Ghorepani Poonhil-Sunrise Trek
The Annapurna Sunrise Trek, also famously known as Poon Hill Trek, is a relatively easy walk meandering through villages and rhododendron forests. This invigorating trek reveals some of the best views of the Himalayas especially from the Poon Hill which is considered as the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region and in the earth. Reaching a maximum altitude of 3210m, anyone with a normal level of fitness would easily undertake this trek comfortably. We can test our stamina at the Ulleri Hill with more than 3,000 stone steps, one of the world's largest numbers of stone steps on a hill of this kind. We just imagine the magnificence of the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas that we will witness during this trek, illuminating the peaks of the entire range and leaving us spellbound!
The trek begins with a guided sightseeing program in Kathmandu. After we take a flight to reach the serene lakeside city of Pokhara, the real walking begins from Nayapul. While trekking along to Ulleri and Ghorepani, we marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders - Mt. Annapurna (8091m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Upon reaching the final destination, Poon Hill (3210m) is a reward in itself, perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth. The added presence of rice terraces completes the picture making it a photographer's paradise. Then, we trek to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk and enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Gurung Museum. Trekking through the Rhododendron forest that bloom with red flowers during the springtime, descending down to Birethanti, passing by waterfalls and few small villages and settlements heightens our thrilling experiences. We further walk to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara which announces the end of this marvelous trek.
The 9-day Trek itinerary is designed for the trekkers who want a less demanding but short and beautiful trek, especially with their family and kids in the rural mountainside with up-close Himalayan views. Trekkers who want a longer trek in Annapurna region to Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Base camp, Annapurna Sanctuary trek - 14 Days is the best option. If we are looking for a more demanding trek with whole Annapurna circuit to cover in about two week's time, Everest Trek, Annapurna Cuircuite Trek - 17 Days would be fine for us. For a longer and more demanding trek in Annapurna circuit, please visit Annapurna Circuit Trek - 21 Days.
Best Season
Autumn (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna sunrise Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for this Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during Spring and Autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and we could enjoy rather best of nature.
HIghlight
Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara valley
Unforgettable sunrise views of the Himalayas from Poon Hill
Ghandruk village with its Gurung inhabitants and their unique cultures
Colorful trails with rhododendrons and diverse species of birds
Unobstructed views of Mount Fishtail, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and others.
Best Season
Autumn (mid-Sept to mid-Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna sunrise Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for this Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during Spring and Autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and we could enjoy rather best of nature.
HIghlight
Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara valley
Unforgettable sunrise views of the Himalayas from Poon Hill
Ghandruk village with its Gurung inhabitants and their unique cultures
Colorful trails with rhododendrons and diverse species of birds
Unobstructed views of Mount Fishtail, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and others.
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| September 23 - September 30 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]
Upon our arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be warmly greeted by a representative from Everest View Treks And Expedition. After completion of our custom formalities (Visa, etc), we pick up our luggage and look for our representative with Everest View Treks display board at the arrival gate. You will be then escorted to Hotel Manang or similar rating hotels in Kathmandu. After check-in, we can either take a rest or hang around in the city or visit Everest View Treks Nepal's office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Everest View Treks And Expedition Nepal at The Ship Restaurant Bar & Lounge. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture.Include Hotel/Breakfast/ Nepali dinner.
Fly to Pokhara [823 m/2,700 ft] and Trek to Ulleri [2050 m/6725 ft] 30 min flight and 6 hrs trek.
At early morning, we fly for Pokhara. It will be bettet to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the lake city offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara, known as 'Tal' in Nepali, offer fishing, boating and swimming facilities. Upon few moments rest in Pokhara, we drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We pass through sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. After lunch, we cross the Modi Khola (river) via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of our stamina. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon.Overnight at Guest house Included meals. B/L/D.
Ulleri to Ghorepani [2750 m/ 9020 ft]: 4 - 5 hrs trek.
We make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means horse-water owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. The town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings. Overnight at Guest house Included meals: B/L/D.
Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani [2700 m/8,860 ft]: 6 - 7 hrs.
Today will be a special day because we conquer Poon Hill- an icon of Annapurna region. To catch the magnificent splendor of sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3200mtrs). Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft) is a great viewpoint from where we will be able to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys including the closest views of more than 20 highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photos and having some coffee or tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Ghorepani. Upon breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani for overnight at Guest house Included meals. B/L/D.
Tadapani to Ghandruk [1940 m/6360 ft]: 3 - 4 hrs.
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into gardens of dazzlingly beautiful flowers, mostly red, when seen from the air or from far. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we will be pleasantly surprised by the sight of some cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking some more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. Overnight at guest house Included meals. B/L/D.
Ghandruk to Pokhara: 4 hrs trek and 1 hr drive.
Today, we trek from Ghandruk to Naya Pul then drive back to Pokhara. The trek will be downhill all the way to Birethanti. We step onto a staircase paved with stone slabs, curving in and out of the village and then terraced farms. It keeps on going down almost without breaks from Ghandruk until Modi Khola river valley. By the time, we arrive at Birethanti, some of us would feel like having made a downhill marathon. But our marathon is not over yet. From Birethanti, a half-an-hour's walk takes us into Naya Pul. The journey on foot comes to an end at Nayapul. Then, we drive from Nayapul to Pokhara. Include B/B.
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 30 min flight.
We choose an afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Till some hours before the flight, we may take an optional sightseeing tour within Pokhara or enjoy adventure activities such as boat riding, paragliding, etc. While returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara, we have to be sure to catch the left side of the airplane for great views of the Himalayas. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be dropped off at our hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.Included B/B farewell dinner.
Farewell To Our Guest
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Everest View Treks And Expedition Nepal escorts you to the airport for your flight time. Approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative of EVT will drop you off to the international Airport.
Includes/Excludes
- Arrival-Departure by Private tourist Cab.
- Kathmandu Hotel two nights with bed and breakfast plan.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu flight tickets for clients & guide.
- Best available lodge and tea house accommodation during the trek.
- Full Board Meals(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner) during the trek.
- A trekking or hiking leader - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable with assistant trek guide (4 hikers:1 assistant guide) and needed Sherpa porters (2 trekkers:1 porter) together with their payments, assurance, gears, foods and accommodations.
- All necessary national park fees, permits and paper works (Annapurna Conservation park permits and TIMS) , Entire administration and local Taxes.
- Guide and porter salary , food, insurance and Gov taxes.
- Fresh Fruit after dinner everyday
- 1 pc snickers or mars chocolate each person every day.
- 3 cup tea, or Coffee with meal B/L/D
- Trek Completion Certificate
- Complimentary Trekking Kit bag
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Trekking Map
- First Aid Kit
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring accurate USD cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc)
- Your Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (This apply also early come back from trek then the fixed itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than above itinerary.
- Tips for guides and porters
- Rescue incase emergency.