Poon Hill Circuit Trek is a 4 days itinerary for one of the most popular and entry level trek package that begins from Pokhara, Nepal. Furthermore, it is comparatively an easy and short trek suitable for all kinds of travelers. You begin your trip from Pokhara and drive to Birethanti. Birethanti will be your start point for the trek. The travelers then head towards Ghandruk. It is a traditional Gurung Village where you will enjoy the ethnic Gurung culture, traditions and their cuisines. Moreover, the Ghandruk village is also famous for its scenic view of the mountain range that includes Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Annapurna South and Mt. Himchuli.
On the second day of your trek, you will be hiking towards Ghorepani via Tadapani. Additionally, the trail combines a spectacular view of a wide range of mountains, scenic villages and lush green forests. The visible mountains here include Mt. Annapurna-I, Mt. Annapurna-III, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Lamjung Himal among others.
Ghorepani
Ghorepani is a modern village in Myagdi District of north-central Nepal. The place used to be a rest stop where ancient traders found water (Paani in Nepali) for their horses (Ghoda in Nepali). It thus lead to the nomenclature Ghorepani. It lies 17 kilometers from the district capital of Beni at an elevation of approximately 2850 m /9350 ft. However, the village lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), requiring a national park permit to visit. It also contains a number of guest houses that provide lodging and fooding to travelers. Many trekkers spend the night here. They then trek to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210 m / 10531 ft) the next day to watch the sunrise.
Rhododendron Forest
The trek also highlights many species of Rhododendron (Lali Gurans), the national flower of Nepal, a very large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae) that blooms with a bright red / white / yellow / pink and many more colors across the trail covering the trek. The flowers especially bloom during the month of March through May every year.
The return trip to Pokhara
After your visit to Poon Hill, the travelers take a return journey via Ulleri. The trail then passes via Tikhe Dhunga, Hile, Birethanti and back to Pokhara.
Trek Map
Poon Hill Trek
Additional information on Poon Hill Circuit 4 Days Trek:
Booking your 4-Days Poon Hill Circuit Trek:
We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the ACAP region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a booking amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 399 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the booking, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc.
Checklist for 4-Days Poon Hill Circuit Trek:
Please click here for a complete checklist of your 4-Days Poon Hill Circuit Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.
Trek starting and ending days:
The complete trip from Day 1 to Day 4 consists of trekking distance. The travelers begin their trip on Day 1 with a short drive from Pokhara to NayaPul. Here you will begin your trek towards Poon Hill and back to Pokhara with overnight stays in places like Ghandruk, Ghorepani & TikheDhunga.
Each day’s trek will begin around 07:00 AM and conclude in the late afternoon with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy dinner and breakfast at the same place, while lunch is en route. Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.
Accommodation during the trekking days:
During the trek, your accommodation options are mostly at teahouses. Although basic, these tea houses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.
Food:
During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.
Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.
Drinking water during the trek:
Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.
Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:
Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the trekking experience.
Cash for extras and tipping:
You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 80-100 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 80-100 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.
Baggage and weight limit:
Your porter is limited to carrying a maximum of 25 kgs for every two travelers. However if you are a solo traveler or want to pay extra for a private porter you may utilize the complete 25 kgs. Else, if you have items that you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at your Pokhara hotel for storage at no extra cost. But remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.
Availability of Guide & Porter:
As said earlier, every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. Therefore, the baggage must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Additionally, both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.
Highlights of 4-Days Poon Hill Circuit Trek:
1. Trek inside ACAP
2. Trek to Poon Hill for a breathtaking view of sunrise
3. Explore traditional Magar & Gurung hospitality
4. Overnight stay in the most famous Ghandruk village
5. Pass via lush green rhododendron forest & scenic trails
6. Panoramic view of surrounding mountains
7. Suitable for people with no prior experience in trekking
Places You’ll See :
Poon Hill is a hill station overlooking the Annapurna Massif range and Dhaulagiri mountain range, located on the border of Myagdi District and Kaski District in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
1Poon Hill
Ghorepani is a village in Myagdi District in the Dhaulagiri Zone of northern-central Nepal. The village lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), requiring a national park permit to visit.
2Ghorepani
Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village in the Kaski District of the Gandaki Province of Nepal.
3Ghandruk
Travel Itinerary:
Day 1 : Drive to Naya Pul and Trek to Ghandruk (Max Altitude: 1940 m / 6364 ft)
On the first day of your trip, you will be traveling from Pokhara to Birethanti on a one hour drive. You will then begin your 4-5 hours trek to Ghandruk, your halt for the night.
Approximate Trek Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Accommodation: Mountain Guest House
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 : Trek from Ghandruk to Ghorepani (Max Altitude: 2850 m / 9350 ft)
On day two, you will be trekking from Ghandruk to Ghorepani via Tadapani over a span of 6-7 hours. The day might be the most challenging day of your trek as it includes a steep ascending through the dense forest of Rhododendron. Ghorepani will be your halt for the night.
Approximate Trek Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Accommodation: Mountain Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 : Trek to Poon Hill to Tikhe Dhunga (Max Altitude: 3210 m / 10532 ft)
On day three you will take an early morning hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill. The hike will take you two hours. Here you will be enjoying the mesmerizing view of a sunrise with majestic mountains in the foreground. The journey then continues with a 3-4 hour trek towards Tikhe Dhunga after your morning breakfast. Tikhe Dhunga will be your halt for the night.
Approximate Trek Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Accommodation: Mountain Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 : Trek to Birethanti and drive back to Pokhara (Min Altitude: 830 m / 2723 ft)
On day four you will take an early morning hike from Tikhe Dhunga to Birethanti. The hike will take you 3-4 hours. You will then take a one hour drive back to Pokhara. Here you will bid a final farewell to your guide and porter.
Approximate Trek Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
F.A.Q
How can I get my ‘On Arrival’ Nepal Visa?
Any international traveler arriving by air can get an ‘On Arrival Visa’ at ‘Tribhuvan International Airport’ in Kathmandu. ‘Overland Travelers‘ may acquire an ‘On Arrival Visa’ at the entry points of Nepal-China / Nepal-India border at following locations:
Kakarbhitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal) Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal) Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border) Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal) Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal) Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal) Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
Optional: You may also get a Visa prior to your arrival in Nepal from ‘Nepalese Diplomatic Missions‘ from your respective nations.
Note: You must carry your valid passport and two passport size photographs (35 x 45 mm / 3.5 x 4.5 cm) along with you upon your arrival in Nepal for a Visa. Travelers from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Syria and Zimbabwe however require to submit a pre-application at Nepal Consular Services in their respective nations for a Nepal Visa.
What is the weight limit for luggage during my trekking days?
All porters available at your service (one porter for every two travelers) can carry a maximum of 25 kilograms / 55 pounds each. You are therefore allowed to load a maximum of 12.5 kilograms / 27 pounds of luggage to your porter during your trekking days.
What about the communication services available during the trekking days?
All hotels and guest houses in the city area are available with free WiFi hotspots. Also, all travelers with a valid passport and a photograph are allowed to purchase a SIM Card upon their arrival in Nepal. The traveler must however additionally purchase data / voice packages as per their need and stay in Nepal. There are 2G, 3G and 4G services available with major carriers all over Nepal. You may optionally also purchase a WiFi service in the mountains where available.
Can I book this package as a solo traveler?
Yes, we do book a solo traveler. However a single traveler surcharge may be applied (an additional USD 100).
What about the foods / meals during my trekking days?
You will be provided with a full board meal / breakfast / complimentary dinner as per mentioned in the respective Trek / Tour package. You may however choose to purchase your additional meals / beverages where available.
Full board meal mentioned above includes breakfast with an omelet / boiled egg, toasts / local bread and one porridge with fried potatoes.
During your lunch you will be provided with Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, the most famous Nepalese food that contains rice and pulse / lentil with curries (vegetables / chicken) and pickle. Optionally you may choose your lunch for fried noodles with eggs / chicken / vegetables as well.
For your dinner you will have an option to choose between Dal-Bhat-Tarkari / Pizza / MoMo / Spaghetti.
How easy is Poon Hill Circuit Trek?
Poon Hill Circuit Trek is a comparatively easy trek package. The package has been successfully completed by children above 10 years of age as well as elders above 75 years of age. The package is hence suitable for all kind of travelers including the beginners. The extremities you must expect here include a 5-6 hours hike with tea breaks in between.
Additionally, Cordial Trek also provides you with an experienced trek guide capable of first aid services and other assistance.
What items should I bring (or buy in Kathmandu / Pokhara) for this trip?
You may bring (or buy in Kathmandu / Pokhara) following items for this trip:
1. Warm clothes including a down jacket / puffer jacket, inner wears, hats, a beanie, gloves, neck gaiter, hiking boots, warm socks, a towel and a pair of hiking pants as well.
2. A Daypack (25-30 liters)
3. Backpack (A duffle bag will be provided to you by Cordial Trek)
4. Sleeping bag (will be provided to you by Cordial Trek)
5. Trekking Poles (will be provided to you by Cordial Trek)
6. A Camelbak or a water bottle
7. A sunscreen
8. A sunglass
9. A headlamp for night use
10. Your toiletries
What are the permits required for this trip?
You need not worry about any permits required. Cordial Trek will make necessary preparations for all the documents and travel permits (including TIMS and ACAP) required for your Poon Hill Circuit Trek.
What's Included
Company T-shirt
First Aid
Full Board Meals (Trekking Days)
Guide and Porter
Mountain Guest House
Necessary Equipment
Pick Up and Drop
Private Vehicle
Specially Abled Friendly
Travel Permits
Trekking Map
What's Excluded
Beverages
Gratitude for Guide and Porter
Personal Expenses
Activities
Hiking
Sunrise
Trekking
Location Map
Why Book With Us?
Book your Trek / Trip /Tour with us for a secure, safe and joyful holiday experience.
‘Mardi Base Camp Trek’ is a short (7 days) trek package that is considered suitable for all kinds of travelers. It is comparatively a moderately challenging trek package full of thrill and adventure.
