Poon Hill Trek 2-Day: Sunrise Annapurna Range

Climb to Poon Hill and watch the sun rise over the Himalayas

A 2-day trek from Pokhara to Poon Hill in the Annapurna region, led by an English-speaking guide with all permits and accommodation included. Day one takes you by jeep and on foot through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages to Ghorepani at 2,840 meters. Day two climbs to Poon Hill for sunrise over the snow-capped peaks, then descends through jungle back to Pokhara by afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Drive and trek to Ghorepani

• Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul
• Drive along Modi Khola River to Tikhedhunga
• Drive to Ulleri
• Trek to Ghorepani through rhododendron forests
• Overnight stay in Ghorepani tea house

Day 2: Sunrise at Poon Hill and return

• Climb to Poon Hill for sunrise views
• Descend to Ulleri
• Trek to Hile through jungle and forests
• Jeep from Hile to Nayapul
• Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara hotel

The experience

If you have two days free in Pokhara and want to see the Himalayas without committing to a longer trek, this route gets you to Poon Hill and back inside the time you have. The journey starts with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul along the Modi Khola River, passing through small villages and rhododendron forests. From there you're driven to Ulleri and trek uphill for five hours through the same forests to reach Ghorepani, where you stay overnight in a guest house. The climb is steady but the forest keeps changing as you gain elevation.

The second day is why people book this trek. You wake early and climb to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise paint the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare gold. The descent follows the same route back down to Ulleri, steep in places, then continues through jungle and forest with views of the Modi River until you reach Hile. From there a jeep takes you back to Nayapul and the drive returns you to your hotel in Pokhara by afternoon. A licensed English-speaking guide walks with you both days, and the operator provides trekking poles, a first aid kit, all entrance fees and permits.

What’s included

• A licensed English-speaking guide for both days.
• trekking poles for each person.
• private tour with round-trip transfer by jeep or bus from Pokhara to Ulleri and back.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara.
• one night's accommodation in a guest house at Ghorepani.
• all trekking permits and official documents.
• entrance fees at Poon Hill.
• and an emergency first aid kit carried by the guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:15, 08:15, 08:45 and 10:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideHindi

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 yesterday

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?Day one is a five-hour uphill trek through forest to 2,840 meters, and day two descends steeply after the early sunrise climb, so you need moderate fitness and legs ready for sustained walking. The fixed two-day schedule fits travelers with limited time in Pokhara who want to see the Annapurna range without taking a week-long trek.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How steep is the trek to Poon Hill from Ghorepani?

The climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is steep but short, done in the early morning before sunrise. The descent back to Ulleri on day two is also steep and takes longer than the ascent, so the second day is more demanding on the knees and ankles than the first.

What time do we leave for Poon Hill on the second day?

You start before dawn so you reach Poon Hill in time for sunrise. The exact departure time depends on the season and when sunrise occurs, but expect to leave Ghorepani between 4 and 5 a.m.

Do we pass through villages where we can meet local people?

Yes. The trek passes through charming Gurung villages on both days, and you'll walk through communities where you can see how people live in the foothills. The guest house where you stay overnight is also run by local families.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The trek includes the licensed guide, all permits and entrance fees, round-trip transfer by jeep or bus from Pokhara, hotel pickup and drop-off, guest house accommodation for one night, and trekking poles. Food and drinks are available to purchase separately, and gratuities for the guide are optional.

Is this trek suitable for someone who has never trekked before?

The trek requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll be walking uphill for five hours on day one and descending steeply on day two, so it's not a casual walk. If you're reasonably fit and used to exercise, you can do it. If you have concerns about your cardiovascular health or spinal issues, check with your doctor first.