Does the seven-day itinerary include seven full days of trekking?

No. The package includes a five-day trekking experience, two nights in Pokhara, and return flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara. You will spend four nights in mountain teahouses while trekking through Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk.

Is the Poon Hill Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Poon Hill Trek is suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness and does not require previous trekking experience or technical climbing skills. However, you should be prepared for several hours of walking each day, including the long stone-step climb from Tikhedhunga towards Ulleri and Ghorepani.

What is the highest point reached during the trek?

The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 metres above sea level. Because the trek remains at a relatively moderate altitude, the risk of serious altitude sickness is low, although you should still walk steadily, drink plenty of water, and inform your guide if you feel unwell.

How many hours will I walk each day?

You will generally walk for around four to six hours per day. The hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and onward to Tadapani can be longer, while the final walk from Ghandruk to Siwai takes approximately two to three hours before the drive back to Pokhara.

When is the best time to do the Poon Hill Trek?

The best seasons are spring from March to May and autumn through early winter from September to December. Spring brings colourful rhododendron forests, while autumn usually offers clear skies and excellent mountain views. The trek is also possible at other times, but rain, cloud, snow, or colder temperatures may affect trail conditions and visibility.

Which mountains can I see from Poon Hill?

On a clear morning, Poon Hill offers panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and several surrounding Himalayan peaks. The sunrise is the main highlight, as the early light gradually colours the snow-covered mountains.

What accommodation and meals are provided on this trek?

You will stay for two nights at a comfortable hotel in Pokhara and four nights in locally operated teahouses or trekking lodges. Breakfast is included at the Pokhara hotel, while breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during the trekking section as specified in the itinerary. Teahouse rooms are simple and usually have twin beds with shared bathroom facilities.

Are flights, permits, a guide, and a porter included?

Yes. The package includes return flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, trekking transfers, the required TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area permits, and a licensed English-speaking trekking guide. One porter is provided for every two trekkers.

What should I pack for the Poon Hill Trek?

Bring comfortable trekking boots, layered clothing, a warm jacket, rain protection, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, personal medication, and a small daypack. Trekking poles are helpful on the stone steps and downhill sections. Personal trekking equipment, including a sleeping bag and walking poles, is not included but can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Do I need travel insurance for this Poon hill trek?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover trekking up to at least 3,500 metres, medical treatment, trip interruption, and emergency evacuation. Insurance and evacuation expenses are not included in the trek price.

7-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill and Ghandruk Trek from Kathmandu

Journey overview

The experience at a glance

The Poon Hill Trek 7 Days is a complete short Himalayan trip that combines flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara with five days of trekking in the Annapurna region. Traveling along the classic route through Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, and Ghandruk, a beautiful mountain view, a lot of rhododendron forests and a lot of Gurung and Magar culture is on offer.

Your journey begins on a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On a clear day, the short flight brings up a good view of Nepal’s hills and Himalayan ranges. Once you arrive in Pokhara, you have the rest of the day to relax beside Phewa Lake, attend to the lively Lakeside district and get ready for the trek.

The following morning, a private vehicle takes you to Nayapul, the traditional gateway to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The trail passes through Birethanti and continues along terraced fields, rivers and rural settlements before reaching Tikhedhunga. From there, the route climbs the famous stone staircase to Ulleri and continues through oak and rhododendron forests towards Ghorepani at 2,860 metres.

The most memorable moment of the Poon Hill Trek 7 Days is the early morning hike up to Poon Hill at 3,210 metres. The snow-covered mountains are slowly turning gold and orange as the sun rises. On a clear morning you can see a spectacular Himalayan panorama with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain.

Unlike the shorter three-day itinerary, this journey moves to Tadapani from Ghorepani through forested ridges. The hike is long and hard but it has several ascents and descents, and there are many views of the mountain between the trees. You then descend to Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful Gurung villages of the Annapurna region. The traditional stone houses, mountain views and heritage of Gurung people make Ghandruk more than a place to stay overnight. Travelers can stop to visit the village, visit the local museum and learn about the lifestyle of Gurung people.

The last trekking day is through terraced farmland and small villages to Siwai, then a private drive back to Pokhara. After a relaxing evening in the lakeside city, you fly to Kathmandu the next morning.

As a Poon Hill trek is planned by travellers seeking a full walk from Kathmandu, this itinerary is perfect for travel for a day with the transport as well as trekking pace of a leisurely nature. It is a moderate maximum elevation and can be approached with no prior high altitude trekking experience. However, it should be an easy walk on stone steps and uneven mountain trails for four to six hours daily.

With its famous sunrise, traditional villages and spectacular Annapurna scenery, the Poon Hill Trek 7 Days is an excellent introduction to trekking in Nepal.

The field notes

A journey with rhythm

Private guiding, thoughtful pacing, and enough room to absorb each place rather than simply pass through it.

PrivateThoughtfulLocal

Time away: 7 Day(s)
Travel rhythm: Balanced pace
Highest moment: 2,860 m
Places to call home: 2

Trip highlights

What makes this journey

01
Poon Hill Sunrise at 3,210m: Witness a spectacular Himalayan sunrise with panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.
02
Classic Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Follow the beautiful Nayapul–Tikhedhunga–Ghorepani trail through lush forests, terraced landscapes and traditional mountain villages.
03
Trek Through Rhododendron Forests: Experience some of Nepal’s most beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, especially colorful during spring.
04
Experience Ghandruk Gurung Village: A traditional Gurung settlement known for its mountain culture, stone houses and spectacular Annapurna views.
05
Complete Poon Hill Loop Trek from Kathmandu: Enjoy a beautiful flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Annapurna trekking, Poon Hill sunrise and return to Kathmandu in 7 days of Nepal trekking.

Places covered

Destinations on this trip

The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.

Kathmandu
Pokhara
Thikhedunga
Ghorepani Poonhill
Tadapani
Ghandruk

Day by day

7 days

Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.

Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Kathmandu

Trip essentials

What your journey covers

A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.

Return flight tickets between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Domestic Airport Transfers – Arrival and departure pick-up and drop-off, including international airport transfers upon request.
Two nights’ deluxe accommodation Pokhara with Breakfast
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the Poon Hill Trek for 5 days
Accommodation in teahouse or lodges during trekking for 4 nights
Private transportation from Pokhara to Nayapul and private pickup from Siwai to Pokhara.
English speaking license holder trekking guide and his accommodation, meals, salary, insurance, and other related expenses.
1 Porter for every 2 trekkers, including the porter’s accommodation, meals, salary, insurance, and other related expenses. (A porter supplement applies for a single trekker)
TIMS card, National Park/Conservation Area permit fees, and all applicable government taxes.

International Flight and Departure Tax
Accommodation & Meals in Kathmandu and meals in Pokhara
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Heritage sightseeing in Kathmandu
Personal gears and clothing such as sleeping bag, walking stick and etc
Travel/Medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
Personal expenses caused by weather, laundry telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, tips and etc.

Guest voices

What travellers say

What guests wrote after this trip — in their own words.

Great Bhutan & Nepal Treks

I have just returned from a fantastic trip. Firstly, Anup arranged a wonderful 2 night trip to Bhutan. Everything went very smoothly, the guide and driver were perfect, the accommodation was great and we got to see & do so much in a short amount of time, including the Tiger’s Nest, which was the highlight of Bhutan for us. I then moved onto Nepal, and Anup had arranged the flights. Once there, I decided to do the Poon Hill trek. I was so impressed with the service previously received from Anup, that I contacted him to request for him to arrange the 4-day trek. Again, everything ran very smoothly, we couldn’t have been happier. The guide and porter were again fantastic, and they really enriched our experience. At all opportunities, Anup went out of his way to help us to facilitate the trips. For instance, he picked us up personally and took us to the bus station instead of us paying for a taxi. He had our guide with him too, who it was lovely to be introduced to prior to the trek. He also arranged a tour of Kathmandu at our request, and we felt very lucky that he had arranged for our trekking guide to host us around the city, with a complimentary airport drop off provided at the end of the day. He also has links with some hotels & he can secure the most economical prices. I highly recommend Himalayan Windows, Anup and his team were a pleasure to work with, and he always responded very quickly and efficiently to any emails that I sent him. He made the time to meet us after the trek, where we were able to personally thank him & give him our feedback. 5-star service! ⭐️

Deanne · 26 May 2026

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