Trekking

Annapurna Poon Hill Sunrise Trek

The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is a short, relatively easy trek from Pokhara through the Annapurna Mountains to the top of Poon Hill. You may hear people refer to this trek as the “Ghorepani Poon Hill” or simply the “Poon Hill trek”.  This trek is a great introduction to the Himalayas, the lives of mountain people, and to trekking if you have never hiked before.  Showcasing the best views of the Annapurna range and neighbouring mountains, from the top of Poon Hill the views are an astounding panorama unlike anything you have seen before.  You will also be walking through forests, pretty villages, farmland and passed icy waterfalls.

This trip also takes you to some of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu as well as taking you on an unforgettable flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara where you will also see a very different aspect of the mountains.

Famous for its sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and not too strenuous a hike, this trek is suitable for anyone of average fitness and for families.

• DURATION: 9 Days
• DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
• DESTINATION: Annapurna
• MAX ALTITUDE: m
• ACCOMODATION: Teahouses / lodges
• GROUP SIZE: Any number
• TRIP STARTS AT: Pokhara
• TRIP ENDS AT: Pokhara
• BEST SEASONS: March | April | May | September | October | November

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about this trip, or any other trip in Nepal, please do not hesitate to contact Sherpa and Swiss Adventures. Basically, the itineraries on our websites are for the most popular destinations. You can contact us and let us know your requirements. For example, your intended length of stay, your preferences of hotels, your choice of route for trek, the places you would like to visit, or any kind of customization. We would love to hear your unique choices and travel ideas; based on which we can curate a blend of our ideas and come up with the most suitable trip itinerary for you as an individual or a group.

TOUR MAP AND ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

It all starts here. But first, the formalities…

Our airport representative will be there to meet you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will recognise her/him from the Sherpa and Swiss Adventures signboard they will be holding. You will then be transferred to your hotel by our private tourist vehicle.

Later that day there will be a pre-trip meeting in our office.  If your flight arrives after 4pm you will be briefed when you reach your hotel. Please ensure to ask any questions you may still have about the trip regardless as to when or where your briefing meeting takes place. 

Please bring to the meeting: your original passport, three passport-sized photos and your travel insurance policy (hard copy please). During the meeting we request you to clear any outstanding monies and sign the legally binding trip form and a non-liability disclaimer.  Thank you for your cooperation.

• 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
• Hotel
• Dinner

Day 2 : Sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath

Today your Nepal adventure begins! After breakfast, at around 9.30am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover three of them:

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (or Monkey Temple as it’s often known) has great importance to the Valley’s indigenous Newar population whose religion is a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism. We reach the top by a long staircase from the east. In addition to devotees, visitors can see many monkeys on the climb up to the stupa (please do not feed or pet them) and have a wonderful view over Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place. A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

Shopping: There is just enough time to explore the tourist hub of Thamel and do some last-minute shopping for trekking essentials, such as nuts and other snacks.

• Hotel
• Breakfast

Day 3 : Fly to Pokhara (827m/ 2,713ft) and trek to Ulleri (2,073m/ 6,810ft): 30 minutes flight, 1.5 hours drive and 6 hours trek OR Drive to Ulleri (approx 2 hours) from Pokhara

After breakfast depart for Kathmandu domestic airport for your short flight to Pokhara. We will let you know your flight timing and airport pickup time the day before. On arrival in Pokhara transfer to a private vehicle and drive to Nayapul (approximately 1.5hrs). From here you will start your trek by hiking to Birethanti, a small village on the banks of the Modi River, which you will cross by suspension bridge. We can take lunch in one of the small teahouses before walking on and up to reach the Gurung village of Ulleri where we stop for the night. To reach Ulleri trekkers need to ascend over 3,000 stone steps. Quite exhausting but well worth it in the end for the sense of achievement and for the views! From Ulleri it is possible to see Annapurna South (7,219m) and Himchhuli (6,441m).  Now you know you are in the heart of the Himalayas!

Note: Alternatively you can drive all the way from Pokhara airport to Ulleri, saving yourself time and muscle! Please advise us in advance if you would like to know more about this option.

• 827 m / 2,713 ft
• Lodge
• 6 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 : Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani

Today hike through rhododendron and pine forests.  The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and if you are here during the spring you will see why. They are glorious in their red blooms!  Today’s trek is not as arduous as yesterday, giving you time to catch your breath and really appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind, and caravans of donkeys or mules may pass you on the way as they carry goods further up the trail.  Tonight you reach the highest sleeping altitude on this trek (2,750m) where the air will be cold but will give you no altitude related problems. Sleep well, tomorrow is an early start!

• 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Lodge
• 4-5 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 : Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,700m/ 8,858ft) with a Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/ 10,531ft): 7-8hrs plus viewing time

Today is the highlight of your trek! Get up before dawn to hike around 1 hour up to the viewpoint at Poon Hill. Here watch sunrise (5.15am to 6.15am depending on the season) over the Himalayas. The panoramic view of several of the greats, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, and III, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri Himal and Machhapuchhare (famously known as Fish Tail because of its shape) will take your breath away. As the sun climbs over the mountains the beauty of the peaks only increases. On the practical side, there are now hot drinks available on Poon Hill (very welcome in the morning chill). You can enjoy your breakfast at the lodge after you walk down (approximately 1 hour) to Ghorepani, where you will collect your bags before trekking on to Tadapani (4-5 hours). Fall into bed in Tadapani for a well-deserved night’s rest!

• 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Lodge
• 7-8 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 : Trek Tadapani to Ghandruk

Today is an easy trek through oak and rhododendron forests. From Tadapani the trail drops steeply through a dense forest of rhododendron trees. If you are here in the spring you will see the wonderful flowers of these trees in bloom. These are Nepal’s national flower! 

Once you arrive in Ghandruk there is time to explore the Gurung Museum to learn something about the local people. From Ghandruk there are stunning views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.  

• 1,940 m / 6,364 ft
• Lodge
• 3-4 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 : Trek Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara: 4-5 hours trek and 1.5 hours drive

After breakfast set off from Ghandruk to hike through forests to Nayapul. From Nayapul it’s a 1.5 hour drive back to Pokhara.  Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Pokhara or relax by the lake for your last evening in the Annapurna.

• Hotel
• 4-5 Hours
• Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 : Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast fly back to Kathmandu when again you will witness the mountains from your plane window. Tonight a farewell dinner will give you the chance to relive your adventure!

• Hotel
• Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 : Final Departure

Depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you up from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!

• Breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• All ground transfers according to the itinerary which includes: airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
• All ground transfers according to the itinerary which includes: airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
• Welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a culture dance to introduce you to the Nepali culture.
• Farewell dinner in a continental restaurant. (To satisfy your cravings after eating all that Nepali food! But Nepali food is also available if you want more!)
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu).
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide and assistant guide (if needed).
• Porter service (one porter for two trekkers).
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation.
• Complimentary Sherpa and Swiss Adventures trekking bag/duffel bag, cap and a surprise souvenir from us.
• Complimentary Sherpa and Swiss Adventures trekking bag/duffel bag, cap and a surprise souvenir from us.
• Medical kit (carried by your guide).
• All government and local taxes.

WHAT'S Not INCLUDED

• Nepalese entry visa fee (for your convenience please bring exact USD cash and two passport photographs).
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu and airport departure tax.
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
• Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or earlier return (for any reason) than on the scheduled itinerary.
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen.
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of earlier return from the trek than in the scheduled itinerary).
• Travel insurance which must cover emergency rescue and evacuation.
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, alcoholic drinks).
• Optional trips and sightseeing, if extended.
• Tips for trekking guides, porters and drivers (tipping is expected).
• Services not mentioned in the ‘Included in the Cost’ section.