Some moments change the way you see the world, and watching the sun rise from Poon Hill is one of them. In just five days, this beginner-friendly trek delivers an experience that rivals routes three times its length — a pre-dawn climb to a mountaintop viewpoint where over twenty Himalayan peaks ignite in amber and gold as the first light breaks, from the massive bulk of Dhaulagiri to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the entire Annapurna chain in between. The route from Pokhara climbs through some of Nepal's most beautiful terrain: terraced farmland tended by Gurung farmers, the famous 3,300-step stone staircase to Ulleri, and dense rhododendron forests that blaze with crimson blooms every spring. The charming village of Ghandruk, with its flagstone paths and whitewashed Gurung houses, provides a cultural richness that elevates this trek beyond simple scenery. Ideal for first-time trekkers, families, and anyone short on time but hungry for an authentic Himalayan experience. The trail is well-maintained with excellent teahouse infrastructure throughout. Autumn and spring offer the best conditions, though this is one of the few treks that rewards winter trekkers with crisp visibility and snowdusted trails. A luxury lodge option is available for those who want comfort alongside adventure.
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Read our comprehensive route guide with trail conditions, permits, and planning tips.
Born in Namche Bazaar, Pemba has summited Everest 8 times and has been guiding treks for 20 years.
“Your experienced guide ensures a safe and memorable journey”
Highlights
Watch sunrise over twenty Himalayan peaks from the iconic Poon Hill viewpoint
Trek through rhododendron forests ablaze with spring blooms
Explore the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk with its mountain backdrop
Climb the famous 3,300-step stone staircase to Ulleri
Complete a full Himalayan trek in just five days from Pokhara
What Trekkers Say
ER
“As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe the entire time.”
Emma Richardson · Annapurna Circuit, 2024
S&
“The attention to detail was incredible. From the airport pickup to the extra acclimatization day they insisted on (which saved our trip!), everything was perfect.”
Sarah & Tom Jenkins · Everest Base Camp
ER
“As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe the entire time. Our guide Pemba was incredibly knowledgeable and the porters were treated with respect and dignity.”
Emma Richardson · Annapurna Circuit
Who Is This Trek For?
The ideal first Himalayan trek for beginners, families, and time-pressed travellers. Autumn and spring deliver the iconic Poon Hill sunrise over twenty peaks, winter rewards with crisp snow-dusted trails and thinner crowds, and the five-day duration from Pokhara fits even the tightest travel schedule.
😟Before
“I'd never trekked at altitude before and was nervous about the steep trails...”
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🎉After
“Watching sunrise over the Annapurna range from base camp was the most magical moment of my life.”
James K., ABC Trek 2025·Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Best Time to Trek Ghorepani Poon Hill
Spring
Late March through April wraps the trail in blooming rhododendron — entire hillsides turn red, pink, and white. The Poon Hill sunrise panorama over twenty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks is reliably clear before 7am.
Autumn
October-November delivers the sharpest visibility of the year. The iconic sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South is at its absolute best, with crisp air and golden light.
Winter
December-February brings snow-dusted trails and far fewer trekkers. The lodges stay open, the sunrise views can be spectacular on clear mornings, and you may have Poon Hill almost to yourself.
Difficulty & Fitness
Easy — 4-5 hours walking per day
Well-maintained trails, gradual elevation gain
No prior trekking experience needed
Nepal's most accessible multi-day trek. If you walk regularly and can manage stone staircases for a few hours, you'll enjoy this trek. The 3,210m Poon Hill summit is the highest point — well within reach for healthy beginners.
Itinerary
5 Days
Depart Pokhara early morning for the 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul (1,070m), the gateway trailhead for the Annapurna region. From Nayapul, trek approximately 7 km over 3-4 hours through the Modi Khola valley, passing through the charming riverside village of Birethanti (1,025m) with its ACAP checkpoint and stone-paved bazaar, before continuing to Tikhedhunga (1,540m). Total elevation gain: 470m.
The trail from Nayapul follows the Modi Khola river through a lush subtropical landscape of terraced rice paddies, mango trees, and banana groves. Local farmers work the fields with hand tools, and children wave from schoolyard fences. Birethanti is worth a short stop — the village straddles the river with a picturesque suspension bridge, craft shops, and a small museum. Beyond Birethanti, the trail narrows and climbs gently through mixed farmland and forest to Tikhedhunga, a small settlement where the famous stone staircase to Ulleri begins. The evening light filters golden through the valley, and the sound of the river provides a soothing backdrop to your first night on the trail.
Teahouses in Tikhedhunga are well-run and accustomed to the heavy trekker traffic on this popular route. Rooms are basic with twin beds, clean bedding, and communal bathrooms. Electricity is reliable, charging is inexpensive, and the menus offer everything from dal bhat to fried noodles and pancakes. Order dal bhat — it is the best-value meal on the trail and comes with unlimited refills. Prepare mentally for tomorrow's early start — the stone staircase is the most physically demanding section of the entire trek, but it gets easier after that.
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Depart Pokhara early morning for the 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul (1,070m), the gateway trailhead for the Annapurna region. From Nayapul, trek approximately 7 km over 3-4 hours through the Modi Khola valley, passing through the charming riverside village of Birethanti (1,025m) with its ACAP checkpoint and stone-paved bazaar, before continuing to Tikhedhunga (1,540m). Total elevation gain: 470m.
The trail from Nayapul follows the Modi Khola river through a lush subtropical landscape of terraced rice paddies, mango trees, and banana groves. Local farmers work the fields with hand tools, and children wave from schoolyard fences. Birethanti is worth a short stop — the village straddles the river with a picturesque suspension bridge, craft shops, and a small museum. Beyond Birethanti, the trail narrows and climbs gently through mixed farmland and forest to Tikhedhunga, a small settlement where the famous stone staircase to Ulleri begins. The evening light filters golden through the valley, and the sound of the river provides a soothing backdrop to your first night on the trail.
Teahouses in Tikhedhunga are well-run and accustomed to the heavy trekker traffic on this popular route. Rooms are basic with twin beds, clean bedding, and communal bathrooms. Electricity is reliable, charging is inexpensive, and the menus offer everything from dal bhat to fried noodles and pancakes. Order dal bhat — it is the best-value meal on the trail and comes with unlimited refills. Prepare mentally for tomorrow's early start — the stone staircase is the most physically demanding section of the entire trek, but it gets easier after that.
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
What's Included
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Transportation Pokhara-Nayapul-Pokhara
All permits (ACAP, TIMS)
Experienced guide and porter
All teahouse accommodation
Three meals a day during the trek
Interactive Route Map
Explore the trek route on a topographic map. Click waypoints for details. Scroll to zoom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choice — enquire early to secure your dates
Top Rated
Starting From
Luxury Lodge$849
Classic TeahousePopular$450
per person
Or 10 monthly payments of $45
Reserve with 30% deposit ($135)
Flexible payment options — details confirmed after enquiry
