Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in December

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in December becomes one of the most mountain-scenic, clear-skied, and crowd-free experiences you can have, with breathtaking sunrise views along with the stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region. December is not the first choice of many trekkers when it comes to starting their journey on the Poon Hill Trek. September to November or March to April are ideal options as they are the normal trekking seasons in Nepal. But there are a few trekkers who like to choose a different path from the rest, and for them, the month of December becomes one of the best seasons. It will be the one that offers a peaceful trip with calm nature and clearer skies.

So, if you are willing to add some extra layers of clothing and challenge the cold, December is the month that will reward you with one of the most peaceful and visually stunning trekking experiences in Nepal.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range’s Scenic Beauty and Rhododendron Forests

When the talk is about the most beautiful short treks in Nepal, Ghorepani Poon Hill tops the list. With just less than a week, or even as few as 3 days, you can enjoy this scenic trek in the Himalayas. Not just for its rhododendron-lined beauty, but also for its stunning sunrise views along the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Poon Hill sits in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area, nestled in the eastern hills of the country. Unlike high-altitude treks like Mardi Base Camp or even the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Poon Hill Trek offers you the same thrill and excitement within a maximum height of 3,210 meters (10,531 feet).

Poon Hill hiking trails are easy, teahouses are available at various stops and there’s greenery and mountain beauty at every turn, making it a popular hike for beginners, as well as families and solo travellers.

Not only for the young and passionate trekking enthusiast, but for every age group who desires to see an epic view at the mountains and witness the sunrise rising over the Himalayas, the Poon Hill Trek welcomes you all.

Trekking Poon Hill in December vs. the Peak Seasons of Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)

While one cannot define the ideal time for every trekker to enjoy the journey to Poon Hill, it ultimately depends on your personal choice and expectations from the trek. If you are looking for fewer crowds, clearer skies, and a peaceful experience with nature, then December becomes the ideal month.

But if you’re hoping for flowers on the rhododendrons, a bunch of trekking companions and other trekking enthusiasts on the way, then it may be better for you if you choose Spring. Lastly, what poon hill has to offer in the Autumn season is its cultural richness, which falls in the Nepali festive season.

So, which season is better to trek at Poon Hill? It’s all in the choice you make. However, I personally would love to go in December. Winter has always been a pleasing time for me,  much like the famous phrase “Winter is Coming” from the epic Game of Thrones. With fewer tourists, and more calm trails, and of course, clear skies, December is a great time to visit the Himalayas in winter. It could also be an ideal time for a holiday season celebration,  a Christmas morning with views of the mountains and a gorgeous sunrise over the Himalayas.

Day-to-Day Itinerary for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Top Trail Nepal normally offers a 6-day itinerary for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, starting your journey from the country’s capital, Kathmandu. With us, you will not have to worry about the permits, meals, and porter, because we make the journey interesting with everything you need along the way. However, if you are not comfortable with the 6-day itinerary, we can also work on your choice and offer you an itinerary that suits you the best.

The interesting thing about our 6-day itinerary plan for the Poon Hill Trek is that you will also get the time to enjoy the rich culture of Nepal’s most beautiful village, Ghandruk Village. Once you are satisfied with the sunrise from Poon Hill, you will descend back down and find yourself immersed in the richness and charm of Ghandruk Village.

Day	Route	Activity	Walking Time	Altitude
1	Kathmandu → Pokhara	Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Rest, explore the lakeside, visit Tal Barahi Mandir at Phewa Lake and prepare for the trek	Drive 7–8 hrs / Flight 30 mins	822 m
2	Pokhara → Nayapul → Ulleri	Morning drive to Nayapul, begin trek along Modi Khola river valley, pass through Birethanti for permit checks, ascend to Ulleri	Drive 1.5–2 hrs / Trek 4–5 hrs	1,960 m
3	Ulleri → Ghorepani	Morning breakfast at Ulleri, trek uphill through lush rhododendron forests, pass through Banthanti, arrive at Ghorepani for overnight stay	5–6 hours	2,874 m
4	Ghorepani → Poon Hill Sunrise → Tadapani	Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast, continue trek to Tadapani	6–7 hours	3,210 m (Poon Hill)
5	Tadapani → Ghandruk	Morning breakfast at Tadapani, descend through rhododendron forests and village trails, arrive at Ghandruk, explore Gurung culture and mountain views	3–4 hours	1,940 m
6	Ghandruk → Nayapul → Pokhara → Kathmandu	Morning views of Fishtail and Annapurna range, descend to Nayapul, drive back to Pokhara, fly or drive back to Kathmandu	Trek 3–4 hrs / Drive 1.5–2 hrs	822 m

Day 1: Kathmandu To Pokhara

To start your journey to Poon Hill, you can either take a long 7 to 8 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, or simply opt for the 30-minute flight. Once you reach Pokhara, you can rest and prepare for the trek. You can also take the time to enjoy the lakeside views, try out boating, and explore the famous Nepali temple ( Tal Barahi Mandir) sitting at the center of Phewa Lake.

Day 2: Pokhara to Nayapul to Ulleri (2,070m)

On the second day, you can start your trek early with a morning breakfast. The drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the trek’s starting point, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the route and season. This short drive from Pokhara will allow you to experience the scenic roadside beauty of Nepal, with its rolling hills and cultural villages along the way.

Once you reach Nayapul, you will finally begin your walk along the Modi Khola river valley. Along the trekking path, you will come across Birethanti, a charming riverside village where you complete your permit checks. After a few hours of walking, you will reach Ulleri, the rest point for the second day.

Day 3: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860m)

The 3rd day trek from Ulleri will become your official journey to Poon Hill, as on this day you will reach Ghorepani for an overnight stay after walking an overall distance of around 10 km. After having your breakfast at Ulleri, you can start your trek. On this day, you will make the ascent uphill, making it a little bit more challenging, as the uphill trail seems never-ending. But with the motivation of lush forests and scenic mountain views, you can keep up your pace and push forward.

Day 4: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,210m) to Tadapani (2,630m)

Day 5: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m)

After enjoying your night in Tadapani, you can have your morning breakfast and start your downhill descent to Ghandruk Village, which might take around 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace. Along the way, you will come across only a few teahouses, so having your breakfast at Tadapani before setting off will be the right choice. On the way down, you will come across beautiful rhododendron greenery, friendly trail companion dogs, and local village animals passing by.

After reaching Ghandruk, you can explore the rich Nepali cultural beauties, try on traditional cultural dresses, and enjoy the stunning mountain views that surround the village.

Day 6: Ghandruk to Pokhara to Kathmandu

On this final day, you can wake up to stunning mountain views of Fishtail and the Annapurna range right from your hotel window. Enjoy your early morning breakfast with fresh, dust-free air surrounding you. Once you are done soaking in the beauty of Ghandruk Village, you will begin your descent and make your way back to Pokhara.

After a few hours of walking, you will reach the pickup point where a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, you can plan for an extra night’s stay and explore the city further, or simply head back to Kathmandu.

Trial Map

Permits and Paperworks for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Things to Consider Before Starting the Trek 

Unlike other high-altitude treks, you do not have to prepare too much for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. However, if you are choosing December, it is necessary to consider carrying enough winter clothes and a few basic medical supplies for emergency cases. While the permits are a must, having a guide is also important, especially if this is your first trek. On the other hand, if you are planning a solo trip and have prior trekking experience, having a guide is not much of a concern.

Quick Overview of the Trek

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How hard is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

A1. Moderate, considered one of the easy trek in Nepal.

Q2. Is Ghorepani Poon Hill beginner-friendly and safe for solo trekkers?

A2. Yes, it is beginner-friendly and is considered the safest solo trek journey.

Q3. What is the highest altitude of the trek?

A3. 3,210 meters (10,531 feet)

Q4. Is it safe for solo female travelers?

A4. Yes, poon hill is considered to be the safest trek for solo female trekkers.

Q5. Can I see Everest from Poon Hill?

A5. No, you cannot see Everest, but you can enjoy the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri.

Q6. How much does it cost to trek to Poon Hill?

A6. Depending on the number of days, we offer packages starting from USD 400 to 600 per person for a 4 to 5-day trek, and USD 600 to 800 per person for a 6-day trek.

Q7. What is the least number of days to complete the Poon Hill Trek?

A7. 2 nights and 3 days is the absolute minimum time required to complete the Poon Hill Trek.