Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

This is one of Nepal's classic short treks, taking you through rhododendron forests, terraced rice paddies and villages in the Annapurna foothills, with Poon Hill as the payoff viewpoint for the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

You start and end in Pokhara, with the trek proper beginning at Nayapul. Nights are spent in teahouses along the route rather than camping, so it's a relatively comfortable way into Himalayan trekking.

The going is moderate overall, but day four brings a serious stone staircase climb, so it's not without its challenge.

What you'll do

• Trek through rhododendron forests and rice paddy villages in the Annapurna foothills
• Climb 3,381 stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
• Watch sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I and Annapurna South from Poon Hill
• Pass alpine lakes and green valleys en route
• Overnight in teahouses in traditional mountain villages
• Travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara by flight or road to reach the trailhead