Poon Hill and Ghorepani
In Nepali: पुनहिल र घोरेपानी
Poon Hill (3,210 m) rises above the Magar village of Ghorepani, whose lodges fill every night in season. Before dawn, trekkers climb for an hour to watch the sun light up a 180-degree panorama: Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and more.
The usual 4–5 day loop from Nayapul goes via Tikhedhunga, the famous stone staircase to Ulleri, Ghorepani and Tadapani to Ghandruk. In March and April the forests along the way are ablaze with rhododendrons.
Day by day (typical)
Day 1: drive Pokhara to Nayapul or Ulleri, walk to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri. Day 2: climb to Ghorepani through rhododendron forest. Day 3: dawn climb to Poon Hill, then walk to Tadapani. Day 4: Ghandruk. Day 5: walk down and drive back to Pokhara.
What to see and do
From the viewing tower on Poon Hill, the panorama runs from Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche Peak across the Kali Gandaki to Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Ghorepani's Magar culture and the forest between Ghorepani and Tadapani are highlights too.
Good to know
ACAP permit required. Expect crowds at the viewpoint in peak season; a small entry fee applies. Mornings are cold — bring a warm jacket and headlamp.
Quick answers
- Where is Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- Poon Hill and Ghorepani is in Myagdi district, Gandaki Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- About 3,210 m (10,532 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- For a 6-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 32,500 (≈ US$240) per person on a budget, or NPR 45,000 (≈ US$335) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 16,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- Plan 4 nights there for the trek; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 6 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- October–November; March–April for rhododendrons
- How do I get to Poon Hill and Ghorepani?
- Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or Ulleri, then 1–2 days' walk. It is about 36 km (straight line) from Pokhara.
- What is Poon Hill and Ghorepani called in Nepali?
- पुनहिल र घोरेपानी
Photo gallery
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