This classic 7-day trip to the famous Poon Hill is a great introduction to trekking in Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas for those short on time. It also follows age-old paths that connect the region’s many charming Gurung and Magar hillside villages.

For trekkers unsure about their adjustments to the altitude, this trail is almost entirely below 3000 metres (9840ft). That makes it doable year-round with no high mountain passes to worry about, though it will be cooler in the winter months.

During the monsoon months from June to early September, mountain views may be obscured by clouds, however. The best seasons are spring and autumn when the skies are clear and the air is crisp.

This is a popular trek, due to its great views, easy access and developed trails. Unlike the typical itinerary, Nepal Himal has chosen to kick off the trek to the west of Poon Hill (and not the busy south). From the quiet hot spring township of Tatopani, we will head east towards Shikha and Ghorepani before arriving at the main highlight of the trek - Poon Hill!

For those with more time, the Poon Hill trek can turned into a longer trip that covers the Annapurna Base Camp in the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary, or the Mardi Himal Trek, an exciting multi-day ridge walk for unique and intimate views of Machhapuchhre.

Day 1: Arrive in Nepal’s bustling capital of Kathmandu

The vast majority of visitors from around the world fly into Kathmandu, a sprawling city of more than 1.6 million people. As you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide or a company representative who will drive you to your hotel. After finalising your itinerary with your guide at the hotel and answering any remaining questions you might have, you are free to go explore the warrens of colourful alleyways and tourist attractions in downtown Kathmandu. Restaurants, bars and shops open till late during peak tourist seasons.  

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Tatopani (1110m)

Today, it will be a day-long drive – and a dramatic change of scenery – from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu to the subtropical forests of Tatopani (1110m/3642ft), a quiet township by the banks of the Kali Gandaki, a river from the north that cuts through the Himalayas to form one of the deepest gorges in the world.

After a satisfying dinner and before retiring for the night, visit a natural hot spring near your hotel for a soak.

Day 3: Trek from Tatopani to Shikha (1935m)

Setting off from Tatopani, trekkers will encounter a steep, 20-minute ascent of stone steps wedged into the hillside of Gharkola. The climb continues for another hour through dense forests, eventually leading to the top of a ridge: Durbindara (1580m/5184ft)). The views here are both stunning - and rewarding as trekkers look back down at the progress they have made and also look ahead, where Ghara sits higher up, and Shikha higher still. Fortunately, the inclined slope gently eases from this point, and trekkers will be able to enjoy the scenic climb with the Dhaulagiri massif to the west of the Annapurnas ever-present in the distant background. Finally, trekkers will emerge into the large village of Shikha (1935m/6348ft). In Shikha, visitors will enjoy the hospitality of homestay hosts and understand a bit more about Nepal’s diverse culture. This chance to interact and connect with the locals on a more personal level is hard to come by, and completely unavailable to trekkers who opt for hotels and lodges built to accommodate the big tourist groups.

Day 4: Trek from Shikha to Ghorepani (2850m)

Setting off from Shikha, trekkers will notice as they climb a series of stone steps that many teahouses sit perched on higher elevations, offering glorious morning views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range blanketed in a halo of warm, golden light. Leaving Shikha proper, the ascent is gentle all the way through Phalate and into Chitre. Then, for the next 3-4 kilometres, it will be a steep climb all the way to Ghorepani (2830m/9285ft)), accompanied by nothing but the quiet serenity of lush rhododendron forests and Dhaulagiri peeking through the canopy. Huffing and puffing, trekkers will eventually spot the welcoming gates of “Ghorepani Poon Hill” — one of the busiest villages on the entire circuit due to its world-class scenic views. Should one arrive before sunset, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhere are best viewed at this time. 

Day 5: Hike to Poon Hill (summit 3210m) for sunrise view then trek to Tikhedhunga (1577m) 

The longest section of this trek includes the 1-hour climb to Poon Hill's summit, which starts in the wee hours of the morning, but boasts spectacular views of towering peaks such as Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. At 3210m (10532ft) above sea level, this will mark the highest elevated point of the trek. The descent will take approximately 7 hours, and although trekkers will be covering a lot of ground, it will be largely downhill. We will pass magnificent waterfalls, suspension bridges and the famous Ulleri stone steps (thankfully, downwards). Besides Ulleri, trekkers will also pass Banthanti and Nangge Thanti, until we finally arrive at Tikhedhunga (1577m/5174ft).

Day 6: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Birethanti, then drive to Kathmandu

A quick but gentle descent down the valley past the stone step trails and teashops of Sudame till we reach the prosperous riverside village of Birethanti. There, we will commence our drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 7: Goodbye – for now

Bid farewell to your guide or even travel mates as you are being driven to the airport for your departure from Nepal. We look forward to your return some day!

START/END Kathmandu

LODGINGS Hotel/ teahouse

MEALS All inclusive

TRANSPORTATION Private vehicle

How Big is Your Trekking Party?

Just myself……….$1,400

Two people……….$941 each

Three people……$861 each

Four people………$765 each

For larger groups, just ask us!

TRIP INCLUDES

Pick up from airport on day of arrival

Hotel stay in Kathmandu for 2 nights

Private vehicle from Kathmandu to trek start point and back

All meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) en route and during trek, and 3 hot beverages each day of your choice

Stay at teahouses during trek

English-speaking and government-trained guide

Porters to carry your luggage (ratio of 1 porter to 2 guests)

All necessary paperwork, trekking permits and local taxes