About This Trek / Tour
The Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is Nepal's most popular short trek for a very good reason: it delivers a world-class Himalayan sunrise experience without requiring weeks of endurance trekking. At 3,210m, Poon Hill offers a breathtaking 180° panorama of eight of the Annapurna range's highest peaks — all bathed in the deep golden light of dawn.
Beyond the sunrise, the trek weaves through the ancient Gurung and Magar villages of Ghorepani and Ulleri, dense rhododendron forests that blaze scarlet and pink in spring, and charming Pokhara — Nepal's second city, nestled beside a mirror-calm lake. This is the ideal first Himalayan trekking experience.
Dawn Start: We wake at 4:30am on the Poon Hill morning to reach the summit before sunrise (around 6:00–6:30am). The early effort is entirely worth the reward.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu. Brief orientation and trek preparation.
25-min flight or 6h drive to Pokhara (820m). Drive to Nayapul, then trek to Tikhedhunga (1,480m). 2.5 hours trekking.
Climb famous stone steps through Ulleri village (1,960m) and dense oak and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860m). 6 hours. Beautiful ridge views.
Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the iconic sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Descend to Tadapani (2,630m) via Banthanti. 5 hours.
Descend to the largest Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940m) — an open museum of Gurung culture with views straight up to Annapurna South. Continue to Kimche. 5 hours.
Final trekking day through lower Modi Khola valley to Nayapul. Short drive back to Pokhara. Sunset boating on Phewa Lake. 3 hours trekking.
Return to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Transfer to airport for departure. End of trek.
What's Included
- Kathmandu airport transfers
- Kathmandu–Pokhara return (flight or bus)
- Pokhara–Nayapul–Pokhara transport
- 1 night hotel in Kathmandu (B&B)
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara (B&B)
- 4 nights teahouse accommodation
- All trek meals
- ACAP permit & TIMS card
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- One porter per two trekkers
- Guide & porter insurance, food & accommodation
Not Included
- Nepal visa
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Beverages & snacks
- Tips for guide & porter
Practical Travel Tips
Best Season for Rhododendrons: March–April transforms the forests around Ghorepani into an explosion of red, pink and white rhododendron blooms — the most photogenic time of year.
Clear Days: October–November post-monsoon gives the clearest Himalayan views. Autumn is also the peak trekking season — pre-book teahouses in advance.
Great for Families: This trek is suitable for reasonably fit teenagers and above. The highest point is only 3,210m, minimising altitude risk.