Pokhara & Annapurna, Annapurna Region
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.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a short loop in the hills north-west of Pokhara. It climbs the long staircase to Ulleri and through rhododendron and oak forest to Ghorepani, a ridge village at about 2,870 m. From there a pre-dawn walk of about 45 minutes reaches Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre.
The return goes east over the Deurali pass and through forest to Tadapani, then down to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. Jeep roads now reach Ulleri and Ghandruk, so the loop fits into four days from Pokhara, or three at a push.
The route stays below about 3,300 m and has lodges all the way, which makes it a common first Himalayan trek for families and newcomers.
Why it is rated easy
Sleeping altitude for each night. The dashed lines at 3,000 m and 4,000 m mark heights where altitude illness becomes more common. General information only, not medical advice.
Hover, tap or use the arrow keys to see each day. Shaded columns are acclimatisation days.
| Day | Overnight | Sleeping altitude | High point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ulleri | 2,010 m | - |
| 2 | Ghorepani | 2,874 m | - |
| 3 | Tadapani | 2,630 m | 3,210 m |
| 4 | Pokhara | 822 m | - |
Drive about 2-3 hours via Nayapul to Hile or Tikhedhunga, then climb the stone staircase to the Magar village of Ulleri. Jeeps can reach Ulleri itself, but the staircase is part of the trek for many people.
Teahouse in UlleriAbout Ulleri
Through Banthanti and Nangethanti into rhododendron and oak forest, climbing steadily to Ghorepani on its ridge.
Teahouse in GhorepaniAbout Ghorepani
Climb about 45 minutes to Poon Hill before sunrise, return for breakfast, then follow the forest ridge east over the Deurali pass (about 3,100 m) and down to Tadapani.
Teahouse in TadapaniAbout Tadapanihigh point Poon Hill, 3,210 m
Down through forest to the stone village of Ghandruk, then about 3-4 hours by jeep to Pokhara. On a 5-day plan, stay a night in Ghandruk and drive out the next morning.
Hotel in Pokhara
Stages, times and altitudes vary by operator, weather and pace. Partner agencies confirm the exact plan.
Trail geometry from OpenStreetMap.
ACAP entry permit (Annapurna Conservation Area)Conservation area
Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, which runs the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, at its offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara or through its online e-permit system. Carry it with your passport; it is checked at trail posts. Checkpoints on this route include Birethanti and Ghorepani.
TIMS cardTrekker card
Check whether a TIMS card is currently required; since 2023 it has been issued through registered trekking agencies.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against National Trust for Nature Conservation (Annapurna Conservation Area Project, e-permit links). Guide rule: Nepal bans solo trekking for tourists, guides mandatory from April 1 (The National, March 2023).
Nepal trekking permits explainedBest months: Feb-Apr, Oct-Dec
Forecasts for start (Ulleri, 2,010 m), highest overnight (Ghorepani, 2,874 m), end (Pokhara, 822 m). Mountain weather changes fast; check again on the day.
Forecast for 2,010 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
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.
Forecast for 822 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
From Ghorepani, add a night at Dobato and a sunrise at Muldai (about 3,637 m) before descending to Tadapani.
From Tadapani, continue to Chhomrong and up the Modi Khola to the Sanctuary.
Descend west from Ghorepani to Tatopani in the Kali Gandaki valley instead of returning via Ghandruk.
Four days from Pokhara is common. Five gives an easier pace with a night in Ghandruk, and with jeeps to Ulleri and from Ghandruk it can be done in three.
Yes, for anyone comfortable walking uphill for several hours. The staircase to Ulleri is the hardest part.
Usually from about March to April, depending on altitude and the year.
Yes. The route is in the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP entry permit; check whether a TIMS card is currently required.
A Nepal Tourism Board rule from 1 April 2023 requires foreign trekkers in conservation areas to go with a licensed guide; enforcement has varied, so check the current rule.
A teahouse trek from the road heads north of Pokhara through Gurung villages and the bamboo forest of the Modi Khola gorge into the Annapurna Sanctuary, to Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130 m.
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.
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.
Poon Hill · 4 days
