Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Witness the World’s Best Sunrise!
Overview
Experience Nepal’s beloved Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, easily accessed from Pokhara.
Witness the legendary, unforgettable sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) painting the Himalayas.
Marvel at breathtaking panoramic views, including the giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Journey through charming Gurung villages and beautiful rhododendron forests.
Enjoy one of the most accessible and rewarding short treks in the Annapurna region!
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-5 days
Trip Grade:2
Destinations: Nepal
Activities: Tea House
Departure Date: open
Best Seasons: March-April/Sep-Nov
Highest Altitude: 3210m
Starting – Ending: Nayapool/Nayapool
Get ready for one of Nepal’s most beloved and accessible treks! Often called the Annapurna Panorama Trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill adventure is famous for offering truly massive mountain views without extreme difficulty. Conveniently starting and ending in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, this popular tea house trek is perfect for experiencing the Himalayas’ majesty.
The Legendary Poon Hill Sunrise:
The absolute highlight? An unforgettable sunrise from the summit of Poon Hill (3,210m). Trekkers rise early and make their way to the viewpoint in the pre-dawn chill for a reason. As the sun climbs, it paints the sky with incredible colours and dramatically illuminates a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks. It’s a moment of pure mountain magic that feels almost unreal!
An Amphitheater of Giants:
From Poon Hill, you’re rewarded with stunning views of some of the world’s highest mountains. Marvel at the towering presence of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m), alongside a spectacular array of other giants like Annapurna South, the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, and many more. It’s like standing in a natural amphitheater surrounded by Himalayan titans!
Villages, Forests, and Friendly Trails:
This trek isn’t just about the peaks. You’ll walk along well-maintained trails, winding through charming Gurung villages where you can experience local culture firsthand. You’ll also journey through one of Nepal’s largest and most beautiful rhododendron forests. If you trek in spring, prepare to be amazed as the forest bursts into vibrant shades of red, pink, and white!
Discover why the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a favourite for so many – it’s a truly awe-inspiring journey packed with incredible scenery and cultural charm.
Option I: Poon Hill & Dobato Exploration (5 Days)
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (approx. 1.5-2 hrs). Begin your trek, ascending to Hille (1,430m).
Day 02: Trek from Hille, climbing steadily through villages and forests to reach the main ridge at Ghorepani (2,860m).
Day 03: Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise views. Afterwards, trek onwards to Dobato (approx. 3,300m – 3,420m), known for close-up views of Annapurna South and the Dhaulagiri range.
Day 04: Trek from Dobato towards Ghandruk (1,940m), likely passing through or near Tadapani with more beautiful forest trails.
Day 05: Enjoy the morning in the large Gurung village of Ghandruk, then trek down to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Option II: Classic Poon Hill & Ghandruk Circuit (4 Days)
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (approx. 1.5-2 hrs). Start trekking, heading up to Tikhedhunga (1,480m).
Day 02: Trek from Tikhedhunga, tackling the famous Ulleri stone steps and continuing up to Ghorepani (2,860m).
Day 03: Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise and panoramic views. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek down to the beautiful village of Ghandruk (1,940m).
Day 04: Explore Ghandruk in the morning before trekking back down to Nayapul, followed by the drive to Pokhara.
Option III: Fast-Paced Poon Hill Loop (3 Days)
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul by car/jeep/bus (approx. 1.5-2 hrs). Begin your trek, heading directly towards Ghandruk (1,940m). (Note: This route direction is less common and involves significant uphill on Day 2).
Alternative Day 1 (More common route): Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri.
Day 02: Trek from Ghandruk, ascending towards Ghorepani (2,860m). (This is a challenging uphill day).
Alternative Day 2 (Following common route): Trek Tikhedhunga/Ulleri to Ghorepani.
Day 03: Early morning climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise and panoramic views. Afterwards, undertake a long descent all the way back to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara. (This is a very long trekking day).
What’s Included in the Price:
Guide: Services of a licensed, professional, English-speaking trekking guide.
Porter Service: Porter service to carry luggage during the trek (typically one porter for two trekkers, specific weight limits apply – please inquire).
Meals: Standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek at tea houses.
Accommodation: Accommodation in standard tea houses/lodges along the trekking route.
Permits: All necessary trekking permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Transportation: Ground transportation by appropriate vehicle between Pokhara and the trek start/end points (Nayapul).
Equipment Use: Use of a company sleeping bag and trekking poles for the duration of the trek.
Water Purification: Water purification tablets to treat safe drinking water.
Staff Costs: Salary, food, accommodation, equipment, and insurance for the guide and porters.
Taxes: All applicable government taxes and official expenses.
What’s Not Included in the Price:
Personal Insurance: Your personal travel insurance, which must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Personal Expenses: Costs of a personal nature, including personal trekking gear (clothing, boots, etc.).
Tips: Tips for your guide and porters (tipping is customary and appreciated for good service, but remains at your discretion).
Drinks & Snacks: Alcoholic beverages (beer, rum, etc.), soft drinks, bottled mineral water, and any extra snacks or meals beyond the standard three provided daily.
Tea House Extras: Fees for services like hot showers, Wi-Fi access, and charging electronic devices (mobile phones, cameras) at tea houses.
Bottled Water: We encourage using the provided purification tablets with safe local water sources to minimize plastic pollution; bottled water is an extra expense if chosen.
Other: Any other costs or services not specifically mentioned in the ‘What’s Included’ section.
Option I: Poon Hill & Dobato Exploration (5 Days)
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (approx. 1.5-2 hrs). Begin your trek, ascending to Hille (1,430m).
Day 02: Trek from Hille, climbing steadily through villages and forests to reach the main ridge at Ghorepani (2,860m).
Day 03: Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise views. Afterwards, trek onwards to Dobato (approx. 3,300m – 3,420m), known for close-up views of Annapurna South and the Dhaulagiri range.
Day 04: Trek from Dobato towards Ghandruk (1,940m), likely passing through or near Tadapani with more beautiful forest trails.
Day 05: Enjoy the morning in the large Gurung village of Ghandruk, then trek down to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Option II: Classic Poon Hill & Ghandruk Circuit (4 Days)
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (approx. 1.5-2 hrs). Start trekking, heading up to Tikhedhunga (1,480m).
Day 02: Trek from Tikhedhunga, tackling the famous Ulleri stone steps and continuing up to Ghorepani (2,860m).
Day 03: Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise and panoramic views. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek down to the beautiful village of Ghandruk (1,940m).
Day 04: Explore Ghandruk in the morning before trekking back down to Nayapul, followed by the drive to Pokhara.
Option III: Fast-Paced Poon Hill Loop (3 Days)
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul by car/jeep/bus (approx. 1.5-2 hrs). Begin your trek, heading directly towards Ghandruk (1,940m). (Note: This route direction is less common and involves significant uphill on Day 2).
Alternative Day 1 (More common route): Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri.
Day 02: Trek from Ghandruk, ascending towards Ghorepani (2,860m). (This is a challenging uphill day).
Alternative Day 2 (Following common route): Trek Tikhedhunga/Ulleri to Ghorepani.
Day 03: Early morning climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise and panoramic views. Afterwards, undertake a long descent all the way back to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara. (This is a very long trekking day).
What’s Included in the Price:
Guide: Services of a licensed, professional, English-speaking trekking guide.
Porter Service: Porter service to carry luggage during the trek (typically one porter for two trekkers, specific weight limits apply – please inquire).
Meals: Standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek at tea houses.
Accommodation: Accommodation in standard tea houses/lodges along the trekking route.
Permits: All necessary trekking permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Transportation: Ground transportation by appropriate vehicle between Pokhara and the trek start/end points (Nayapul).
Equipment Use: Use of a company sleeping bag and trekking poles for the duration of the trek.
Water Purification: Water purification tablets to treat safe drinking water.
Staff Costs: Salary, food, accommodation, equipment, and insurance for the guide and porters.
Taxes: All applicable government taxes and official expenses.
What’s Not Included in the Price:
Personal Insurance: Your personal travel insurance, which must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Personal Expenses: Costs of a personal nature, including personal trekking gear (clothing, boots, etc.).
Tips: Tips for your guide and porters (tipping is customary and appreciated for good service, but remains at your discretion).
Drinks & Snacks: Alcoholic beverages (beer, rum, etc.), soft drinks, bottled mineral water, and any extra snacks or meals beyond the standard three provided daily.
Tea House Extras: Fees for services like hot showers, Wi-Fi access, and charging electronic devices (mobile phones, cameras) at tea houses.
Bottled Water: We encourage using the provided purification tablets with safe local water sources to minimize plastic pollution; bottled water is an extra expense if chosen.
Other: Any other costs or services not specifically mentioned in the ‘What’s Included’ section.
