Poon Hill Trek Cost, Itinerary, Difficulty & Best Season: Complete Guide

If you're dreaming of a Himalayan sunrise but only have a week to spare, the Poon Hill Trek is the perfect answer. In just seven days from Kathmandu, you'll walk through blooming rhododendron forests, stay in welcoming Magar and Gurung villages and stand on Poon Hill (3,210 m) as the first light turns Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre a brilliant gold. Short, scenic and beginner-friendly, it's one of the most rewarding introductions to trekking in Nepal.

Before you book, you'll want clear answers to four big questions: How much does it cost? What's the itinerary? How hard is it? And when is the best time to go? This complete guide from Nepal Trip Services answers all four, based on our 7-day Poon Hill Trek, helping you plan your budget, choose the right season and prepare with confidence for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Poon Hill Trek at a Glance

Detail	Information
Duration	7 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu), 3 trekking days
Trek Region	Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
Maximum Altitude	Poon Hill – 3,210 m (10,531 ft)
Highest Overnight Stay	Ghorepani – 2,885 m
Trek Start / End	Ulleri / Ghandruk
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Daily Walking	4–7 hours
Cost	From US$550 per person (group price)
Accommodation	Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara, teahouses on the trek
Permits	ACAP & TIMS Card (included)
Best Seasons	March–May & September–November
Group Size	1–20 people

Part 1: Poon Hill Trek Cost

Package Price (Per Person)

Our Poon Hill Trek price depends on group size; the more people, the lower the cost per person.

Group Size	Price Per Person
1 person	US$700
2 people	US$650
3–6 people	US$600
7–10 people	US$550
Larger groups	Contact us for special rates

Tip: Travelling with friends or family? Booking as a group of 3 or more can save you US$100–150 per person.

What's Included in the Cost

Category	Included
Transportation	Airport transfers, tourist bus Kathmandu ⇄ Pokhara, private jeep Pokhara → Ulleri and Ghandruk → Pokhara
Accommodation	2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights in a lakeside hotel in Pokhara, 2 nights in teahouses (Ghorepani & Tadapani)
Meals	6 breakfasts, plus full-board meals on the trek (3 lunches, 2 dinners) with tea or coffee
Guide	Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide, with salary, meals, insurance and transport covered
Permits	ACAP permit, TIMS card and all government taxes
Extras	Trekking map, duffel bag, first-aid kit, emergency rescue coordination and trek completion certificate

What's Not Included

• International flights and Nepal visa fee (US$30 for 15 days)
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Porter service (available on request, 1 porter for 2 trekkers)
• Domestic flights to/from Pokhara (optional upgrade)
• Drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi on the trail
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Tips for guides, porters and drivers

See the full list of inclusions on our Poon Hill Trek page.

Extra Costs to Budget For

Expense	Approximate Cost
Nepal visa (15 days)	US$30
Kathmandu–Pokhara flight upgrade	Roughly US$100–135 each way
Porter (shared by 2 trekkers)	On request
Hot shower on the trail	NPR 200–500 per shower
Device charging	NPR 100–300 per device
Wi-Fi	Small fee in most villages
Drinks & snacks	US$5–10 per day
Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara	US$10–25 per meal
Poon Hill viewpoint fee	Small local fee
Travel insurance	Varies by provider
Tips for guide & porter	Customary, based on satisfaction

Budget tip: Carry enough Nepalese rupees from Pokhara, as there are no ATMs on the trail. Around US$15–25 per day for personal extras is usually enough.

Part 2: Poon Hill Trek Itinerary (7 Days)

Itinerary Overview

Day	Route	Altitude	Duration	Overnight
1	Arrival in Kathmandu	1,338 m	20–30 mins drive	Hotel in Kathmandu
2	Kathmandu → Pokhara	860 m	~6 hrs drive (220 km)	Lakeside hotel
3	Pokhara → Ulleri (jeep) → Ghorepani	2,885 m	2–3 hrs drive + ~7 hrs trek	Teahouse
4	Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani	3,210 m → 2,640 m	~6 hrs trek	Teahouse
5	Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara	2,012 m → 860 m	~4 hrs trek + ~2 hrs drive	Lakeside hotel
6	Pokhara → Kathmandu	1,338 m	6–7 hrs drive / 25 mins flight	Hotel in Kathmandu
7	Final departure	1,338 m	20–30 mins drive	—

Day-by-Day Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. Our team welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and gear check, then explore lively Thamel.

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara. Travel along the scenic Prithvi Highway beside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers to Pokhara. Spend the evening by Phewa Lake with views of Machhapuchhre. Prefer to fly? See our Kathmandu to Pokhara flight guide.

Day 3: Drive to Ulleri, Trek to Ghorepani. A jeep takes you to Ulleri, skipping most of the famous stone staircase from Tikhedhunga. Climb through rhododendron and oak forests via Banthanti and Nangethanti to Ghorepani, where Dhaulagiri glows at sunset.

Day 4: Poon Hill Sunrise & Trek to Tadapani. Hike before dawn to Poon Hill for a breathtaking sunrise over Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre, with the Kali Gandaki Gorge below. After breakfast, follow the Deurali ridge and descend through mossy forests to Tadapani.

Day 5: Trek to Ghandruk & Drive to Pokhara. Walk downhill to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village with stone houses and a local museum, then drive back to Pokhara to celebrate.

Day 6: Return to Kathmandu. Drive back along the Prithvi Highway or upgrade to a 25-minute scenic flight, followed by a farewell evening.

Day 7: Final Departure. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals & Accommodation Summary

Location	Nights	Type
Kathmandu	2	Comfortable 3-star hotel
Pokhara	2	Lakeside hotel
Ghorepani	1	Mountain teahouse with Himalayan views
Tadapani	1	Forest-side teahouse with Machhapuchhre views

Learn more about trail lodges in our Poon Hill Trek Teahouse Accommodation guide.

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Part 3: Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate

The Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal's most beginner-friendly treks. There are no technical sections, the altitude is moderate, and teahouses line the route.

Factor	Details	Difficulty
Max Altitude	3,210 m	Low–Moderate
Daily Walking	4–7 hours	Moderate
Terrain	Stone steps, forest trails, village paths	Easy–Moderate
Technical Skills	None	Easy
Altitude Sickness Risk	Low	Easy

Daily Trekking Demands

Day	Section	Walking Time	Challenge
Day 3	Ulleri → Ghorepani	~7 hrs	Steady uphill climb
Day 4	Poon Hill → Tadapani	~6 hrs	Steep pre-dawn climb, ridge trail and descents
Day 5	Tadapani → Ghandruk	~4 hrs	Mostly downhill

Good news: Our itinerary drives to Ulleri, skipping the toughest section of the classic route, the long stone staircase from Tikhedhunga.

Who Can Do It?

• First-time trekkers
• Families with children (around 8+ with walking experience)
• Active seniors in good health
• Travellers with limited time

How to Prepare

Start 4–6 weeks before your trek with regular walks, stair climbing, light cardio and leg-strengthening exercises. Practise walking with a 5–7 kg daypack.

Read our detailed Poon Hill Trek Difficulty guide.

Part 4: Best Season for the Poon Hill Trek

Season	Months	Weather	Views	Rating
Spring	March – May	Warm days, cool nights; rhododendrons in bloom	Good, best in the morning	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Monsoon	June – August	Warm, humid, frequent rain, leeches	Often cloudy	⭐⭐ Moderate
Autumn	September – November	Dry, stable and clear	Excellent	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best
Winter	December – February	Cold mornings, freezing nights, possible snow	Very clear	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good

Temperatures at Ghorepani (Approximate)

Season	Day	Night
Spring	10°C – 18°C	-2°C – 5°C
Monsoon	15°C – 20°C	8°C – 12°C
Autumn	10°C – 17°C	0°C – 5°C
Winter	5°C – 12°C	-8°C – -2°C

Which Season Should You Choose?

• Best mountain views: October–November
• Best for rhododendrons: Mid-March to April (see our spring trekking guide)
• Quiet trails & clear skies: December–February (pack extra warm layers)
• Lush green scenery & fewer crowds: June–August (bring rain gear)

Permits for the Poon Hill Trek

Permit	Cost (Foreign Nationals)	Included?
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)	NPR 3,000	Yes
TIMS Card (via agency)	NPR 1,000	Yes
Poon Hill viewpoint fee	Small local fee	Pay on the day

Under current rules, foreign trekkers must trek with a licensed guide in the Annapurna region, and a guide is included in our package.

Packing Essentials

• Warm down jacket, fleece and waterproof shell
• Broken-in trekking boots and trekking poles
• Headlamp for the pre-dawn Poon Hill hike
• Sleeping bag (around -5°C to -10°C)
• Reusable water bottle and purification tablets
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and gloves
• Power bank and cash in Nepalese rupees

Down jackets, sleeping bags and trekking poles can be rented in Thamel or Pokhara.

Why Book the Poon Hill Trek with Nepal Trip Services?

With 16 years of experience, licensed local guides, transparent group pricing, all-inclusive permits and logistics, and fully customisable itineraries, we make your Poon Hill adventure safe, comfortable and unforgettable. Want to go further? Explore more routes in the Annapurna Region, including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, or customise your trip with our Trip Planner.

Poon Hill Trek: FAQs

1. How much does the Poon Hill Trek cost?

Our 7-day Poon Hill Trek costs from US$550 to US$700 per person, depending on group size. Solo trekkers pay US$700, while groups of 7–10 pay US$550 each. The price includes hotels, teahouses, trek meals, transport, a licensed guide and permits. Personal expenses, porters and flights are extra.

2. What is included in the Poon Hill Trek package?

The package includes airport transfers, bus and jeep transport, 4 hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara, 2 teahouse nights, 6 breakfasts and full-board trek meals. It also covers a licensed guide, ACAP and TIMS permits, a duffel bag and rescue coordination. Lunches and dinners in cities are not included. Full details are on our trek page.

3. How many days is the Poon Hill Trek?

Our itinerary takes 7 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, including 3 days of trekking. It starts and ends in Kathmandu, with two nights in Pokhara. Shorter versions from Pokhara are possible. The trek can also be extended to Annapurna Base Camp.

4. Is the Poon Hill Trek difficult?

The trek is graded easy to moderate. You'll walk 4–7 hours a day on well-maintained trails with some steep sections. The maximum altitude is only 3,210 metres. Anyone with average fitness can complete it.

5. What is the best time to do the Poon Hill Trek?

The best seasons are autumn (September–November) for clear views and spring (March–May) for rhododendron blooms. Winter offers clear skies but cold nights. The monsoon brings rain, clouds and leeches. October and April are especially popular.

6. Do I need permits for the Poon Hill Trek?

Yes, you need an ACAP permit and a TIMS card. Both are included in our package. A small local fee is collected at the Poon Hill viewpoint. Your guide handles all permit checks along the trail.

7. Can I fly instead of taking the bus to Pokhara?

Yes, you can upgrade to a 25-minute Kathmandu–Pokhara flight for an extra cost. Flying saves about 6 hours each way and offers mountain views. Flights depend on weather. Let us know when booking.

8. Is a porter included in the price?

A porter isn't included in the standard package but can be added on request. One porter is usually shared between two trekkers. Porters make the climb much easier and support local livelihoods. Ask us for the latest porter rates.

9. How much spending money do I need?

Budget around US$15–25 per day for drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi on the trail. Add extra for meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, tips and souvenirs. There are no ATMs on the trek, so carry cash from Pokhara. Prices rise slightly at higher villages.

10. Can beginners and families do the Poon Hill Trek?

Yes, it's one of the best treks in Nepal for beginners and families. The moderate altitude, short duration and comfortable teahouses make it very accessible. Children around 8+ with walking experience often complete it. A steady pace and light training help a lot.

11. How do I book the Poon Hill Trek?

Book online through our Poon Hill Trek page or contact us by email, phone or WhatsApp. A 20% deposit secures your booking, with the balance payable before the trek. We'll arrange permits, transport, guide and accommodation. Our team responds within hours.

Final Thoughts

The Poon Hill Trek delivers an extraordinary amount in a short time. In just seven days, you'll experience a classic Himalayan sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, walk through enchanting rhododendron forests, enjoy warm Magar and Gurung hospitality and spend cosy evenings by the teahouse stove. With an easy-to-moderate difficulty and a maximum altitude of just 3,210 metres, it's one of the most rewarding and accessible treks in Nepal.

What makes it even better is how simple it is to plan. A clear 7-day itinerary, transparent group pricing from US$550 per person and all-inclusive permits, transport and guiding take the stress out of preparation. Whether you choose spring for blooming rhododendrons or autumn for crystal-clear mountain views, the Poon Hill Trek is the perfect first step into the Himalayas, and an ideal warm-up for bigger adventures like Annapurna Base Camp.

Choose your season, gather your friends or family to save on cost, pack warm layers for the sunrise and let us handle the rest. With experienced local guides and 16 years of trekking expertise, Nepal Trip Services will make your journey safe, smooth and unforgettable. Book your Poon Hill Trek today and start planning the sunrise you'll remember for a lifetime.

Related Reads:

• Poon Hill Trek: Why It's Called the Classic Annapurna Trek
• Poon Hill Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate?
• Poon Hill Trek Teahouse Accommodation
• Magar People of Nepal: Culture & Lifestyle Guide

Note: Prices, inclusions and itinerary details are taken from your live Poon Hill Trek page. Personal expense ranges (showers, charging, flights) are approximate market figures; update them if your rates differ.