Poon Hill- For Amazing Mountains and Culture

Poon Hill Vantage Point, a 3,210 meters hilltop facing Annapurna Sierra, is a popular trekking destination among trekkers in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. It’s famous for two fantastic elements, elegant Annapurna mountains and awe-striking sunrise & sunset. Moreover, the Poon Hill Trek gives you an amazing opportunity to explore the enriched ethnicity and cultures of Gurung people.

On a crispy weathered day, from the Poon Hill top, you’ll see two 8,000 meters, six 7,000 meters, and four 6,000 meters tall mountains. Moreover, the sunrise and sunset viewing from this place make it a further not-to-miss place.

This blog will highlight why Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 2025 is still the best. Also, we’ll share some ideas of why you should consider the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill in 2025.

Annapurna mountains from Poon Hill Vantage point

Poon Hill sits in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary. Hence, it offers the magical panorama of a few world’s highest mountains and other elegant Annapurna vistas.

The beautiful mountains visible from this vantage point are the two 8,000 meters peaks, Annapurna I at 8,091 meters and Dhaulagiri at 8,167 meters. Other Annapurna mountains, like Annapurna South at 7,219 meters, Annapurna II at 7,937 meters, and Annapurna III at 7,555 meters, appear surreal from this place.

Other mountains you’d see while on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are Machhapuchhre, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Gurja Himal, and Nilgiri Himal.

Here’s a table with all the mountains of the Annapurna range visible from Poon Hill Nepal, along their altitudes.

Enriched Ethnicity of Ghandruk and Ghorepani

The cultural richness of Gurung, Pun, and Magar, living in Ghandruk and Ghorepani, is another element that excites the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. It’s Nepal’s largest Gurung and Pun settlement, topping Ghalegaun in Besisahar.

Every house here hang dried maize with a pericarp, a traditional method to preserve the maize. And now, a fascination among trekkers. The senior citizens making bamboo baskets and handcrafts also reflect the traditions and heritage of these people.

Even if you’re on Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill and Ghorepani, you’ll experience some enriched ethnicity of this region.

The most visible elements of cultural richness are the stone-built houses with stone-paved alleys and ethnic dress, which locals wear almost daily. And in recent years, more and more trekkers rent and wear ethnic attires for a photoshoot.

If you spend some nights at local homestay and even tea houses, you’ll have the option of local meals and brewery. And the story of British Gurkha veterans is the night stories at the tea houses. And the veterans love to share their war stories with trekkers in their tea houses.

Poon Hill Vantage Point: For awe-striking sunrise and sunset view

From the 3,210-meter viewpoint of Poon Hill, viewing sunrise and sunset is like nowhere else. And why it couldn’t be as more than 12 elegant mountains of Annapurna range/get gold plated with light and sunset colours.

Usually, trekkers on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek hike here in the early morning. But, those with adequate travel time stay here for a day to experience the sunrise and sunset. It’s that tempting and impressive.

Hike through vibrant Rhododendron forest to Poon Hill Vantage Point

More than nine rhododendron species bloom in the Annapurna region. And trekking to Ghorepani and Poon Hill along Khopra Danda Trek and Muldahi Viewpoint in March showcases the serenity of rhododendron blossom. The entire hill gets covered with red, pink, and white rhododendrons.

As a trekker, you’ll have unforgettable photographic moments posing in front of attractive rhododendron blooms. Along the blossom, the landscape also sees greenery and new buds with the incoming Spring.

The outlook looks fresh, green, and lively as the pre-spring rain washes every dust and fog. Moreover, viewing the snow-topped mountains along a great unobstructed panorama becomes magical.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 2025. Yes or No?

Even though Annapurna Conservation was established in 1986, trekkers usually hike here even during the ’70s. However, with the establishment of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Annapurna region trekking became more regulated and well-organized.

For more than 30 years, trekkers have been hiking either to Ghorepani or making it an overnight stopping or acclimating place during Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. It indeed has been an extensively hiked area. And crowds of trekkers walk here every Spring and Autumn. Also, in recent times, with new adventure trekking destinations in Nepal, one question is obvious. Is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking still the best in 2025? The simple answer is “Yes”.

Lets explore why this trekking can still be ideal for trekkers.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

The amazing Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek begins with a drive/flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara if you’re in Kathmandu. From Pokahra, you’ll drive to Ulleri via Nayapul and Tikhedhunga. And on this day, you’ll reach Ghorepani.

You’ll hike to Poon Hill the following morning to view the mesmerizing sunrise. From Poon Hill View Point, you’ll walk to the tea house for breakfast and trek to Tadapani.

From Tadapani, you’ll hike to Jhinu Danda the next day and visit the natural hot springs in the evening.

The next day, Jhinu sees you driving from Jhinu Bridge to Pokhara via Nayapul.

You can either stop in Pokhara for one-day sightseeing and relaxation. Or, you could fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu in the evening.

Five days short Ghorepani Poon Hill Itinerary- Outline Overview

• Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara for 25 minutes or drive from Kalanki to Pokhara for 6 hours. (205 km/ 127 miles)
• Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri via Nayapul and Tikhedhunga [1,540 metres]. Trek to Ghorepani (11 km/ 2,860 metres/ 4 hours)
• Day 3: Morning hike to Poon Hill Vantage Point from Ghorepani (3,210 metres/ 2 hours). Trek to Tadapani (11.5 km/ 2,630 metres/ 4 hours)
• Day 4: Trek to Jhinu Danda from Tadapani (8 km/1,780 metres/ 4 hours). Evening visit to the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
• Day 5: Drive from Jhinu to Pokhara (820 metres/ 3 hours)—drive/Flight to Kathmandu. Or you can stay in Pokhara for a day and leave Kathmandu the next day.

Why five days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 2025?

Time bound trekkers

If you’re in Nepal, don’t have adequate time for adventure treks in Nepal, and want short trekking, then five days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be the best trek for you.

Upon starting this take from Pokhara, you’ll be back in Pokhara on the fifth day and have adequate time to return to Kathmandu by flight or bus.

Those with adequate travel time even take 7 to 9 days to complete this trek. But, within five days, you’ll hike through the fantastic places on this trek. So, you’ll experience everything Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers, even if it’s just a five days trek.

Comfortable hiking routes, best for senior citizens and family with kids

While trekking to Poon Hill, bring your family with you too. Embrace the spectacular Annapurna sierra and the alluring sunrise together with loved ones. It’ll be lifelong memory of Annapurna’s adventure and cultural experience.

The trekking routes to Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek are more accessible to moderate grades. As the trekking route here is regularly maintained, trekkers experience a comfortable hike.

Moreover, you’ll hike for four to five hours a day. This hike time covering roughly 10 km a day, will be manageable for teens and senior citizens, accompanied by a trekking guide. Also, the tea houses with modern amenities offer absolute comfort, meals, and accommodation.

Ideal trek for first time trekkers

First-time hikers find Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek an absolute junket, a trek made in heaven. As this trek is highly scenic, serene, comfortable, and affordable, almost all novice trekkers enjoy it to the fullest.

Many novice trekkers get scared of altitude sickness while trekking in Nepal. But, Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek are free from altitude sickness. The altitude is just 3,210 meters, so this semi-alpine landscape surrounds you with rich vegetation. Hence, you’ll get adequate oxygen to breathe in.

Also, non-strenuous graded Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trails are pleasant to hike. Just 4 hours of hike time each day warms up your joints and thighs rather than tiring them.

The best part is that first-time trekker who aims for Annapurna Base Camp Trek first hike here to prepare for the hike and acclimate well. Those who walk Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill complete the trek successfully. This process of hiking and acclimating takes five to six additional days but is worth it.

Poon Hill Trekking in 2025 with local agency or licensed trek guide?

Ghorepani and Poon Hill are synonymous with easy trekking and are best for Free Individual Trekking. However, the Nepal government and Tourism Authorities banned solo trekking in Nepal starting from April 1, 2023. Thus, you’re not allowed to hike solo anywhere in Nepal and must hire a trekking agency or a licensed trekking guide.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 2025 with an agency can cost you around USD 550. It is a fair amount, given the accommodation, meals, transportation, permits, guides, and porters, all-inclusive at this price.

If you don’t need a trekking porter and can carry your backpack, you can hire a trekking guide for navigation and a trek planner. A hiring trekking guide in Nepal costs USD 25 a day. But please ensure that your trek guide is experienced and can communicate well in English and other preferred languages.

We have been recommending Nepal’s best and most affordable travel agencies for foreign trekkers. If you’re looking for a reputable agency for this trek or want some help finding an agency, we’ll help you find the best one.

Please email us at mailtoneptrek@gmail.com  or WhatsApp at +977-9818553880 (24/7 support). Our representative will answer your queries and recommend the best agency in Nepal. We also provide hiring guide services if you’re looking to hire a trekking guide.