Ulleri Village: Key Stop on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The 3,300 stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri are the first real test on the Annapurna Base Camp trail. Your thighs burn. Your breath comes hard. And then you reach the top, and the view of Annapurna South fills the sky, and you forget about the stairs entirely. At an elevation of approximately 2,050 metres (6,725 feet), Ulleri village is a major stop for trekkers heading toward Annapurna Base Camp and the popular sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill. For many travellers, Ulleri marks the true beginning of the Himalayan trekking experience in Nepal.

As trekkers ascend from the lower Modi Khola valley, the environment gradually transforms. The warm, subtropical landscape gives way to cooler mountain air and rhododendron-covered hills. This natural transition makes Ulleri an important acclimatization stop on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Its strategic location between lower river valleys and higher alpine terrain adds to its significance on the route.

Ulleri is especially known for its famous stone staircase from Tikhedhunga. The climb includes more than 3,000 stone steps, making it one of the most talked-about sections of the Annapurna trekking trail. This steep ascent is often described as the first major physical challenge of the Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Despite the demanding uphill walk, the reward is worth the effort. On clear days, trekkers are greeted with clear views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli rising above the surrounding hills.

Beyond its elevation and stone steps, Ulleri village is known for its traditional Magar culture, welcoming teahouses, and panoramic mountain scenery. For those searching online for Ulleri elevation, Ulleri stone steps, Ulleri accommodation, or Ulleri Annapurna Base Camp trek guide, this historic village remains one of the most memorable and essential stops along the Annapurna trekking route.

Where Is Ulleri on the Annapurna Trail?

Ulleri is a traditional Magar village located in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal. Sitting at around 2,050 metres (6,725 ft) above sea level, it occupies a strategic spot between the subtropical Modi Khola valley below and the higher rhododendron-forested hills above. Its hillside location provides trekkers with panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, making it one of the most scenic stops along the Annapurna Base Camp route.

How Do You Get to Ulleri from Tikhedhunga?

Ulleri is not directly accessible by road, so all visitors reach the village by trekking. The most common routes are:

• From Tikhedhunga: The trail climbs steadily via a long stone staircase of more than 3,000 steps, taking 2–4 hours depending on pace.

  

• From Birethanti: Trekkers can reach Ulleri by trekking through Jhinu Danda or Nayapul routes, often as part of the Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.

Pokhara is the nearest city with airport and bus connections. From Pokhara, travellers take a 1–2 hour drive to the trailhead at Tikhedhunga or Nayapul.

Why Are the 3,767 Stone Steps to Ulleri Famous?

Ulleri is one of the most important villages on the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking routes. Located at around 2,050 metres, it is a crucial stop for acclimatization and rest, helping trekkers adjust to higher altitudes while experiencing authentic Himalayan village life. The village’s famous stone staircase—over 3,000 steps from Tikhedhunga—makes it one of the most physically demanding parts of the lower trek, offering an early test of endurance and stamina.

Beyond the challenge, Ulleri offers several key benefits for trekkers:

• Cultural Interaction: Trekkers can immerse themselves in traditional Magar culture, observing terraced farming, local festivals, and daily village life. This provides a glimpse into the lifestyles of Himalayan communities that have thrived for centuries.

• Scenic Views: From Ulleri, trekkers enjoy panoramic vistas of surrounding valleys and the first striking views of high Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Sunrise and sunset offer especially dramatic photo opportunities.

• Logistical Convenience: Ulleri has a large number of teahouses and small shops, which facilitates trekkers' access to food, accommodation, and basic supplies like water, snacks, and trekking equipment.

• Acclimatization: Spending a night in Ulleri helps the body adapt to increasing elevation, reducing the risk of altitude sickness as trekkers ascend toward Ghorepani, Tadapani, or Annapurna Base Camp.

• Rest and Recovery: The village provides a comfortable midpoint for rest after the strenuous climb from Tikhedhunga, allowing trekkers to recover before continuing the trail.

• Wildlife & Nature Experience: The surrounding forests are rich with birds, monkeys, and occasional Himalayan wildlife, adding a natural discovery element to the trek.

• Photography Opportunities: The combination of stone steps, traditional Magar houses, lush forests, and distant snow-capped peaks makes Ulleri one of the most photogenic stops on the route.

When Is the Best Time to Trek Through Ulleri?

Where Can You Stay in Ulleri?

Accommodation in Ulleri consists mainly of teahouses offering:

• Twin or triple rooms with basic bedding

• Shared or sometimes attached bathrooms

• Hot showers (limited)

• Wi-Fi and charging facilities (in some lodges)

• Momos, dal bhat, noodles, and soups are typical Nepali dishes. Small shops sell essential trekking supplies, snacks, and bottled water.

What Should You Know Before Climbing to Ulleri?

• Start the climb early to avoid fatigue in the midday heat.

• Wear proper hiking shoes, as the stone steps can be slippery.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the climb.

• Respect local culture and customs when interacting with Magar villagers.

• Always check weather conditions and trail updates before trekking.

Is the Climb to Ulleri Worth the Effort?

Ulleri is more than just a stop along the Annapurna Base Camp trek. With its iconic stone staircase, traditional Magar culture, and wide mountain views, it represents both a physical challenge and a rewarding milestone for trekkers. Spending time in Ulleri allows travellers to acclimatize, enjoy authentic Himalayan village life, and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

For anyone planning the Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Ulleri is worth visiting village that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and trekking adventure in one essential stop.

Related Treks & Guides

• Annapurna Base Camp
• The Annapurna Circuit Trek- 12 Days
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek
• Fewa Lake
• Sarangkot

Ulleri is on the trail to Poon Hill, a steep 3,300-step climb from Birethanti. The same trail continues to Ghorepani and connects with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk.

Those 3,767 steps are the part of the Annapurna trek that people talk about for years. Not the views from Poon Hill, not the sunrise over Machhapuchhre, but the stone steps to Ulleri. Your legs will burn. Your porter will walk past you carrying 30 kilograms and smiling. When you reach the top, the tea tastes better than any tea you have ever had.

Ulleri is on every one of our Annapurna region treks. We will make sure you are ready for those steps.

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Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday and third-generation Himalayan guide. TAAN Member #1586.