4-day Poon Hill trek from Pokhara: Annapurna sunrise

Walk to a high ridge before dawn and watch the Annapurna range turn gold

A 4-day guided trek from Pokhara that climbs to Poon Hill for a sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then descends through the Gurung village of Ghandruk. You trek with an English-speaking guide, stay in teahouses each night, and return to Pokhara by bus. The route crosses rhododendron forest, suspension bridges and streams, and suits first-time trekkers as well as experienced ones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Ulleri trek

• Take local bus to Nayapul
• Hike from Nayapul to Ulleri
• Overnight stay at lodge

Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani trek

• Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani
• Pass Banthali village
• Cross streams and forests
• Overnight stay at guest house

Day 3: Poon Hill sunrise and Ghandruk

• Early hike to Poon Hill base
• Climb to Poon Hill summit
• Watch sunrise over mountains
• Return to Ghorepani for breakfast
• Descend to Ghandruk village
• Overnight stay at teahouse

Day 4: Ghandruk to Pokhara return

• Hike downhill from Ghandruk
• Cross rhododendron forest and bridges
• Reach Birethanti and Nayapul
• Bus ride back to Pokhara

The experience

The trek starts with a 90-minute bus ride from Pokhara to Nayapul, where the trail begins climbing through rhododendron and oak forest toward Ulleri (2,070m). Day two takes you from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,675m), passing the Magar village of Banthali and crossing streams lined with forest. The real draw comes on day three: you leave before dawn to reach Poon Hill's summit in about an hour, arriving in time to watch the sun rise over Annapurna I, Fishtail, and Dhaulagiri. The peaks catch the light first, then the valleys below fill in.

After breakfast at Ghorepani, the trek descends to Ghandruk, a Gurung village where stone houses sit on steep slopes and the people have farmed these hillsides for generations. You spend the night there, then on day four hike downhill along Modi River, crossing suspension bridges and rhododendron forest, until you reach Nayapul and catch the bus back to Pokhara. An English-speaking guide walks with you the whole way, and you sleep in teahouses each night rather than camping. The trek includes your permits, all accommodation, hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara, and the shared bus rides to and from the trailhead.

What’s included

• An experienced English-speaking guide walks with you throughout.
• all teahouse and lodge accommodation for four nights.
• round-trip shared bus transfer from Pokhara to Nayapul and back.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara.
• Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS registration.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 11:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 to 79 years) · Child (5 to 7 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Pokhara Adventure Nepal (PAN)

Is this one for you?The trek starts before dawn on day three and involves steady climbing and descending over four days, so you need to be ready for early mornings and several hours of walking each day. If you want to see the Annapurna sunrise and walk through a traditional Gurung village without spending a week in the mountains, this 4-day route fits the time and effort.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 7 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

How early do we start on the day we climb Poon Hill?

Day three begins before dawn so you reach the summit in time for sunrise. The hike from Poon Hill's base to the top takes roughly an hour, and you'll be waiting at the ridge as the sun breaks over the mountains.

What is Ghandruk village like, and how long do we spend there?

Ghandruk is a Gurung settlement known for its traditional stone houses and hospitality. You arrive on day three afternoon after descending from Poon Hill, spend the night in a teahouse there, and leave the following morning for the final descent to Pokhara.

Do I need trekking experience to do this trek?

No. The trek is designed for all fitness levels, from first-time trekkers to seasoned hikers. The daily walking hours are moderate, and the trails are well-maintained, making it accessible for families and solo travelers looking for a short mountain escape.

What happens if I can't reach Poon Hill in time for sunrise?

The guide will adjust the pace to get you to the summit before dawn. If you're moving slowly, the guide may suggest starting even earlier or taking a different route, but reaching Poon Hill for sunrise is the priority of day three.

Are there suspension bridges on this trek?

Yes. On day four, as you descend toward Nayapul, you'll cross several suspension bridges over streams in the rhododendron forest. They're part of the established trail and are safe for trekkers of all levels.