4-Day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara: Sunrise over Annapurna

Watch dawn light unveil Annapurna’s peaks from Poon Hill’s quiet summit

A 4-day guided trek from Pokhara that climbs to Poon Hill for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then descends through rhododendron forests and mountain villages. You walk through terraced fields and Magar and Gurung settlements, stay in guest houses, and return to Pokhara on day four. An English-speaking local guide leads the route, timing the summit for dawn when Annapurna I, Machapuchare and the high peaks catch the first light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Ulleri trek

• Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul
• Trek through fields and villages
• Cross Modi Khola river
• Climb uphill to Ulleri village
• Overnight in Ulleri

Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani trek

• Climb through rhododendron and oak forests
• Pass waterfalls and settlements
• Arrive in Ghorepani village
• Rest early for next day
• Overnight in Ghorepani

Day 3: Poon Hill sunrise and Tadapani trek

• Early hike to Poon Hill summit
• Watch sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
• Return to Ghorepani for breakfast
• Trek to Tadapani through forest trails
• Overnight in Tadapani

Day 4: Tadapani to Pokhara via Ghandruk

• Trek down to Ghandruk village
• Explore village and have lunch
• Drive back to Pokhara
• End trek

The experience

The trek starts with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then a walk through terraced fields and small villages before the climb to Ulleri, a Magar village at 2,050 meters where you overnight. Day two is a gentler ascent through rhododendron and oak forests, especially lush in spring, passing waterfalls and small settlements on the way to Ghorepani at 2,860 meters. The real draw comes on day three: you wake before dawn for a steep hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, where the sunrise hits Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri in sequence. After breakfast back in Ghorepani, you trek down through forest trails to Tadapani at 2,630 meters for the night.

Day four takes you down to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village known for its stone houses and views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. You explore the village, have lunch, then drive back to Pokhara. The guide is English-speaking and shares stories and cultural insights as you walk, not just route-finding but context for the villages and communities you pass through. You'll need your passport digital copy and a passport-size photo to issue the trekking permit before you go.

The trek involves walking uphill and downhill on mountain trails each day, and the operator notes it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. It is suitable for all fitness levels otherwise, though the early morning and the altitude mean you should be ready for the physical demand.

What’s included

• English-speaking trekking guide throughout.
• ACAP permit and TIMS card.
• guest house accommodation for three nights.
• first aid box carried by the guide.
• round-trip hotel transfer from Pokhara and pickup from your hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 07:45, the last at 11:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 to 81 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Nomad Mountain Club - NMC

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you want to time the Poon Hill sunrise perfectly and have a guide who shares the culture and stories of the villages you walk through, rather than just the route. The 4-day length fits the climb, the summit, and the descent through forest and villages into a single trip without rushing any part of it.

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Top questions

How steep is the hike up to Poon Hill on the morning of day three?

The hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters is short but steep, starting before dawn so you reach the summit for sunrise. You return to Ghorepani for breakfast afterward.

What are the villages like on this trek?

Ulleri is a charming Magar village with hillside views; Ghorepani is a peaceful settlement with panoramic views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri; Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village known for its beautiful stone houses and mountain vistas. You interact with the communities and taste home-cooked food.

What time of year are the rhododendrons in bloom?

Spring is when the rhododendron and oak forests on day two are especially beautiful, with flowers covering the hillsides along the trail to Ghorepani.

Is the accommodation comfortable?

You stay in guest houses each night: basic mountain lodging with overnight facilities in Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Tadapani. The early rest on day two prepares you for the pre-dawn summit hike.

What does the guide include?

Your English-speaking local guide leads the entire trek, shares stories and cultural insights about the mountain communities, and carries a first aid box. The price includes the ACAP permit and TIMS card required for trekking in this region.