Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Poon Hill

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The classic short trek, and the most famous sunrise in Nepal.

Poon Hill is the trek that introduced a lot of people to the Himalaya. Good trails, welcoming villages, rhododendron forest, and a sunrise from the viewpoint that genuinely earns its reputation.

It is not the quietest route, but the days are short and the dawn panorama of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna makes it a fine first trek.

Highlights

Sunrise from Poon Hill over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
Rhododendron forest and stone villages
A good first Himalayan trek

A typical 4-day shape

A typical 4-day shape, and the most adaptable trek from Pokhara. Trim it to a fast 3 days, or add a night at Ghandruk or Tadapani to walk it gently. Good with children and first-time trekkers.

Day 1By road + On foot
Drive to Nayapul, walk to Tikhedhunga
A two-hour drive to the trailhead at Nayapul, then an easy first afternoon along the river to the village of Tikhedhunga.
Time
3–4 hours
Distance
9 km
Elevation
1,540 m / +400 m
Stay
Teahouse, Tikhedhunga
Day 2On foot
Up the Ulleri steps to Ghorepani
The long stone stairway above Ulleri, then a forest climb through rhododendron to the ridge village of Ghorepani.
Time
6–7 hours
Distance
12 km
Elevation
2,860 m / +1,320 m
Stay
Teahouse, Ghorepani
Day 3On foot
Poon Hill sunrise, on to Tadapani
A pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, back for breakfast, then a forest trail down to Tadapani.
Time
6–7 hours
Distance
10 km
Elevation
3,210 m, then 2,630 m
Stay
Teahouse, Tadapani
Day 4On foot + By road
Ghandruk and out to Pokhara
Down through the large Gurung village of Ghandruk, then the vehicle back to Pokhara by mid-afternoon.
Time
4–5 hours
Distance
10 km
Elevation
-1,650 m to the road
Stay
Back in Pokhara

Ways to do it

The classic 4 days4 days
Nayapul or Ulleri start, a night at Ghorepani for the Poon Hill sunrise, out through Ghandruk. The best-loved version.
Quick 3 days3 days
A higher drive-in and a longer second day for walkers who want the sunrise without a fourth day on the trail.
Gentle 5 days, family pace5 days
An extra night at Ghandruk or Tadapani so the days stay short. The easiest way to do it with children.

Getting there

We drive you from Pokhara to the trailhead at Nayapul or Ulleri, about two hours, and collect you at the end. Everything in between is on foot with a guide.