Discovery World TrekkingThis all-weather four-day-long getaway to the lower Annapurna region takes you to Poon Hill viewpoint, the ultimate spot that provides a stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Varaha Shikhar, and Lamjung Himal. You will also be visiting Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages. This trip is a perfect short trek, fit for people of all ages and families in particular.
The Poon Hill Trek is a perfect introductory Himalayan adventure, offering a blend of spectacular mountain views and rich cultural experiences—all in a short duration ideal for families, older trekkers, or those with limited time. With a famous sunrise panorama overlooking the entire Annapurna range, this trek provides unforgettable views of more than 20 major peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, from the celebrated Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters.
Set in the lower Annapurna foothills, the trek moves through lush, terraced fields, vibrant rhododendron forests, and charming traditional villages that reflect the heritage of the Gurung and Magar communities. You will enjoy stunning mountain scenery, dense rhododendron forests full of wildlife, and deep sub-tropical valleys. The trail progresses at the foothills of Annapurna, providing fantastic views of the fluted peak of Machapuchare (Fish Tail Peak) in the background.
The well-developed trail infrastructure makes it accessible for first-time trekkers, while its efficiency ensures you experience both the natural and cultural highlights without a lengthy time commitment. The route provides a unique perspective where the urban landscape of nearby settlements meets the mountain wilderness in one picturesque frame.
Your journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and onward to the trailhead at Nayapul/Birethanti. On Day 1, you'll trek from Nayapul through Tikhedhunga and up to Ulleri; the following day, the ascent continues to the large Gurung village of Ghorepani. On Day 3, an early morning hike rewards you with the classic sunrise view at Poon Hill before progressing to Ghandruk, where you can enjoy local culture and hospitality.
On the final day, after experiencing traditional Nepali life and the natural beauty of the Annapurna region, including local cuisine, traditional architecture, and cultural museums, you will complete this perfect short Himalayan adventure with a drive back to Pokhara. The Poon Hill Trek offers an efficient, unforgettable experience that combines maximum mountain views with minimal time investment, making it a must-do for anyone eager to explore Nepal’s stunning highlands.
We recommend all our valuable clients who have booked the Poon Hill trek with us to arrive in Kathmandu by 3 pm, at least one day earlier than the trek departure day, for last-minute preparations.
This Poon Hill trek package includes a six to seven hours bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, approximately 200 kilometers. However, if you want, you can take a 20-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara at an additional cost. Similarly, you can fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara at your own expense.
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available dates and times for the trek briefing, and once we receive your essential documents, we will conduct the online trek briefing.
Drive From Pokhara to Nayapul / Birethanti (1039m). Drive Time. Approx. 2 hrs. Trek to Tikhedunga and then to Ulleri (1,540 m). Trek time: Approx. 3-4 hrs.
Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani ( 2,860m). Trek time: Approx. 3-4 hrs.
Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m), then trek to Ghandrunk (1,950m). Trek time: Approx. 5-6 hrs.
Trek from Ghandruk to Kimche - Syauli Bazaar (1,220m). Trek time: Approx. 2 hrs. Drive to Nayapul Pokhara (820m). Drive time: Approx. 2 hrs.
If the published schedule does not suit you, we can build the trek around your dates, your pace and what you want to see.
The calendar below displays the available trek schedules. Please select the exact trek start date. Ensure your arrival day is before the trek start date and your departure day is after the trek end date.
We start our journey at Pokhara with a short drive through beautiful landscapes to Nayapul/Birethanti. We walk from Birethanti Village (1,015m), then follow the trail through the north bank of the Bhurung Khola, steadily up the side of the valley to Hille (1,495m), and after a short climb, you will reach Tikhedhunga (1,570m). You will then walk along a steep series of stone steps and reach Ulleri (2,070m), a large Magar village.
After a nourishing breakfast, the trek begins from Ulleri, heading for Ghorepani Poon Hill. From the trail, you can get astonishing views of the snow peaks, including the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli. The path silently ascends through the rhododendron forest to reach Nanghethani (2460m). After an hour of walking, you will arrive at the destination of the day, Ghorepani, a spectacular settlement located on a ridgeline. The hillside below the Ghorepani is full of forests with eight different rhododendron species, Nepal's national flower.
You will start the day early to reach Poon Hill just in time to view the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. From Poon Hill, you can see a brilliant panorama of mountain ranges, Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and much more. After enjoying the views, you will return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast, it is time to follow a pleasant forest trail through rhododendron and oak groves to Deurali (2,960m) on a trail that connects the Ghorepani-Tatopani trial at Chitre. The trail descends through rhododendron forests to Banthanti (2,606m).
After crossing to the north side of the stream, the trail goes uphill and enters Bhurung Khola. From Bhurung Khola, the path ascends again through the steep forests for 20 minutes to finally reach Tadapani. Then you will hike some more through a forest path downhill to Ghandrunk, a Gurung village. At Ghandruk, you will be visiting the local Gurung museum.
It will be your final day in the trails. After leaving Ghandruk, you will hike through the picturesque rice fields and past small villages and reach Kimche-Syauli bazaar taking around two hours. You will then bid goodbye to the trail and take local transport to Pokhara. Your trek ends at Pokhara.
You have seen all 4 days.Next, choose the date you want to start.
See trip datesIf the published schedule does not suit you, we can build the trek around your dates, your pace and what you want to see.
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Depending on the season you wish to trek, you must adjust your clothing and types of equipment. However, these are the necessities list we created to keep your comfort and utility in mind. We recommend our clients bring over only the necessities. You can store your extra luggage at the Discovery World Trekking store for free while trekking.
Please note we provide one trekker for every two trekkers and our porter will not carry more than 18 kg luggage. Hence, we advise you to team up with a fellow trekker and pack your things together in a duffle bag with a capacity of over sixty lite
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13 steps · Everything you need to know before you book: permits, meals, costs and what each day looks like. No rush, take your time.
You need to arrive at least one day before the trek departure date to make final preparations. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will receive you, welcome you with a marigold garland, and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
On the trek departure day, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara via a tourist bus departing at 7 AM. Pokhara serves as the gateway to the Poon Hill trek. The package includes round-trip transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Alternatively, you may opt for a 20-minute flight or private transportation at your expense.
During the four-day trek, you’ll stay in twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms at the best available lodges in Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. In Pokhara, you will stay at Silver Oaks Inn, offering an attached bathroom, TV, hot water, and laundry facilities.
Lodges commonly offer electricity for charging devices, Wi-Fi for internet access, and hot showers, though you may need to pay extra. You’ll need to arrange your own accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, as they are not included in the package.
The trek package includes four breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners. The meals are nutritious, hygienic, and suited to the trekking environment. The menu items include a mix of local, Asian, and Western cuisine, though options become limited and more expensive at higher altitudes. Dinner in Pokhara is not included in the package.
We recommend consuming liquids like green tea, ginger tea, or garlic soup and prioritize vegetable-based meals at higher altitudes. Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and non-vegetarian foods, as these are not recommended during high-elevation treks.
Each trekker is allowed up to 9 kg of luggage, carried by porters (one porter for every two trekkers). Ensure valuables and essentials like documents are in a small personal backpack. You can store your extra luggage securely at your hotel or our store for free. Since a porter will carry two trekkers’ luggage, we advise you to find a fellow trekker and pack your things in a duffle bag of over sixty liters.
Avoid drinking untreated water from rivers or taps while trekking. We advise you to carry a reusable water bottle to minimize waste as you can easily purchase boiled water at lodges. You can buy bottled water from en-route shops but it is not ecofriendly.
You can buy SIM cards in Kathmandu. Our guides maintain daily communication with our office to ensure safety and provide trek updates. Additionally, we remain on standby to handle any emergencies.
All foreigners (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Most nationalities can obtain an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport. A valid passport with six months' validity, a passport-sized photo, and a visa fee are required. The 30-day visa costs USD 50. Children under ten and nationals from SAARC countries are eligible for free visas. For the latest updates, visit https://www.immigration.gov.np/en.
Though this trek is categorized as easy, we recommend you purchase travel insurance. We will use your insurance details for any necessary rescue operations in emergencies.
The local currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). (1 USD = ~133 NPR). You can exchange major currencies at banks or authorized money exchange centers in Kathmandu or Thamel. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu, but you might have to pay a service charge. Bring clean and untorn bills, as older notes may not be accepted.
Major costs during the trek are covered but not all. You will need money for meals and accommodations in Kathmandu, snacks, beverages, extra meal courses, Wi-Fi charges at lodges, dinner in Pokhara, visa fees, souvenirs, etc. We estimate you will need around USD 15 per trek day.
The Poon Hill Ghandruk trek is suitable year-round, but each month in the Annapurna offers a unique weather. While spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are most popular for their pleasant weather and clear views, summer and winter have a distinct appeal.
For more detailed information about the weather conditional, check our comprehensive guide for annapurna region.
A typical trekking day begins early, with a cup of tea or coffee. After freshening up, you will have breakfast around 7:00 AM. You will hit around 8:00 AM, enjoying the serene landscapes, pausing for photographs, and taking short breaks to stay energized.
Lunch will be around midday. After refueling, the journey resumes around 1:30 PM, with the pace adjusted to accommodate the trail's terrain and the group’s comfort. Upon reaching the day’s destination in the late afternoon, you can unwind and explore the local area.
In the evening, at around 7: 00 pm, you will have a delicious dinner. Then, your guide will brief you about the following day’s trek. After this briefing, you will have ample time to socialize, reflect, or rest, ensuring everyone is rejuvenated for the adventures ahead.
This special evening will celebrate your achievements with traditional cuisine. Later, we will provide you with a trek achievement certificate.
On your departure date, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport on a private vehicle, provided you tell us your hotel name, room number, and departure time.
We only organize private treks and do not add anyone to your group. We can handle all group sizes and the bigger your group, the more discount you will get. Moreover, for a group of 12 or more, we also add an assistant guide.
Discovery World Trekking, a government-authorized trekking operator in Nepal, is a member of both the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). We require a 10% advance payment to confirm your trek booking, which you can pay via bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, Credit Card, or directly on our website.
After booking, you must submit essential documents—passport copy, photos, travel insurance, and flight details—within a week. The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Nepal through cash, bank transfer, Wise, Western Union, or credit card. We will also email you the payment details.
For spontaneous travelers, we offer last-minute booking options. Ensure your documents and travel insurance are ready, then contact us directly to confirm availability and finalize arrangements.
For last-minute treks, we require full payment at least 24 hours before your departure date. While we strive to operate on schedule, delays may occur due to weather, landslides, or limited accommodations. For assistance, call Paul at 977-9840055491 or email info@discoveryworldtrekking.com.
Though our treks have specific departure dates, we can change them if they do not suit you. Please let us know as soon as possible if the departure dates are inconvenient.
After you complete the trek, should you want to take part in other activities, we can arrange Chitwan Jungle Safari, a sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu Valley, or even another trek.
Our experienced, government-licensed guides and Sherpas will accompany you throughout your trek, ensuring a safe and memorable journey. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and ecological conservation, they bring years of trekking expertise and deep knowledge of the high Himalayas.
We provide fair compensation and cover their insurance, food, and lodging during the trek, prioritizing their well-being. A well-cared-for team ensures an exceptional trekking experience for you.
Sustainability lies at the heart of trekking operations. We aim to leave only the footprints behind in the trek region. Hence, we partner with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to ensure our treks are environmentally friendly.
Tipping is a customary way to express gratitude to the guides, porters, and staff who work tirelessly to make the trek successful. We advise you to tip as a group at the end of the trek. The tip amount should be based on the quality of service received, trek length, and cost.
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Discovery World Trekking allocates a certain percentage of business profit to rural development and relief programs.
Discover Nepal’s breathtaking trails at your own pace with our exclusive private treks. No strangers, no rushed schedules—just you, your adventure, and complete flexibility.
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Poon Hill Trek Trip Reviews
Explorations that last a lifetime.
We had an incredible experience embarking on the Poon Hill trek. Paul efficiently organized our trip and proved to be consistently reliable, starting from the moment we reached out for information until our departure. Our guide...
We specifically searched for a trek that would be suitable for a family with children, and boy, were we in for a pleasant surprise! Paul arranged an incredible expedition to Poon Hill. Our daughters had an unforgettable adventu...
I had only one week left in Nepal and wanted to get trekking experience. I met Paul gurung (CEO of discovery world trekking) and he suggested I try Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. My itinerary plans were short and just what I needed....
My journey to Ghorepani Poon Hill was an absolute delight from start to finish. This trekking experience offered breathtaking views, cultural immersion, and a sense of accomplishment that will stay with me forever. Discovery Wo...
My wife and I successfully completed the Poon Hill trek with Discovery World Trekking. We stumbled upon Discovery through a simple Google search, primarily attracted by their challenging itinerary. The trek itself proved to be ...
As first-time trekkers, we naturally felt nervous and uncertain about what to expect. However, Discovery World Trek provided us with an incredible experience, and we're grateful for choosing them.
Paul wa...