The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is Nepal's best short trek, a 4 to 5-day loop from Pokhara that climbs to a 3,210m sunrise viewpoint over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It is the most popular first trek in Nepal because it delivers high-mountain views without high-altitude risk, on stone trails through rhododendron forest and Gurung villages.
The Poon Hill trek is a moderate teahouse trek built around one famous sunrise, suitable for fit beginners, families, and anyone short on time.
The 4 to 5-day itinerary
- Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri
- Day 2: Climb the Ulleri stone staircase to Ghorepani (2,870m)
- Day 3: Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, trek to Tadapani
- Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk, drive back to Pokhara
A 5-day version adds Ghandruk village or a Mardi Himal junction for a quieter finish.
The Poon Hill sunrise
Poon Hill at 3,210m gives a 360-degree dawn panorama of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), and Machhapuchhre, the fishtail peak. You climb in the dark by head torch to reach the viewpoint for first light, the most photographed sunrise in the Annapurna region.
Cost, permit, and best time
Poon Hill needs the ACAP permit and the TIMS card, together about USD 50, both covered in our permit guide. The clearest skies come in spring and autumn, detailed in our best time guide, and our packing list covers the layers you need for the cold viewpoint dawn.
Who it suits
Poon Hill suits first-time trekkers, families with older children, and anyone wanting Himalayan views inside a week. Daily walks are 4 to 6 hours with one big staircase day to Ghorepani. For a longer next step, many trekkers pair it with the Annapurna Base Camp route.
