I didn’t have much time just a few days but I still wanted to walk in the Himalayas, see snow-covered peaks, and feel that peaceful mountain air. That’s when I heard about the Poon Hill Trek. It was described as short and easy, perfect for beginners. But what I found was more than I expected a trail full of charm, color, and heart. In just a few days, we saw sunrise over giant mountains, walked through rhododendron forests, and met warm, smiling people in quiet hill villages.
If you’re wondering how long the Poon Hill Trek is and what to expect here’s my story.
How Long Is the Poon Hill Trek?
Let’s start with the basics.
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Average trek length: 4 to 5 days
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Total walking distance: Around 45 kilometers (28 miles)
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Highest point: Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet)
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Start/End point: Usually Nayapul, a short drive from Pokhara
This is one of the shortest and easiest treks in Nepal. But don’t let the word “short” fool you it offers some of the best mountain views in the whole country.
Why We Chose Poon Hill
I was traveling with my friend, and we didn’t have time for longer treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. We also didn’t want to go too high, since altitude sickness can be tough.
The Poon Hill Trek sounded just right. It was short, safe, and close to Pokhara. And the promise of watching sunrise over the Annapurna range? That sealed the deal.
Day-by-Day Trek Itinerary
Let me walk you through what each day looked like for us. We took the 5-day version, going at a relaxed pace.
Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)
We left Pokhara in the morning and took a jeep to Nayapul. The ride took about 1.5 hours. From there, we started walking. The trail followed a river, crossed small bridges, and passed quiet villages.
We stayed in Tikhedhunga, a small hill village. It was peaceful, and we were excited to begin.
Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m)
This was the hardest day. We climbed a steep, endless staircase over 3,000 stone steps! It felt like my legs were on fire, but the views kept us going. We passed through forest and saw donkeys carrying supplies.
We reached Ghorepani by late afternoon. It was cold, but cozy. There were tea houses, other trekkers, and the feeling that something big was waiting tomorrow.
Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m) and Trek to Tadapani (2,630m)
We woke up at 4 a.m. and climbed up to Poon Hill in the dark. It took about 45 minutes. The air was freezing, but as the sky turned orange and pink, we forgot all about the cold.
The sun rose behind the mountains. We saw Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and more. It was magical. Some people cheered. I just stood there, quiet and full of wonder.
Later, we walked to Tadapani through thick forest. The trail was quiet, with the sound of birds and wind in the trees.
Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m)
This was a short and easy day. We walked through more forest and reached Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village. The houses had stone roofs, and the people were warm and friendly.
We learned about the local culture, ate dhal bhat, and watched the sunset from the village. It was one of my favorite evenings.
Day 5: Ghandruk to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
We walked downhill to Nayapul. The trail passed rice fields, small waterfalls, and quiet farms. It was a relaxing end to the trek. A jeep took us back to Pokhara in the afternoon.
How Difficult Is the Trek?
It’s one of the easiest treks in Nepal. But “easy” doesn’t mean “effortless.”
Some parts are steep, especially the stairs on Day 2. And walking 4–6 hours a day can be tiring if you're not used to it. But with some basic fitness and good shoes, almost anyone can do it.
It’s also a great trek for:
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First-time trekkers
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Families with kids
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Older travelers
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Anyone who wants big views in a short time
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes. A thousand times yes.
The Poon Hill Trek may be short, but it gives you everything you hope for—stunning mountains, cozy villages, colorful forests, and kind people.
If you want to experience the Himalayas but don’t have much time, this is the trek for you.
Tips that can be helpful
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Bring warm clothes it gets cold at night
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Don’t rush go at your own pace
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Drink lots of water and rest when needed
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Hire a guide if you want support or cultural insight
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Carry cash—ATMs are not available on the trail
The mountains don’t care how far you go. What matters is how deeply you feel them.
And on the Poon Hill Trek, you’ll feel them with every step.
