Country
Ghorepani, Kaski, Parbat, Nepal
Max Elevation
3,210 m — Poon Hill
Nepal's best short trek — 5 days through blooming rhododendron forests to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for the most photographed Annapurna and Dhaulagiri sunrise in the Himalayas. Perfect for families and first-time trekkers.
Trip Highlights
- Poon Hill (3,210 m) — world-famous Annapurna range sunrise panorama
- Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m) at sunrise
- Nepal's finest rhododendron forests — best in bloom March–April
- Ghandruk — the largest and most beautiful Gurung village
- Suitable for families, beginners, and all fitness levels
- Easy access directly from Pokhara
- Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Peak) — Nepal's sacred unclimbed mountain
Poon Hill Trek — Nepal's Most Famous Sunrise Viewpoint Trek
The Poon Hill Trek is the perfect introduction to the Himalayas. In just 5 days, this classic walk passes through the largest rhododendron forests in Nepal, warm Gurung villages, and terraced hillsides to reach Poon Hill (3,210 m) — the most photographed sunrise viewpoint in the Annapurna region.
At sunrise, the panorama from Poon Hill is simply magnificent: Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, the sacred Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail, 6,993 m), Nilgiri, and the mighty Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) all glow in alpenglow pink and gold as the sky lightens behind them.
The trek suits all fitness levels — children from 8 years old, seniors, and first-time trekkers all complete it comfortably. The Gurung villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk offer genuinely warm hospitality: wood fires, freshly brewed raksi, and the best dal bhat in the Annapurna foothills.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hrs). Begin trekking through Birethanti along the Modi Khola. Well-marked trail through mixed subtropical forest and small hamlets. First taste of Himalayan teahouse life.
Tikhedhunga
3–4 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Tikhedhunga
The famous stone staircase of 3,200 steps climbs through one of Nepal's finest rhododendron forests. In season (Feb–April) the blooms are scarlet, pink, and white. Views of Annapurna South emerge as you gain altitude. Ghorepani is a well-developed village with comfortable lodges and excellent food.
Ghorepani
5–6 hours
2,860 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Ghorepani
Rise at 4:30 am for the 45-minute hike to Poon Hill. The sunrise panorama is extraordinary — Annapurna I, II, III, South, Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail), Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche all glow in sequence. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek through old-growth rhododendron to Tadapani.
Poon Hill / Tadapani
5 hours
3,210 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Tadapani
Descend through ancient rhododendron trees to Ghandruk — Nepal's most beautiful Gurung village. Visit the Gurung Museum and soak up the view of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South towering directly above the stone-paved village lanes.
Ghandruk
3–4 hours
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea house, Ghandruk
Final morning walk through terraced fields and the river valley to Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara for a lakeside lunch at Phewa Lake. Return to Kathmandu by flight or tourist bus.
Pokhara
3–4 hours
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel, Pokhara or Kathmandu
What’s Included
Included
- Airport transfers (Kathmandu)
- Domestic flights as per itinerary
- TIMS card and national park/area permits
- Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Full-board accommodation on trek (tea house)
- Duffel bag and sleeping bag (returnable)
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- All government taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu unless specified
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Gratuities for guide and porter
- Extra nights due to flight delays or weather
- Personal expenses and bar bills
Useful Info
Best Time for the Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill can be trekked year-round with the exception of peak monsoon. The pre-dawn sunrise hike makes cold months very atmospheric.
Spring
- February – May
- Rhododendron forests in full bloom — the finest reason to trek this route. February–April is magical.
- Best Season
Summer / Monsoon
- June – September
- Daily rain, leeches on lower trail, and cloud-obscured mountain views. Poon Hill sunrise is invisible.
- Avoid
Autumn
- October – December
- Clearest mountain views of the year. Cool, stable, and excellent for photography.
- Best Season
Winter
- December – January
- Cold at Ghorepani (occasional snow) but very clear skies and very few other trekkers. Beautiful atmosphere.
- Possible
How Difficult Is the Poon Hill Trek?
The Poon Hill Trek is rated Easy to Moderate — Nepal’s most accessible Himalayan viewpoint trek. The hardest section is Day 2’s 3,200 stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (approximately 1,300 m elevation gain over 5–6 hours). The pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill itself takes 45 minutes on a good path with handrails.
The maximum altitude is only 3,210 m — well below the threshold for serious altitude sickness in healthy trekkers. Suitable for families, beginners, and seniors.
The Poon Hill Sunrise Experience
Depart from Ghorepani at 4:30 am for the 45-minute hike to reach the summit before sunrise (approximately 5:45–6:30 am depending on season). The lookout tower fills up — arrive 15 minutes before official sunrise for a good position. The pre-sunrise alpenglow on Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks begins 20–30 minutes before the sun crests the horizon — don’t miss this.
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – NPR 3,000 per person.
- TIMS Card – NPR 2,000 (group) or NPR 4,000 (independent).
Accommodation on the Poon Hill Trek
This is one of Nepal’s most developed trekking routes. Ghorepani and Ghandruk offer comfortable lodges with hot showers, Wi-Fi, excellent Nepali and continental food, and log fires. Tikhedhunga and Tadapani are simpler but comfortable. Full-board accommodation is included in our package.
Poon Hill Trek Packing List – What to Bring
Poon Hill is a relatively low-altitude trek — pack light. The key addition over a standard day hike is warm gear for the 4:30 am Poon Hill summit attempt where temperatures can be near zero.
Clothing & Insulation
- Moisture-wicking base layer (top & bottom)
- Fleece mid-layer
- Light down or synthetic jacket (for pre-dawn Poon Hill hike)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking trousers (1–2 pairs)
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Light gloves (for the 4:30 am start)
- Trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
Footwear
- Trekking boots or sturdy trail runners (broken in)
- Camp sandals / lightweight shoes
- Trekking poles (recommended for the 3,200-step descent)
Health & Safety
- Paracetamol, ibuprofen, rehydration salts
- Blister kit, bandages, antiseptic
- Water bottle (1–1.5 L — water available at all tea houses)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm
- Insect repellent (for lower trail in wet/spring season)
- Leech socks (for monsoon-edge seasons)
Essentials
- Headlamp + spare batteries (essential for 4:30 am Poon Hill hike)
- Daypack (20–25 L)
- Power bank (lodges charge for electricity)
- Camera or phone with ample storage
- Cash in NPR (no ATMs on trail)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Poon Hill Trek is rated Easy to Moderate — Nepal's most accessible Himalayan viewpoint trek. The hardest section is Day 2's 3,200 stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (approximately 1,300 m elevation gain over 5–6 hours). The pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill from Ghorepani takes 45 minutes on a good path. No technical skills or high-altitude experience are required.
Poon Hill (3,210 m) offers one of the widest and most accessible Himalayan panoramas in Nepal. In a single 180° sweep at sunrise you see: Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail, 6,993 m), Gangapurna, and Lamjung Himal — approximately 14 Himalayan peaks clearly visible on a clear day.
Depart from Ghorepani at 4:30 am for the 45-minute uphill hike to reach Poon Hill before sunrise (approximately 5:30–6:00 am depending on season). The lookout tower at the summit is already busy by arrival — arriving 15–20 minutes before official sunrise time ensures a good viewing position. The guide will advise on exact timing based on the season.
Our standard itinerary is 5 days from Pokhara back to Pokhara. This covers: Nayapul to Tikhedhunga (Day 1), Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (Day 2), Poon Hill sunrise then Tadapani (Day 3), Ghandruk (Day 4), Nayapul and Pokhara (Day 5). A shorter 4-day option exists by combining Days 4 and 5, and a longer 7-day version includes Ghandruk to Chomrong.
Yes — Poon Hill is Nepal's most family-friendly Himalayan trek. Children as young as 7–8 with good fitness regularly complete it. The main challenge for younger children is the stone staircase on Day 2 — parents should assess their child's capability honestly. For elderly trekkers: the maximum altitude is only 3,210 m and most of the trail is well-graded and step-aided. We have successfully guided many trekkers in their 60s and 70s.
You need: (1) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — NPR 3,000 and (2) TIMS Card — NPR 2,000. Both are included in our package and obtained in Pokhara before departure. Permit checks occur at Birethanti and several points along the trail.
The rhododendron forests between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani are some of the largest in the world. They bloom February through April, with peak colour in March when the forest becomes a spectacular riot of scarlet, pink, and white rhododendron blossoms. Trekking through in full bloom is one of Nepal's most visually breathtaking experiences. Spring (March–April) is the best season for this reason.
The Poon Hill trek can be done year-round except during peak monsoon (July–August). Best seasons: Autumn (October–December) for crystal-clear mountain views; Spring (February–April) for rhododendron blooms. Winter (December–January) is cold but has very clear mountain views and very few other trekkers. Even light snowfall at Ghorepani in winter adds to the atmosphere.
The trek starts at Nayapul (1,070 m), 42 km west of Pokhara. We provide a private vehicle transfer from your Pokhara hotel to Nayapul (1–1.5 hours). At the end of the trek in Ghandruk, we arrange a vehicle from Nayapul back to Pokhara. The drive is scenic through Pokhara's outskirts and the Modi Khola valley.
Tea houses on the Poon Hill circuit are among the best-developed in Nepal. In Ghorepani and Ghandruk, lodges offer comfortable private rooms, hot showers, excellent food menus, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities. Tikhedhunga and Tadapani are simpler but comfortable. Our package includes full-board accommodation throughout.
The Ghorepani-Ghandruk circuit is famous for its excellent food. Dal bhat (the Nepali staple), pasta, noodles, soups, pancakes, and omelettes are universally available. Ghorepani and Ghandruk have several excellent bakeries serving freshly baked bread, apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and good coffee. The local thakali food in this region is particularly highly regarded.
Ghandruk (1,940 m) is Nepal's most beautiful Gurung village — a designated Conservation Village with traditional slate-roofed stone houses, narrow cobblestone lanes, flowering gardens, and panoramic views of Machhapuchhare (6,993 m) and Annapurna South (7,219 m) rising directly above. The village Gurung Museum documents the history and culture of the Gurung people, including their famous Gurkha military heritage. Ghandruk is the final village before descending to Nayapul.
A guide is not legally required but is strongly recommended. The trail is generally well-marked, but junctions in fog or snow can be confusing. A guide provides: safety and emergency response, cultural context about the villages and Gurung people, language assistance, and logistical support (bookings, porters). Our experienced guides speak English and Nepali and enhance the experience considerably.
We discourage it. Monsoon (June–mid September) brings daily rain, leeches on the lower trail (Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani is particularly leech-heavy), overcast skies obscuring mountain views, and slippery trails. Poon Hill's entire purpose is the mountain panorama — which is largely invisible during monsoon. The trek is much more rewarding outside the monsoon season.
Sunrise at Poon Hill varies by season: Spring (March-May): approximately 5:45–6:15 am. Autumn (Oct-Nov): approximately 6:00–6:30 am. Winter (Dec-Jan): approximately 6:30–7:00 am. We depart from Ghorepani 45 minutes before sunrise time. The golden alpenglow on the peaks begins 20–30 minutes before the sun crests the horizon — don't miss this pre-sunrise light.
Essentials: comfortable trekking shoes (broken-in trail runners or light boots), layered clothing (it gets cold at Ghorepani and on Poon Hill pre-dawn), waterproof jacket, headlamp (for the 4:30 am summit hike), sun protection, 1.5L water bottle, small daypack (5–6 kg maximum — porter carries the main bag), camera, and light gloves.
Yes. The ridge walk from Ghorepani to Tadapani and Ghandruk offers continuous mountain views throughout the day. Khopra Danda (3,660 m) — a 2-day extension from Ghandruk — provides close views of Annapurna South and less-visited trekking. The Modi Khola valley views from Tadapani toward Machhapuchhare and Annapurna are also excellent.
Yes — and this is one of our most popular combinations. The Poon Hill trek naturally joins the Annapurna Base Camp route at Ghorepani and Chhomrong. Adding the ABC component from Ghorepani makes the full Annapurna Base Camp Trek (11 days). We include Poon Hill sunrise in all our ABC itineraries automatically.
Our 5-day Poon Hill Trek package starts from USD 450 per person. This includes transport from/to Pokhara, all permits, licensed guide, porter, and full-board accommodation. Excluded: flights to Pokhara, travel insurance, personal gear, and tips.
Yes — it is one of Nepal's safest and most frequently trekked routes. The trail is wide, well-marked, heavily trekked, and passes through established villages throughout. Potential hazards: slippery stone steps in rain, ankle injuries on the uneven trail, and hypothermia on Poon Hill pre-dawn in cold months. Our guides carry basic first aid and can arrange emergency descent in any situation.
Ghorepani (meaning "horse water") was historically a rest stop on the main trade route between the Annapurna region and the lower hills. Today it is one of the most developed trekking villages in Nepal, with excellent lodges, bakeries, and views. The surrounding forest — largely old-growth rhododendron — is protected within the Annapurna Conservation Area and is internationally recognised as one of Nepal's finest rhododendron ecosystems.
Reviews
If you have one week and want to understand what makes Nepal extraordinary — Poon Hill. Rhododendron forests, Gurung villages, mountain panoramas that redefine your sense of scale, and guides who become friends by day three. Every rupee was well spent. I booked my return before leaving the country.
Chloe Martin
Verified Trekker
Two weeks, two base camps, and Nepal's most remote trekking corridor. The orchid forests below 3,000m are extraordinary. The moraines above 5,000m are otherworldly. At Pangpema, the north face of Kanchenjunga fills the entire sky. The agency handled a very complex logistics challenge perfectly.
Laura Jensen
Verified Trekker
We left Ghorepani at 4:30 am in the pitch dark and it was completely worth it. The moment Dhaulagiri lit up golden and Machhapuchhare turned pink — I burst into tears. The team had hot lemon tea waiting when we returned. This company genuinely cares about the experience.
Nina Hoffman
Verified Trekker
The 3am start from High Camp with headlamps bobbing up the switchbacks, the frozen prayer flags at 5,416 metres, and then the long descent to sacred Muktinath where Hindus and Buddhists worship at an eternal flame — that day alone was worth travelling to Nepal for.
Fiona MacLeod
Verified Trekker
