



Ask any experienced Poon Hill trekker about the Ulleri stone steps, and watch their eyes go wide. More than 3,300 stone steps rise steeply from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri — a knee-punishing, lung-testing climb that many trekkers describe as the hardest two hours on the entire Ghorepani–Poon Hill circuit. For years, there was no choice but to climb every single step on foot.
That has all changed. Thanks to road development in the Annapurna foothills, a 4WD jeep can now reach Ulleri directly from Pokhara — skipping those legendary stone steps entirely and placing you at 1,960 meters in just 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is genuinely game-changing for families with children, older trekkers, time-limited visitors, and anyone who wants to start their Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp trek with energy rather than exhaustion.
This complete 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about the Pokhara to Ulleri jeep service — route details, costs, road conditions, the best stopping points, permit requirements, onward trek options, and why Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd is the most reliable jeep hire partner for this exciting off-road journey.
Ulleri is a traditional Magar community village situated at an elevation of 1,960 meters (6,430 ft) in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Kaski District. One of the largest Magar settlements in the Annapurna foothills, Ulleri has long been a key waypoint on the Ghorepani–Poon Hill trekking route — the overnight rest stop after the notorious stone step ascent from Tikhedhunga.
The Magar people of Ulleri have strong ties to Nepal’s Gurkha military tradition and maintain a deeply rooted culture of warm hospitality, traditional stone-built houses, and age-old farming practices on the terraced hillsides above the Modi Khola valley. From Ulleri, the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peaks fill the northern horizon in an extraordinary panorama.
| Detail | Information |
| Total Distance | 48–52 km (Pokhara to Ulleri) |
| Ulleri Altitude | 1,960 m (6,430 ft) above sea level |
| Travel Time by Private Jeep | 2.5 to 3.5 hours total |
| Pokhara to Nayapul | 42 km | 1 hour | Paved Beni Baglung Highway |
| Nayapul to Hile / Tikhedhunga | 6 km | 45 min | Rough off-road track |
| Hello to Ulleri | 4 km | 30–45 min | Very rough, steep — 4WD essential |
| 4WD Required? | Mandatory from Nayapul onward |
| Famous Stone Steps Bypassed | Yes — jeep skips the legendary 3,300+ stone steps to Ulleri |
| Best Season for Jeep | October to February (dry season) — road not passable in heavy monsoon |
| Permits Required | ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) + TIMS Card |
| Trek Connections | Ghorepani–Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Tadapani–Ghandruk Loop |
The Big Advantage: Hiring a jeep from Pokhara to Ulleri saves you the famous 3,300+ stone step climb from Tikhedhunga — approximately 2 hours of steep, knee-straining ascent that many trekkers find the most demanding section of the entire Poon Hill circuit. You arrive at Ulleri rested, ready, and with your knees intact for the real mountain trekking ahead.
The Pokhara to Ulleri jeep route follows a clear two-phase journey: a smooth paved highway for the first 42 km, followed by a progressively rougher off-road mountain track for the final 10 km. Here is the complete route breakdown:
| Stop | Distance from Pokhara | Altitude | Road Type | Key Notes |
| Pokhara (Lakeside) | Start | 827 m | City roads | Departure point — hotel pickup available |
| Naudanda / Kande | 28 km | 1,440 m | Paved highway | Panoramic Annapurna views — photo stop |
| Nayapul | 42 km | 1,070 m | Paved highway | Classic ABC trek start, bus stop junction |
| Birethanti | 44 km | 1,025 m | Paved → rough | ACAP checkpoint, Modi Khola riverside |
| Hile / Tikhedhunga | 47 km | 1,480 m | Rough off-road | Common stopping point; walk option to Ulleri |
| Ulleri | 50–52 km | 1,960 m | Very rough 4WD track | Magar village, Poon Hill gateway, stone steps start. |
Leaving Pokhara, the jeep follows the Beni Baglung Highway southward through the Modi Khola valley. The road is fully paved and in good condition — one of the better-maintained provincial highways in the Gandaki region. The journey passes through Naudanda and Kande, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna massif on clear mornings, before descending toward Nayapul.
Beyond Birethanti, the paved road gives way to a rough gravel-and-earth track that follows the Modi Khola upstream. This is where the off-road adventure begins. The track is manageable for a 4WD jeep, but noticeably rougher than the highway. Views of the river gorge and terraced hillsides become increasingly dramatic as altitude increases.
The section from Hile (Tikhedhunga) to Ulleri is the most challenging and exciting part of the entire jeep journey. The road is very rough, narrow, and steep — requiring genuine 4WD capability, low-range gear engagement, and an experienced driver. This section bypasses the famous 3,300+ stone steps that trekkers climb on foot between Tikhedhunga and Ulleri.
Important Distinction: Hile (also called Tikhedhunga) and Ulleri are different points on the route. Hile is at 1,480 m; Ulleri is at 1,960 m. Some jeeps stop at Hile rather than attempting the very steep Hile-to-Ulleri section. From Hile to Ulleri on foot takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, still saving most of the stone steps. Confirm with your driver whether they will attempt the full drive to Ulleri or stop at Hile.
Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s experienced drivers assess road conditions on arrival at Hile and reach the closest accessible point to Ulleri village — maximizing the value of your jeep service.
Here is a complete comparison of all transport options for reaching Ulleri from Pokhara:
| Service Type | Capacity | 2026 Cost (approx.) | Notes |
| Private Jeep — Pokhara to Ulleri | 4–7 passengers | USD 100–150 (full vehicle) | Best — hotel pickup, flexible, direct |
| Private Jeep — Pokhara to Hile | 4–7 passengers | USD 80–120 (full vehicle) | Slightly cheaper; 30-min walk to Ulleri |
| Private Jeep — Nayapul to Ulleri | 4–7 passengers | USD 70–90 (full vehicle) | Take the local bus to Nayapul first |
| Shared Jeep — Pokhara to Ulleri | Per seat (7–9 total) | USD 15–20 per person | From Baglung Bus Park, fill-and-go |
| Shared Jeep — Nayapul to Ulleri | Per seat | USD 10–15 per person | Available at Nayapul / Birethanti |
| Local Bus — Pokhara to Nayapul | Many passengers | NPR 200–300 per person | Then walk or shared jeep to Ulleri |

A private 4WD jeep (Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Hilux, or similar) hired directly from Pokhara to Ulleri is the gold standard for this route. You get door-to-door hotel pickup from anywhere in Pokhara, complete flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the Beni Baglung Highway, and the most direct and comfortable route to Ulleri, with no vehicle transfers.
Per-Person Value: With a group of 6 sharing a private jeep for USD 120, the per-person cost is just USD 20 — barely more than a shared jeep, yet with massive advantages in comfort, convenience, and service.
A slightly more economical option is to hire a private jeep from Pokhara to Hile (Tikhedhunga), then walk the 1.5 to 2 hours uphill from Hile to Ulleri. This avoids the most challenging jeep section (Hile to Ulleri) while still saving approximately 1.5 hours of the Nayapul-to-Hile walking section.
Shared jeeps depart from Baglung Bus Park in Pokhara on an irregular fill-and-go schedule. In peak season (October–November and March–May), shared jeeps are relatively easy to find. During the off-season, availability is more limited.
The most budget-friendly combination — a local bus from Pokhara to Nayapul, followed by a shared jeep from Nayapul or Birethanti to Ulleri.
The Beni Baglung Highway is a well-maintained two-lane paved road in good overall condition. It is easily manageable for all vehicle types, including standard cars and Hiace vans. Road improvements have been ongoing in this section, and the surface quality is consistently good throughout the year.
Beyond Nayapul, the tarmac gives way to a rough gravel track that follows the Modi Khola river upstream. The road is narrow — wide enough for one vehicle with passing places for two vehicles to maneuver. It is manageable for 4WD jeeps throughout the dry season (October–May), but can become muddy and difficult to navigate after heavy rain. This section requires 4WD traction and a driver experienced in narrow off-road mountain tracks.
This is the most technically demanding section of the Pokhara-Ulleri jeep route. The road is extremely steep, rocky, and very narrow — in some sections only slightly wider than the vehicle itself. Ground clearance is critical. The driver must engage low-range 4WD and navigate carefully around large rocks and tight switchbacks. In good, dry conditions, an experienced driver in a well-maintained Scorpio or Hilux can reach Ulleri without difficulty. In wet or monsoon conditions, this section can become impassable.
| Season | Months | Road Condition | Jeep Accessible? | Recommendation |
| Post-Monsoon / Autumn | Oct – Nov | Dry, good | Yes — best conditions | Best — crystal clear mountain views |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Dry, cold | Yes — dusty gravel | Good — quiet trails, fewer tourists |
| Spring | Mar – May | Mostly dry | Usually yes | Good — rhododendron forests in full bloom |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Muddy, dangerous | Often NO | Avoid the jeep to Ulleri — landslide risk |
Monsoon Season (June–September): The Nayapul to Ulleri off-road track is highly susceptible to landslides, mudslides, and track damage during heavy monsoon rainfall. The Hile to Ulleri section, in particular, becomes dangerous and is often completely impassable during the peak monsoon season. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd monitors daily road conditions and will proactively advise you if jeep service to Ulleri is not possible on your planned travel date. The dry season (October to February) is the recommended period for jeep service to Ulleri.

This is the question every Poon Hill trekker faces: should I walk from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri on the traditional route, or hire a jeep?
The traditional trekking route from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri follows a famous (or infamous) stone staircase of more than 3,300 steps, rising approximately 500 vertical meters in about 2 hours. It is one of the most demanding short climbs on any Nepal trekking trail — steep, unrelenting, and exhausting, especially under the weight of a full trekking pack in warm conditions.
| Trek / Destination | From Ulleri | Duration | Highlights |
| Ghorepani Village | Ulleri (start) | 4–5 hrs walk | Rhododendron forests, mountain lodges |
| Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210 m) | Via Ghorepani | +45 min from Ghorepani | Best Himalayan panorama in the Annapurna region |
| Banthanti Village | Ulleri (1 hr) | 1 hour above Ulleri | Forest tea houses, green valley views |
| Ghandruk Loop (via Tadapani) | Via Ghorepani | 2–3 day loop | Classic Annapurna circuit loop trek |
| Annapurna Base Camp | Via Ghorepani + Chhomrong | 6–8 days total | Full ABC journey from Ulleri |
| Mulde / Dobato Viewpoint | Via Ghorepani | 2–3 day option | Off-beat panorama, Dhaulagiri views |

From Ulleri, the trail climbs north through the charming village of Banthanti (2,250 m) and the cool rhododendron and oak forests above, reaching Ghorepani (2,870 m) in approximately 4 to 5 hours. Ghorepani is the overnight base for the famous Poon Hill sunrise hike. At 3:30–4:30 AM the following morning, trekkers make the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to witness one of the most celebrated Himalayan panoramas on earth — a 180-degree arc of peaks including Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), all lit by the rising sun in shades of gold and pink.
Just one hour above Ulleri, Banthanti is a small but charming village of tea houses set in dense forest. The transition from open terraced farmland to cool montane forest happens between Ulleri and Banthanti — a beautiful transformation that signals your genuine entry into the high Annapurna foothills. Many trekkers on 2-day itineraries push through Banthanti to Ghorepani in a single day.
One of the most rewarding loop treks in the Annapurna region combines the Poon Hill sunrise with a traverse from Ghorepani to Tadapani and descent to Ghandruk village before returning to Pokhara by jeep. After the sunrise at Poon Hill, trekkers cross the ridge to Tadapani (2,630 m) — a beautiful traverse through rhododendron forests — then descend to the Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940 m) with its cobblestone lanes and magnificent Annapurna South views. From Ghandruk, a jeep returns to Pokhara. This loop avoids retracing the same route and is widely regarded as the finest 3–4 day trekking circuit in the western Annapurna foothills.
For trekkers with 7 to 9 days available, Ulleri serves as a starting point for the full Annapurna Base Camp Trek. From Ghorepani, the route continues to Tadapani, Chhomrong, and the Annapurna Sanctuary — the glacial amphitheater surrounded by Annapurna I, II, III, IV, South, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre — before returning via Jhinu Danda and Nayapul to Pokhara. Starting this trek from Ulleri by jeep saves one full day of walking on the lower approach.
The Ulleri area falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Two mandatory permits are required and inspected at the ACAP checkpoint in Birethanti:
The Pokhara-to-Ulleri jeep service offers an efficient 2-day Poon Hill experience that has become increasingly popular among time-limited travelers. Here is the recommended 2-day itinerary:
This 2-day itinerary is the most efficient way to experience the Poon Hill sunrise and return to Pokhara in a single overnight trip — perfect for travelers with limited time or those combining Poon Hill with other Nepal experiences.

Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd arranges private jeep returns from Ulleri or Hile to Pokhara at the same rate as the outward journey. Book your return at the same time as the outward trip to ensure vehicle availability — especially critical during the busy October–November trekking season. Most trekkers complete the descent from Ghorepani to Ulleri by mid-morning and are back in Pokhara by early afternoon.
Shared jeeps can be found at Ulleri and Hile in the mornings (typically 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM) heading back to Pokhara at approximately USD 10–15 per person. During peak season, these are reasonably easy to find. During off-peak times, availability can be uncertain. Asking at your Ghorepani tea house the evening before your descent is the best way to confirm availability.
The traditional descent from Ulleri follows the stone steps back down to Tikhedhunga, then continues along the riverside trail to Birethanti and Nayapul — approximately 3 to 4 hours of walking. From Nayapul, local buses and shared taxis return to Pokhara in approximately 1 hour at NPR 200–300 per person.

The road distance from Pokhara to Ulleri is approximately 48-52 km. The first 42 km from Pokhara to Nayapul is a paved highway; the remaining 6 to 10 km from Nayapul to Ulleri via Hile is a rough off-road mountain track.
A private 4WD jeep takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Pokhara to Ulleri, depending on road conditions and the number of stops. The Hile to Ulleri section is the slowest due to the extremely rough and steep track.
A private jeep hire from Pokhara to Ulleri costs approximately USD 100-150 for the full vehicle (one-way), including driver and fuel. For a group of 6, this works out to approximately USD 17–25 per person — excellent value compared to the shared jeep alternative.
Yes. The jeep track from Hile (Tikhedhunga) to Ulleri bypasses the famous stone step ascent that trekkers climb on the traditional trail. The jeep reaches Ulleri directly, saving approximately 2 hours of steep climbing. This is the primary reason many trekkers — especially families, older travelers, and those on tight schedules — choose to hire a jeep rather than walk from Nayapul.
This depends on road conditions and the driver’s assessment on the day. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd’s drivers always attempt to reach the closest accessible point to Ulleri village. In good dry season conditions, the jeep typically reaches Ulleri directly. Under certain conditions, the jeep stops at Hile (approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour walk below Ulleri). Confirm with us in advance.
October to February (dry season) is the best period for the jeep service. The Hile to Ulleri road is dry, manageable, and in its best condition during these months. Autumn (October–November) and spring (March–May) are the peak trekking seasons with the clearest mountain views at Poon Hill. Jeep service is not recommended during the heavy monsoon season (June–September), when roads are prone to landslides and closures.
You need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit — approximately NPR 3,000 / USD 22 per person) and a TIMS Card (approximately USD 10–20 per person). Both are inspected at the Birethanti checkpoint on the jeep route. Get both permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Lakeside, Pokhara, before departure.
Yes. Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd arranges return private jeep hire from Ulleri or Hile to Pokhara at the same rate as the outward journey. We strongly recommend booking the return at the same time as your outward trip to guarantee availability during peak trekking season.
Yes. If you prefer to travel independently by local bus from Pokhara to Nayapul, Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd can arrange a private jeep hire from Nayapul to Ulleri only, costing approximately USD 70–90 for the entire vehicle.
The Pokhara-to-Ulleri jeep service is one of the smartest transport decisions any Poon Hill trekker can make. By bypassing the legendary 3,300 stone steps of Tikhedhunga and arriving at Ulleri rested and ready, you preserve your energy for the beautiful rhododendron forest trail to Ghorepani and the magical pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill.
Whether you are embarking on the classic 2-day Poon Hill express itinerary, the 3–4 day Ghorepani–Tadapani–Ghandruk loop, or the full Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Pokhara to Ulleri jeep service from Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd gives you the fastest, most comfortable, and most flexible start to your Annapurna adventure.
With experienced 4WD drivers, the right vehicles for Nepal’s off-road mountain tracks, transparent, all-inclusive pricing, hotel pickup in Pokhara, and 24/7 booking support, Nepal Vehicle Hiring Pvt Ltd makes the Pokhara-to-Ulleri journey as memorable and enjoyable as the trekking that follows.
Book your Pokhara to Ulleri jeep today — Call or WhatsApp: +977 9851013196
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