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Prayer flags in front of the Dhaulagiri range
Poon Hill and Ghandruk

Ghorepani to Poon Hill trek: altitude, time and route

3 min readUpdated 23 Oct 2026By the Base Camp Hikes trek team

The Ghorepani to Poon Hill section of the Poon Hill trek runs from about 2,860 m to about 3,210 m. Typical time is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours up in the dark, rated easy to moderate. That is a net gain of roughly 350 m.

Quick facts

  • Start: Ghorepani, about 2,860 m
  • End: Poon Hill, about 3,210 m
  • Change: a net gain of roughly 350 m
  • Typical time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours up in the dark
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The route

A stone-step path climbs steeply from Ghorepani to Poon Hill. Most trekkers leave in the early hours so they reach the viewpoint before sunrise. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna are the main sights.

Altitude and health

Part of this section is at or above 3,000 m, so altitude sickness is possible. Walk slowly, drink water, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep. Descend if symptoms worsen. Altitudes vary by a few tens of metres between maps and guidebooks.

Tips

Bring a headlamp, warm layers and gloves. It can be freezing before dawn, and you will want a hot drink when you come back down.

Common questions

  • What time should I leave? Usually 4:30 to 5:30 am, depending on the season and the sunrise time.
  • Is it hard? The climb is steep but short, and most fit trekkers manage it.

Reverse direction

Walking Poon Hill to Ghorepani is the same trail in reverse. It is usually quicker because it is mostly downhill, but a long descent is hard on the knees, so poles help.

Nearby legs on this route

Plan it

Back to all route information or see the Poon Hill trek guides.

Tents pitched at a high camp below glaciated peaks

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