A moderate teahouse trek through villages and rhododendron forest to sunrise over the Himalaya from Poon Hill, 3,210 m.
Price on request
The Poon Hill trek is a moderate trek meandering through villages and rhododendron forests. It reveals some of the best views of the Himalaya, above all from Poon Hill, one of the finest viewpoints in the Annapurna region. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,210 m.
Students can test their stamina on the climb to Ulleri, a stone staircase of more than 3,000 steps, and then watch the sun rise over the snow-capped Himalaya, lighting the peaks of the entire range.
Along the way students experience challenge, adventure, leadership and responsibility, and learn about the environment, sustainable trekking and backpacking along the Himalayan range.
Sleeping altitude, walking time, meals and lodging for every day.
Poon Hill School Trek: day by day
9 days
On arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative meets the group and transfers everyone to the hotel, with help at check-in. Afterwards there is a short briefing on the plan and preparation for the trip; the rest of the time is free until dinner.
After breakfast we set off on the scenic six-hour, 200 km drive to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway, stopping on the way for lunch. Weather permitting, there are excellent views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu on the way. On arrival we check in at the hotel.
We drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, where the trek begins. From Nayapul we walk via Birethanti (1,065 m) to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m), about four hours in all.
This is the physically hardest day of the trek. Leaving Tikhedhunga, we begin with a steep climb up the stone steps to Ulleri (2,070 m), a large village of the Magar people. The trail then climbs more gently through forests of oak and rhododendron to Banthanti (2,250 m). After lunch on the way we continue to Nangethanti (2,460 m) and finally reach Ghorepani (2,860 m).
We start early and climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for the sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Nilgiri (6,940 m), Varaha Shikhar (7,647 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m) and many other snow-capped peaks. After breakfast back in Ghorepani we trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) through deep forests of rhododendron, bamboo and oak. On the way students can look out for waterfalls, rock formations, wildlife, birds and green valleys.
The walk to Ghandruk is the easiest day of the trek, through forests of rhododendron and oak. Ghandruk is a large Gurung village with a handicraft centre and a Gurung museum, and panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7,455 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m) and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
After breakfast in Ghandruk we walk down through the terraced fields to Syauli Bazaar, near Nayapul, where the trek ends, and drive back to Pokhara.
After an early breakfast in Pokhara we drive back to Kathmandu. After checking in at the hotel, students can shop in colourful Thamel, guided by our representative or instructors.
Free until the transfer to Kathmandu's international airport for departure.
In the price on this page
Budget for these separately
The full breakdown, the kit list and the insurance requirement are sent to you before any deposit.
Request the leader packWhat each student should pack for this programme.
Sleeping bagTeahouse rooms are cold above 2,500 m
Down jacket or a thick warm layer
Head torch and spare batteries
Trekking polesUseful on the steep descents
Quick-dry T-shirts and trekking trousersNo jeans on the trail
Fleece or warm mid layer
Waterproof jacketShowers are common in spring and autumn
Sun hat and a warm hat
Underwear and socks for every day
Broken-in walking boots or trail shoes
Sandals or trainers for the evenings
Daypack, 25 to 35 litresWith a rain cover
Water bottle, 1 litre or more
Personal medicationWith a copy of the prescription
Sunscreen and lip balm
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Passport valid for six months
Two passport photographsFor the visa and any permits
Copy of your travel insurance
Shot on this trail by our guides and the groups who walked it.
Trekkers watching sunrise light the snow peaks of the Dhaulagiri range from the top of Poon Hill
Phewa Lake beneath the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, seen from the hills above Pokhara
A small boat on the calm water of Phewa Lake below green forested hillsThe high point is Poon Hill, 3,210 m, climbed before dawn on day 5 for the sunrise. The highest night is at Ghorepani, 2,860 m, the night before.
Day 4, from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani: about seven hours, starting with the steep stone steps to Ulleri. Day 6, to Ghandruk, is the easiest, at about three hours.
By road: a six-hour, 200 km drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway on day 2, then a short drive to Nayapul on day 3.
Still deciding? The people who answer are the people who run the trek. Ask us anything: fitness, insurance, kit, or whether your dates are a sensible idea.
Message a trek specialistThe same care and paperwork, at a different length and pace.
D of E GoldModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.7 days · Kathmandu Valley rim, Nepal
Price on request
D of E SilverModerateModerate5–6 hours a day · 3,500–4,500 mLonger days with real ascent, and at least one acclimatisation day built in. Some training helps; hill walking most weekends for two months is enough.6 days · Kathmandu Valley rim, Nepal
Price on request
EasyEasy4–5 hours a day · Below 3,500 mWell-made trails, teahouses close together, and nothing that needs a head for heights. Anyone who walks regularly at home will be comfortable.
EasyEasy4–5 hours a day · Below 3,500 mWell-made trails, teahouses close together, and nothing that needs a head for heights. Anyone who walks regularly at home will be comfortable.
ChallengingChallenging6–7 hours a day · 4,500–5,600 mConsecutive days at altitude, cold nights and a pre-dawn start or two. You need to arrive fit rather than plan to get fit on the trail.We reply with a costed plan for your group.
At least one adult for every eight students. Every leader and guide holds a first aid qualification.
Yes. Our itineraries are flexible and are shaped to the students' needs and the school's requirements.
Yes. We arrange charity treks and community projects with schools, orphanages and villages, from fundraising to building, painting, farming and cleaning.
Price on request
9 days
