Annapurna Poon Hill 8-Day Panorama Trek
- 8 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you through rhododendron forests and Gurung settlements to the 3,210 m summit of Poon Hill for expansive Himalayan views.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our 8-day Annapurna Panorama Trek is designed for hikers seeking an accessible route into the heart of Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area. We lead this journey through terraced farmlands, river valleys, and dense rhododendron forests, connecting traditional hill villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities. The terrain requires steady walking on stone staircases and earthen paths, making it an achievable objective for first-time visitors to the Himalayas while still offering genuine physical engagement.
The route centers around an early morning ascent to Poon Hill at 3,210 m, where we observe the sunrise over major peaks including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Throughout the trek, we stay in local teahouses operated by resident families, sharing communal dining spaces and experiencing regional hospitality at lower and middle elevations.
While this is classified as a moderate trek due to sustained ascents on stone steps—such as the climb to Ulleri—it does not cross extreme high-altitude passes or expose teams to prolonged severe cold. We maintain a steady, measured pace each day to allow proper adaptation, ensuring that both families and novice hikers can complete the circuit safely and comfortably under the guidance of our experienced team.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We climb before dawn to the 3,210 m vantage point to watch the first light hit Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Rhododendron Forests
Our trail winds through extensive forests of Nepal's national flower, which bloom densely along the hillsides during spring.
Gurung Villages
We spend evenings in traditional settlements like Ghandruk, interacting with local families and exploring cultural museums.
Major Peak Views
We observe three of the world's highest mountains—Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu—from various points on the trail.
Annapurna Conservation Area
We trek entirely within Nepal's largest protected region, home to diverse plant species and native wildlife.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to our partner hotel in Thamel. We use this afternoon to review your trekking gear, verify documentation, and brief you on the schedule ahead.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We board a morning tourist vehicle for the drive along the Prithvi Highway toward Pokhara. The road follows the Trisuli River through terraced hills and small roadside settlements, delivering us to the lakeside city by late afternoon.
Day 3
Pokhara to Birethanti and Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Pokhara to Birethanti and Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
After a short drive to Birethanti, our physical trek begins with an ascent toward Tikhedhunga. We finish the day's walk by climbing a steep series of stone steps to reach the Magar settlement of Ulleri.
Day 4
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail continues upward through oak and rhododendron forests past Nangethanti, where we stop for lunch. By afternoon, we arrive in Ghorepani, a historical rest stop once used by traders and mule caravans.
Day 5
Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
We start with a pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill at 3,210 m to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas before returning for breakfast. Afterward, we resume trekking along a forested ridge line that leads us down to Tadapani.
Day 6
Tadapani to Ghandruk and Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Tadapani to Ghandruk and Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through forested paths and terraced fields toward the large Gurung village of Ghandruk. Following lunch and a visit to the local museum, we meet our vehicle at Kimche for the drive back to Pokhara.
Day 7
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Pokhara after breakfast for the return drive along the Prithvi and Pushpalal highways. Upon reaching Kathmandu in the late afternoon, we check back into our hotel for a final evening.
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 8
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
We provide a transfer from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your international flight home, concluding our services for the trip.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Teahouse lodging during the 8-day trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while on trek
- Government-licensed English-speaking lead guide and porters
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
- Tourist bus transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara other than specified breakfasts
- Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, and bottled drinks
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
The highest elevation on this trek is Poon Hill at 3,210 m. Because our ascent is gradual and we do not spend extended nights above 3,000 m, the risk of severe acute mountain sickness is low, though proper hydration remains essential.
Fitness expectations
This is a moderate trek involving daily walks of 5 to 6 hours, frequently on uneven stone stairs. We recommend cardiovascular conditioning and stair-climbing practice in the months prior to your departure.
Teahouse accommodation
We lodge in twin-share rooms with basic wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Bathroom facilities are generally shared outside the room, and hot showers may rely on solar power.
Drinking water
Bottled water contributes significantly to trail waste, so we encourage carrying a reusable bottle treated with purification tablets or a UV filter. Boiled water is also available for purchase at teahouses.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to the trip to prevent blisters on stone steps.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for cold mornings and evenings at higher teahouses.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for nighttime warmth.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against unexpected mountain rain or wind.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Highly recommended to protect knees during long descents on stone stairs.
Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets are provided, but a personal bag ensures warmth.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill and early morning packing.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Necessary for treating local tap water along the trail.
Passport and permit copiesEssential
Documents
Required for checkpoint checks throughout the conservation area.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
PermitRequired for all visitors entering the Annapurna protected region.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for tracking and safety.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Panorama Trek?
We classify this trek as easy to moderate. The primary physical challenge is managing the sustained stone steps on the ascents to Ulleri and Ghorepani.
What is the highest elevation reached?
The highest point on the itinerary is Poon Hill, standing at an altitude of 3,210 m.
Are permits required for this trek?
Yes, we arrange both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the Trekkers' Information Management System card prior to departure.
Can I charge my electronic devices along the trail?
Most teahouses offer electricity to charge phones and camera batteries, though operators typically charge a small hourly fee for this service.
What kind of food is available in the teahouses?
Teahouses serve a variety of meals including dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetable curry), noodles, fried rice, pasta, and simple porridges for breakfast.
Is this trek suitable for children and families?
Yes, we regularly guide families with children along this route due to the manageable daily walking hours and lower maximum altitude.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 8 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
Ready to book Annapurna Poon Hill 8-Day Panorama Trek?
Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.