The route to Poon Hill is identical. The difference is the descent. Instead of returning to Syauli Bazaar and driving back to Pokhara, this trek continues north through Ghandruk, then descends through Landruk, Tolka, Pothana, and Australian Camp to Dhampus before driving back from Phedi. Three extra days, three extra Gurung villages, and a completely different landscape on the way down. Daily walking drops from 5 to 7 hours on the 9-day to 3 to 5 hours on this route. The same Poon Hill sunrise, more village time, less rushing.

This trek is rated Moderate (Level 2 on our scale). The hardest day is Day 4 — the 1,320m stone-step climb from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani. From Day 5 onward the route descends gradually through forested ridges and villages with no serious climbs. Daily walking averages 3 to 5 hours. The maximum altitude is 3,210m at Poon Hill, well below where altitude sickness becomes a serious concern. No prior trekking experience is required. Families with older children complete this route regularly. See our full trek difficulty guide for context.

Yes. This is one of the most beginner and family-friendly treks in Nepal. The slower daily pace of 3 to 5 hours, maximum altitude of 3,210m, and teahouse accommodation throughout make it accessible to a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Children aged 12 and above generally manage this route well. The one exception is Day 4 — the Ulleri stone steps are steep and long and require patience from younger trekkers. The descent through Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus is easy, varied, and genuinely enjoyable.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two best windows. Spring brings warmer temperatures and the rhododendron forests in full bloom between Ghorepani and Tadapani, most spectacular in March and April. Autumn has the clearest skies and best mountain visibility after the monsoon. December is possible but cold at Ghorepani. Avoid January and February when snow can close the upper trail. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended as trails are slippery throughout and leeches are active on the lower sections.

Ghandruk at 1,940m is one of the largest and best-preserved Gurung villages in Nepal with stone-paved alleys, a Gurung museum, an ACAP visitor centre, and direct views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from the village itself. Landruk at 1,565m is quieter and less visited with terraced paddy fields and a mixed Gurung, Magar, and Brahmin community. Tolka at 1,700m is a small hillside stop with good mountain views. Dhampus at 1,650m is a traditional Gurung village 23km from Pokhara with panoramic Annapurna range views and old slate-roofed stone houses. Australian Camp at 2,060m sits above Dhampus with views of the mountains and the Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake far below.

Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included in the MountainKick package price. We handle all paperwork before you leave Kathmandu. Permits are checked at Birethanti near Nayapul at the start of the trail and at the ACAP exit checkpoint at Dhampus on the final trekking day. Carry your originals at all times. For full 2026 permit details read our Nepal trekking permits guide.

Yes. Since April 2023 Nepal requires all foreign trekkers on designated routes including the Annapurna region to trek with a licensed guide. Beyond the legal requirement, the trail between Ghandruk and Dhampus has multiple junctions where the path is less obvious. Your MountainKick guide knows every village on this route and manages the pace, teahouse bookings, and permit checkpoints from start to finish.

Teahouse menus are consistent from Tikhedhunga to Dhampus: dal bhat, garlic soup, noodle soup, fried rice, eggs, pancakes, and ginger tea. Dal bhat is always the safest option, cooked fresh to order. Ghandruk and Landruk teahouses serve fresh local vegetables from the surrounding terraced farms. Do not eat meat above Ghorepani where freshness cannot be guaranteed. Vegetarian food is available at every stop. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three meals and drinks on trail.

Budget for: international flights, Nepal visa (15-day $30 / 30-day $50 / 90-day $125), travel insurance, all meals on trek ($25 to $35 per day), hot showers and Wi-Fi ($2 to $5 each), guide and porter tips (10 to 15% of trip cost). Withdraw all cash before leaving Pokhara as there are no ATMs on trail. Most trekkers spend an additional $300 to $400 on top of the $684 package price.

Your policy must cover emergency helicopter evacuation to at least 4,000m. Even on a moderate trek, evacuations happen due to falls or illness on terrain with no road access. Make sure your policy also covers trip cancellation and medical expenses. Carry a printed copy of your policy and emergency contact number throughout the trek. Read our travel insurance guide for what to look for.

Mardi Himal (10 days, $615) reaches 4,500m on an exposed alpine ridge with more demanding daily climbs and a pre-dawn Base Camp push. The ABC Express (10 days, $568) goes to 4,130m inside the Annapurna Sanctuary with 5 to 7 hours per day on trail. This trek (12 days, $684) stays lower at 3,210m with 3 to 5 hours per day, more village time, and a much more relaxed pace. It is the right choice for anyone who wants the Poon Hill sunrise, genuine village culture, and a comfortable daily schedule. Our Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal guide breaks down the comparison in detail.