the extreme alpine zones, making it accessible for most of the year. However, the condition of the steep stone steps decides the best times to visit, as wet weather turns the ascent into a slippery hazard.

Spring (March to May)

Spring offers some of the best trekking conditions. The weather is comfortably warm during the day, making the steep climb sweaty but manageable. More importantly, spring triggers the blooming of the rhododendron forests starting just above Ulleri. The skies generally remain clear in the mornings, offering excellent views of Annapurna South.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the prime trekking season. The monsoon rains wash the dust and haze from the atmosphere, providing the sharpest, most breathtaking views of the mountains from the village. The stone steps are dry and safe to climb. Temperatures are moderate, but the teahouses in Ulleri fill up quickly due to high demand, making advance bookings essential.

Winter (December to February)

Winter trekking through Ulleri is entirely feasible. While it is cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings, snow rarely settles heavily at 2,050 metres. The skies are exceptionally clear, and the trail is much quieter. You will need warm layers for the evening, but you will simply generate plenty of body heat while climbing the stairs during the day.

Monsoon (June to August)

The monsoon season makes the trek to Ulleri very challenging. Heavy rains turn the 3,200 stone steps into slick, moss-covered trails. Leeches are everywhere in the damp forests and trailside bushes. Additionally, the dirt road connecting Nayapul to Tikhedhunga frequently washes out, forcing you to walk the entire road section before even reaching the steps.

Season	Average daytime highs at Lumle	Average night-time lows at Lumle
Spring	20°C to 24°C	10°C to 14°C
Autumn	18°C to 23°C	9°C to 17°C
Winter	14°C to 16°C	5°C to 7°C
Monsoon	Around 24°C	17°C to 18°C

 

Where to Stay in Ulleri?

Ulleri has some of the best teahouses on the lower Annapurna trail. Because it is a major stop for trekkers, the lodges are large, multi-story stone buildings built to cater to international travelers. Rooms generally feature twin beds with clean sheets, warm blankets, and solid walls. Unlike the higher altitudes, many teahouses here offer attached bathrooms and reliable hot water.

Ulleri, Tikhedhunga or Banthanti for the First Night?

Choosing where to spend your first night decides the flow of your trek.

• Tikhedhunga (1,540 m): Staying here means you face the massive 3,200-step climb first thing the next morning.
• Ulleri (2,050 m): Pushing through the steps on day one allows you to wake up to mountain views and tackle the gentler forest trails the next day.
• Banthanti (2,210 m): Located about an hour past Ulleri, staying here gives you a significant head start on the long hike to Ghorepani, but requires high fitness to reach on the first day.

Food and Drinking Water in Ulleri

The food in Ulleri is fresh, varied, and heavily influenced by the surrounding agriculture. Dal Bhat remains the ultimate trekking meal, featuring rice and lentils along with some fresh, organic vegetables grown in the very terraces surrounding the lodges. You will also find extensive menus offering pasta, pizza, momos, and Tibetan bread.

For drinking water, avoid buying single-use plastic bottles, which pollute the region. Instead, utilise the Safe Drinking Water Stations located in Birethanti and Tikhedhunga on your way up. Once in Ulleri, teahouses supply boiled, filtered water for a small fee. You should always carry a water purification system, such as a UV pen or tablets, to treat tap water safely.

Facilities and Services in Ulleri

Because of its lower altitude and immense popularity, Ulleri offers excellent facilities, allowing you to stay connected and comfortable before heading into the wilder sections of the trail.

Wi-Fi, Mobile Signal and Charging

Ulleri has strong, reliable 4G mobile network coverage (both Ncell and NTC) throughout the village. Almost all teahouses provide Wi-Fi, usually for a small additional charge, which is fast enough for messaging and light browsing. Because the village is connected to the local power grid (supplemented by solar), charging your phones and camera batteries is cheap and reliable in your room or the dining hall.

Cash and Basic Supplies

There are no ATMs in Ulleri; you must withdraw all necessary cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. However, the village is well-stocked with small shops. You can easily purchase items you may have forgotten, including toilet paper, trekking snacks, chocolate, basic medical supplies, and even trekking poles, though prices are higher than in Pokhara.

Permits and Guide Requirements for Trekking to Ulleri

Ulleri is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to enter.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000. This grants you entry into the protected region.
• Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card: NPR 2,000. This logs your itinerary for safety purposes.

What Should You Pack for the Ulleri Steps?

Packing effectively for the Ulleri ascent means focusing on heat management and joint protection. You do not need heavy mountain gear for this section.

• Trekking Poles: Absolutely essential to take the strain off your knees on the 3,200 steep stone steps.
• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: The climb generates immense body heat; avoid cotton and wear breathable T-shirts.
• Comfortable Trekking Boots: Ensure they are broken in, as the uneven stone steps quickly cause sores in new shoes.
• Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, as parts of the staircase are completely exposed to the sun.
• Hydration Bladder or Bottles: You will sweat a lot; keep 2 litres of water easily accessible without stopping to unpack your bag.

FAQs

How High Is Ulleri?

Ulleri sits at about 2,050 m (6,725 ft) above sea level.

Can You Reach Poon Hill Without Climbing the Ulleri Steps?

Yes. Take a jeep from Pokhara to Ulleri, then walk via Banthanti and Nangethanti to Ghorepani. Stay in Ghorepani before the 45-minute to one-hour climb to Poon Hill the following morning.

How Long Does It Take to Walk from Ulleri to Ghorepani?

The walk covers about 8–10 km. Allow four to six hours with stops via Banthanti and Nangethanti. If your lodge is in Upper Ghorepani, allow time for the last short climb from Lower Ghorepani.

Does the Jeep Reach Ulleri in the Monsoon?

Jeeps reach Ulleri in the monsoon when the road is clear. Heavy rain can delay travel or mean getting out farther down the valley. If the jeep stops at Tikhedhunga, allow two to three hours for the walk up the steps.