Nepal · Trekking

3-Day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara with Sunrise and Ghandruk

3 Days Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Amazing sunrise view from Poon Hill at an altitude of 3,210 meters
  • 02 Panoramic mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and nearby peaks
  • 03 Learn the unique culture and lifestyle of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people
  • 04 Explore the natural beauty of the Annapurna Conservation Area, including waterfalls, rhododendron forests, and wildlife
  • 05 Short and easy trekking route near Pokhara Valley
  • 06 Visit cultural museums and experience authentic German bakery items in Ghandruk Village

Looking for a short, easy, and rewarding trek near Pokhara? This 3 Days Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the magic of the Himalayas. In just three days, you will reach Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of the most popular viewpoints in the Annapurna region, for a spectacular sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. The trek combines terraced fields, lush rhododendron, pine, and oak forests, and traditional Gurung, Thakali, and Magar villages, making it suitable for families, beginners, and first-time trekkers with moderate fitness.

In just three days, you will reach Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of the most popular viewpoints in the Annapurna region, for a spectacular sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Annapurna, Ghorepani, Ghandruk
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

3-Day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara (822 m / 2,696 ft) to Ulleri (1,960 m / 6,430 ft) and trek to Ghorepani (2,880 m / 9,448 ft)

Your journey begins with a scenic jeep drive from Pokhara to Ulleri, possible during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. Due to heavy rainfall and landslides, this route is generally inaccessible during the monsoon season.

From Ulleri, the trek gradually ascends through lush forests, waterfalls, and stone-paved trails toward Ghorepani, passing through the Annapurna Conservation Area and its welcoming entrance gate.

Upon arrival in Ghorepani, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri Himal range. Settle into a comfortable teahouse or lodge, explore the traditional Poon-Magar village, and relax with local cuisine, hot showers, and optional spa services. The village is surrounded by rhododendron and pine forests, offering magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 8 km

Day 2: Trek from Ghorepani (2,880 m) to Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft) for sunrise, then trek to Tadapani (2,630 m / 8,628 ft)

Early in the morning, begin the hike to Poon Hill, which takes about an hour. From the summit, witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including views of Manaslu. The observation tower enhances the panoramic experience, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the trek.

After enjoying the views, return to Ghorepani for breakfast. The trek then continues along an alternate scenic route offering fresh perspectives of the southern Annapurna ridges. You will descend to Bhanthati, a possible lunch stop, before continuing through forests and crossing a stream. A final uphill section leads to Tadapani, a small settlement with a few lodges surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountain views.

Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 11 km

Day 3: Trek from Tadapani (2,630 m) to Ghandruk (1,940 m / 6,364 ft) and drive back to Pokhara (822 m)

Wake up to another beautiful sunrise from Tadapani, visible directly from your lodge. After breakfast with close-up views of the Annapurna peaks, begin a gentle trek toward Ghandruk.

The trail passes through peaceful woodlands to Bhaise Kharka, descends to a stream, and then follows a winding path into Ghandruk. One of the largest Gurung villages in the Annapurna region, Ghandruk offers rich cultural insights. The Gurung people practice both Hinduism and Buddhism, with traditions influenced by ancient Bon beliefs.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local lodge and explore the village, including a visit to the Gurung Museum to learn more about local history and culture.

In the afternoon, take a jeep or bus drive back to Pokhara. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a relaxed evening strolling around Lakeside Pokhara and dining at one of its many excellent restaurants.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6.5 km

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private jeep from Pokhara to Ulleri (trek start point)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permit
  • 3 main-course meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and 3 hot drinks per day during trekking
  • Accommodation in teahouses/lodges during the trek
  • English-speaking guide, including salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, and insurance
  • Assistant guide for groups of more than 6 people, including salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, and insurance
  • First aid kit with the guide
  • Private jeep from Ghandruk (trek endpoint) to Pokhara
  • Government taxes, paperwork, and company service charges for the trek
  • Certificate of achievement with the signature of the company director and your trekking guide

What's Not Included

  • Nepal visa fees and international airfare
  • Travel, emergency rescue, and insurance costs
  • Sightseeing entrance fees, food, and accommodation in Pokhara
  • Food other than those mentioned above, telephone bills, laundry charges, and shower fees during trekking
  • Wi-Fi or internet costs and battery charging fees during the trek
  • Extra porter services and activities beyond the itinerary
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Pokhara
  • Other costs caused by natural disasters, flight delays, early return from the trek, etc.
  • Tips or gifts for the guides and porters
  • Any kind of transportation in the city
  • Other costs not mentioned in the

What to bring

Clothing

  • Light down jacket or warm fleece
  • Waterproof / windproof jacket
  • Trekking pants (1-2 pairs)
  • Comfortable trekking shirts (quick-dry)
  • Innerwear & sleepwear

Footwear

  • Comfortable trekking shoes or boots
  • Extra socks (wool or thick)
  • Sandals / flip-flops (for lodge use)

Trek Essentials

  • Small daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
  • Headlamp / torch

Accessories

  • Sun hat / cap
  • Warm hat (for the morning at Poon Hill)
  • Gloves (light)
  • Sunglasses (UV protection)

Personal Items

  • Sunscreen & lip balm
  • Personal toiletries
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Wet wipes / hand sanitizer

Health & Safety

  • Personal medicines
  • Basic first-aid items

Documents & Extras

  • Passport (copy)
  • Camera / phone
  • Power bank
  • Some cash for personal expenses

Know before you go

  • This trek is suitable for travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness, and no prior trekking experience is required.
  • The jeep drive from Pokhara to Ulleri is generally possible during spring, autumn, and winter, but the route is usually inaccessible during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
  • Food and accommodation in Pokhara are not included.
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Pokhara are not included.
  • Wi-Fi or internet costs and battery charging fees during the trek are not included.
  • Hot shower fees during trekking are not included.
  • Extra porter services are not included.
  • Additional activities beyond the itinerary are not included.
  • Other costs caused by natural disasters, flight delays, or early return from the trek are not included.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pokhara, Nepal
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began.

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