- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
The Annapurna Sunrise Trek, also known as the Ghandruk Poon Hill Trek, is a moderately easy hike that takes you through villages and rhododendron forests. You’ll see beautiful views of the Annapurna range, especially from Poon Hill. The trek starts with a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, followed by a flight to Pokhara and a drive to Hile, the new starting point for the trek. You’ll trek to Ulleri, crossing the Bhurungdi Khola and the village of Tikhedhunga. You’ll walk through rhododendron forests and ascend to Ghorepani, where you’ll stay for a night. The next morning, you’ll hike up to Poon Hill for stunning views, and then continue to Tadapani and Ghandruk, where you’ll experience the hospitality of the Gurung people and visit the Gurung Museum. Finally, you’ll drive back to Pokhara. This 9-day trek is ideal for those who want a short, beautiful trek that’s not too demanding. For longer and more challenging options, there are the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Annapurna Circle Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Highlights
- Explore around the world's biggest rhododendron forest.
- Carry easy and short hike into the Annapurna region.
- Witness majestic panorama from the Himalayan vantage-point 'Pooh Hill'.
- Discover local culture and traditions and observe daily lives in the high Himalayan settlements.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
A representative from Meta Holidays will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and transfer you to your designated hotel. We might rest after checking in or go to the Meta Holidays office. A welcome dinner with authentic Nepali food and a quick cultural presentation will be held in a typical Nepalese restaurant in the evening.
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast today, we begin a guided tour of some of Kathmandu's most revered historical and spiritual landmarks, which are also regarded as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We go to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the holy Pashupatinath Hindu temple, the well-known Swayambhunath "Monkey Temple," and the Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath, which is also one of the biggest stupas in the world. We check our gear with our trekking guide at lunchtime, meet the other participants, and talk about our trip at the Kantipur Holidays office.
Day 3
Fly to Pokhara
We will catch an early morning flight to Pokhara, where we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. To get the best views, we should choose to sit on the right side of the plane. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will be greeted by stunning views of the Himalayan Mountain range, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and the five peaks of Annapurna. After a short rest, we will head to Hile, which is where our trek begins. During the trek, we will pass through sub-tropical valley forests and may have to navigate on carved trails on the side of cliffs. After having lunch, we will cross the Bhurungdi Khola via a bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill, which has thousands of steps and boulders that continuously go upward, will test our endurance. We should arrive in Ulleri by afternoon.
Day 4
Reach Poonhil
After our morning meal, we start our journey towards Ghorepani by climbing up. The name of the place, Ghorepani, translates to 'horse-water' in Nepali, as it was once an important campsite for traders and their horses. Today, it is a popular stop for trekkers, with small shops and stalls selling local products and crafts. The village is divided into two parts, with the higher part providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. As we gain altitude, the temperature drops, and we begin to feel the chilly weather, especially in the evenings.
Day 5
Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani
Before dawn, set out for a magical sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m). The short climb rewards you with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges bathed in golden light. After enjoying the spectacle, descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. The day’s trek then leads through rhododendron forests and mountain trails toward Tadapani (2,630m). This serene village, surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks, is a peaceful haven where you’ll spend the night in a cozy teahouse.
Day 6
Tadapani to Ghandruk
Leaving Tadapani, the trail descends through dense oak and rhododendron forests, opening to the charming Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940m). This cultural gem offers insights into the traditions and lifestyle of the Gurung people, complemented by breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. Take time to explore the village’s stone-paved paths and visit the Gurung Museum. In the evening, savor a hearty meal and rest at a welcoming teahouse.
Day 7
Ghandruk to Nayapul and Pokhara
Bid farewell to the mountains as you descend through terraced farmlands and forests to Nayapul. A scenic drive back to Pokhara follows, offering a chance to reflect on your trekking journey. Once in Pokhara, relax by the tranquil Phewa Lake or explore the lively lakeside area. This charming city provides a perfect end to your adventure, with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning surroundings.
- 3 nights’ accommodation in 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 1 nights’ accommodation in 3-star category hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- 4 nights' nights’ accommodation in best available guest houses during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)-hygienic, open menu, unlimited during the trek.
- Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu-Pokhara.
- All ground transfers in comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Chief Experienced, English speaking, government licensed trek leader.
- Strong and reliable porter to carry your luggage. 2 trekkers:1 porter.
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Nepal VISA fee
- Lunch in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses-laundry, WIFI, cold drinks, mineral water, charger and phone calls
- tips for guides, porters and drivers
- Anything not mentioned in INCLUDED
The best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the pre-monsoon months of March through to May. It is also favorable to trek during the post-monsoon months from late September till December. It is also possible to do this trek in February and early September but the most preferable time for this trek is as stated above.
No, not really! Annapurna Poonhill Sunrise trek is considered as an easy trek that anyone who is physically fit and healthy can complete. This trek is relatively shorter and easier as you do not need to trek in high altitudes like the Everest Base Camp trek. The highest altitude of this trek is 3,210m/10,529ft. Many families with children like this trek most due to it being much easier but offering magnificent mountain views with comfortable stays in the local lodges.
No. Normally, oxygen is not required for the trek as our itinerary is designed in such a way so that it allows enough acclimatization. In addition, we provide Diamox, a medication that suppresses altitude sickness symptoms, from the beginning to prevent falling sick. However, in case of severe altitude sickness, we will descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Accommodation in the Annapurna region is considered by far the best with upscale service than anywhere else in the upper Himalayas. It’s all up to you to decide where you want to sleep – guesthouse, hotels or resorts, or teahouses. Guesthouses vary from upmarket to the extreme low-budget with the poor quality. For having a comfy lifestyle, especially after tramping all day, there are hotels and resorts some of which boast costly amenities. These hotels or resorts may not be as much deluxe as those in the urban areas but they are definitely well off than the cheap lodges or budges guesthouses. Teahouse accommodations are the most predominant amongst hikers in the Annapurna region and they are equipped with furnished wooded bed and solar hot showers. You will have a pillow, mattress and a blanket in the two-bedded room plus western toilet facilities. As you keep ascending higher, the accommodation will be more and more basic, perhaps with shared toilets and bucket showers
You will be guided by our experienced trek leaders who have been to the base camps and back multiple times for years. All our guides are locals who communicate very well in English and acquire deep knowledge of the mountain, people, culture, health, hygiene, and most importantly your safety.
