Myagdi, Gandaki · Nepal
Ghorepani Poon Hill
A short teahouse trek to a famous sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Ghorepani Poon Hill is an easy–moderate trek in Myagdi, Gandaki, Nepal, reaching 3,210 m. The best time to go is March and April and October to December. Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground from Pokhara and about ₹3,000 per person per day.
What to do in Ghorepani Poon Hill
The one thing not to miss
Sunrise from Poon Hill
Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas; an hour's climb from Ghorepani.
- 2The rhododendron forestIn bloom in March and April.
- 3GhandrukA Gurung village with a small museum, on the way out.
A sample plan: 5 days
Day 1
Pokhara to the roadhead, walk to Ulleri or Banthanti
Up a long stone staircase.
Day 2
To Ghorepani
Through rhododendron forest.
Day 3
Poon Hill at sunrise, then Ghorepani to Tadapani
A beautiful ridge and forest day.
Day 4
Tadapani to Ghandruk
A short walk to the Gurung village.
Day 5
Ghandruk to the roadhead and Pokhara
Walk down and drive back.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
The gentlest way to see the 8,000 m peaks up close. Rhododendrons in April.
Why not
The sunrise viewpoint is crowded in peak season.
Before you go
- Permits
- ACAP permit. Check current guide rules.
- Guide
- Check current rules.
- Safety
- Steep stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri.
- Phone & internet
- Wi-Fi in most teahouses.
Altitude
Ghorepani Poon Hill reaches 3,210 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common.
- Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol on the first night.
- If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: Tourist Police, Pokhara, Pokhara.
All emergency contacts for Nepal →What to pack for Ghorepani Poon Hill
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
11 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Rain jacket or poncho Mountain weather turns quickly; rain gear doubles as a wind layer.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 40 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
11 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
- Duffel bag, 60–80 litres What porters carry on teahouse treks; your day pack stays with you.
Health and sun
8 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
Documents and money
5 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsACAP permit. Check current guide rules.
- Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.
- Passport-size photos for trekking permitsNeeded for park and trekking permits. Carry four.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereWi-Fi in most teahouses.
- Universal travel adapter Nepal's sockets differ from India's in many lodges.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Nepal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Pokhara.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
Pokhara
- Distance
- about 45 km
- Drive time
- 1.5–2 hours
- Pokhara
- Naudanda
- Nayapul
- Birethanti
The walk starts near Nayapul; jeeps go further, to Hile or Ulleri.
Live directions from Pokhara
Buses and shared taxis. Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in.
Pickups & drivers
From Pokhara. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Ghorepani Poon Hill yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Ghorepani Poon Hill: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Ghorepani Poon Hill?
The best months for Ghorepani Poon Hill are March and April and October to December. January and February and May are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in January and February.
How difficult is Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Ghorepani Poon Hill is rated easy–moderate. The trek is about 40 km in total, starting at 1,070 m and reaching 3,210 m.
How many days do you need for Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Plan 4 to 5 days on the ground, counted from Pokhara. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Ghorepani Poon Hill cost?
Expect about ₹3,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹15,000 for 5 days, before the cost of getting to Pokhara.
How do you reach Ghorepani Poon Hill?
By road: from Pokhara it is about 45 km, 1.5–2 hours (Pokhara → Naudanda → Nayapul → Birethanti). Tourist buses and flights link Kathmandu and Pokhara daily. From India, the Sunauli border is the usual way in. The nearest gateway is Pokhara.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Permits: ACAP permit. Check current guide rules. Guide: Check current rules.
Is Ghorepani Poon Hill suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is good; with seniors it is possible with care. It is busy in season. Steep stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri.
What should you pack for Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Wi-Fi in most teahouses.
Will I get altitude sickness at Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Ghorepani Poon Hill reaches 3,210 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common. Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol on the first night. If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Ghorepani Poon Hill is not a good choice for older travellers who find long walks or rough roads hard. Also keep in mind: The sunrise viewpoint is crowded in peak season.
Close to Ghorepani Poon Hill
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Ghandruk Loopabout 12 km
- Mardi Himalabout 23 km
- Annapurna Base Campabout 24 km
- Pokharaabout 34 km
More in Pokhara & Annapurna
- Annapurna Base Camp4,130 mcompare
- Annapurna Circuit5,416 mcompare
- Ghandruk Loop1,940 mcompare
- Mardi Himal4,500 mcompare
- Nar Phu Valley5,320 mcompare
- Pokhara1,600 mcompare