POON HILL TREK
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Kathmandu
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3,210 m
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Mar-May / Sep-Nov
Trip Overview
The Poon Hill Trek is Nepal’s most beloved short trek, and for good reason: in just nine days it delivers one of the greatest mountain panoramas in the Annapurna region without demanding technical skill or a long time commitment. From Kathmandu, JauntNepal takes you to the lakeside town of Pokhara and into the foothills of the Annapurna Conservation Area, following the Modi Khola valley through terraced farmland, oak forest, and — if you time it right — some of the most spectacular rhododendron blooms in the Himalayas.
The trek’s signature moment is a pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m), where the sunrise lights up an unbroken wall of peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and the unmistakable fishtail spire of Machhapuchhre. From there, the route continues through Tadapani and into Ghandruk, one of Nepal’s largest traditional Gurung villages, before descending gently back to Pokhara.
Every group trek is led by a licensed, English-speaking guide and supported by porters, with permits, accommodation, and most meals arranged for you from the moment you land in Kathmandu to the moment you depart. With a lower maximum altitude and shorter daily walking hours than longer Annapurna treks, this is an ideal choice for first-time trekkers, families, and travelers short on time who still want the full Himalayan experience.
Trek Highlights
- Sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill (3,210 m), with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre lit up in gold
- Rhododendron forests in spectacular bloom, lining the trail in shades of pink and crimson (March-April)
- Warm Gurung hospitality in Ghandruk, one of Nepal's largest and most picturesque traditional villages
- Diverse landscapes packed into a short trek: terraced farmland, oak and rhododendron forest, and high ridgelines
- Panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges — without the risks of high-altitude trekking
- Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing: UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the lakeside town of Pokhara
- A short, moderate trek ideal for beginners, families, and travelers with limited time
- Traditional stone-step trails and villages winding through the Modi Khola valley
