Poon Hill Trek 5 Days with Kathmandu City Tour
3,201m (Poon Hill)
8 Days (5 Days Trek + 2 Days City Tour)
2-12 trekkers
March-May, September-November
Moderate
Nepal
Overview
Poon Hill Trek 5 Days with Kathmandu City Tour at a glance
This 8 days (5 days trek + 2 days city tour) trekking experience is best planned around March-May, September-November. It is rated moderate and reaches up to 3,201m (Poon Hill), with local support for route timing, logistics, and practical adjustments.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill journey, also referred to as the Annapurna Sunrise Expedition or Annapurna Panoramic Adventure, stands as one of the most beloved and accessible hiking routes winding through the picturesque ethnic settlements of the Annapurna territory. Traversing through vibrant rhododendron woodlands, this Himalayan trek immerses you in mountain scenery while offering intimate encounters with indigenous traditions and ways of life. The defining feature of this expedition remains the magnificent vistas from the Poon Hill summit, celebrated among photography enthusiasts as a haven for capturing stunning images.
From this renowned viewpoint, you will behold a dramatic panorama featuring the towering Annapurna massif including Annapurna South, the main Annapurna peak, along with Annapurna II, III, and IV. The majestic Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, and the Manaslu range complete this extraordinary mountain tableau. The morning sun rising over these Himalayan giants creates an unforgettable spectacle that enchants every visitor who witnesses it.
Beyond the mountain scenery, this journey reveals stepped agricultural terraces, welcoming rural communities, verdant rice paddies, and the distinctive customs of the Gurung and Magar peoples who call these hills home. Ghorepani and Ghandruk represent two of the most significant Gurung communities in the region, offering travelers a genuine window into highland culture and daily life.
This comprehensive 8-day package combines the classic Poon Hill hiking experience with enriching cultural explorations in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu, making it ideal for travelers who wish to experience both mountain adventure and urban heritage in a single journey.
Trip planning essentials
Who this trip is for
- Travelers looking for a guided trekking experience in Nepal.
- Guests with 8 days (5 days trek + 2 days city tour) available who want logistics, route planning, and local support handled.
- Moderate travelers who are comfortable with the listed daily pacing, season, and terrain.
Route at a glance
- Duration
- 8 Days (5 Days Trek + 2 Days City Tour)
- Style
- Trekking
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- March-May, September-November
- Max altitude
- 3,201m (Poon Hill)
- Group size
- 2-12 trekkers
- Starts
- Arrival in Kathmandu and Afternoon City Exploration
- Ends
- Departure Transfer to Airport
Best season
March-May, September-November is the main recommended window for this itinerary. Exact conditions can vary by region, altitude, road access, flight reliability, and the kind of views or activities you want most.
Difficulty explained
Poon Hill Trek 5 Days with Kathmandu City Tour is rated Moderate. This reflects the route pace, terrain, altitude profile, daily movement, and the amount of preparation most travelers should expect. The final fit still depends on your experience, travel month, health, and preferred comfort level.
Highlights
- Experience a breathtaking Himalayan sunrise from the iconic Poon Hill summit at 3,201 meters
- Behold panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu ranges
- Explore the ancient Swayambhunath Buddhist shrine on a guided city excursion
- Visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world
- Discover the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square with its medieval architecture
- Trek through enchanting forests filled with blooming rhododendrons
- Experience authentic Gurung and Magar highland culture in traditional villages
- Stay in welcoming tea house accommodations along the trekking route
- Journey along the scenic Prithvi Highway following the Trishuli River
- Suitable for trekkers seeking a moderate challenge with cultural immersion
Your Journey
8 DaysUpon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, embark on an afternoon sightseeing tour to the iconic Swayambhunath temple complex, perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley. This ancient Buddhist monument, also known as the Monkey Temple, offers magnificent views of the city below and an introduction to Nepali spirituality.
-
1,400m
Dinner
Hotel in Kathmandu
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, embark on an afternoon sightseeing tour to the iconic Swayambhunath temple complex, perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley. This ancient Buddhist monument, also known as the Monkey Temple, offers magnificent views of the city below and an introduction to Nepali spirituality.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,400m
Meals
Dinner
Stay
Hotel in Kathmandu
Begin an early morning bus journey toward the Annapurna region, traveling along the famous Prithvi Highway that traces the course of the Trishuli River, a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. The scenic 9-hour drive passes through diverse landscapes before reaching Nayapul, the official starting point for your trekking adventure. From here, a gentle 45-minute walk brings you to the riverside village of Birethanti for your first night on the trail.
-
1,050m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house in Birethanti
Begin an early morning bus journey toward the Annapurna region, traveling along the famous Prithvi Highway that traces the course of the Trishuli River, a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. The scenic 9-hour drive passes through diverse landscapes before reaching Nayapul, the official starting point for your trekking adventure. From here, a gentle 45-minute walk brings you to the riverside village of Birethanti for your first night on the trail.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,050m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Tea house in Birethanti
Today leads you toward the charming highland settlement of Ulleri, a picturesque ethnic village with captivating views of the Annapurna peaks. The path winds through rural mountain communities where friendly locals welcome passing trekkers. A lunch break at Tikhedhunga provides refreshment before the trail ascends steadily toward your destination. Expect approximately 6 hours of hiking as you gain elevation through this beautiful landscape.
-
2,070m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house in Ulleri
Today leads you toward the charming highland settlement of Ulleri, a picturesque ethnic village with captivating views of the Annapurna peaks. The path winds through rural mountain communities where friendly locals welcome passing trekkers. A lunch break at Tikhedhunga provides refreshment before the trail ascends steadily toward your destination. Expect approximately 6 hours of hiking as you gain elevation through this beautiful landscape.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,070m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Tea house in Ulleri
After breakfast, cross a small stream near Tikhedhunga before tackling stone staircases that lead upward to the expansive Magar village at Ulleri. Continue through lush forests teeming with life, crossing sparkling mountain streams on your way to Nangethanti. The day concludes at Ghorepani, your staging point for tomorrow morning's ascent to Poon Hill. This approximately 6-hour trek rewards you with increasingly dramatic mountain panoramas.
-
2,850m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house in Ghorepani
After breakfast, cross a small stream near Tikhedhunga before tackling stone staircases that lead upward to the expansive Magar village at Ulleri. Continue through lush forests teeming with life, crossing sparkling mountain streams on your way to Nangethanti. The day concludes at Ghorepani, your staging point for tomorrow morning's ascent to Poon Hill. This approximately 6-hour trek rewards you with increasingly dramatic mountain panoramas.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,850m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Tea house in Ghorepani
Rise before dawn to climb to the celebrated Poon Hill viewpoint for an extraordinary sunrise spectacle over the Himalayan giants. Watch as golden light illuminates Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna massif, and Manaslu in a breathtaking display. Return to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast before continuing your journey toward Tadapani. The route passes through Deurali Danda at 3,090 meters, the highest point between these locations, as well as Ban Thanti, Thulo Odar, and Liui Kharka over approximately 9.7 kilometers of scenic trail.
-
3,201m (Poon Hill) / 2,630m (Tadapani)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house in Tadapani
Rise before dawn to climb to the celebrated Poon Hill viewpoint for an extraordinary sunrise spectacle over the Himalayan giants. Watch as golden light illuminates Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna massif, and Manaslu in a breathtaking display. Return to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast before continuing your journey toward Tadapani. The route passes through Deurali Danda at 3,090 meters, the highest point between these locations, as well as Ban Thanti, Thulo Odar, and Liui Kharka over approximately 9.7 kilometers of scenic trail.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,201m (Poon Hill) / 2,630m (Tadapani)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Tea house in Tadapani
Begin with a descending trail offering continuous stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. A somewhat steep section leads to Kimche at 1,630 meters where a brief rest prepares you for the walk to Chane. Continue along prayer flag-adorned pathways into the traditional Gurung settlement of Ghandruk, one of the region's most authentic highland villages. After absorbing the village atmosphere, board a bus for the 10-hour journey back to Kathmandu.
-
1,940m (Ghandruk) / 1,400m (Kathmandu)
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel in Kathmandu
Begin with a descending trail offering continuous stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. A somewhat steep section leads to Kimche at 1,630 meters where a brief rest prepares you for the walk to Chane. Continue along prayer flag-adorned pathways into the traditional Gurung settlement of Ghandruk, one of the region's most authentic highland villages. After absorbing the village atmosphere, board a bus for the 10-hour journey back to Kathmandu.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,940m (Ghandruk) / 1,400m (Kathmandu)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Stay
Hotel in Kathmandu
Dedicate this day to exploring the cultural treasures of Nepal's capital city with your knowledgeable guide. Visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical Buddhist monuments in the world and a center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Continue to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, where ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards showcase the architectural legacy of the Malla kings who once ruled this valley.
-
1,400m
Breakfast
Hotel in Kathmandu
Dedicate this day to exploring the cultural treasures of Nepal's capital city with your knowledgeable guide. Visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical Buddhist monuments in the world and a center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Continue to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, where ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards showcase the architectural legacy of the Malla kings who once ruled this valley.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,400m
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
Hotel in Kathmandu
Your memorable Nepal adventure concludes today with a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Carry with you the unforgettable memories of Himalayan sunrises, traditional village life, and ancient temples that make this journey so special.
-
1,400m
Breakfast
Not included
Your memorable Nepal adventure concludes today with a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Carry with you the unforgettable memories of Himalayan sunrises, traditional village life, and ancient temples that make this journey so special.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,400m
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
Not included
What's Included
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu
- All standard meals during the trek including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Twin-sharing tea house accommodations throughout the trekking portion
- Ground transportation by bus as specified in the itinerary
- English-speaking female trekking guide services
- Porter services for luggage carrying during the trek
- Guide and porter accommodation, wages, meals, transportation, and equipment
- Complete insurance coverage for guide and porter
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
- TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)
- Basic first aid kit with essential medications
What's Not Included
- Beverages including soft drinks and alcoholic options
- Hot drinks such as tea, coffee, and hot water
- Bottled drinking water during the trek
- Personal spending and souvenir purchases
- Gratuities for guide and porter (appreciated but optional)
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trek
- Any services not specifically mentioned in inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Poon Hill Trek 5 Days with Kathmandu City Tour best suited for?
Poon Hill Trek 5 Days with Kathmandu City Tour is best suited for first-time trekkers, experienced hikers, and travelers who want a paced Himalayan walking journey. We recommend checking the duration, difficulty, season, and included support before booking.
What should I consider before booking Poon Hill Trek 5 Days with Kathmandu City Tour?
The main planning points are difficulty, altitude profile, acclimatisation, permits, guide support, and daily walking time. Our team can confirm what is realistic for your dates and group size.
Can this trekking package be customized?
Yes. We can customize Poon Hill Trek 5 Days with Kathmandu City Tour around your dates, preferred pace, accommodation style, private transport, guide support, and add-on experiences.
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