Poon Hill Trek 5 Days: Easy Sunrise Trek in Nepal’s Annapurna Region

Poon Hill Trek 5 Days is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal for travelers who want Himalayan views without long or difficult hiking. The route passes through Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forests and up to the Poon Hill viewpoint for sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It is ideal for beginners, families and anyone visiting Pokhara with limited time but still wanting a real mountain experience.

Why Choose the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days?

If you are short on time but want to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, lush green forests, and authentic mountain culture, the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days is the perfect choice. This trek, also known as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, is located in Nepal’s Annapurna region and offers clear sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges without high altitude trekking.

As one of the shortest and most accessible treks in Nepal, the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days is ideal for beginners, families, and travelers who want to experience the essence of Nepal in just a few days. The trek usually starts from Hile, which is about an hour’s drive from Pokhara, and takes you through vibrant landscapes, charming villages, and dense rhododendron forests.

During spring, the rhododendron forests are in full bloom, creating a colorful and scenic trail. The Poon Hill trek passes through Hile and continues to Ulleri, where you climb approximately 3,300 stone steps. This ascent is one of the most memorable parts of the trek and provides a sense of accomplishment with every step.

The highlight of the trek is the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters, where you will witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna Himalayan range. From this vantage point, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. The view is breathtaking and makes all the effort worthwhile.

Along the trail, you will pass through several Gurung and Magar villages, allowing you to experience local traditions, hospitality, and daily life in the Annapurna Conservation Area. This short trek can also be extended into longer adventures, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek, for those who wish to explore more of Nepal.

Rated as a easy to moderate trek, the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days does not require prior trekking experience or high fitness levels. Since all overnight stops are below 2,850 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is minimal. This makes it a safe and enjoyable option for travelers looking for a short but memorable trekking experience.

As a licensed trekking agency with over 16 years of experience, we provide professional guides, sustainable trekking practices, and personalized services to ensure you have a safe and unforgettable journey. Contact us for detailed itineraries and customizations for your Poon Hill Trek 5 Days.

Is the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days right for you?

This trek is a great choice if you want to see the Himalayas but do not want long or risky high altitude trekking. Most days involve 4 to 6 hours of walking on well built stone steps and forest trails. You sleep in comfortable village teahouses each night and never go above 3,210 meters.

The 5 day version of the Poon Hill trek is especially good for:

• First time trekkers in Nepal
• Families with teenagers
• Couples looking for a scenic Himalayan walk
• Travelers who only have a week in Nepal
• People who want mountain views without altitude sickness risk

If you want higher altitude trekking, you can combine this route with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit later.

5-Day Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Short and easy trek that suits most beginners, families, and people with a normal level of fitness. You do not need prior trekking experience to enjoy this adventure.
• Engage yourself in the rich culture of Nepal through visits to Gurung and Magar villages. Experience local traditions, hospitality, and even homestays for a genuine cultural connection.
• Witness breathtaking panoramic sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the famous Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters. Many trekkers say this is the best moment of the whole trek.
• Get close to iconic Himalayan peaks such as Mount Annapurna South at 7,219 meters, Mount Machhapuchhre also known as Fishtail Peak, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. There are many good places along the trail to stop and take photos.
• Hike to Poon Hill, Nepal’s premier viewpoint for sunrise over the Annapurna region. The early morning climb rewards you with 360-degree views of the majestic Himalayas.
• Traverse lush rhododendron forests that bloom beautifully during spring, creating vibrant and colorful landscapes along your trek.
• Discover cascading waterfalls, peaceful streams, and traditional Nepali villages along the trail. These natural and cultural highlights make the trek a full sensory experience.
• Relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, a soothing stop included in the 5-day itinerary. It is a perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking.
• The trek begins from Hile, just a one-hour drive from Pokhara, and follows well-marked trails that take you through scenic landscapes, terraced fields, and quaint mountain villages.
• Easy to moderate trekking pace with comfortable accommodations along the way. Since overnight stops stay below 2,850 meters, there is minimal risk of altitude sickness, making it safe for all travelers.
• This trek can easily connect with longer adventures such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek, giving you flexibility to extend your journey in the Himalayas

What the Poon Hill trail is really like

The Poon Hill trail is a mix of stone staircases, forest paths and village foot trails. The most challenging part is the climb from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri, which has around 3,300 stone steps. Many trekkers say this is the hardest day, but once you reach Ulleri the trail becomes gentler and more scenic.

Most of the walk is through shade in rhododendron and oak forests, which makes it comfortable even in warmer months. You will pass small teahouses, schools, prayer flags and farms, showing how people live and farm in the mountain villages.

Because villages are close together, you never feel isolated and help is always nearby. This route is considered one of the safer trekking areas in Nepal.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Hile and trek to Ulleri.

Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani.

Day 3: Hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani.

Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Jhinu Dada

Day 5: Trek to Siwai and drive to Pokhara.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Hile and trek to Ulleri

Max Altitude: 2,070 meters

Driving Hours: 2.5 hours

Trek Hours: 2 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Lunch, and Dinner

Early in the morning, you’ll drive along the twisted road to Nayapul. Then you’ll commence the trek to Birethanti village following Modi river.

After Birethanti village, you’ll ascend uphill past rural farm villages and reach Tikhedhunga. Overnight stay at Tikhedhunga.

Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani

Max Altitude: 2,850 meter

Trek Hours: 5 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early in the morning trail leads to uphill via stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri village. From here, you’ll walk uphill via forested area full of rhododendron, pine, and oaks trees. In spring this place turns into the natural garden with all flowers in bloom.

Continue your walk via forested area you’ll reach Ghorepani village. The inhabitants of the village are the Gurung and Magar. Spend some time here and explore the traditional Gurung village.

Ghorepani village offers a fabulous view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of peaks. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.

Day 3: Hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani.

Max Altitude: 3,210 meter, Poon Hill and 2,520 meter, Tadapani

Trek Hours: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early in the morning, you’ll hike uphill to Poon Hill at 3,210 m. It is one of the famous places for best sunrise view in Pokhara. This will be your highest point of the trek.

From here, you’ll get a mesmerizing view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Macchapucchre, Ganesh Himal, and Hiunchuli Himal.

After enjoying the beautiful moments, you’ll trek back to Ghorepani. After taking a short break, you’ll trek towards your next destinations to Tadapani.

The trail leads uphill and downhill into the beautiful forest and reaches Tadapani. Village welcomed with the incredible views of Annapurna range of peaks. Overnight stay at Tadapani.

Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Jhinu Dada

Max Altitude: 1,750 meter

Trek Hours: 6 hours

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having breakfast, you’ll descend to Jhinu Danda. Here you’ll enjoy the natural hot spring and relax.

The trail will be steeply downhill with the great views of the Annapurna region. After reaching Jhinu, you can take a relaxing bath in the natural hot spring. Rest of the time, you’ll explore the village. Overnight stay at Jhinu Danda.

Day 5: Trek to Siwai and drive to Pokhara.

Max Altitude: 1,530 meter, Siwai

Travel Hours: 2:30 hours

Trek Hours: 2-3 hours

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

On the last day of your trek, you’ll descend towards the Siwai.

You’ll pass via terraced fields and traditional farms till you reach Siwai. Finally, your trek will end with a scenic drive back to Pokhara.

4 Days vs 5 Days Poon Hill Trek. Which one should you choose?

Many travelers see both a 4 day and a 5 day Poon Hill trek and wonder what the real difference is. Both follow the same classic Ghorepani and Poon Hill route and include the famous sunrise viewpoint. The main difference is the pace and whether you want to include the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda.

The 4 day option is perfect if you are short on time and want a faster hike focused mainly on mountain views and village scenery. The 5 day version follows a more relaxed route and adds a special experience with a soak in the hot springs, which suits people who prefer a slower pace and time to rest in the hot springs.

Feature	4 Day Poon Hill Trek	5 Day Poon Hill Trek
Total days	4 days	5 days
Key highlights	Ghorepani, Poon Hill sunrise, Tadapani, Ghandruk	Ghorepani, Poon Hill sunrise, Tadapani, Jhinu hot springs
Walking pace	Moderate to fast	More relaxed and flexible
Hot springs at Jhinu	No	Yes
Best for	Travelers with limited time	Travelers who want more comfort and recovery time

4 Day Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

• Day 1 Pick up from your hotel in Pokhara, drive to Hile and trek to Ulleri, 2,070 meters. Trek about 2.5 hours.
• Day 2 Trek to Ghorepani, 2,810 meters. About 4.5 hours of walking through forest and villages.
• Day 3 Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise at 3,210 meters, then trek to Tadapani, 2,700 meters. About 6 hours.
• Day 4 Trek to Ghandruk, 1,940 meters, then drive back to Pokhara. About 4 hours trekking and 2.5 hours drive.

If you want a shorter and more direct trek, the 4 day route is a great choice. If you prefer a slower pace and want to enjoy the famous hot springs at Jhinu, the 5 day Poon Hill trek is the better option.

Poon Hill Trek Cost Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

For a small group of two to four people, typical costs are:

• Permits: ACAP (US$25/person) + TIMS (US$20/person) = ~US$45.
• Transportation: Pokhara-Hile / Siwai-Pokhara ~US$70/group.
• Accommodation/Meals: Teahouses ~US$30-35/day/person (including 3 meals).
• Guide/Porter: ~US$35/day/guide + US$25/day/porter.

Total for 5 Days: US$370-400/person.

We offer all-inclusive packages starting at US$370 per person. Prices vary; contact for quotes.

Disclaimer: Costs fluctuate with season/inflation; verify with official sources.

Best Time to Do the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days (Weather & Crowd Insights)

The Poon Hill Trek 5 Days is most enjoyable during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the skies are usually clear, daytime temperatures range between 10 and 20°C (50 to 68°F), and in spring, the rhododendron forests burst into vibrant colors. These months usually have the clearest mountain views, especially at sunrise.

Winter, from December to February, is also possible but can be quite chilly, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around -5°C. If you enjoy crisp air and snowy landscapes, this season offers a peaceful trek with fewer crowds, though you will need warm layers and thermals.

It is best to avoid the monsoon season (June to August). Heavy rains make trails slippery, increase the presence of leeches, and can limit visibility of the mountains.

Pro Tip: Plan and book your trek early, especially during the busy spring and autumn seasons, as teahouses and lodges fill up quickly. According to Nepal’s Department of Meteorology, visibility during autumn can reach over 90%, ensuring stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

What to pack for the 5 day Poon Hill trek

• Comfortable trekking shoes or hiking boots
• Warm jacket for mornings and evenings
• Lightweight down or fleece layer
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Daypack with water bottle
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Basic toiletries and towel for hot springs
• Power bank for charging phones

You do not need heavy mountaineering gear for this trek. Teahouses provide blankets, and the weather is generally mild except in winter.

This is only a basic packing guide to help you understand what is needed for the Poon Hill trek. Once you confirm your trek with Mosaic Adventure, one of our team members will send you a detailed packing list based on the month you are trekking, expected weather and your travel style. This way you carry only what you need and stay comfortable on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days

These are the questions we hear most often from trekkers before they book their Poon Hill adventure. The answers below come from our daily experience guiding people on this trail.

Is Poon Hill trek difficult?

Poon Hill trek is considered a easy to moderate trek. Normally, you’ve to walk for 4-6 hours in one day. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can join this trek.

There is no issue of altitude sickness suitable for all age people. In fact, this is one of the best short family trekking package.

Find here more about Poon Hill Trek Difficulty.

When is the high season on the Poon Hill trail?

Poon Hill trek is popular all year round, however, spring and autumn are considered the high season. This means during this time the trail is flooded with the trekkers.

So, it’s better to book for accommodation and flight ticket as soon as possible.

Do I need a trekking permit for Poon Hill trek?

Yes, two different trekking permits are required for the Poon Hill trek. Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS Trekkers’ permit are both required. You can obtain these permits with the help of your trekking agency.

Will I suffer the altitude sickness during Poon Hill trek?

Poon Hill is located at an elevation of 3,210 meters in Ghorepani village of Myagdi district in Nepal. So, during this trek, rarely trekkers suffer the altitude sickness. But still, it is difficult to say as altitude sickness affects may varies person to person.

As prevention is better than cure, you can drink plenty of water, walk slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

What is the accommodation and food like on the Poon Hill trek?

You’ll get standard accommodations during the whole trek. Most teahouses offer twin bed rooms with shared bathrooms and hot showers.

During this wonderful trek to Poon Hill, you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as international cuisine (Indian, Continental, Italian, and Chinese)

How many steps to Ulleri?

Ulleri is famous for its endless stone steps, around 3,300 of them! It’s a bit of a workout. But take your time, enjoy the forest views and village life along the way and you’ll reach Ulleri before you know it. Most trekkers say it’s the toughest part of the Poon Hill trek, but also the most satisfying once it’s behind you.

What is the altitude of Poon Hill?

Poon Hill sits at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) above sea level. It’s high enough to offer those incredible sunrise views over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and more, but still low enough that most people don’t experience altitude sickness. That’s part of what makes this trek so popular!

Can I do the Poon Hill trek solo?

Yes, absolutely! The trails are well marked, the villages are close together and you’ll meet plenty of fellow trekkers along the way. That said, having a guide can enhance the experience with local insights and make logistics easier, but if you’re confident and experienced on navigating on your own, going solo is totally doable.

Final Thoughts on the Poon Hill Trek 5 Days

The Poon Hill Trek 5 Days offers a memorable journey that combines natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the magic of the Himalayas in a trek that suits most beginners. You will walk through colorful rhododendron forests, visit traditional Gurung villages, and relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. This trek does not involve high-altitude challenges, making it safe and enjoyable for all travelers.

This trek is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families who want to experience the Annapurna region in a short trek that still shows you a lot of the Annapurna region. Our team, certified by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Government of Nepal, ensures that every trip is safe, environmentally responsible, and customized to your needs. Contact us to plan your Poon Hill Trek and make it a personal and unforgettable experience.

Author: Madhav Prasad, Experienced Trek Guide with over 20 years of experience, including more than 15 years in the Annapurna region, and Co-Founder of Mosaic Adventure since 2009