5-day Poon Hill Trek with Seti River Rafting from Pokhara

Walk the Annapurna foothills, watch the sunrise at Poon Hill, then paddle the Seti River

A 5-day trek from Pokhara to Poon Hill and back, with a half-day rafting trip on the Seti River included. You climb through rhododendron forests and terraced villages, spend a night in Ghandruk, and wake early to see the snow-capped peaks at sunrise. After descending to Nayapul, you trade the trail for the river and paddle through gentle rapids surrounded by green hills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Drive and trek to Tikhedhunga

• Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul
• Trek through villages and fields
• Reach Tikhedhunga and rest

Day 2: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

• Climb Ulleri stairs
• Walk through rhododendron forests
• Arrive in Ghorepani and rest

Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill and trek to Ghandruk

• Early hike to Poon Hill sunrise
• Descend to Ghorepani for breakfast
• Trek through forests to Ghandruk

Day 4: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

• Descend from Ghandruk through farmland
• Arrive in Nayapul
• Drive back to Pokhara
• Afternoon at leisure in Pokhara

Day 5: Half-day Seti River rafting

• Transfer to Seti River rafting start
• Raft on Seti River rapids and calm sections
• Return to Pokhara

The experience

Pokhara is your starting point. A private car takes you to Nayapul, where the trek begins along a trail that passes small villages, terraced fields, and river crossings before reaching Tikhedhunga for your first night. The next day climbs the Ulleri stairs (3,200 steps through rhododendron forests) to Ghorepani at 2,860 meters. The real draw comes on day three: an early morning hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters for the panoramic sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After breakfast you descend and trek toward Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village where you'll spend the night and experience local culture.

Day four takes you down through forests and farmland back to Nayapul, then by private car to Pokhara with the afternoon free. On day five, you transfer to the Seti River for a half-day rafting trip. The river has gentle yet exciting rapids suitable for all levels, and the route passes through lush forests and green hills. You return to Pokhara afterward, ending where you started.

An English-speaking government-licensed guide leads the entire trek and rafting section. You stay in guest houses each night, and the package covers all trekking permits, official documents, Poon Hill entrance fees, rafting safety equipment, and a first aid kit. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara bookend the trip.

What’s included

• Rafting safety equipment and an experienced guide.
• private car transfers from Pokhara to Nayapul and back.
• four nights in guest houses.
• Poon Hill entrance fees.
• all trekking permits and official documents.
• a government-licensed English-speaking guide for the entire trek.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara.
• emergency first aid kit with the guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:15, the last at 10:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 to 75 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Under 6: 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 8 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by CAN Travels

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private group experience where you control the pace through high-altitude trekking and river rafting together, rather than joining a mixed group.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 9 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Poon Hill sunrise actually like when you get there?

Poon Hill sits at 3,210 meters and faces the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges directly. The sunrise is a panoramic view across snow-capped peaks. You hike early in the morning to reach the viewpoint before dawn, then watch the light hit the mountains. It is the signature moment of the trek.

How many nights do you sleep in a guest house, and what are they like?

You stay four nights in guest houses during the trek: one in Tikhedhunga, one in Ghorepani, one in Ghandruk, and one back in Pokhara after the trek. The operator does not describe the facilities in detail, but guest houses are the standard mountain accommodation on this route.

Is the Seti River rafting difficult, or can beginners do it?

The Seti River has gentle yet exciting rapids and is suitable for all levels, including beginners. A half-day trip means you are on the water for part of a day, not a full commitment, and the guide and safety equipment are included.

Do you need trekking experience to do this trek?

The trek requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You climb 3,200 steps on day two and reach over 3,200 meters elevation, so prior trekking experience helps, but the itinerary is designed as a guided trek, not a mountaineering expedition.

What happens if you have a medical condition? Can you still go?

The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your fitness or health, discuss them with the operator before booking.