Quick answer: A guided Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek costs about US$250 to US$500 per person in 2026, based on Spade Himalaya’s departures. The short 2 to 3 day trek is cheapest, the permits total about US$40, and there is no flight, which makes Poon Hill the best-value trek in Nepal.
A guided Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek usually costs about US$250 to US$500 per person in 2026, based on Spade Himalaya’s 2026 departures. The exact price depends on the trek length, group size, and comfort level. It is one of the cheapest treks in Nepal. The reason is simple. The trek is short, it stays low, and there is no flight.
Key Takeaways
- A guided short trek costs roughly US$250 to US$500 per person.
- The 2 to 3 day trek is the cheapest option.
- There is no flight cost. You start with a short drive from Pokhara.
- Permits are cheap, about US$40 in total.
- Bigger groups pay less per person, because they share the guide and jeep.
This guide breaks down every cost, line by line. For the route, see our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek guide. For the full plan, see our 4-day Poon Hill Trek package.
What does the Poon Hill Trek cost?
Most guided Poon Hill treks cost between US$250 and US$500 per person. The price moves with three things. First, the trek length. Second, the group size. Third, the comfort level you choose.
A solo trekker pays more, because there is no one to share the guide and jeep. A group of four or more pays much less each. So Poon Hill is great value for families and friends who travel together.
Here is the cost at a glance:
| Trek and group | Rough cost per person |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 day trek, small group | US$220 to US$350 |
| 4 to 5 day trek, small group | US$300 to US$500 |
| Solo trekker, 4 days | US$400 to US$550 |
These are guided package prices. They cover the guide, permits, transport, lodging, and food on the trek. Now let us break each part down.
What is the cost breakdown, line by line?
Here is where your money goes on a Poon Hill Trek. These are 2026 estimates for one foreign trekker. Group costs are shared, so they drop per person.
| Item | Rough cost (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP permit | US$25 (NPR 3,000) | Annapurna Conservation Area |
| TIMS card | about US$15 (NPR 2,000) | NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals |
| Transport (Pokhara to trailhead and back) | US$20 to US$60 | Jeep or taxi, shared in a group |
| Licensed guide | US$25 to US$35 per day | Shared in a group |
| Porter (optional, shared) | US$18 to US$25 per day | One porter per two trekkers |
| Teahouse lodging | US$3 to US$8 per night | Often low if you eat there |
| Food on the trail | US$15 to US$22 per day | Three meals, low altitude keeps it cheap |
So the biggest costs are the guide, the food, and the lodging. The permits and transport are small. In short, the trek length is the main thing that sets the price.
Why is there no flight cost?
Most famous treks need a flight, but Poon Hill does not. So you save money right away.
For Everest, you fly to Lukla, which is costly and can be delayed. For Poon Hill, you just drive from Pokhara to the trailhead. So there is no big flight cost and no weather delay.
You do need to reach Pokhara first. It is a 6 to 7 hour drive from Kathmandu, or a short 25-minute flight. So Poon Hill stays cheap and easy to reach.
What drives the price up or down?
Three things move the Poon Hill Trek cost the most: trek length, group size, and comfort. So you can plan around them to save.
- Trek length. A 2 to 3 day trek costs less than the 4 to 5 day version. So pick the length that fits your time.
- Group size. The guide and jeep cost the same for one trekker or four. So a bigger group splits these costs and pays less each.
- Comfort. A private jeep, a single room, and hot showers all add up. A shared jeep and simple rooms keep costs low.
So if budget matters, travel in a small group and keep things simple. You still get the same famous sunrise.
What extra costs should you budget for?
Your package covers the big items, but carry extra cash for the small ones. Bring enough Nepalese rupees from Pokhara.
Here is what to budget on top of the package:
- Drinks and snacks. Tea, soft drinks, and chocolate on the trail.
- Hot showers and charging. Both cost a small fee at most lodges.
- Wi-Fi. Many lodges charge a little for it.
- Tips. Many trekkers give US$30 to US$60 in total for the guide and porter.
- Pokhara extras. Your hotel, meals, and any activities in Pokhara.
- Travel insurance. This is a must, at about US$100 to US$150 for the trip.
So set aside roughly US$10 to US$15 a day for trail extras. Then you will not run short.
How do you keep the cost down?
You can trek Poon Hill on a tight budget without missing the sunrise. Here are the simple ways to save.
- Pick a short plan. The 2 to 3 day trek costs less than the longer ones.
- Travel in a group. This shares the guide and jeep, the biggest saving.
- Refill your water. Use a filter or tablets instead of buying bottles.
- Eat dal bhat. It is filling, fresh, and comes with free refills.
- Rent gear in Pokhara. A down jacket and sleeping bag cost a few dollars a day.
- Skip the extras. Cut back on hot showers, Wi-Fi, and soft drinks.
So with a few smart choices, a family or budget trekker can do the whole trek for little. Spade Himalaya can build a budget plan for you.
Is the Poon Hill Trek worth the cost?
Yes. For the price, Poon Hill gives the best value of any trek in Nepal. You get a world-class sunrise and warm village culture in just a few days.
It is also the gentlest way to see the high Himalaya. So it is perfect for families, first-timers, and anyone short on time or money. For a trek this cheap and this scenic, the value is unbeatable.
For quieter options at a similar level, see our Khopra Danda Trek guide and Kori Trek guide. To compare with the longer classic, read Poon Hill vs Annapurna Base Camp.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 4-Days
FAQs
How much does the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek cost in 2026?
A guided trek usually costs about US$250 to US$500 per person. The 2 to 3 day trek is the cheapest. The price depends on length, group size, and comfort level. A group of four or more pays less each.
Why is the Poon Hill Trek so cheap?
Mostly because the trek is short, it stays low, and there is no flight. You just drive from Pokhara to the trailhead. The permits are low too. So Poon Hill is the best-value trek in Nepal.
What do the Poon Hill permits cost?
The ACAP permit is NPR 3,000 (about US$25). The TIMS card is NPR 2,000 (about US$15) for foreign trekkers (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-24). So the permits total about US$40 per person. Spade Himalaya includes both in the trip cost.
Are guides and porters included in the price?
In a Spade Himalaya package, yes. The guide is included, and porter support is part of the trip. Since 2023, a licensed guide is required in the Annapurna region.
Is the Poon Hill Trek good value for families?
Yes. It is short, low, and cheap, with comfortable lodges. A group rate makes it even cheaper per person. So it is one of the best-value family treks in Nepal.
How much extra cash should I carry?
Carry about US$10 to US$15 a day for trail extras, plus your tips. This covers drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging. So bring enough rupees from Pokhara.
Accuracy note: official fees, rules, and hard facts in this guide are cited inline from their sources; trail and price details are Spade Himalaya field research; route details reviewed by Yubaraj Katel, government-licensed trekking guide (Licence No. 19827) with 10 years of experience leading treks in the Annapurna region.
