But reducing Ulleri to "the village with the steps" misses most of what makes it worth visiting. We've guided trekkers through this region for years, and Ulleri consistently stands out — not just for the climb, but for its weathered stone houses, terraced fields, and some of the clearest ridge-top views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli you'll find anywhere on the route.
Whether you're trekking the classic route toward Ghorepani and Poon Hill, or passing through on a longer Annapurna itinerary, this guide covers everything you need: where Ulleri is, what the staircase is really like, how the village fits into your route, and why many trekkers wish they'd planned an overnight stay here.
Ulleri Altitude and Geographic Setting
Ulleri sits at an elevation of 2,050 meters (6,725 feet), perched on a steep ridge above the Bhurungdi Khola valley. The village occupies a commanding position on the hillside, with houses stacked along the slope in tiers connected by stone pathways. This ridge-top setting is part of why Ulleri feels so dramatic on arrival: the terrain suddenly opens up, and the village spreads out across the slope with terraced fields framing it on every side.
Ulleri in the Annapurna Conservation Area
Ulleri lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area and one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. This designation means the trails, forests, and farmland around the village are managed with conservation in mind, and trekkers passing through need a valid ACAP permit. This also means the surrounding rhododendron forests and ridge landscapes are protected from unchecked development — which is why the views here remain so unspoiled.
Distance From Pokhara and Major Trekking Gateways
Most trekkers reach Ulleri as part of a multi-day route starting from Pokhara. The typical sequence runs from Pokhara to Nayapulby road, then on foot through Tikhedhunga before the climb to Ulleri begins. Tikhedhunga, the small settlement at the base of the staircase, marks the official start of the ascent. From there, it's a steep but steady climb to Ulleri — one of the most physically demanding short stretches on this part of the Annapurna trekking network.
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Elevation | 2,050 m (6,725 ft) |
| Ethnic community | Magar |
| Key feature | Approx. 3,200 stone steps |
| Route position | Between Tikhedhunga and Banthanti/Ghorepani |
| Conservation area | Annapurna Conservation Area |
Ulleri is a large village by trekking-route standards, and it has a solid number of teahouses offering standard private rooms. Most lodges provide basic amenities — a bed, blankets, a shared bathroom in many cases, and a dining hall where meals are served. Wi-Fi and device charging are usually available, though sometimes for a small fee. Hot showers are common but may carry an extra charge, particularly outside the peak season.
People visit Ulleri for three main reasons: the challenge of the stone staircase, the chance to experience genuine Magar village life, and the ridge views that open up once you've made the climb.
The 3,200 Steps
Ulleri's reputation rests largely on its staircase — a long, hand-carved stone stairway that climbs from the Bhurungdi Khola near Tikhedhunga up to the village. It gains significant elevation in a short horizontal distance, making it the first real test of the trip.
Magar Culture
Belonging to the Magar community, one of Nepal's oldest indigenous groups, Ulleri features traditional stone houses painted in white and ochre lining the hillside, surrounded by terraced plots growing barley, potatoes, and millet.
Ridge Viewpoint
On clear mornings, Ulleri offers direct, unobstructed views of Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). Because the village sits on an open ridge rather than tucked into a forested slope, these views are rarely blocked.
The staircase is commonly cited as having around 3,200 stone steps, climbing from the riverside at Tikhedhunga to the village of Ulleri. While exact counts vary slightly depending on the source and any trail maintenance over the years, the figure gives trekkers a realistic sense of just how long and steep this section is.
How Difficult Is the Ulleri Climb?
For a reasonably fit trekker, the climb from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on pace, weather, and how many breaks are taken. It's rated as moderately to highly strenuous — not technical, but relentless in its steepness. The difficulty comes less from any single section and more from the sheer consistency of the climb. There's very little flat ground to recover on, which is why pacing matters so much here.
Tips for Climbing the Stone Staircase
- Take small, deliberate steps:Long strides on stone steps waste energy and increase strain on the knees.
- Keep a slow, steady tempo:Rushing the climb leads to early exhaustion; a slower pace you can sustain beats a fast pace you can't.
- Hydrate regularly:Short, frequent sips work better than large gulps during breaks.
- Use trekking poles:They reduce the load on your knees and improve balance on uneven stone surfaces.
- Take breaks on flat steps:This keeps the trail clear for other trekkers and local porters carrying loads.
Common Mistakes First-Time Trekkers Make
The most frequent mistake is starting too fast. Adrenaline and fresh legs at Tikhedhunga often lead trekkers to set an unsustainable pace, which catches up with them halfway up. Carrying too much weight in daypacks and underestimating hydration needs are also common issues, even on cooler days.
Ulleri sits at a key junction point along the lower trail, acting as a portal to high-altitude loops.
Nayapul to Ulleri Trek
The journey to Ulleri typically begins at Nayapul, the common trailhead reached by road from Pokhara. From Nayapul, the trail follows the Modi Khola valley through small settlements before reaching Tikhedhunga, where the stone staircase to Ulleri begins. This first stage is relatively gentle compared to what follows.
Ulleri to Banthanti
Beyond Ulleri, the trail continues climbing — though at a noticeably gentler gradient than the staircase below — through forested terrain toward Banthanti. This stretch passes through rhododendron and oak forest, which is particularly striking during spring flowering season.
Ulleri to Ghorepani Trek
From Ulleri, most trekkers continue toward Ghorepani, the village best known as the base for the Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint. This stage generally takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, passing through Banthanti and climbing steadily through forest. Read more details in our Ghorepani Guide.
Ulleri also serves as a key stage for trekkers heading toward the Khopra Ridge region, or for those approaching from longer Annapurna circuits. For multi-day itineraries, Ulleri often functions as either a first significant overnight stop or a transitional point between lower-altitude valleys and the higher ridge routes ahead.
The Magar ethnic group brings a unique culture, language, and architectural style that distinguishes Ulleri from neighboring towns.
Stone Houses & Village Architecture
The houses in Ulleri are built from local stone, with walls typically finished in white and ochre paint. They're arranged in tight clusters along the ridge, connected by narrow stone paths and steps. Stone construction provides insulation against temperature swings and has proven durable across generations.
Farming & Rural Mountain Livelihoods
Around the village, terraced fields cut into the hillside grow barley, potatoes, and millet. These terraces represent generations of agricultural adaptation to steep terrain. For trekkers, walking through these fields offers a glimpse of subsistence farming that has sustained mountain communities here long before trekking tourism arrived.
Unlike many trekking villages that have been substantially rebuilt around tourism, Ulleri retains a strong sense of being a working village first — tourism exists alongside, not in place of, traditional life. Trekkers passing through during festival periods may notice increased activity in the village — communal gatherings, music, or visible preparations.
Ulleri offers a good selection of standard private teahouses — more than many smaller villages further along the route.
Teahouses and Lodges in Ulleri
Rooms are typically simple: twin beds, a small table, and shared or attached bathroom facilities depending on the lodge. Given the village's size and its position right after the demanding staircase climb, many trekkers choose to stop here for the night rather than push on immediately.
What Food Can Trekkers Expect?
Standard teahouse menus apply in Ulleri, with dal bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetable curry) as the most common and often best-value option. Other typical choices include noodle dishes, fried rice, soups, and basic breakfast items like porridge, eggs, and pancakes. Hot tea, ginger lemon honey drinks, and coffee are widely available.
Is Ulleri Worth Staying Overnight?
Yes — and this is one of the most overlooked decisions on this route. Many trekkers, having just completed the staircase climb, are tempted to push on to Banthanti or Ghorepani the same day. But staying overnight in Ulleri has real advantages: the morning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli are often clearest right after sunrise. An overnight stay also gives you time to walk through the village, observe daily Magar life, and recover properly.
Because of its open ridge position, the views from the upper levels of Ulleri are wide and uninterrupted.
Annapurna South (7,219m)
Annapurna South is one of the most prominent peaks visible from Ulleri on clear days. Its position relative to the village means it's often one of the first major peaks trekkers see clearly after the climb from Tikhedhunga.
Hiunchuli (6,441m)
Hiunchuli sits directly alongside Annapurna South in the view from Ulleri's ridge. Together, these peaks frame the upper end of the valley and give a sense of scale that's hard to appreciate from lower, more enclosed sections of the trail.
Beyond the high peaks, Ulleri's ridge position offers wide views back down the Bhurungdi valley toward Pokhara. The combination of terraced fields in the foreground, forested slopes in the middle distance, and snow peaks beyond creates one of the more complete mountain panoramas on this section of the route.
Spring (Mar–May)
Rhododendron forests between Ulleri and Banthanti bloom in red, pink, and white. Stable weather and great views.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Peak season. Clear skies, dry trails, comfortable climbing temperatures, and the sharpest peak visibility.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold mornings and evenings, but crystal-clear blue skies. Quieter trails are a fair trade-off for the cold.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Heavy rain. Stone steps become slippery and leeches are common. Trekking poles are essential.
The classic approach remains the most rewarding way to experience the transition from low-elevation valleys to the high ridges of Annapurna.
Traditional Walking Route
The standard route starts with road transport from Pokhara to Nayapul, followed by trekking through Tikhedhunga and up the stone staircase. This combination of road and trail access makes Ulleri reachable within a day from Pokhara for most trekkers. Walking preserves the classic trekking experience and the sense of achievement.
Jeep Access to Ulleri
In recent years, unpaved jeep roads have extended further into parts of the Annapurna foothills, and some sections near Ulleri may be accessible by jeep depending on current road conditions. However, road conditions in this region can change with seasonal landslides and monsoon washouts, so this option should always be confirmed locally.
Ulleri vs Ghandruk
Ghandrukis a larger, more tourism-developed village known primarily for its Gurung heritage and panoramic Annapurna views from a gentler approach. Ulleri, by contrast, offers a steeper, more physically demanding arrival and a distinctly Magar cultural identity.
Ulleri vs Ghorepani
Ghorepani is larger and serves primarily as the base for the Poon Hill sunrise hike, with a correspondingly busier, more tourist-oriented atmosphere. Ulleri feels more like a working village, with the staircase climb serving as a natural filter that gives it a quieter, more grounded character.
Fitness and Preparation
The climb to Ulleri is one of the more demanding short stretches on the Ghorepani-Poon Hill route, so some baseline fitness — regular walking, stair climbing, or hiking in the weeks before your trip — makes a noticeable difference. You don't need technical climbing experience, but cardiovascular endurance helps.
What to Pack for the Climb
A few items are particularly useful: trekking poles, a hydration system that's easy to access without stopping, layered clothing for temperature changes between the valley and the ridge, and footwear with good grip for wet stone steps.
Safety and Responsible Trekking
Stick to the main trail, especially on the staircase, where shortcuts can be unstable. Yield to porters and pack animals on narrow sections, and be mindful that the stone steps double as the main route for local residents — not just trekkers.
Where is Ulleri village located in Nepal?▼
Ulleri is located in the Annapurna foothills, within the Annapurna Conservation Area, between Tikhedhunga and Banthanti on the route toward Ghorepani.
What is the altitude of Ulleri?▼
Ulleri sits at an elevation of 2,050 meters (6,725 feet).
Why is Ulleri famous?▼
Ulleri is best known for its approximately 3,200 stone steps climbing up from Tikhedhunga, its traditional Magar culture, and its panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
How many stone steps are there in Ulleri?▼
The staircase is commonly cited as having around 3,200 hand-carved stone steps, though exact counts can vary slightly.
How difficult is the Ulleri staircase trek?▼
The climb is rated moderately to highly strenuous, typically taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a reasonably fit trekker, with little flat ground to break up the ascent.
How long does it take to trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani?▼
The trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani generally takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, passing through Banthanti along forested trails.
Can vehicles reach Ulleri?▼
Jeep access to parts of this region has expanded in recent years, but road conditions vary seasonally. Most trekkers still reach Ulleri on foot via the traditional route from Nayapul and Tikhedhunga.
What ethnic group lives in Ulleri?▼
Ulleri is a traditional Magar village, one of Nepal's oldest indigenous communities.
Is Ulleri worth staying overnight?▼
Yes. An overnight stay allows trekkers to recover after the staircase climb, experience village life, and catch clear morning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli before clouds build.
What mountains can be seen from Ulleri?▼
On clear days, Ulleri offers direct views of Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m), along with the valley stretching back toward Pokhara.
When is the best time to visit Ulleri?▼
Autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) offer the most stable weather and best visibility, with spring also bringing rhododendron blooms along the trail toward Banthanti.
Is Ulleri part of the Annapurna Conservation Area?▼
Yes, Ulleri lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, and trekkers passing through need a valid ACAP permit.
Conclusion
Ulleri rewards those willing to earn the view. The climb from Tikhedhunga is one of the toughest short stretches on the Ghorepani-Poon Hill route, but it leads to a village that offers far more than a place to catch your breath — traditional Magar architecture, terraced fields, and some of the clearest ridge views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli anywhere on this trail.
Whether you're tackling the classic Poon Hill loop, continuing toward Khopra Ridge, or simply curious about one of the Annapurna region's most distinctive villages, Ulleri deserves more than a passing glance — and ideally, more than a passing visit.
Ready to experience Ulleri and the wider Annapurna region for yourself? Our local guides handle every detail — permits, lodging, transport, and route planning — so you can focus on the trek itself.
Reviewed by Trail Experts
This Ulleri village guide is reviewed by certified local guides based in Kathmandu. We regularly inspect road conditions, staircase maintenance status, and village lodge rosters to keep our details current.
