4-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara: Annapurna sunrise

Walk through rhododendron forest to a ridge where eight peaks catch the sunrise

The 4-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a guided trek through the Annapurna region starting from Pokhara, Nepal, with a government-licensed mountain guide, local accommodation, and all meals included. You drive two hours to the trailhead at Nayapul, then trek through villages, farmland and forest to Ghorepani, climb to Poon Hill at 3,210 m for sunrise views, and descend through rhododendron forest to Ghandruk before returning to Pokhara. The trek runs four days and three nights, with pickup from Pokhara included and the route designed for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri

• Drive two hours to Nayapul
• Walk through Bhirethati and farmlands
• Reach Tirkhedhunga village lodge

Day 2 — Trek to Ghorepani village

• Walk uphill to Ulleri village
• Continue past Bhanthati through forest
• Arrive at Ghorepani village

Day 3 — Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani

• Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint
• Walk from Ghorepani to Tadapani
• Overnight stay in Tadapani

Day 4 — Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara

• Walk downhill to Ghandruk village
• Explore Gurung museum in Ghandruk
• Drive three hours to Pokhara

The Experience

You start with a morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, a two-hour journey through towns and farmland with views of the Annapurna range and Mt. Machhapuchare (the Fish Tail) opening up ahead. From there the walking begins: a gentle five-hour trek through Bhirethati and past terraced fields to Tirkhedhunga village, where you sleep in a 3-star lodge. Your government-licensed guide handles the route, and breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day.

Day two is a five-hour uphill walk to Ghorepani at 2,874 m. The trail climbs through oak and pine forest, then into rhododendron groves, with views of Annapurna South and the Fish Tail growing larger as you gain height. Ghorepani sits in a Poon/Magar village, and you stay in a tea house that night. On day three you wake before dawn—the early start is the whole point—and hike one hour to Poon Hill. From 3,210 m you watch sunrise paint eight peaks: Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and the Fish Tail. After the views settle, you trek five hours downhill and across to Tadapani, walking deeper into rhododendron and magnolia forest with more views of Machhapuchare and Annapurna South.

The final day is a three-hour downhill walk through forest to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village where you can visit a small museum about local culture and history before lunch. Then a three-hour drive returns you to Pokhara. You stay in tea houses for two nights and a lodge for one; all ground transport, the Annapurna Conservation Area permit, three cups of tea daily, and all meals are included. The guide is licensed and speaks English; the route is designed for all fitness levels, though it does involve sustained uphill walking and altitude gain.

What’s included

• All ground transportation from Pokhara to Nayapul and back.
• a government-licensed mountain guide for the entire trek.
• three nights' accommodation in local lodges and tea houses.
• three meals daily throughout the trek.
• three cups of tea each day.
• the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit.
• and pickup from Pokhara included.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads at a pace suited to all fitness levels, so this trek works whether you've hiked before or this is your first time in the mountains. The four-day length fits a traveler with a week in Nepal who wants high-altitude sunrise views without committing to a longer expedition.

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Top questions

What's the actual sunrise view from Poon Hill like?

From Poon Hill at 3,210 m, sunrise reveals eight major Himalayan peaks: Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the Annapurna range including Annapurna I, South, III and Gangapurna, plus Mt. Machhapuchare (6,790 m) and Ganesh Himal. The early morning hike from Ghorepani takes one hour and is timed to reach the ridge before first light.

How much walking happens each day?

Day one is a five-hour trek from Nayapul to Tirkhedhunga after a two-hour drive. Day two is five hours uphill to Ghorepani. Day three includes a one-hour sunrise hike to Poon Hill, then five hours trekking to Tadapani. Day four is three hours downhill to Ghandruk, followed by a three-hour drive back to Pokhara.

What kind of accommodation do you stay in?

You sleep in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara on the first night, then stay in local tea houses for the remaining two nights on the trail. All three nights' accommodation is included, with twin-share rooms in the tea houses.

Is the trek suitable if I've never trekked before?

The trek is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator, though it does involve sustained uphill walking and altitude gain over four days. The route passes through villages and farmland as well as forest, and a government-licensed guide leads the way throughout.

What's included in the price?

The trek includes all ground transportation between Pokhara and the trailhead; a government-licensed mountain guide; all accommodation on the trail; three meals daily (breakfast, lunch and dinner); three cups of tea each day; and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit required to trek in the region.

When does the trek depart from Pokhara?

The trek begins with a morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, where the walking starts. Pickup from your Pokhara accommodation is included, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to the trailhead.