How to do Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 3 Days

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is located out of Pokhara in the Annapurna Range of the Himalaya mountains.  Considered a relatively easy trek, we still recommend you work on your fitness level before you arrive.   Especially if you are going for this faster, 3 days option.

This option is good however if you really don’t have much time but still want to go to Poon Hill, considered a must-visit viewpoint in Nepal.  Particularly famous for its stunning sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri view.

It is also possible to fly into Pokhara from Kathmandu, and drive straight on to the starting point of this trek (1.5 hours drive from Pokhara) if you really want to maximise your time.

So here is the best itinerary for you.

What to Expect from a 3 Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The same snow-capped mountain views. The same feeling of being up close and personal to the Himalayas. Two over-nights in the Annapurna Mountain Range. A taste of trekking in Nepal, and an unforgettable experience!

Trip Highlights

• Sunrise over the Annapurnas from atop Poon Hill.
• Getting really close to the magnificent Annapurna Range.
• Getting a feel for trekking.
• Start and finish your trip in the lakeside town of Pokhara with its vibrant restaurants, bars, and cafes.

What you Need before You go – Permits

Although you are only going for 3 days, you still need the same permits as trekkers who are going longer and further.  You will need following permits to trek Ghorepani PoonHill:-

Annapurna Conservation Permit  (ACAP) : Nrs3,000 per person

TIMS Trekkers Permit: Nrs 1,000 per person for organised treks through an agency

Nrs 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without guide or porter)

If you are trekking with Magical Nepal, we can obtain the permits for you.  If you are trekking independently you can apply for your permits at either:

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Exhibition Road, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu
• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Dam Side, Pokhara

Best 3 Day Itinerary for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Day 01: Drive to Naya Pool and Trek to Tikhe Dhunga  

Altitude:	Altitude: Tikhe Dhunga (1,480m)
Distance:	Pokhara to Naya Pool 62km / Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga 9.2km
Time:	Pokhara to Naya Pool 1.5 hrs / Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga 4-5 hours

After breakfast take a bus or jeep to Nayapul.  Buses can be found in the Baglung Bus Park and leave every 30 to 60 minutes.  After reaching Nayapul it’s a 4 to 5 hour hike to Tikhe Dhunga.  Alternatively your jeep can go all the way from Pokhara via Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga.  Overnight here.

*It is also possible to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the morning of Day 1 then drive to Naya Pool.  This is beneficial if you really don’t have much time.

Day 02: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani

Altitude:	Tikhe Dhunga 1,480m/ Ghorepani 2,840m
Distance:	12.9km
Time:	8 -9 hours

This is probably the hardest day on the trek. You have to climb 3,000+ stair, mostly up hills. You will be passing through the forest.  However, there is nothing much to see except for the life of the people. After walking 8 to 9 hours, a gate will welcome you with a sign ” Welcome to Gorepani”

Day 03: Ghorepani to Poon Hill, return and on to Naya Pool

Altitude:	Ghorepani 2,840m/ Poon Hill 3,210m
Distance:	Ghorepani to Tikhe Dhunga 12.9km, Tikhe Dhunga to Naya Pool 9.2km, Naya Pool to Pokhara 62km
Time:	Approximately one hour to hike to Poon hill, enjoy the sunrise, hike back down to Naya Pool via Ghorepani and Tikhe Dhunga.  Total walking time approx 12-14 hours. Or save 4-5 hours by taking a jeep from Tikhe Dhunga to Naya Pool.  Another 1.5 hours by road from Naya Pool to Pokhara.

Get up really early to reach the top of Poon Hill for sunrise, which happens between 5.15am and 6.15am depending on the time of year.  It’s probably a good idea to take a packed breakfast from the teahouse with you.  Luckily they serve tea and coffee on Poon Hill so you can enjoy a hot drink while taking in the spectacle of the sunrise over the mountains.

Then it’s a long day walking back to Naya Pool.  You can take breakfast back in Ghorepani or keep on walking (collecting your bag on the way) until you reach Tikhe Dhunga in time for lunch. Now you have a choice of another 4 to 5 hours walking to reach Naya Pool, or taking a jeep from Tikhe Dhunga to Naya Pool.  Then bus or jeep back to Pokhara.

Why Ghorepani Poon Hill in 3 Days?

The main advantage is it is suitable for those on a very tight schedule.