Poon Hill Trek 2026: Complete Guide for Beginners
If you are planning your first trek in Nepal and don’t want anything too long or too hard, the Poon Hill Trek is still one of the best choices in 2026.
It is short, scenic, and relatively gentle compared to most Himalayan treks. You get beautiful mountain views, traditional villages, and a classic sunrise experience without needing extreme fitness or previous high-altitude experience.
This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know before doing the Poon Hill Trek in 2026.
Why Poon Hill is Still Popular Among Beginners?
Poon Hill sits at 3,210 meters and offers one of the most famous sunrise viewpoints in the Annapurna region. From the top, you can see Annapurna South, Annapurna-I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri on a clear morning.
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| The famous signboard at Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m) with sweeping Himalayan panoramas. |
The trail itself is well-developed:
Infrastructure: There are plenty of comfortable teahouses along the route.
Clear Paths: Trails are well-marked and safe for all ages.
Manageable Hours: Daily walking hours range between 4 to 6 hours, leaving plenty of time to rest.
This combination of stunning views, decent facilities, and moderate difficulty is why it remains a top favorite for first-time trekkers.
Difficulty Level
The Poon Hill Trek is generally rated easy to moderate.
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Scenic and well-defined walking paths make Poon Hill accessible for first-time trekkers.
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The hardest part for most beginners is the long stone staircase leading up to
Ulleri and
Ghorepani (over 3,000 steps!). After that section, the trail becomes more comfortable.
You do not need technical climbing skills or previous trekking experience, but basic fitness helps. If you can walk uphill for 4–6 hours a day at a steady pace, you will be fine.
Best Time to Do the Poon Hill Trek
- Spring (March to May): Highly recommended. Rhododendrons are in full bloom, making the forests colorful, accompanied by clear skies.
- Monsoon (June to August): Brings heavy rain, leeches, and cloudy views. It is generally less ideal for high-altitude trekking unless you choose specific rain-proof routes.
Travel Tip for Monsoon: If you are visiting Nepal during the rainy season and want safe, dry trails or scenic hill escapes, check out our recommended guides:
- Best Rain-Shadow Treks in Nepal for Monsoon (Dry trails during rainy months)
- 5 Best Places to Visit in Nepal During Monsoon (Top rainy season destinations)
- Bandipur Monsoon Vacation Travel Guide (A peaceful hill station escape above the clouds)
- Autumn (September to November): Peak trekking season. Expect stable weather, crisp air, and excellent visibility.
Winter (December to February): Possible, but mornings and nights can be very cold.
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Vibrant red rhododendron blossoms frame Mount Dhaulagiri during the spring season.
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Standard 5–6 Day Itinerary for Beginners
Here is a comfortable itinerary that works well for most first-timers:
- Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga / Ulleri
Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or Kimche (1.5–2 hours), then trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri (3–4
hours walking).
- Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani
Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (4–6 hours). This is the day with the famous stone steps.
- Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (Sunrise) & Tadapani
Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, then trek back to Ghorepani for breakfast and
continue to Tadapani (4–5 hours).
- Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk / Landruk
Trek down through dense oak and rhododendron forests to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk
(3–5 hours).
- Day 5: Ghandruk to Pokhara
Trek down to the road head and take a private jeep or bus back to Pokhara.
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Traditional stone-roofed houses of Ghandruk village below Annapurna South and Fishtail.
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How to Reach the Starting Point?
Most trekkers use Pokhara as their base.
- From Pokhara, hire a private jeep or take a local bus to Nayapul, Birethanti, or Kimche (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours).
- The trail officially begins from these access points.
- You can easily arrange a licensed guide, porter, and transportation from Lakeside, Pokhara.
Approximate Cost for Poon Hill Trek (2026)
Here is a realistic cost breakdown for a standard 5-day trek in 2026:
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Licensed Guide | $25 – $35 / day | Highly recommended for first-timers |
| Porter (Optional) | $18 – $25 / day | Carries up to 18–20 kg of luggage |
| Meals & Accommodation | $25 – $40 / day | Covers breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse bed |
| Permits (ACAP + TIMS) | $38 – $40 total | Mandatory for all foreign trekkers |
| Local Transport | $20 – $40 total | Round trip (Bus/Jeep from Pokhara) |
Total Estimated Budget: A basic guided trek usually falls between USD 250 and 450 per person (excluding international flights and Pokhara hotel stays).
Packing List for Beginners
You do not need heavy or technical mountaineering gear. Focus on these essentials:
- Footwear: Comfortable trekking boots or sturdy trail running shoes with good grip.
- Clothing: Layered clothing (moisture-wicking t-shirts, fleece jacket, down jacket for cool nights).
- Outerwear: Windproof and waterproof jacket/pants.
- Gear: Trekking poles (essential for saving your knees on the stone steps!), headlamp for the early sunrise hike, and a 25–35L daypack.
- Personal Items: Refillable water bottle, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, basic first-aid, and blister kits.
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Fluttering prayer flags along the trail offer peaceful mountain views.
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Pros and Cons of the Poon Hill Trek
Pros:
- Highly achievable and safe for absolute beginners.
- Breathtaking 360-degree Himalayan views.
- Good teahouse facilities with hot showers and Wi-Fi.
- Easily accessible from Pokhara.
Cons:
- Trails can get crowded during peak spring and autumn seasons.
- The thousands of stone steps up to Ulleri can be physically demanding.
- Mountain visibility depends heavily on clear weather.
Quick Practical Tips
- Start the Sunrise Hike Early: Begin walking up to Poon Hill around 4:30–5:00 AM to beat the crowd and catch the first light over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
- Carry Cash (NPR): ATMs are not available on the trail, and teahouses do not accept cards.
- Hire a Local Guide: Even though the trail is clear, a guide handles permit checks, books the best rooms in advance, and provides emergency support.
- Beat the Crowds: If you prefer quiet trails, trek in early March, late November, or choose slightly offbeat stopping points.
Final Thoughts
The Poon Hill Trek remains one of the most beginner-friendly and rewarding ways to experience the Annapurna region in 2026. It gives you authentic Himalayan panoramas, a sense of accomplishment, and a true multi-day teahouse experience without pushing you into extreme altitudes.
If you have about a week in Nepal and want a safe, memorable adventure, Poon Hill is the ideal choice.
Are you planning to do the Poon Hill Trek in 2026, or have you already experienced it? Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below!
Explore More Offbeat Destinations in Nepal
If you have already completed the Annapurna region or are looking for raw, offbeat, and untouched Himalayan trails for your next adventure, explore our detailed travel guides below:
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