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

Stone steps, rhododendron forests, and a high-altitude sunrise over multiple peaks

A 4-day private trek in the Annapurna region starting from Pokhara, with an English-speaking guide, permits, transport and teahouse accommodation included. You climb over 3,000 stone steps to Ulleri on day one, walk through rhododendron forests on day two, wake before dawn on day three to reach Poon Hill for sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and the full range, then descend through oak forests and a Gurung village back to Pokhara. The trek suits anyone with basic fitness. The hardest section is the Ulleri climb, but the lodges and meals at each stop make the effort worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Ulleri trek

• Breakfast at hotel in Pokhara
• Drive to Nayapul
• Begin trekking through villages and rice fields
• Lunch break on the trail
• Climb 3,200 stone steps to Ulleri
• Overnight at Ulleri lodge

Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani trek

• Trek through rhododendron forests
• Pass waterfalls and bridges
• Lunch in Nangethati
• Continue trekking to Ghorepani
• Overnight at Ghorepani lodge

Day 3: Poon Hill sunrise and Tadapani trek

• Early morning climb to Poon Hill for sunrise
• Return to Ghorepani for breakfast
• Trek through forests and past creeks
• Arrive at Tadapani
• Overnight at Tadapani lodge

Day 4: Tadapani to Pokhara return

• Descend through rhododendron and oak forests
• Visit Ghandruk village
• Lunch in Ghandruk
• Drive from Syauli Bazar to Pokhara

The experience

The trek starts with a one-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then six hours on foot through terraced rice fields and traditional villages to Ulleri at 2,054 meters. The last stretch climbs over 3,200 stone steps (the most demanding part of the whole trek), but you arrive at a teahouse with a warm dinner and private room waiting. Day two is gentler: the trail winds through rhododendron forests, past small waterfalls and bridges, stopping for lunch in Nangethati before reaching Ghorepani at 2,879 meters, where blue-roofed houses sit with views of Dhaulagiri rising above them.

Day three is why people book this trek. You leave Ghorepani before dawn to climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and watch the sun rise over the Annapurna range: Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna I and more all visible at once. After breakfast you continue through more rhododendron forest and past wild creeks to Tadapani, where the lodge has a heated common room. The final day descends through oak forests full of birdlife down to Ghandruk, a Gurung village with panoramic views, then a two-hour drive returns you to Pokhara.

Your guide speaks English and carries all permits and insurance. The trek includes transport to and from the trailhead and a pre-trekking meeting the day before you start. Teahouses provide private rooms with private or shared bathrooms (day three has a shared bath), beds, blankets and warm meals. Bring your own towels and toiletries. Beverages, snacks, wifi, laundry and tips for the guide are optional and paid separately.

What’s included

• Trekking permits and TIMS cards.
• pre-trekking meeting with your guide the day before.
• private transport to Nayapul and back from Pokhara.
• English-speaking guide with all insurance and expenses.
• teahouse accommodation with private or shared bathroom, bed, blanket and warm meals at each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesUp to age 85

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Breathe Nepal Trekking

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you want a private guide and a small group (just you and your guide, or your party alone) rather than joining other trekkers. The 4-day length fits a tight schedule while still reaching Poon Hill's sunrise and walking through rhododendron forests. If you have more time, the longer Annapurna Circuit offers more altitude and more days on the trail.

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Top questions

How hard is the climb to Ulleri on the first day?

Ulleri's 3,200 stone steps make it the toughest section of the trek, but it is manageable with basic fitness and a steady pace. The teahouse at the top and a full rest day the next day give your body time to recover before the final push to Poon Hill.

What time do we reach Poon Hill for the sunrise?

You leave Ghorepani before dawn on day three to climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and arrive in time to watch the sun rise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and the rest of the range.

What are the teahouses like where we sleep?

Each lodge is simple but charming, with a private room, bed, blanket and warm dining area. Days one and two include private bathrooms. Day three has a shared bathroom. Day three's lodge also has a heated common room. Bring your own towels and toiletries, as the lodges do not provide them.

Is the trek suitable if I have not done much hiking before?

The trek suits anyone with a basic level of fitness and moderate cardiovascular health. The trail has ups and downs but is not technical. The main challenge is the Ulleri climb on day one, which is tiring but achievable with a steady pace and rest stops.

What is included in the price, and what do I pay separately?

The tour includes trekking permits, transport to and from the trailhead, your English-speaking guide with all his insurance and expenses, and teahouse lodging with meals. Beverages during the trek, snacks, wifi, laundry, battery charging and tips for the guide are optional and paid on site.

When is the best time to trek Poon Hill?

Spring (March to April) is ideal: the rhododendrons are in bloom and the forests turn shades of red and pink. The trek is also possible at other times, but spring offers the fullest forest and clearest mountain views.