Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: October to November and March to April
- Trek distance: 65 km (Nayapul to Phedi), typically 7 days
- Highest point: Poon Hill at 3,210m (Mulde Hill variant reaches 3,762m)
- ACAP permit cost: NPR 3,000 (approx. $22 USD) for foreign nationals
- Starting point: Nayapul trailhead, 42 km east of Pokhara, Gandaki Province
- Ideal for: Beginners, families, time-limited trekkers, first-time Himalayan visitors
Mandip Gurung does not describe Poon Hill the way most trekking guides do. He does not say beautiful or spectacular. What he says, usually at around 4:45 in the morning while guiding a client’s headlamp in the dark, is this: “Wait. Just wait.”
He has been saying that on the Annapurna Panorama Trek for eleven years. He grew up forty minutes’ walk from Ghorepani, knows the ridge by moonlight, and he will tell you honestly that the view never gets ordinary. “You see Dhaulagiri first. Then the Annapurna range comes from behind the ridgeline. And then Machhapuchhre, the Fishtail, catches fire in the sunrise. I have seen it perhaps eight hundred times. I still stop.”
The Annapurna Panorama Trek is the entry point to Nepal’s greatest mountain scenery for most international travellers, and it earns that role entirely on its own merit. The trail covers approximately 65 kilometres from Nayapul to Phedi through the Annapurna Conservation Area, passing Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forests that turn crimson in spring, terraced barley fields, and viewpoints that put eight peaks above 7,000 metres in a single sweep of the horizon. What no competitor guide adequately explains is that this trek connects to the broader Annapurna Base Camp trail map network, giving you options to extend toward the full Annapurna Base Camp or even the rarely-walked Annapurna North Base Camp.
This guide builds on Mandip’s eleven years of guiding this route. It covers every seasonal angle, the full route breakdown, the permit situation as of July 2026, and two trail variants that most articles miss entirely.
Why the Annapurna Panorama Trek Is Not the Easy Option People Assume It Is
Most competitor blogs position the Annapurna Panorama Trek as a beginner-friendly shortcut for people who cannot handle the full Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp route. That framing is technically accurate but misleading in a way that catches unprepared trekkers off guard every season.
The trail between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani involves a relentless stone-step ascent of nearly 1,700 metres over two days. The famous Ulleri steps, 3,280 stone stairs rising from 1,480m to Ulleri village at 2,073m, are the single steepest consecutive ascent on any popular Himalayan trekking route that does not involve technical mountaineering. Trekkers who underestimate this section and bring heavy rucksacks regularly turn back at Tikhedhunga. Trekkers who arrive having done no preparation reach Ghorepani exhausted and miss the Poon Hill sunrise they came for because they cannot get out of bed.
Mandip is direct about this when clients book with him. “I tell everyone the same thing: you will not be climbing Everest, but your legs will feel like you did. Train for the steps. Walk uphill for a month before you come. Or hire a porter. There is no shame in a porter. There is only shame in missing the sunrise.”
The good news is that once past Ghorepani, the trail levels considerably. The section from Ghorepani to Tadapani to Ghandruk is genuinely moderate, passes through some of the finest mid-altitude forest in Nepal, and rewards properly paced trekkers with views of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m) on clear days throughout the descent.
For those who want to understand the Annapurna region’s full trekking network, including how the Panorama Trek connects to the Annapurna Circuit, our Annapurna category guide covers every major route in the region.
Pro Tip (Mandip-sourced): The Ulleri stone steps are significantly harder going up than they appear on any map or description. Most guides lead clients up the east-facing slope starting at 7:00 AM before the sun hits directly. Starting later, when the stone absorbs heat, turns a hard section into an exhausting one. Pack water in Tikhedhunga, not Birethanti; the Tikhedhunga tap water is filtered and costs nothing, while Birethanti shops charge per bottle.
Understanding the Annapurna Base Camp Trail Map: Where the Panorama Trek Sits
What does the Annapurna Panorama Trek actually look like on the Annapurna Base Camp trail map, and how does it relate to the broader network of routes in this region? This is the question most trekkers ask after reading competing guides that present each trek as if it exists in isolation.
The answer is that the Panorama Trek, the full Annapurna Base Camp trek (ABC), and the Annapurna North Base Camp option all share the same access corridor from Pokhara, diverging at different points along the Modi Khola valley system. Think of Pokhara as the trunk of a tree and the three routes as branches reaching progressively deeper into the massif.
The Annapurna Base Camp trail map shows the following:
The Panorama Trek turns west at Ghorepani, climbs to Poon Hill, and descends via Tadapani and Ghandruk back toward the trailhead. Total elevation gain is approximately 2,200m over 7 days.
The full ABC trek continues south from Ghorepani, passes through Chhomrong (2,170m), and enters the Annapurna Sanctuary via the Modi Khola gorge, reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m. This extension adds 3 to 5 days and considerable altitude.
The Annapurna North Base Camp trek, by contrast, approaches from an entirely different direction. The route begins in Beni, west of Pokhara, and follows the Myagdi River valley into Myagdi District, Gandaki Province, reaching the north face of Annapurna I at approximately 4,190m (GPS coordinates: 28.59°N, 83.85°E). This is the historic Maurice Herzog Trail, following the 1950 route of the world’s first ascent of any 8,000-metre peak. It was officially reopened for trekkers in 2019.
The Annapurna North Base Camp trek map does not overlap with the Panorama or ABC trails at any point. It is an entirely separate approach, suited to trekkers who have already done Poon Hill and want something quieter, more remote, and historically significant. On this route, a full day can pass without encountering another trekking group, while on the Panorama Trek in October, that would be extraordinary.
Which Route Should You Choose?
The Annapurna Panorama Trek is the right choice for first-time Himalayan visitors, time-limited travellers (7 to 10 days total in Nepal), families with fit teenagers, and anyone who wants outstanding mountain views without committing to 12-plus days of walking.
The ABC route is the right choice if you want to stand inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded 360 degrees by mountains above 7,000m, and you have 14 to 16 days available.
The North Base Camp is for experienced trekkers who have done the ABC or Panorama Trek before and want solitude, history, and the north face of Annapurna I without crowds. A camping setup is required for this route as teahouse infrastructure is limited above the lower villages.
What season is best for each? That answer comes next.
When to Go: The Best Seasons for the Annapurna Panorama Trek
The Annapurna region runs on two primary trekking seasons, and the Panorama Trek is open in various forms year-round. But the window between late September and mid-November, and the window between mid-February and early May, are when this route delivers its full value.
Autumn: Late September to Mid-November
October is the finest single month for the Annapurna Panorama Trek. The monsoon ends in mid to late September, and the skies clear rapidly. By October, you walk in crisp, clean air with visibility that stretches to peaks more than 150 kilometres away on the best days. Rhododendron forests are past their bloom but still green and dense. Daytime temperatures at Ghorepani (2,860m) sit around 12 to 16°C. Nights drop to 2 to 5°C; cold enough that the teahouse dining rooms become gathering points, warm and loud with the smell of dal bhat and conversation.
The dawn walk to Poon Hill in October takes about 45 minutes from Ghorepani teahouses. Sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre in October morning light is a specific, physical experience: gold on the Dhaulagiri massif first, then the Annapurna range waking pink and orange, and the Fishtail peak sharp as a blade against the blue sky.
November is quieter and colder, with night temperatures at Ghorepani dropping to -2 to -5°C. The trail sees fewer trekkers from mid-month onward. If you prefer a less crowded ridge experience, the first two weeks of November often deliver identical visibility with noticeably lighter foot traffic.
Spring: March to Early May
Spring is the season for colour. The rhododendron forests on the climb from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani bloom in March and April, and the effect is remarkable. Red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers press against the trail on both sides from about 1,800m upward. Nepal’s national flower at its annual peak, covering the hillside for the full two-day ascent, is not something any photograph quite conveys.
Mountain views in spring are slightly hazier than autumn due to pre-monsoon dust in the atmosphere, but clear mornings still deliver outstanding visibility from Poon Hill. April mornings are often the clearest of the spring season. Temperatures are warmer than autumn at all elevations, making spring the more comfortable season for those less accustomed to cold.
May sees increasing cloud buildup in the afternoons and occasional pre-monsoon showers. The trek remains viable through mid-May, but plan departures and major viewpoint visits for early morning.
Monsoon: June to August
The monsoon makes the Panorama Trek genuinely difficult. Trails become slippery on the stone steps, leeches infest the lower vegetation zones below 2,000m from Tikhedhunga onward, and cloud cover typically blocks mountain views for most of the day. The mossy, rain-soaked forests have their own beauty, but this is a season for experienced trekkers comfortable with uncertainty.
Winter: December to February
December brings cold, clear skies and near-empty trails. Poon Hill in December morning light, with frost on the ground and no crowds on the ridge, is a different kind of special. January and February drop the night temperature at Ghorepani to -10°C or below, and occasional snowfall can make the trail icy. Proper winter hiking gear is essential. Many teahouses reduce their menus significantly, and some close above Ghorepani in January.
Pro Tip (Mandip-sourced): In winter, book your Ghorepani teahouse before you set out from Pokhara by phone or through your agency. By December, roughly half the teahouses operate on reduced hours and reduced room availability. Arriving after dark to find your preferred teahouse closed is avoidable with one phone call the morning you leave Tikhedhunga.
The 7-Day Annapurna Panorama Trek Itinerary
This is the classic route as Mandip guides it with international clients. It balances comfortable daily distances with proper rest and maximum photography opportunities.
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070m), then trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m). The drive from Pokhara’s lakeside area to Nayapul takes approximately 1.5 hours by tourist jeep or shared vehicle. Walk time from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga is 2 to 3 hours on a well-maintained trail along the Modi Khola river. The village sits beside a small waterfall and offers a pleasant first teahouse night.
Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m). This is the hardest day. The Ulleri stone steps begin 30 minutes from Tikhedhunga and ascend for approximately two hours without meaningful relief. Above Ulleri (2,073m), the trail continues climbing through Banthanti (2,250m) and Nangethanti (2,430m) to Ghorepani. Total ascent: approximately 1,320m. Walking time: 6 to 7 hours including breaks.
Day 3: Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), then trek to Tadapani (2,630m). The 45-minute Poon Hill sunrise hike begins around 5:00 AM. After breakfast in Ghorepani, descend slightly to join the trail toward Deurali and climb to Tadapani through dense rhododendron and oak forest. This section is genuinely lovely: forest paths with filtered light, occasional clearings, and views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Walking time after Poon Hill: 5 to 6 hours.
Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m). A descent through oak and bamboo forest into one of the finest Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. Ghandruk’s stone-paved lanes, traditional tiered houses, and small Gurung museum make it worth a full afternoon of slow exploration. Walking time: 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5: Ghandruk to Jhinu Danda (1,760m). A short walking day allowing afternoon time at the natural hot springs on the Modi Khola river bank, 20 minutes below Jhinu. The springs are not a polished spam, they are two pools cut from the riverbank with a changing room, but the contrast of glacier-cold river water and geothermal warmth after four days of hiking is exactly what your legs need.
Day 6: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara. Walking time to Nayapul: approximately 3 hours. The drive back to Pokhara takes 1.5 hours.
Day 7: Buffer day in Pokhara for weather delays, or optional Pokhara exploration (Phewa Lake, Sarangkot, International Mountain Museum).
For the full cost and logistics breakdown of Pokhara as a base before and after any Annapurna trek, our Annapurna category guide covers accommodation, transport, and departure logistics.
What You Can See: Photography and Viewpoint Guide
The Annapurna Panorama Trek puts specific peaks in view from specific locations at specific times of day. Here is the practical guide, sourced from Mandip’s eleven years of guiding this exact route.
Poon Hill (3,210m) at sunrise: Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) to the northwest, Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Nilgiri Himal (7,061m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) to the northeast. The 360-degree platform is large enough for 50 to 60 photographers at once. The best position for Dhaulagiri is the western edge of the platform. For the full Annapurna range, stand at the eastern edge where a small watchtower gives 10 extra metres of elevation.
Tadapani (2,630m) at any time of day: Annapurna South fills the sky from the north. No crowds. The small clearing above the main teahouse cluster gives a clean composition with forest foreground.
Ghandruk village (1,940m) in morning light: The village’s tiered terraces face southeast. Morning light from 7:30 to 9:30 AM catches the stone walls and Annapurna South above in the same frame. This is the shot that most trekkers miss because they are inside eating breakfast.
Mulde Hill (3,762m): This alternative viewpoint, 552m higher than Poon Hill, is the least-known element on the Annapurna Panorama trek route. It is included in the extended Annapurna Mulde Hill variant that adds one extra day from Ghorepani. The trail is less maintained and sees perhaps five percent of the foot traffic Poon Hill receives. The view from Mulde includes all the same peaks plus a clearer sightline northeast toward the Annapurna II and IV massif. Mandip recommends this extension to any trekker who has already done Poon Hill on a previous trip.
For broader inspiration on what photographic opportunities exist across the Annapurna region, our guide to the Annapurna Massif gives the regional context behind each of the major peaks you will see.
Permits, Costs, and Practical Logistics for 2026
The Annapurna Panorama Trek requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). As of July 2026, the ACAP fee structure is:
- Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 (approximately $22 USD)
- SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000
- Children under 10 years: exempt (registration still required)
The ACAP is available in person at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through registered trekking agencies. It is not available online. Physical copies are checked at multiple points from Birethanti onward; digital photos of the permit are not accepted at checkpoints.
The TIMS card situation in 2026 is in flux. Some agencies still issue it; others do not. The ACAP alone is the strictly enforced document for the Panorama Trek. Confirm the current requirement with your agency in Pokhara before departure, as regulations have shifted mid-season in previous years.
A licensed guide hired through a registered Pokhara agency typically costs $25 to $35 per day. A porter costs $20 to $28 per day, and sharing one porter between two trekkers is common and significantly reduces per-person cost.
Budget package (7 days, self-organised): approximately $400 to $600 USD total including accommodation, food, transport, permit, and tips.
For a group of two trekkers with a guide and shared porter through a registered agency, expect $700 to $1,000 USD total per person for a fully organised 7-day package including Pokhara accommodation on arrival and departure nights.
Pro Tip (Mandip-sourced): Do not negotiate permit fees. The ACAP fee is fixed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and agencies that offer “permit included free of charge” packages are either absorbing the cost within a premium package price or, occasionally, not obtaining the permit at all. At checkpoints, if you cannot produce a physical ACAP permit, you are turned back. This happens every season.
For those interested in the full permit landscape across Nepal’s trekking regions, the Nepal Trekking Permit Guide in our blog section covers ACAP, TIMS, restricted-area permits, and national park entry requirements in one place.
What to Pack: The Honest List
Most packing lists for the Annapurna Panorama Trek are written by people who have never done the Ulleri steps with an overloaded rucksack. Here is Mandip’s actual list, the one he sends clients before departure:
- Day rucksack of 20 to 25 litres maximum if you are hiring a porter. Let the porter carry the main bag.
- Trekking poles. Non-negotiable for the Ulleri descent on Day 6. Your knees will send you a thank-you note.
- Headlamp and extra batteries for the Poon Hill pre-dawn start.
- Warm layer and fleece for Ghorepani evenings (temperature drops to single digits from October onward).
- One set of comfortable teahouse clothes; you do not need to sleep in trekking gear.
- Water purification tablets or a filter bottle.
- Blister prevention: properly worn-in boots plus wool hiking socks, not trail runners.
- Cash in Nepali rupees from Pokhara. The last ATM on the route is in Nayapul, and it is sometimes empty.
Final Thoughts: What Mandip Says at the Top of Poon Hill
At 5:20 AM on a clear October morning in 2025, a trekker from Bristol named James stood on Poon Hill and watched Dhaulagiri catch its first light. He later wrote in a message to Mandip: “I have been to 34 countries. That was the single most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
Mandip read that message to us and said, with characteristic understatement: “Yes. That is why I bring people here.”
The Annapurna Panorama Trek is not a warm-up for something more serious. For most people who do it, it is the thing itself. Seven days that reframe how you think about mountains, distance, and what ordinary people are physically capable of when they set their minds to it.
Nepal is waiting. The ridge above Ghorepani is waiting. And Dhaulagiri will still be there, exactly as it was, catching its fire in the first light of tomorrow.
Ready to plan your Annapurna Panorama Trek?
Explore our complete Annapurna trekking guides or browse our full Nepal travel blog for route comparisons, seasonal advice, and everything else you need to start planning with confidence.
