If you’re an Indian traveller looking for a short, refreshing Himalayan adventure without venturing too far from home, the Poon Hill Trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region is a perfect choice. Just a short flight or an easy road journey from India, this trek combines breathtaking mountain views, vibrant culture, and a manageable hiking route ideal for beginners and families.
At 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), Poon Hill offers one of the most stunning sunrise panoramas in the Himalayas, with golden rays lighting up Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The trail winds through charming Gurung and Magar villages like Hile, Ulleri, and Ghorepani, where you’ll be welcomed with warm Nepali hospitality, local food, and cultural experiences.
You’ll also walk through lush rhododendron forests (especially magical in spring) and enjoy the peaceful beauty of terraced farmlands. With comfortable teahouse stays, well-maintained paths, and a trek duration of just a few days, it’s perfect for Indian travellers with limited time who still want a true Himalayan experience.
Best Time to Visit:
Whether you’re seeking a quick escape from city life or a memorable family holiday, the Poon Hill Trek delivers big Himalayan beauty in a short, easy trek—just next door to India.
The Short Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular and beginner-friendly trekking routes, offering stunning Himalayan panoramas without the need for long or strenuous hiking. Starting from Pokhara, the trail passes through traditional villages and vibrant landscapes, culminating at the iconic Poon Hill viewpoint. The trek typically takes just 3–5 days, making it an excellent choice for Indian citizens looking for a weekend adventure or a short holiday. Best seasons to visit are spring (March–May) for blooming rhododendrons and autumn (September–November) for the clearest skies and most vibrant mountain views.
Day 1: Arrived Kathmandu and transfer to hotel, 1350 m.
Day 2: Reach Pokhara, 830 m.
Day 3: Drive to Nayapool/ Birethati and Trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri, 1540 m.
Day 4: Trek continue to Ghorepani, 2850 m.
Day 5: Morning Hike to Poonhill and descend down to Nayapool and Drive back to Pokhara, 830 m.
Day 6: Back to Kathmandu., 1350 m.
Day 7: Back to Home
As an Indian citizen, you do not require a visa to enter Nepal — thanks to the special travel agreement between our countries. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, you can simply proceed through immigration by showing a valid government-issued photo ID (passport or voter ID). The process is generally quick, but depending on your flight schedule and passenger traffic, it may still take up to 1–2 hours to complete arrival formalities and collect your baggage.
Once you exit the terminal, our representative will be waiting at the arrival area holding a banner with our company name and your name. You will be warmly welcomed with flowers and a Khada (a traditional Buddhist ceremonial scarf symbolizing goodwill and blessings)
Transportation: Transportation facilities will be as per our package you have taken.
Reaching Pokhara is the first step to starting the Mardi Himal Trek. Here are the common ways to get to Pokhara:
1. By Flight (Most Convenient)
2. By Tourist Bus (Budget-Friendly)
3. By Private Vehicle (Flexible but Expensive)
4. By Local Bus or Microbus (Cheapest Option)
Your journey starts in the morning with a scenic 1.5–2 hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapool (1,070m) or slightly further to Birethanti, the gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ride offers beautiful countryside views — green hills, rivers, small villages, and occasional Himalayan peaks.
From Birethanti, the trek begins along an easy riverside trail, passing through terraced farmlands, small waterfalls, and charming Gurung and Magar villages. Following the Burungdi Khola, you’ll enjoy a pleasant walk on a gentle uphill path until reaching Tikhedhunga (1,540m) after about 3–4 hours.
If you prefer to continue, the trail climbs the famous 3,000+ stone steps to Ulleri (2,050m), a steep but rewarding 2-hour ascent. Ulleri offers cooler mountain air and wide valley views, making it a great base for the next day’s trek to Ghorepani
Today’s trek is one of the most physically challenging but rewarding as you ascend the stone steps to the village of Ulleri, a steep climb that tests your stamina. The trail then passes through dense rhododendron forests, which burst into colorful blooms in spring. After 6-7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Ghorepani, a picturesque village nestled on a ridge. Ghorepani offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Overnight at a teahouse in Ghorepani.
An early morning wake-up call today for the hike to Poon Hill, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Himalayas. The hour-long climb is well worth it as you witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with the peaks glowing in hues of gold and pink. After soaking in the views and taking photos, you'll descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast.
Then start our trek down to -
Vice versa of Day 2
Finish your Trip of Nepal with Jolly Himalaya Team.
| 1 PAX | NPR 27,000/- |
| 2 Pax | NPR 35,000/- |
| 3 Pax | NPR 46,000/- |
| 4 Pax | NPR 55,000/- |
| 5 or more | NPR 14000 Per person. |
| 1 PAX | NPR 56,000/- |
| 2 Pax | NPR 74,000/- |
| 3 Pax | NPR 100,000/- |
| 4 Pax | NPR 125,000/- |
| 5 or more | NPR 32,000 Per person. |
If bad weather and other natural disasters circumstance makes your trip longer than our estimate itinerary and the cost will be extra!
| 1 PAX | NPR 130,000/- |
| 2 Pax | NPR 161,000/- |
| 3 Pax | NPR 257,000/- |
| 4 Pax | NPR 290,000/- |
| 5 or more | NPR 75,000 Per person. |
If bad weather and other natural disasters circumstance makes your trip longer than our estimate itinerary and the cost will be extra!
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At 2,012 meters, Ghandruk is one of Nepal's most charming Gurung villages, renowned for its traditional stone homes, winding lanes, and breathtaking views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). You will pass through Tadapani and descend through verdant rhododendron and oak forests before arriving at the village if you decide to extend your Poon Hill hike to include Ghandruk.
Here you can see everyday life in a Himalayan community, eat local food, and tour the Gurung Cultural Museum. Ghandruk is also well-known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, which are on par with Poon Hill. In addition to the natural beauty, staying here gives your trek a deeper cultural component.
Instead of returning to Pokhara via Nayapool, you can choose a long scenic drive from Ghandruk towards Tatopani and then on to Beni before reaching Pokhara. This route takes around 7–8 hours by jeep or private vehicle and offers a more adventurous return with varied landscapes.
On the way, you’ll pass Tatopani, a riverside village famous for its natural hot springs — a great spot to relax tired muscles after the trek. The journey continues along winding mountain roads, river valleys, and small hill towns until you rejoin the main highway at Beni, from where it’s a smoother drive back to Pokhara.
This option is ideal for trekkers who want to see more of rural Nepal, enjoy a hot spring dip, and experience a less-traveled route before ending their journey.
No. Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal. You just need to carry a valid passport or voter ID for entry.
Most travellers fly to Kathmandu (TIA) from major Indian cities and then take a short domestic flight or a tourist bus/private vehicle to Pokhara. From Pokhara, it’s a 1.5–2 hour drive to Nayapool/Birethanti, the trek starting point.
Or you can come by train through Raxaul border- Enter the Nepal side (Birjung and take a public vehicle and arrive Pokhara straight.
For more about by road journey Visit - https://youtu.be/tdC123rLmG0?si=b60Du76trClAVepw
The trek can be done in 3 to 5 days, depending on your pace and itinerary.
It’s considered easy to moderate. There are some steep ascents (like the 3,000+ stone steps to Ulleri), but no technical climbing is involved. Suitable for beginners and families with average fitness.
You’ll stay in teahouses (local lodges) that provide basic but comfortable rooms with beds, blankets, and simple meals.
For the Poon Hill Trek, Indian citizens need:
If you book through a trekking company, they will arrange both permits for you in advance. You just need to provide a copy of your valid passport or voter ID and two passport-size photos.
Yes, if they have reasonable fitness and can walk for 4–5 hours a day. The trek can be paced slower with shorter daily walks.
Light trekking clothes, a warm jacket, good hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and personal medicines. Your trekking agency will provide a full packing list.
Poon Hill’s elevation (3,210 m) is below the usual altitude sickness risk zone, but you may feel short of breath on uphill sections. Staying hydrated and walking at a steady pace helps.
Yes, vegetarian and even vegan options are widely available at teahouses. Indian-style dal, rice, and vegetables are common.
Yes, most teahouses offer paid Wi-Fi and charging facilities. Speeds can be slow in higher villages.
Yes, Indian currency (₹100 notes and below) is widely accepted in many places. For trekking, it’s better to carry Nepalese Rupees for easier transactions.
From Poon Hill, you can see a stunning panorama of Himalayan peaks, including:
On a clear day, the sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill is one of the most famous sights in the Himalayas.
15 Days From $ 850
12 Days From $ 1350
9 Days From $ 300
2 Days From $ 160
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6 Days From $ 299
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