| Trip code | |
| Package name | Annapurna Poon Hill Sunrise Trek |
| Duration | 9 |
| Max. elevation | 3210 m |
| Level | moderate |
| Transportation | |
| Accomodation | |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 1,050 per person |
The Annapurna Poon Hill Sunrise Trek, also known as the Ghandruk Poon Hill Trek or Annapurna Sunrise Trek, is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. Famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, this trek offers a perfect blend of mountain scenery, charming villages, and rich Gurung culture.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Hile, the starting point of the trek. From here, you will follow the Bhurungdi Khola river and pass through Tikhedhunga before reaching the stone steps of Ullery.
Continuing through enchanting rhododendron forests, the trail leads to Ghorepani, where trekkers spend the night before the highlight of the trip: the early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m). From here, you’ll witness one of the most spectacular sunrises in Nepal, with golden rays illuminating the snowcapped Himalayan peaks.
After enjoying the views, the trek continues towards Tadapani and Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village famous for its cultural museum and panoramic vistas. The trek ends with a drive back to Pokhara, completing a memorable Himalayan adventure.
Duration and Difficulty
Trip Length: 7–9 days (customizable)
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate – suitable for all age groups with average fitness.
Maximum Altitude: 3,210m at Poon Hill
Who is This Trek For?
The Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is perfect for those who:
Want a short trek in Nepal with incredible Himalayan views.
Prefer an easy to moderate hiking experience without high altitude risks.
Wish to combine mountain adventure with cultural exploration.
Have limited time but still want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region.
Alternative Treks in Annapurna
If you’re seeking a longer or more challenging adventure, consider:
Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary) Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Mardi Himal Trek
At Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), we will be greeted by a Mission Nepal representative who will then take us to the hotel of our choosing by car. We may take a nap or visit the Mission Nepal office after checking in. at the evening, a welcome supper with traditional Nepalese cuisine and a brief cultural presentation will take place at a typical Nepalese restaurant.
After breakfast today, we begin a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most significant historical and spiritual landmarks, many of which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. The renowned “Monkey Temple” of Swayambhunath, the revered Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the ancient Durbar Square in Kathmandu, and the Buddhist shrine of Bouddhanath—which is also the location of one of the biggest stupas in the world—are all visited. We meet up with the other participants for lunch at the Mission Nepal office, where we talk about our itinerary and have our hiking guide inspect our equipment.
Our early flight will take us to Pokhara, where we may enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. For the best views, we should choose a seat on the right side of the airplane. When we get to Pokhara, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountain range, which includes Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and the five peaks of Annapurna. After a quick break, we will travel to Hile, where our trek begins. During the journey, we will pass through trees found in subtropical valleys, and we may have to walk on paths that have been carved out of the side of cliffs. After lunch, we’ll cross the Bhurungdi Khola on a bridge and head to the town of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill, with its hundreds of steps and ever-increasing pebbles, will test our endurance. By the time we arrive at Ulleri, it should be afternoon.
After breakfast, we climb up to start our journey to Ghorepani. Ghorepani, which translates to “horse-water” in Nepali, used to be a major stopping place for traders and their horses. These days, it’s a popular trekking destination with small shops and stalls selling locally made handicrafts. The hamlet is divided into two parts; the top part has sweeping, magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, which include the Annapurna South and Nilgiri ranges. As we climb, the temperature decreases and the chilly weather, particularly in the evenings, becomes more apparent.
We’re climbing up the arduous trail to Poon Hill viewpoint, which is 3,210 meters/10,529 feet, early in the morning, so today is important for us. From here, we have breathtaking views of the Himalayas in the morning. Poon Hill is a popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region, offering stunning views of Mustang, Pokhara, and over 20 of the world’s highest mountains, including the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We stop for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and spend some time taking pictures before going back to Ghorepani for breakfast. From there, we cross a nearby hill to the east and make our way down to Tadapani, our overnight stop, passing stunning waterfalls and gorgeous rhododendron forests.
Today, we’ll head out of Tadapani and begin a steep descent through ancient rhododendron trees, which in the spring transform into exquisite gardens. Depending on the season, we might be able to glimpse cherry blossoms in the afternoon on the slopes across the valley. After climbing, we will arrive at the village of Ghandruk, which is perched on a slope and is primarily inhabited by the Gurung community. Here, we may visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk to learn more about the rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people and take in the close-up views of the magnificent Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. We are spending the night at Ghandruk.
After breakfast, we will head to Ghandruk to board a private vehicle that will take us to Pokhara in around two hours. Once there, we’ll settle into the hotel of our choice and take some time to unwind. In the afternoon, we’ll go on a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara and the surrounding areas. We intend to spend the night in Pokhara.
After we have our breakfast at the hotel, we will head toward Kathmandu. We’ll make a lunch stop along the way. We’ll check into our motels when we get there and relax for a bit. Later, we might wander through Thamel’s streets for a leisurely stroll or some souvenir shopping. We will toast to the successful end of our trip with a farewell dinner hosted by mission Nepal Vacations in the evening.
This is the last day of your journey across Nepal! You can use your time to go through your images and exchange email information with other travelers. A Kantipur Holidays representative will accompany you to the airport around three hours before to your scheduled departure. You’ll have plenty of time on your hands when you get home to organize your next thrilling vacation to Nepal.