Why do people love this trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most loved short treks in Nepal. Folks like it cuz it doesn’t take weeks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. It’s short, sweet, and still gives the kind of mountain views that feel unreal. I heard a couple from Pokhara say they only had a week off work, and this was the perfect trip cuz it fit right into their schedule.
The trek is known for sunrise at Poon Hill. If you’ve ever seen pictures of the golden light hitting Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, that’s prob from here. People line up early morning, some even hike in the dark just to catch that view.
How long does it take
Most people finish the horepani Poon Hill Trek in 4–5 days. That’s why it’s called the best short trek in Nepal. You don’t need big gear or lots of planning. It’s more like a long walk through villages, forests, and hills. A friend once told me, “I didn’t even feel like I was doing some hardcore trek; it felt like walking in a giant natural park.”
The trail feels alive.
Walking this trek is not just about mountains. The villages along the way feel warm. Locals wave, kids say “Namaste” a hundred times, and tea houses smell like dal bhat (Nepali rice and lentil soup). I remember someone saying the tea houses were the best part, cuz you get hot food after a long day. The vibe is like staying in someone’s home, not in some fancy hotel.
The trail goes through a rhododendron forest, too. In spring (March–April), the whole forest blooms red and pink. Folks often say it feels like walking in a fairyland.
Sunrise at Poon Hill
The main highlight is standing on Poon Hill at sunrise. You see Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. It’s like the whole mountain range opens up just for you.
But don’t expect to be alone. Lots of trekkers gather here, and sometimes it feels like a small festival. Some people don’t like the crowd, but most say sharing that sunrise with others makes it more special.
Who this trek is good for
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People who want a short trek but still want big mountain views
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Beginners who have ever trekked before
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Families (even kids can do it at a slow pace)
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Folks who don’t have weeks for Everest or Annapurna
Cost and permits
You need two permits: a TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Both are easy to get to in Pokhara. The trek itself is not too expensive. Tea houses charge per night, and food is extra. If you buy snacks in Pokhara before, you save some money cuz things get pricier the higher up.
One hiker I met told me he carried chocolates from Pokhara. At Ghorepani, the same chocolate was three times the price.
Best time to go
Autumn (Sept–Nov) and spring (Mar–May) are the most popular. Clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. Winter can be cold, but the sky is super clear, so some say it’s worth it. Summer/monsoon (June–Aug) has rain, but fewer tourists. Trails get muddy tho.
Common mistakes trekkers make
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Packing too heavily (the trek is short, don’t bring everything)
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Not starting early for Poon Hill sunrise (you need a flashlight, the hike is in the dark)
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Forgetting cash (no ATMs up there)
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Ignoring weather (mountains change fast, carry a rain jacket)
Little tips from others
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Always drink hot ginger tea in tea houses; it keeps you warm
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Bring a simple walking stick, it helps on stairs (and there are A LOT of stairs)
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Stay one extra day in Ghorepani if you have time; the village itself feels relaxing
Final thoughts
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is short, but it gives a taste of everything: mountains, forests, villages, food, culture, and that golden sunrise. Lots of folks say it’s the perfect “first trek” in Nepal. Some even joke that after doing this trek, they got addicted and came back for bigger ones like Everest Base Camp.
FAQs
How long is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Most folks finish it in 4 to 5 days. Some even stretch it to a week if they walk slowly or add extra villages on the way.
How difficult is the Poon Hill Trek?
It’s not too hard. The trail has lots of stairs, tho, so legs get tired. Even beginners and families do it fine if they take breaks.
How much does it cost to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
On average, around $200–$400 per person. That covers permits, food, tea houses, and transport from Pokhara. If you hire a guide or porter, it costs more.
How to reach Ghorepani from Pokhara?
Most people take a jeep or bus to Nayapul or Ulleri from Pokhara, then start walking. From there, it’s 2 2-day hike to Ghorepani.
IQnewswire 
Fakhar Nazir 
Prime Star