Head to head
Poon Hill Trek vs Upper Dolpo Trek
Poon Hill Trek is the more approachable option (Easy, max 3,210 m), while Upper Dolpo Trek is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,190 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Difficulty
Poon: Easy
vs Upper: Strenuous
Max altitude
Poon: 3,210 m
vs Upper: 5,190 m
Duration
Poon: 5 days
vs Upper: 20 days
Choose
Poon Hill Trek
if you want…
- Less demanding - Easy vs Strenuous
- Shorter trip - 5 days vs 20
- Lower max altitude (3,210 m) - gentler on acclimatization
- More popular and better supported with teahouses
Choose
Upper Dolpo Trek
if you want…
- Higher summit point (5,190 m) for bigger mountain views
- More time on the trail - 20 days to immerse
- Quieter, more remote region
- Explores the Dolpo region
Full comparison
| Poon Hill Trek | Upper Dolpo Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy | Strenuous |
| Duration | 5 days | 20 days |
| Max altitude | 3,210 m | 5,190 m |
| Total distance | 45 km | 180 km |
| Elevation gain | 2,400 m | 9,000 m |
| Best season | Mar - May, Sep - Dec | May - Oct |
| Est. budget | USD 250-650 | USD 900-2,200 |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card | Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and local lodges | Teahouses and local lodges |
| Mobile network | Variable by village and carrier | Patchy in upper sections |
| Safety level | Low | High |
Planning aid only. GPX and route pages are not live trail authority. Map packs need download on Wi‑Fi; weather and SMS need connectivity when used.
Poon Hill Trek vs Upper Dolpo Trek: common questions
Which is harder, which goes higher, which costs more, and which one to do first - answered from the route data in the table above.
Which is harder, the Poon Hill Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Upper Dolpo Trek is the harder of the two: strenuous versus easy, topping out at 5,190 m against 3,210 m. Poon Hill Trek is the more approachable option (Easy, max 3,210 m), while Upper Dolpo Trek is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,190 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Which goes higher, the Poon Hill Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Upper Dolpo Trek reaches 5,190 m, against 3,210 m on Poon Hill Trek - a difference of about 1,980 m. A higher maximum means a slower ascent profile and more exposure to acute mountain sickness.
Which takes longer, the Poon Hill Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Upper Dolpo Trek takes 20 days against 5 for Poon Hill Trek - 15 days more on the trail, plus buffer days for weather and flights.
Which is cheaper, the Poon Hill Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Typical per-person budgets are USD 250-650 for the Poon Hill Trek and USD 900-2,200 for the Upper Dolpo Trek, covering permits, lodging, food and local transport. Guides, porters, domestic flights and insurance are extra and usually dominate the difference.
Which should a first-time trekker choose, the Poon Hill Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Poon Hill Trek is the safer first choice: easy rating, a maximum of 3,210 m, and 5 days on the trail. Save Upper Dolpo Trek for after you know how your body handles sleeping above 2,500 m.
When is the best time to do the Poon Hill Trek or the Upper Dolpo Trek?
Poon Hill Trek is best in Mar - May, Sep - Dec; Upper Dolpo Trek is best in May - Oct. If your dates are fixed, let the season pick the route rather than forcing a route into the wrong season.
Still weighing it up? Build a side-by-side with any routes in our interactive tool.
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