A short teahouse loop from Pokhara through Magar and Gurung villages and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani and the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m), returning via Tadapani and Ghandruk.
- Days
- 4 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,210 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Annapurna Regionघोडेपानी
Ghorepani and Poon Hill
A ridge-top trekking village in rhododendron forest, and the base for the dawn climb to Poon Hill's view of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
- Altitude
- 2,874 m*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Myagdi, Gandaki
- Permit
- Permit required
Why go
Ghorepani is a village on a forested pass at about 2,870 m on the border of Myagdi and Kaski districts, and the high point of the popular Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek in the Annapurna region. Almost every visitor comes for the same reason: to climb before dawn to Poon Hill, a viewpoint at 3,210 m about 45-60 minutes above the village, and watch the sun rise over a long line of peaks.
From Poon Hill the panorama runs from Dhaulagiri I and its satellite peaks in the west, across the deep Kali Gandaki gorge, to Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre in the east. On clear autumn mornings hundreds of trekkers gather on the hilltop and its viewing tower.
The village itself is a cluster of lodges, shops and a small stupa on the ridge, surrounded by some of the largest rhododendron forests in Nepal, which turn red, pink and white in March and April. Ghorepani sits at the crossroads of several routes: up from Ulleri and Nayapul, east to Tadapani and Ghandruk, and north-west down to Tatopani in the Kali Gandaki valley. Most people visit on a 4-5 day loop from Pokhara, which is one of the shortest ways to see big Himalayan views on foot.
History and culture
The name means 'horse water': the village grew up as a resting point on an old trading route where caravans watered their horses before crossing the ridge between the Kali Gandaki and the Modi Khola valleys. When roads replaced the old mule routes, the trade traffic disappeared and tourism became the main source of income.
The surrounding area is home mainly to Magar and Gurung communities, and Poon Hill is widely said to take its name from the Pun clan of the Magar people, who are numerous in the villages around Ghorepani. Local committees manage lodges and the viewpoint, and the village lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Things to do in Ghorepani and Poon Hill
Poon Hill sunrise
Leave the village about an hour before sunrise with a torch for the 45-60 minute climb of roughly 340 m on stone steps; a local entry charge is usually collected at the top.
Ghorepani to Tadapani
Follow the ridge past Deurali through rhododendron forest to Tadapani, around 5-6 hours, continuing to Ghandruk the next day.
Descend to Tatopani
Walk north-west via Chitre and Shikha down to the hot springs at Tatopani in the Kali Gandaki valley, roughly 6-8 hours.
Weather and the best time to visit Ghorepani and Poon Hill
Weather in Ghorepani and Poon Hill
Forecast for 2,874 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November bring the clearest sunrise views and the most trekkers; lodges can be busy.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold and often clear; snow and ice can cover the trail and the Poon Hill steps.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March and April are famous for the rhododendron bloom; skies are often hazier and afternoons cloudy.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is wet with frequent cloud, leeches and slippery steps; sunrise views are rare.
Where to stay
TeahousesLodges
Many trekking lodges in upper and lower Ghorepani; book ahead or arrive early in October, November and April.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
From Pokhara, drive towards Nayapul and on by jeep to Ulleri or Hile, then walk up through Banthanti to Ghorepani. Many trekkers return via Tadapani and Ghandruk.
Nearest hub: Pokhara
- roadPokhara to Nayapul, about 40-45 km and 1.5-2 hours by bus or taxi.
- jeepNayapul to Ulleri by jeep, roughly 1.5-2.5 hours on a rough road.
- trekUlleri to Ghorepani via Banthanti and Nangethanti, about 3-5 hours and roughly 800 m of climbing.
- trekTatopani to Ghorepani via Shikha and Chitre, about 8-10 hours of steady climbing.
Permits and fees
Permit required
Ghorepani and Poon Hill are inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an ACAP permit is required. A small local charge is usually collected at the Poon Hill viewpoint.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Obtain in Pokhara or Kathmandu; checked at Birethanti and other checkpoints.
- TIMS card: Check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
- Poon Hill viewpoint charge: Local ticket collected at the hilltop; check on arrival.
- Guide rule: Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas are generally required to go with a licensed guide; check the current rule.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Annapurna Conservation Area Project, NTNC.
On the trail
On the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek, Annapurna Circuit (Tatopani exit), Khopra Ridge trek.
- Previous stop:
- Ulleri or Banthanti
- Next stop:
- Tadapani (towards Ghandruk) or Tatopani
- A typical day:
- From Ulleri, about 3-5 hours and 800 m of height gain on stone steps through oak and rhododendron forest; the next morning adds the 340 m climb to Poon Hill before continuing.
Practical tips
- Ghorepani is close to 2,900 m and Poon Hill is 3,210 m; mild altitude symptoms are possible. Know the general symptoms of altitude sickness and descend if they worsen. This is general information, not medical advice.
- Mobile signal and paid lodge Wi-Fi are generally available.
- There is no ATM; bring cash from Pokhara.
- Pre-dawn on Poon Hill is cold and windy even in autumn; bring gloves, a hat and a down layer.
- Charging is available at lodges, usually for a fee.
Treks through Ghorepani and Poon Hill
A quieter loop west of the Annapurna Sanctuary from Ghandruk via Tadapani, Dobato and Khopra Ridge (about 3,660 m) to Swanta, Ghorepani and Poon Hill, with an optional hike to Khayer Lake.
- Days
- 7 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,660 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
A four-day loop from Pokhara via Ghandruk, Tadapani and Dobato to the Muldai viewpoint (about 3,637 m) for sunrise, returning over Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
- Days
- 4 days
- Maximum altitude
- 3,637 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Questions about Ghorepani and Poon Hill
How do I get to Poon Hill from Pokhara?
Drive to Nayapul and take a jeep to Ulleri, then walk 3-5 hours to Ghorepani; climb Poon Hill at dawn the next morning. Most loops take 3-5 days from Pokhara.
How high is Poon Hill?
Poon Hill is 3,210 m, about 340 m above Ghorepani village, which sits at roughly 2,870 m.
Do I need a permit for Ghorepani and Poon Hill?
Yes, an ACAP permit; check the current TIMS and guide rules. A small local charge is also collected at the viewpoint.
When is the best time for the Poon Hill sunrise?
October to early December gives the clearest views; March and April bring rhododendron blooms but hazier skies.
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Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Ghorepani, Wikipedia, Poon Hill, Wikipedia, Annapurna Conservation Area Project, NTNC