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Nepal's classic sunrise short trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

6 spring departures left

Annapurna Region, Nepal

Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m)

Rhododendron forests in bloom

Magar village of Ulleri

Gurung village of Ghandruk

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the classic short trek in Nepal. In just four days from Pokhara, it takes you through terraced hillsides, rhododendron forest and traditional mountain villages to one of the best Himalayan viewpoints anywhere, all without going to extreme altitude.

The trail climbs the famous stone staircase to the Magar village of Ulleri, then continues through moss-covered forest to Ghorepani, a ridge-top settlement of stone lodges. Before dawn the next morning, you hike up to Poon Hill at 3,210 m. As the sun rises, a sweeping panorama of peaks comes into view, from Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri to Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.

From Ghorepani, the route loops east along a forested ridge to Tadapani and down to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village with slate-roofed houses and a view of the Fishtail. A jeep then takes you back to Pokhara, turning the trek into a full loop without repeating any trail.

With a maximum altitude of 3,210 m and daily walks of three to seven hours, this trek suits beginners, families and anyone short on time. Our Pokhara-based team arranges permits, transport, a licensed guide, porters and all meals on the trail.

At a glance

Duration

4 Days
Nights

3 Nights
Difficulty

Easy
Max.Elevation

3,210 m (10,531 ft)
Accomodation

Tea house
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
Group Size

1 - 12 Travelers
Best Season

Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Starting Point

Pokhara
Ending Point

Pokhara
Permit

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
Trip Type

Private or Group

Itinerary

A four-day loop from Pokhara climbing via Ulleri to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, then returning through Tadapani and Ghandruk.

Day 01

Pokhara to Hile, Trek to Ulleri

Max Altitude 2,070 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Our guide collects you from your Pokhara hotel after breakfast for the drive past Nayapul and Birethanti to Hile, which takes about two hours by jeep. Here your trek begins. You cross the Bhurungdi Khola at Tikhedhunga, then climb the long stone staircase to Ulleri. The steps are relentless, often counted in the thousands, but the views of terraced hillsides get better with every flight. Ulleri is a friendly Magar village, and on a clear evening you can see Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from the teahouse terrace.

Day highlights

Famous stone staircase of Ulleri
Magar village hospitality

Day 02

Ulleri to Ghorepani

Max Altitude 2,860 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

The gradient eases today as the trail climbs through Banthanti and Nangethanti into deep forest of oak and rhododendron. In March and April the hillsides are covered in red and pink blossom, and all year round moss-draped branches and small waterfalls make this a beautiful walk. In the afternoon you reach Ghorepani, a ridge-top village of stone lodges with fine views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Explore the village, warm up by the dining-room stove and get to bed early for the sunrise hike.

Day highlights

Rhododendron forest
Mountain views from Ghorepani

Day 03

Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Tadapani

Max Altitude 3,210 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Rise at about 4:30 am and hike by headlamp up a steep stepped trail to Poon Hill (3,210 m), about 45 minutes to an hour. As dawn breaks, the sun lights up a wide arc of peaks including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. After hot drinks and photos, return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then follow the forested ridge over Deurali and descend to Tadapani, a quiet village with a direct view of Machhapuchhre. The walk from Ghorepani is mostly through shady forest, with a few steep stepped sections on the way down.

Day highlights

Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
Forested ridge walk

Day 04

Tadapani to Ghandruk, Drive to Pokhara

Max Altitude 2,630 m
Meals Breakfast and Lunch Included
Trekking 2-3 hrs

Descend through forest to Ghandruk, one of the largest and best-known Gurung villages in Nepal. Stone houses with slate roofs cluster on the hillside below Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Take time to visit the small Gurung museum or wander the village lanes before lunch. From Ghandruk, a jeep takes you back down the valley to Pokhara, a journey of about two and a half to three hours, arriving in the late afternoon. This short final day leaves time to rest in Pokhara and enjoy a well-earned meal by the lake.

Day highlights

Gurung village of Ghandruk
Return to Pokhara

Maps

Where this trip takes you.

Fixed Departures

Set group departures below. Private dates can be arranged on any day that suits you.

Oct 20

Oct 20 - Oct 23, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $390 /Person

Book now

Nov 05

Nov 5 - Nov 8, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $390 /Person

Book now

Nov 20

Nov 20 - Nov 23, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $390 /Person

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Mar 05

Mar 5 - Mar 8, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

Book now

Mar 20

Mar 20 - Mar 23, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

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Apr 05

Apr 5 - Apr 8, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

Book now

Apr 20

Apr 20 - Apr 23, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

Book now

May 05

May 5 - May 8, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

Book now

May 20

May 20 - May 23, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

Book now

Sep 05

Sep 5 - Sep 8, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

Book now

Sep 20

Sep 20 - Sep 23, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $390 /Person

Book now

Availability

Join a set group departure, or ask us for a private date that suits you.

Book now

Didn’t find a suitable date? Contact us with your dates and preferences.

Inclusions & exclusions

What the trip price covers, and what to budget for separately.

What’s included

Transfers – hotel pick-up and drop-off in Pokhara
Ground transport – jeep from Pokhara to Hile and from Ghandruk back to Pokhara
Teahouse accommodation – 3 nights on the trail, twin share
Meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek (lunch on day 4)
Guide – licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Porter – one porter for every two trekkers
Permits – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
Staff costs – wages, meals, lodging and insurance for guide and porter

Not included

International flights – flights to and from Nepal are not included
Travel insurance – must cover trekking and emergency evacuation
Nepal visa fee – payable on arrival in Kathmandu
Personal expenses – snacks, drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery charging on the trail
Tips – gratuities for guide and porter are appreciated but optional
Hotels – accommodation in Pokhara before and after the trek
Kathmandu – travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara

Why people fall for it

Why this trip stands out

You reach one of Nepal's most famous sunrise viewpoints in just four days.
The maximum altitude of 3,210 m keeps the risk of altitude sickness low, which makes it great for first-time trekkers.
The loop route means you never walk the same trail twice.
You stay in and pass through authentic Magar and Gurung villages.
It starts and finishes in Pokhara, so it is easy to fit into a short holiday.

Good to know

Practical information to help you prepare for this trip.

Permits

This trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so every trekker needs an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals) and a TIMS card. Our team arranges both before you set off; we only need a copy of your passport and a passport photo.

Accommodation and Meals

Teahouses on this route are well established, with twin rooms, hot showers (often solar or gas) and long menus. Rooms in Ghorepani fill up in peak season, so our team books ahead.

Currency

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Pokhara has plenty of ATMs and money changers, but there are few or none on the trail, so carry enough cash for snacks, hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi.

Budget: roughly USD 15–25 per day for extras on the trail.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover trekking up to the highest altitude on this route, plus emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment. Please share your policy details with our team before the trek.

Internet and SIM Card

Most teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, although it gets slower and less reliable higher up. A local Ncell or Nepal Telecom SIM card with data works in much of the region and is cheap to buy in Pokhara or Kathmandu with your passport.

Essential Packing Guide

Pack light: a porter carries up to about 10–12 kg shared between two trekkers, and you carry a daypack.

Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece, a warm down jacket and a waterproof shell
Footwear: broken-in waterproof trekking boots and camp sandals
Sleeping: a sleeping bag rated to around -10°C (we can lend one)
Essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle or purification tablets, headlamp and a small first-aid kit
Early morning: a warm hat, gloves and a headlamp for the pre-dawn Poon Hill hike

FAQs

Answers to the questions travellers ask us most about this trip.

Is the Poon Hill trek suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is one of the easiest treks in the Annapurna region. The hardest part is the stone staircase up to Ulleri on day 1, so walking some hills or stairs before you come will help.

Can children or older travellers do this trek?

Many families and active older travellers do this trek. We can adjust the pace or add an extra night if needed; just let us know when you book.

What time is the Poon Hill sunrise hike?

You usually leave Ghorepani around 4:30–5:00 am, depending on the season, and reach the top in time for sunrise. A small entry fee is collected at the viewpoint.

When is the best time to see the rhododendrons?

The rhododendrons usually flower from March to April. October and November generally have the clearest mountain views.

Can I do the trek in winter?

Yes. December to February is cold at Ghorepani, sometimes with snow, but skies are often clear and the trail is quieter. Bring warm layers and a good sleeping bag.