Poonhill Sunrise Trek
poonhill-sunrise-trek
Poonhill Sunrise Trek - 4 Days
Poonhill Sunrise Trek - 4 Days
Poonhill sunrise Trek - 4 Days

Poonhill Sunrise Trek - 4 Days

48 Reviews in TripAdvisor
52 Reviews in Google

Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is one of the most popular and easiest treks in the Annapurna region, passing through the beautiful ethnic villages and offering unforgettable experiences in peaceful remote mountain settlements. Also known as the Annapurna Sunrise Trek, this is a short, yet spectacular, adventure that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. En-route, you will walk through the vibrant rhododendron forests, enjoy the sweeping views of the Himalayas, and explore the culturally rich Ghandruk village. It's the most ideal trek for anyone in quest of a short, scenic, and cultural immersion into the Himalayas.

Trip Facts
Duration: 4 Days
Trip Grade: Easy
Country: Nepal
Maximum Altitude: 3210m./10530ft.
Starts: Pokhara
Ends: Pokhara
Group Size: 1-16
Activities: Trekking
Best Time: Mar - May and Sep - Jan

Highlights

  • A short, easy, and the most popular trek into the Annapurna region.
  • Exploring the typical Gurung village of Ghandruk.
  • Any age, especially perfect for a family trip.
  • Discover local culture and traditions and observe daily lives in the high Himalayan settlements.
  • 360-degree panoramic view from the Himalayan vantage-point Poon Hill (3210 m).
  • Outstanding views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Manaslu (8166 m), and Annapurna (809 m).
  • Glorious view of Annapurna south at 7219m and Fishtail at 6993m
  • Scenic beauties and thrilling views.
  • Lush forestry, rhododendron, and colourful flowers
  • Interaction with the cultural community and their tradition.
  • Taste locally grown and organic food of hills.
  • Magnificent views of the mountains all over the journey.

Poon Hill sunrise trek is a short yet awe-inspiring journey, perfect for those with limited time but a desire to witness stunning mountain vistas and breathtaking sunrises over the Himalayas. This is a short and easy trek in the Annapurna Region that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You won't climb higher than 3,210 meters, so it's a great option for people of all ages and abilities who enjoy trekking.

Poon hill sunrise trek begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, after which we follow the Modi River to the village of Tikhedhunga and Ulleri before arriving at Ghorepani. Along the way, you'll see a variety of birds, playful langurs (black-faced monkeys), and beautiful forests of rhododendron, oak, maple, and pine. The highlight of the trek is an early morning climb to the summit of Poon Hill, where you'll witness breathtaking views of some of Nepal's highest and most dramatic peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna 1, and Manaslu. The ridges between Ghorepani and Ghandruk also offer stunning views of the high peaks, as well as the green middle hills and terraced farmlands. 

Short family friendly Poon Hill trek is perfect for those with limited time or physical limitation but who still want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and local culture. The best time to go is during autumn or spring when the weather is clear, and you can enjoy unobstructed views of the mountains and natural scenery. During the trek, you'll also have the opportunity to visit Gurung and Magar villages, where you can experience their warm hospitality and learn more about their unique culture. Don't miss the chance to create unforgettable memories on this fascinating trek.

What is Poonhill, and why is this trek so popular as a short and easy adventure in Nepal?

The name Poon Hill comes from the ethnic group, the Poon Magar community, in the middle hills of Nepal. Combining “Poon,” meaning their ethnic identity, and “Hill” named the viewpoint-the well-renowned destination that we now call by the name of Poon Hill. Over time, this place changed from a regular route via which locals and early-stage travelers used to pass into one of Nepal's most favorite viewpoints. It gained rapid popularity among domestic and international trekkers with its breathtaking 360° panoramas of the Himalayas, such as giants like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Manaslu.

It also offers a great cultural experience: interactions in quaint Gurung and Magar villages, and it connects with the major trails such as the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp via Ghorepani. This trek is especially popular for easily accessible, ideal for families and beginners. It is famous for the magical sunrise views of painting the Himalayas golden. Book your Poon Hill adventure today, where beautiful scenic views, the rich culture, and warm welcomes await you along the trail with Trekking Plus.

Itinerary Overview and Route Map

Day 1:Pick up from your hotel in Pokhara, drive to Hile (2.5 hours) and trek to Ulleri (2,070 meters / 6,791 feet), about 2-3 hrs walk.
Day 2:Trek to Ghorepani (2,810 m. / 9,219 ft.) gateway to Poon Hill Sunrise), about 4-5 hrs walk
Day 3:Early morning Hike for sunrise to Poon Hill (3,210 m. / 10,531 ft.), then trek to Tadapani (2,700 m. / 8,858 ft), about 6-7 hrs walk.
Day 4:Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m. / 6,364 ft.), then drive to Pokhara. About 4 hrs walk and 2.5 hrs drive.

Poonhill Sunrise Trek - 4 Days Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Pick up from your hotel in Pokhara, drive to Hile (2.5 hours) and trek to Ulleri (2,070 meters / 6,791 feet), about 2-3 hrs walk.

After breakfast, drive along the zigzag route to Hile via Nayapul where we commence our trek to Ulleri via Tikhedhunga. Walk along the Modi river valley where we can enjoy the valley and waterfalls. We hike up to Sudame along the off road and then climb gradually up the side of the valley, Tikhedhunga. Cross suspension metal bridge and steep ascent on stone staircases to the village of Ulleri – and an amazing landscape of valley floor where we came during the day with marvelous views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Overnight in Ulleri at Lodge. 

Max Altitude: 2,070m (6,791ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Distance: 6
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 2

Trek to Ghorepani (2,810 m. / 9,219 ft.) gateway to Poon Hill Sunrise), about 4-5 hrs walk

After breakfast, our pleasant trekking begins through rhododendron and oak forests. The scenery will give you the energy to continue up the steps as you immerse yourself in the walk. After a few hours and with several breaks we reach Ghorepani. Upper Ghorepani (Deurali) where we stay in this trip, offers fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himalayas.Overnight in Ghorepani at Lodge.

Max Altitude: 2,810m (9,219ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 11
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 3

Early morning Hike for sunrise to Poon Hill (3,210 m. / 10,531 ft.), then trek to Tadapani (2,700 m. / 8,858 ft), about 6-7 hrs walk.

We wake up early morning and hike 45 minute up to the grassy top of Poon hill. This brilliant viewpoint offers an unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalaya from Dhaulagiri to the breadth of the Annapurnas in the north, dramatic Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail) and on to Manaslu in the east (with three of the world’s fourteen 8000m peaks).
After a photographic feast, hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then trek to Tadapani. The route meanders through forest and village farmland, from ridge tops to river crossings with many good viewpoints. The steep rivers carry melt water from the glaciers above. Overnight in Tadapani at Lodge. 

Max Altitude: 2,700m (8,858ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 13
Accommodation: Mountain lodge
Day 4

Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m. / 6,364 ft.), then drive to Pokhara. About 4 hrs walk and 2.5 hrs drive.

After breakfast, our trail leads to pleasant, largely downhill walk through more forest and farmland with occasional views of the mountains to Ghandruk: a densely settled, clean and modern Gurung village. Our trail continues through the scenic landscapes and local villages as the trail drops down to Syauli Bazaar on the Modi Khola. From Syauli bazaar we take a car / jeep back to Pokhara. Free evening around Lake side. 

Max Altitude: 826m (2,709ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private transporat
Are you still confuse from where to start? Trekking Plus has solutions for this.

Cost Details

Includes

  • Transport to and from trekking starting point.
  • Local lodges during the trekking on twin sharing basis
  • 3 meals a day during the trekking (breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with tea or coffee )
  • All applicable permits and fees( ACAP, TIMS, and Local permits )
  • 1 extensively experienced and licensed trekking guide
  • 1 Porter between 2 Trekkers (Note: no porter includes for Solo Trekker)
  • All daily wages, food allowance, accommodation, transfers and insurance for trekking guide and porter.
  • Duffle bags for porters are provided if needed.
  • Trekking map, and Water Purification Tablet
  • All the government tax and our (Trekking Plus) service charges.
  • Farewell Dinner before departure.
  • Official expense and government tax and vat.

Excludes

  • All meals and accommodation while you are in Pokhara and kathmandu.
  • Personal trekking equipments
  • All personal expenses like alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, telephone calls, laundry services etc.
  • Medical and travel insurances
  • Emergency helicopter rescue charges
  • Tipping to Guide and Porters
  • All extra services if required (except motioned in 'The Price Include' section). 

Essential Information

Best Time for Trekking to Poonhill Sunrise Trek

Autumn season is considered as the best season for trekking in Poonhill Sunrise Trek. The weather could be unpredictable at the higher altitudes but, every season has its own beauty and uniqueness.

Spring (March - May) and Autumn (September - November) are the most popular seasons, but we offer this trek throughout the year. All you need is a good pair of boots, a day pack, warm clothing, sleeping bag and camera. Spring season is highly recommended because we will be enjoying the entire rhododendron forest will be in full bloom covering the whole mountainside.

Difficulty Level of Poonhill Sunrise Trek - easy

Poonhill Sunrise Trek is not considered to be a easy and short trek in Nepal as well as family trekking in Annapurna Regon. This trek is considered to be a moderate trek. Like Everest Base Camp Trek it is also demanding and the beautiful trek but with a bit of patience, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is very enjoyable and achievable.

Trekking and hiking through the mountain mean that there may be the adventure waiting for you at every step of your walk. Poonhill Sunrise Trek is also a very short and easy hiking.