Classic Annapurna Poon Hill Ridge Traverse
- 4 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide a compact four-day trek through Gurung and Magar settlements to the 3210 m vantage point of Poon Hill in the Annapurna foothills.
At a glance
Trip overview
We have designed this four-day itinerary for travelers who want a concentrated introduction to the Annapurna Himalaya without committing to high-altitude expedition routes. The trail climbs through terraced farmlands, river valleys, and dense rhododendron forests before emerging onto open ridges. We keep our daily walking hours manageable at five to seven hours, though the continuous stone staircases demand steady knee strength and physical preparation.
Our route navigates the traditional homelands of the Gurung and Magar communities. We stay in local teahouses run by families who have hosted trekkers for decades, sharing communal dining rooms heated by iron stoves. Cultural encounters happen naturally as we pass through villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk, where traditional slate-roofed stone houses line the pathways.
The highest point of our journey is Poon Hill at 3210 m, which we ascend in the pre-dawn hours for a wide-angle view across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Because our maximum altitude stays well below the threshold of severe altitude sickness, this route serves as an accessible option for fit hikers of various age groups. Our lead guide manages the pace closely, ensuring everyone adjusts comfortably to the daily elevation gains.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We reach the 3210 m viewpoint before dawn to watch morning light hit Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre.
Gurung & Magar Villages
We walk through terraced hillside settlements inhabited by historic farming and Gurkha-heritage families.
Rhododendron Forests
Our path winds through shaded timberlands that burst into red and pink blooms during spring.
Dhaulagiri Panoramas
We enjoy clear sightings of the seventh-highest mountain on earth alongside the Annapurna massif.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Drive to Birethati and trek to Ulleri Village
Meals: B
Day 1
Drive to Birethati and trek to Ulleri Village
Meals: B
We depart Pokhara by private vehicle for the two-hour drive to Birethati, where our route officially begins. After crossing suspension bridges over rushing rivers, our path starts climbing steeply via stone staircases past terraced fields. We pull steadily upward for several hours through farming hamlets before reaching the large Magar settlement of Ulleri at 1950 m.
Day 2
Trek from Ulleri Village to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Trek from Ulleri Village to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Our morning trail leads us deeper into oak and rhododendron forests, crossing small streams and ascending through Banthati and Nangethati. The terrain levels out as we approach the ridge pass of Ghorepani at 2874 m. From our teahouse windows here, we catch our first close views of the surrounding ice-clad summits.
Day 3
Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
We set off in the dark for a 45-minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill at 3210 m to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, we traverse a forested ridge past deodar trees and descend to the Modi Khola valley before climbing again to reach Tadapani at 2721 m.
Day 4
Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara
Meals: B
Day 4
Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara
Meals: B
Our final morning walk descends through terraced slopes into the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk at 1951 m, known for its slate-paved alleys and local cultural museum. Following a lunch break in the village, we complete our descent to the roadhead and board our vehicle for the return drive to Pokhara.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Private vehicle transfers between Pokhara and Nayapul
- TIMS card and ACAP conservation area permits
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) on trek
- Experienced, English-speaking local trekking guide
- Comprehensive medical kit and emergency rescue coordination
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained upon arrival
- Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter evacuation
- Personal expenses including hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi
- Tips for our local guides and supporting crew
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our highest point on this trek is Poon Hill at 3210 m. While this elevation is moderate and well below the common threshold for acute mountain sickness, we still maintain a steady, measured pace to allow your body to adapt comfortably.
Fitness expectations
Expect several thousand stone steps on both ascent and descent, particularly between Birethati and Ulleri. We recommend cardiovascular training and stair-climbing conditioning for several weeks prior to your departure to protect your knees and lower back.
Teahouse accommodation
We lodge in family-run mountain lodges offering twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Bathrooms and showers are generally shared facilities, and dining halls are heated by communal stoves burning wood or dried dung.
Water & hydration
We advise carrying a reusable water bottle and treating all tap or boiled water with purification tablets or drops bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Plastic bottled water is restricted in upper sections of the conservation area to reduce litter.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking boots with ankle supportEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots are crucial for stone staircases.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Provided by us if needed, required for cold mornings.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Protection against unexpected afternoon rain or wind.
Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential
Camping
Essential for unheated teahouse rooms at night.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Safety
Pair with purification tablets.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Highly recommended to protect knees on steep descents.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill.
Passport and permit documentsEssential
Documents
Keep in a waterproof pouch.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.ACAP Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for safety tracking.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
We rate this trek as moderate. While the altitude is modest, the daily stone staircases require good leg endurance and balance.
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?
Our highest elevation is at the Poon Hill viewpoint, standing at exactly 3210 m.
Can I do this trek as a solo traveler?
Yes, we arrange private departures for single travelers with a dedicated guide for the duration of the trip.
Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included while you are on the trail, along with fresh seasonal fruit provided by our team.
Do I need permits for the Annapurna region?
Yes, we handle the issuance of your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card as part of our service.
What kind of accommodation should I expect in the teahouses?
Teahouses offer simple twin-share rooms with beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Toilets are usually shared and located outside or down the hall.
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 4 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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