Tikhedhunga is a small village by a stream, at about 1,540 m, and the usual first night on the Poon Hill route. It lies below Ulleri, at the foot of the long stone staircase. Trekkers reach it after driving to Nayapul and walking through Birethanti.
Altitude: about 1,540 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Tikhedhunga is and why trekkers stop
Tikhedhunga sits a few hours' walk beyond Birethanti, and is the standard first overnight for the Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek. Our pages connect it with Nayapul, Pokhara, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill and Deurali. Stopping here splits the climb sensibly, because the next day begins with the long staircase to Ulleri, and doing it fresh in the morning is far kinder than tackling it late in the day when legs are tired and the sun is high.
What to expect at Tikhedhunga
Expect a modest cluster of lodges beside a stream, with the sound of water, terraced fields and forested slopes around. It is a quiet, rural stop, with simple dining rooms where trekkers share stories of the first day. The evening is a good time to stretch, eat early and sort kit. Next morning, the trail rises quickly. The stone steps can feel endless, so pace yourself, take rests, and keep poles handy if they help your knees.
Altitude and how you may feel
Tikhedhunga is low, so the first night here rarely brings altitude trouble. You may feel tired from the drive and the walk, but that is ordinary fatigue. The climb to Ulleri and Ghorepani raises the sleeping height over the next days, and altitude illness can strike on the higher part of the trek, even though Poon Hill is modest compared with other treks. Drink water, walk steadily, and if symptoms get worse, descend and tell your guide.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges are basic, with small rooms, shared bathrooms and a standard menu of dal bhat, noodles, soup and eggs. Hot water may cost extra, and charging can be limited. Bring cash and a light sleeping bag liner, though blankets are usually provided. Rain can make the stone steps slippery, so wear shoes with grip. Walking times vary with pace and trail conditions, and the next day is the harder one, so rest properly tonight.
Stage guides that pass through Tikhedhunga
These day-by-day guides start or end at Tikhedhunga, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani trek: stages, altitude and time
- Tikhedhunga to Poon Hill trek: stages, altitude and time
- Nayapul to Tikhedhunga trek: altitude, time and route
- Tikhedhunga to Deurali trek: stages, altitude and time
- Pokhara to Tikhedhunga trek: stages, altitude and time
- Tikhedhunga to Ulleri trek: altitude, time and route
Common questions
Why is Tikhedhunga the usual first night?
It breaks the route into manageable parts, with the long staircase to Ulleri left for the next morning. It is a quiet stream side village a few hours' walk from Birethanti.
What comes after Tikhedhunga?
The next stage climbs the long stone staircase to Ulleri, then continues toward Ghorepani. It is a steep, tiring day, so start early and rest often. Timing varies with pace and trail conditions.
Does altitude matter at Tikhedhunga?
Not much. The village is low, so thin air is unlikely to affect you. Altitude matters higher up near Ghorepani and Poon Hill, so learn the warning signs and descend if symptoms worsen.
