Poon Hill Ridge and Rhododendron Forests
- 3 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to November)
We guide you through Gurung settlements and dense rhododendron forests to the sunrise viewpoint of Poon Hill at 3,210 m.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our three-day trek to Poon Hill is designed for hikers seeking a concentrated immersion in the Annapurna foothills without committing to a multi-week expedition. We lead you through terraced hillsides, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests of rhododendron that burst into color during the spring months. The route serves as an accessible introduction to Himalayan walking, passing through traditional Gurung and Magar villages where stone-paved paths connect farming communities to the higher alpine zone.
We have structured this journey to balance physical exertion with steady acclimatisation. While the daily walking hours are manageable, the itinerary includes sustained stone staircases and continuous ascents that test cardiovascular endurance. We maintain a pace that allows every team member to adapt to the terrain, ensuring that we reach each night's teahouse with time to rest and observe village life.
The focal point of our trek is the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill at 3,210 m. From this vantage point, our team gathers to watch the first light hit the high peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We sleep in locally managed teahouses along the way, sharing communal dining spaces and simple, nourishing meals prepared by our hosts.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We climb before dawn to 3,210 m for panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre as the morning light hits the ice.
Rhododendron Forests
We walk beneath the canopy of the world's largest rhododendron trees, which bloom in shades of red and pink during spring.
Gurung Villages
We stay in traditional settlements like Ulleri and Ghorepani, experiencing the hospitality and architecture of the Gurung and Magar communities.
Major Peak Sights
We view towering Himalayan giants up close, including Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Gangapurna from our mountain lodges.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Pokhara to Hille and Trek to Ulleri
Meals: B
Day 1
Pokhara to Hille and Trek to Ulleri
Meals: B
We depart Pokhara by road, following the Seti River Gorge before heading toward Nayapul. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we cross the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola river and enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. Our path leads us through small farming settlements and alongside stone walls toward Tikhedhunga, where we pause for lunch.
Following our midday break, we tackle the relentless stone staircase leading steeply upward to the ridge village of Ulleri at 1,960 m. We spend our evening in a local teahouse, resting our legs after approximately six to seven hours of total travel and walking.
Day 2
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Our morning route ascends gently through dense oak and rhododendron forests, crossing small streams and mossy ravines. We gain altitude steadily over five to six hours, leaving the farming terraces behind as we enter cooler mountain air. Wildflowers and old-growth trees line the path as we approach our destination.
We arrive in Ghorepani at 2,874 m by early afternoon, settling into our lodge beneath the shadow of the surrounding ridges. Our afternoon is spent hydrating and preparing our layers for the following morning's cold start.
Day 3
Poon Hill Sunrise, Banthati, and Return to Pokhara
Meals: B
Day 3
Poon Hill Sunrise, Banthati, and Return to Pokhara
Meals: B
We start our final day before dawn, making a steady two-hour uphill push in the dark to reach the summit of Poon Hill at 3,210 m. We stand on the ridgeline to watch the sunrise illuminate the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs before descending back to Ghorepani for breakfast.
After our meal, we retrace our steps down through Banthati and the lower valley trails, meeting our vehicle for the return drive back to Pokhara.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
- Shared land transport from Pokhara to trail start and return
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation on the route
- Experienced, English-speaking local guide carrying first aid
- Fresh seasonal fruit provided along the trail
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel and high-altitude emergency evacuation insurance
- Personal porter services
- Bar bills, bottled water, hot showers, and device charging fees
- Tips for our guides and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our trek reaches a maximum elevation of 3,210 m at Poon Hill. While this altitude is modest compared to high-altitude base camp routes, we still maintain a steady, controlled pace to prevent headaches and fatigue. We encourage drinking at least three to four liters of water daily.
Teahouse accommodation
We lodge in family-run teahouses along the trail. Rooms are simple and twin-share, furnished with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and clean blankets. Toilets and washing facilities are typically shared and basic, often located outside or down the hall from the bedrooms.
Physical preparation
Our route involves significant stair climbing, particularly on the ascent from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri. We recommend building leg strength and cardiovascular endurance through stair training and weekend hikes for at least two months prior to departure.
Meals on the trail
We eat our meals in the communal dining halls of the teahouses. The standard menu features dal bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), noodle soups, momos, and porridge, providing the carbohydrate intake necessary for sustained daily walking.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken-in with ankle support for stone staircases.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for cold mornings at Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Protection against unexpected mountain showers.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Essential for saving knee joints during steep descents.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
To treat local drinking water.
Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets can be thin during colder months.
Valid passport and insurance detailsEssential
Documents
Required for permit checks along the route.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitMandatory entry permit for conservation area conservation and management.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitRequired registration card for tracking and safety in trekking regions.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Poon Hill trek?
We consider this a moderate trek. The daily walking hours are relatively short, but you will encounter steep stone staircases that require good knee and leg endurance.
Do I need a porter for this trek?
A personal porter is not included in our standard package, but can be arranged upon request if you prefer not to carry your own daypack.
What is the highest altitude we reach?
Our high point is Poon Hill at 3,210 m, which we visit on the final morning for sunrise.
Are charging facilities available in the teahouses?
Yes, most lodges offer electricity to charge phones and camera batteries, though they usually charge a small hourly or per-device fee.
What kind of weather should we expect?
Spring and autumn bring stable, clear skies with cold mornings and mild daytime temperatures. Winter brings snow and freezing nights, while summer brings monsoon rains.
Can we drink tap water along the trail?
No, tap water is not potable. We carry refillable bottles and use purification tablets or buy boiled water at the teahouses.
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 3 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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