3-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara: Sunrise & Views

Summary

Poon Hill Sunrise Trek: Annapurna Views & Village Trails

You’ll hike classic mountain trails from Pokhara to Poon Hill, passing lively villages and forests before catching sunrise over Annapurna’s snowy peaks—a quick taste of Nepal’s Himalayas with local guides handling all the details.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt cool and a bit damp as we left Pokhara before sunrise, our small group squeezed into a van headed for Nayapul. The road twisted past sleepy tea stalls and fields just waking up. At Nayapul, we grabbed our packs—our guide, Suman, double-checked everyone’s permits—and set off along the Modi Khola river. The path wound through Birethanti, where kids in blue uniforms waved at us on their way to school. By midday, we’d reached Tikedhunga; the smell of wood smoke drifted from a tiny noodle shop by the bridge. The last stretch to Ulleri was no joke—those stone steps seemed endless—but reaching the Magar village at dusk felt worth it. Chickens darted between houses and you could hear someone playing a radio nearby. We crashed early at the lodge, legs tired but spirits high.

Next morning after a simple breakfast (eggs and chapati), we started uphill again. The trail cut through thick rhododendron and oak forests—sometimes you’d catch flashes of monkeys overhead or hear birds calling out of sight. Banthali came up quick; we stopped for sweet tea and watched porters shuffle by with baskets twice their size. Past Nangathanti, the air got cooler and mistier as we climbed toward Ghorepani. By late afternoon, clouds rolled in but every so often you’d glimpse snow peaks above the treetops. Ghorepani itself was busy with trekkers swapping stories over dal bhat in cozy lodges.

Our alarms went off before 5am on day three—no one wanted to miss sunrise at Poon Hill. It’s a steady climb in the dark; headlamps bobbing ahead like fireflies. At the top (3210m), people gathered quietly as first light hit Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri—honestly, photos don’t do it justice. You could see Machhapuchchhre’s sharp peak glowing pink for a few minutes before everything turned gold. After soaking it all in (and grabbing masala tea from a vendor who somehow made it up there), we hiked back down for breakfast then headed out toward Hille. The walk down felt easier somehow—maybe because we knew hot showers waited back in Pokhara after the drive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive and Trek to Ulleri

• Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hour)
• Trek from Nayapul to Tikedhunga
• Trek from Tikedhunga to Ulleri
• Overnight at lodge in Ulleri

Day 2 — Trek to Ghorepani

• Trek from Ulleri to Banthali
• Trek through oak and rhododendron forests to Nangathanti
• Climb uphill to Ghorepani
• Overnight at lodge in Ghorepani

Day 3 — Poon Hill Sunrise and Return

• Early morning hike to Poon Hill (1 hour)
• View Himalayan sunrise
• Trek back to hotel for breakfast
• Trek from Ghorepani to Hille
• Drive from Hille to Pokhara (3 hours)
• Drop-off at hotel in Pokhara

Top questions

How difficult is this trek? Do I need to be super fit?

The trek is considered moderate—you’ll need to handle some long uphill sections (especially stone steps to Ulleri) but most people with average fitness can manage it at their own pace.

What should I pack for this short trek?

Bring sturdy shoes, layers for changing weather (it can get chilly at night), rain jacket just in case, snacks, water bottle, and basic toiletries. Your main bags can be carried by porters if needed.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes—all your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are covered while trekking between villages.

Is there Wi-Fi or charging points along the route?

Some lodges offer slow Wi-Fi for a small fee; charging is usually available but bring a power bank just in case.

What’s included

Your private transfers between Pokhara and trailheads are sorted out so you don’t have to worry about buses or taxis. All trekking permits (including TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area fees) are arranged ahead of time. Meals during the trek—breakfasts, lunches, dinners—are included at local guesthouses or lodges each day. You’ll have an experienced English-speaking guide leading your group plus porters to help with heavier bags if needed. Accommodation is provided each night in simple but comfortable mountain lodges.