Search for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and you’ll find itineraries from 2 days to 9 days. That’s a big range, and it makes picking one confusing. The good news is that most of them are small changes on the same route. The real choice comes down to three versions: 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days.
Each one reaches the same place: Poon Hill at about 3,210 m, for a sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. What changes is how hard the walking feels, how much of the region you see, and how much time you have to enjoy it. Here’s how to choose.
Quick Answer
- Short on time and fit? Pick the 3-day trek.
- First-timer or want the classic experience? Pick the 4-day trek. It’s the best fit for most people.
- Want an easier pace, better photos, or time in the villages? Pick the 5-day trek.
If you want the full trek overview first, read our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek guide
The Route in Short
Almost every itinerary starts at Nayapul (about 1,070 m), a short drive from Pokhara. The trail then climbs through Ulleri, a long stone staircase of over 3,000 steps, and on to Ghorepani at about 2,860 m. From Ghorepani, the climb to Poon Hill takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour before sunrise.
Altitudes for villages vary a little between sources, so treat the numbers in this guide as close estimates.
Itinerary 1: The 3-Day Trek (Fast and Tough)
This is the shortest sensible version. You go up and straight back down, so it’s built for people who are short on time and already fit.
| Day | Route | Sleep | Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga | About 1,500 m | 4–5 hrs |
| 2 | Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani | About 2,850 m | 6–9 hrs |
| 3 | Poon Hill sunrise → down to Nayapul → Pokhara | Back in Pokhara | About 8 hrs |
Total walking: about 44 km.
What it’s like: Day 2 is the hard one. You climb about 1,360 m in a single day, and the stone steps at Ulleri come in the middle of it. Day 3 is long too, and the steep descent is hard on the knees.
Best for: Fit travelers with only 3 days to spare, and anyone who just wants the sunrise.
Skip it if: You’re new to trekking, have sore knees, or want to enjoy the villages along the way.
Itinerary 2: The 4-Day Trek (The Classic)
This is the most popular version, and for good reason. It makes a loop instead of an out-and-back, so you see new places on the way down.
| Day | Route | Sleep | Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Nayapul → Ulleri | About 1,960 m | 3–6 hrs |
| 2 | Ulleri → Ghorepani | About 2,860 m | 4–6 hrs |
| 3 | Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani | About 2,630 m | 5–7 hrs |
| 4 | Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara | Back in Pokhara | 3–5 hrs + drive |
Total walking: about 30–35 km, at around 4 to 6 hours a day.
What it’s like: Day 2 is still the steepest, but the days are shorter and more balanced than the 3-day version. On Day 3, you watch sunrise first, then walk through rhododendron forest to Tadapani. Day 4 takes you to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village with a museum and wide mountain views.
Best for: First-time trekkers, families, and anyone who wants the full Poon Hill experience without rushing.
Skip it if: You want the easiest pace, or you want to add more villages and viewpoints.
Itinerary 3: The 5-Day Trek (Slow and Easy)
The 5-day version spreads the same route over an extra night, so each day is shorter. It’s the gentlest way to do Poon Hill.
| Day | Route | Sleep | Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga | About 1,500 m | 3–4 hrs |
| 2 | Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani | About 2,860 m | 5–7 hrs |
| 3 | Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani | About 2,630 m | 5–6 hrs |
| 4 | Tadapani → Ghandruk | About 1,940 m | 3–4 hrs |
| 5 | Ghandruk → Nayapul → Pokhara | Back in Pokhara | 4–5 hrs + drive |
What it’s like: Some versions add a stop at Banthanti, which breaks up the climb even more. Walking days are shorter, and you get more time for tea breaks, photos, and village life. You also get more sunrise and sunset chances at Tadapani and Ghandruk.
Best for: Slow walkers, trekkers with knee problems, photographers, and beginners who want a comfortable pace.
Skip it if: You can’t spare 5 days.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate to hard | Easy to moderate | Easy |
| Daily walking | 4–9 hrs | 4–6 hrs | 3–6 hrs |
| Route type | Up and back | Loop | Loop |
| Villages seen | Fewest | Several | Most |
| Best for | Fit, short on time | Most first-timers | Easy pace, photos |
| Typical price | From about $390 | About $250–$350 | Varies, usually a bit higher |
Other Options Worth Knowing
- Longer versions (6–9 days): These often add Kathmandu sightseeing, an extra night in Pokhara, or side stops like Dhampus. They aren’t harder, just longer.
- Poon Hill + Annapurna Base Camp: If you want to keep going into the sanctuary, Poon Hill fits neatly at the start of an ABC trek. See our guide to the best viewpoints on the Annapurna Base Camp trek for what’s ahead.
Tips for Any Itinerary
- Start Poon Hill before dawn. Most trekkers leave Ghorepani around 4:30–5:00 AM so they’re at the top before sunrise. Bring a headlamp.
- Go slow on the Ulleri steps. Pace yourself early. It’s the part of the trek that surprises first-timers most. We cover this more in our ABC first-timer surprises post
- Bring trekking poles. They help a lot on the steep descents, especially on the 3-day version.
- Pack for cold mornings. Poon Hill at sunrise is chilly even in good seasons.
- Check the weather. October, November, March, and April usually give the clearest sunrises.
Permits You’ll Need
You’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs about NPR 3,000, plus a TIMS card, which costs about NPR 1,000 through an agency or about NPR 2,000 if you arrange it yourself. Rules and fees can change, so confirm current requirements with your operator. For official information, see the Annapurna Conservation Area Project .
FAQs
How many days do you need for the Poon Hill trek?
Most trekkers do 4 days, which is the classic loop. A 3-day version is possible for fit trekkers, and 5 days gives a gentler pace.
Can you do Poon Hill in 3 days?
Yes, but it’s tough. Day 2 climbs about 1,360 m, and Day 3 has a long, steep descent. It suits fit trekkers who are short on time.
What is the best Poon Hill itinerary for beginners?
The 4-day loop works for most beginners. If you want a slower pace or have sore knees, the 5-day version is easier.
How hard is the Poon Hill trek?
It’s rated easy to moderate. The hardest part is the long climb on stone steps at Ulleri, not the altitude.
How high is Poon Hill?
Poon Hill is about 3,210 m above sea level. Ghorepani, the village below it, sits at about 2,860 m.
How long does it take to walk from Ghorepani to Poon Hill?
About 45 minutes to 1 hour. Most trekkers start before dawn to catch the sunrise.
Is altitude sickness a risk on Poon Hill?
It’s low risk because the trek tops out at about 3,210 m, but mild symptoms are still possible. Go slowly and drink plenty of water.
Which is better, the 4-day or 5-day Poon Hill trek?
The 4-day is faster and more popular. The 5-day is easier, with shorter walking days and more time in villages.
Does the Poon Hill trek include Ghandruk?
The loop versions (4 and 5 days) do. The 3-day out-and-back version doesn’t.
What is the best time for the Poon Hill trek?
October, November, March, and April are best for clear sunrises. Spring brings rhododendron blooms.
Do I need a guide for the Poon Hill trek?
Guide and permit rules for trekking have been changing in Nepal. Confirm the current requirement with your operator before you book.
What’s the difference between Poon Hill and the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?
Poon Hill is the viewpoint. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the route that takes you there. People use the two names for the same trip.
Ready to pick your dates? View our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek for itinerary options and pricing.