Annapurna Poon Hill Trek, also famously known as Annapurna Sunrise Trek, is a relatively easy walk through villages and rhododendron forests. This 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 on 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 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.
This Annapurna Poonhill trek begins with a guided sightseeing program in Kathmandu. After we take a flight to Pokhara, the real walking begins from Nayapul. While trekking along to Ulleri and Ghorepani, clear views of the splendid high mountains include - Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) 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 the Gurung Museum. Trekking through the Rhododendron forest that blooms with red flowers during the springtime, descending down to Birethanti, and passing by waterfalls and a 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.
Highlights
- Exploring Annapurna conservation Area.
- Excellent views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchchhre and Himalchuli.
- Exploring the scenic and magnificent beauty of the rich nature.
- Flora and Fauna.
- Unique hill cultures.
- Poon Hill Sunrise and Sunset view.
Short itinerary
DAY 01: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Ulleri [2050 m/6725 ft]: 30 min flight and 6 hrs trek
DAY 02: Ulleri to Ghorepani [2750 m/ 9020 ft]: 4 - 5 hrs trek
DAY 03: Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani [2700m/8,860 ft]: 6 - 7 hrs
DAY 04: Tadapani to Ghandruk [1940m/6360 ft]: 3 - 4 hrs
DAY 05: Ghandruk to Pokhara: 4 hrs trek and 1hr drive
DAY 01: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Ulleri [2050 m/6725 ft]: 30 min flight and 6 hrs trek
In the early morning, we fly for Pokhara. It will be better to catch the right side of the airplane for the best views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the lake city offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara, known as 'Tal' in Nepali, offer fishing, boating, and swimming facilities. Upon a 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.
DAY 02: 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 crafts. 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 Ghorepani.
DAY 03: Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani [2700m/8,860 ft]: 6 - 7 hrs
Today will be a special day because we conquer Poon Hill- an icon of the 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 (3200 meters). 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 Gorepani. Upon breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through a rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani overnight.
DAY 04: Tadapani to Ghandruk [1940m/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 for 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.
DAY 05: Ghandruk to Pokhara: 4 hrs trek and 1hr 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 walk takes us into Naya Pul. The journey on foot comes to an end at Nayapul. Then, we drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.
