Poon Hill Dhampus Village Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsThe Poon Hill sunrise route extended through five Gurung villages to Dhampus, with the Annapurna range in view for the last three days
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Poon Hill Dhampus Village Trek: What to Expect
Nepal's most famous sunrise viewpoint at 3,210m. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre lit by first light
Ghorepani, Tadapani, Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus. More village time and slower pace than the standard 9-day route
Government-licensed guides who know every trail junction between Ghandruk and Dhampus
4 to 5 hours per day on average. The same destination as the 9-day trek with three extra days to enjoy it
This 12-day trek follows the standard Poon Hill route from Nayapul to Ghorepani, then extends the descent through five Gurung villages before finishing at Australian Camp and driving back to Pokhara from Phedi. The extra three days compared to the 9-day version are slower, lower, and more immersed in village life. Daily walking averages 4 to 5 hours throughout.
The hardest day is Day 4, the stone-step climb from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani gaining 1,320m. From Day 5 onward the route is mostly downhill through rhododendron and oak forest. Dhampus at 1,650m and Australian Camp at 2,060m both have direct views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri from a completely different angle than Poon Hill. This trek suits anyone who wants the sunrise and more time in the villages without a faster pace.
Trail highlights:
- Poon Hill sunrise at 3,210m with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre
- Ghandruk: one of the largest Gurung villages in the region with a cultural museum
- Landruk and Tolka: quieter foothill villages off the main tourist trail
- Australian Camp at 2,060m with Annapurna views and Pokhara valley below
- Dhampus: traditional slate-roofed Gurung houses and Buddhist shrines
For a comparison with the 9-day route read our Poon Hill guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your guide meets you at arrivals and transfers you to the hotel in Thamel. That evening we hold a pre-trip briefing covering the full route, kit check, and permit paperwork. Bring your passport. If you need last-minute gear, Thamel shops open from 8am and stock everything from trekking poles to sleeping bags.
Drive to Pokhara
The tourist bus departs at 7am from Sorakhutte near Thamel. The 200km drive along the Prithvi Highway takes 7 to 8 hours. Arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon with the evening free at Phewa Lake. Tomorrow the trek starts with a short drive to Nayapul.
Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedhunga
A private vehicle takes you 42km to Nayapul in about an hour. ACAP and TIMS permits are checked at Birethanti, 30 minutes in. The trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola river before climbing to Tikhedhunga. A gentle first day with one short steep section near the end.
Trek to Ghorepani
The hardest day on the trek. The trail drops to cross the Bhurungdi Khola then climbs over 3,000 stone steps to Ulleri before continuing through dense rhododendron and oak forest via Banthanti to Ghorepani. Start early, set a steady pace, and use poles. Set an alarm for tomorrow.
Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Tadapani
Alarm at 4:30am for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill at 3,210m. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre fill the horizon as first light hits the ridges. Back to Ghorepani for breakfast then a descent through Nepal’s largest rhododendron forest to Tadapani.
Trek to Ghandruk
A shorter day through rhododendron and oak forest with direct views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre opening as you descend. Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal with stone-paved alleys, a Gurung museum, an ACAP visitor centre, and mountain views from the village itself. Spend the afternoon exploring.
Trek to Landruk
Descend from Ghandruk to the Modi Khola suspension bridge at Kyumi then climb through terraced paddy fields to Landruk. A quieter and less visited Gurung settlement than Ghandruk with a more lived-in feel. The trail passes through mixed Gurung, Magar, and Brahmin settlements with great views of Annapurna South across the valley.
Trek to Tolka
A gentle day through forested hillside above the Modi Khola valley. The trail passes Bherikharka and climbs gradually to Tolka, a small Gurung settlement with views across to the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. One of the quietest overnight stops on the route.
Trek to Australian Camp
A steeper morning climb from Tolka to Deurali at 2,100m with panoramic views of the Annapurna range appearing as you gain height. From Deurali the trail descends through oak forest to Pothana then climbs 40 minutes to Australian Camp. The name comes from Austrian trekkers who camped here in the 1980s. The ridge viewpoint looks directly at Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli with the Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake visible far below.
Trek to Dhampus, Drive to Pokhara
A short morning walk downhill from Australian Camp to Dhampus at 1,650m, one of the most accessible Gurung villages in the Annapurna region with direct Annapurna range views from the village paths. Traditional slate-roofed stone houses, Buddhist shrines, and a warm atmosphere. Then a final 2-hour descent to Phedi where a private vehicle drives you back to Pokhara in 30 minutes.
Drive to Kathmandu, Farewell Dinner
The tourist bus follows the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu, 200km in 7 to 8 hours. Arrive by early evening. That night your guide takes you to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner of dal bhat, momos, and traditional Nepali dishes.
Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to the airport timed to your flight. If you have time before departure, Boudhanath is 20 minutes by taxi and worth a final morning visit.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport transfers in Kathmandu Private vehicle, arrival and departure
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3-star hotel in Kathmandu 2 nights, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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3-star hotel in Pokhara 2 nights, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation on trek 7 nights teahouse accommodation, twin-sharing
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Tourist bus Kathmandu to Pokhara return Both directions, departs 7am from Sorakhutte
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Private transport Pokhara to Nayapul and Phedi return
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Government-licensed trekking guide NTB-certified, English speaking, full trek
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Porter service 1 porter per 2 trekkers, 20kg load limit
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All staff costs Salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Required entry permit for the Annapurna region
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TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by guide throughout the trek
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal with your guide
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Duffel bag Yours to keep as a souvenir
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa fee 15 days $30 / 30 days $50 / 90 days $125, available on arrival
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Travel insurance Mandatory. Must cover helicopter evacuation to at least 4,000m
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All meals on trek Budget $25 to $35 per day. Teahouses serve breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Except the farewell dinner
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Personal trekking gear Sleeping bag, trekking poles. Rentable in Kathmandu or Pokhara
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Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging Small charge at teahouses, typically $2 to $5 each
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Guide and porter tips Customary. Roughly 10-15% of the trip price
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Personal expenses Snacks, bottled water, laundry, souvenirs
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
Two tiers on this trek. Kathmandu and Pokhara are 3-star hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast included. On trail, Ghorepani and Ghandruk have the best teahouse facilities with some attached bathrooms, hot showers at extra cost, and reliable dining. The lower villages of Landruk, Tolka, and Pothana are simpler but clean and comfortable. Australian Camp and Dhampus have good facilities with direct Annapurna range views from the teahouse windows. Ghorepani is the coldest night on the route. A sleeping bag rated to 0°C is recommended throughout.
Kathmandu and Pokhara: 3-star hotel, private bathroom, breakfast included
Ghorepani and Ghandruk: established teahouses, some attached bathrooms, solar hot showers at extra cost
Landruk, Tolka, Pothana: simple teahouses, shared bathrooms, basic but clean
Australian Camp and Dhampus: comfortable teahouses, direct Annapurna views, hot showers at extra cost
Sleeping bag rated to 0°C recommended throughout
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 and most nutritious option at every stop, cooked fresh to order. Ghandruk and Landruk teahouses serve fresh local vegetables from the surrounding terraced farms — some of the best food on the lower Annapurna trails. Do not eat meat above Ghorepani where freshness cannot be guaranteed. Vegetarian food is available everywhere. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three meals and drinks on trail.
| Meals on trail | $25 to $35 / day |
| Hot shower | $2 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi (where available) | $2 to $3 |
| Battery charging per device | $2 to $3 |
| Bottled water | $1 to $2 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A lovely short trek in Nepal”
We had a great few days on the Poon Hill and Dhampus trek, a nice mix of forest trails, villages, and mountain views, with Poon Hill at sunrise as the obvious highlight. Our guide was friendly and helpful throughout, and MountainKick made all the arrangements easy. A great choice if…
“Beautiful villages and mountain views”
This was exactly the kind of trek we were after. We enjoyed the quieter village trails around Dhampus and the views of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill. Everything was well organized by MountainKick and our guide took good care of us throughout, simple, enjoyable, and a really memorable part…
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the 9-day Poon Hill trek?
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.
How difficult is this trek?
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.
Is this trek suitable for beginners or families?
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.
What is the best time to do this trek?
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 to February is possible and often very clear, with quiet trails. It gets cold at Ghorepani and Poon Hill, especially before sunrise, and snow sometimes falls there after storms. Bring warm layers and a good sleeping bag. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended as trails are slippery throughout and leeches are active on the lower sections.
What are Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus like?
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.
What permits do I need and are they included?
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.
Is a licensed guide mandatory on this route?
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.
What food is available and is it safe?
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.
What should I budget beyond the package price?
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.
What travel insurance do I need?
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.
How does this trek compare to Mardi Himal or the ABC Express?
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.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ Break your boots in before you arrive. New boots on 3,000 stone steps will ruin your trek.
Clothing
ⓘ You need layers, not volume. The same fleece that keeps you warm at dinner is what you wear up Poon Hill at 4:30am.
Head and Hands
ⓘ The Poon Hill summit at 4:30am is cold regardless of season. Pack these even in spring.
Gear
ⓘ Trekking poles are not optional. The stone steps and wet descents below Ghandruk are slippery. Poles prevent falls and protect your knees.
Health and First Aid
ⓘ Your guide carries a full kit and oximeter. Your personal kit covers the everyday issues. Blisters are the most common problem on this trek.
Toiletries
ⓘ Keep it minimal. You are staying in small teahouse rooms with limited space.
Documents and Money
ⓘ Documents and Money category_note: No ATMs past Pokhara. Carry all cash from Pokhara in small denominations — 100, 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. Large notes are hard to change at small teahouses.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for this trek. Trails are slippery throughout, mountain views are rare, and leeches are active from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga and on the lower sections between Ghandruk and Landruk.
Leave at home
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Jeans or cotton clothing Takes days to dry and has zero insulation when wet.
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Full-size towel Heavy and bulky. Microfiber only.
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Laptop No need and the weight is punishing on steep trails.
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Excessive snacks from home Dal bhat and teahouse food is cheap and abundant.
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Valuables and jewellery Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Pokhara. Trekking poles are cheap to buy there and worth keeping. MountainKick provides a duffel bag for every trekker and connects you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing.
Poon Hill Dhampus Village Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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