6-Day Annapurna Poon Hill Trek with Ghorepani Sunrise Views

• Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus (200 km, 6 to 7 hours' drive).

• The bus will provide two breaks on the way, one for breakfast and one for lunch.

• Once you reach Pokhara, transfer to a hotel on the lakeside and enjoy an evening stroll around the lake.

Overnight at hotel. B.B.

• After breakfast, board the vehicle and drive to Nayapul, about 1 1/2 hours from Pokhara. This is the starting point of our trek.

• Cross the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola River and ascend slowly through terraced fields and classic mountain villages.

• Along the way, encounter mule or goat caravans carrying supplies to the mountains, heralded by the musical bells they wear.

• The stunning peaks of Machhapuchare and Annapurna, peaking over the green ridges, will greet us from time to time as we continue up to Hile/Tikhedhunga.

• From Tikhedhunga, the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge and then ascends a steep stone staircase to the large Magar village of Ulleri at 1960 m. The trek to Ghorepani from Ulleri is quite unique.

• The trail goes through beautiful pasture grounds, cultivated terraces, and rhododendron and oak forest, with superb views of South Annapurna (7219 m) and Himchuli (6641 m).

• Cross two sparkling clear streams before making a short final climb to Nangethanti for lunch.

• In winter, the trail can be covered with snow.

• From Nangethanti, about one hour's gradual climb will finally lead to Ghorepani.

• It is an absolute must for those staying at Ghorepani to walk up to the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill [3200 m], which overlooks the village. Dawn is the best time to go, so we arrange a wake-up call for 5 am and head up the well-marked track by torchlight.

• The first light of dawn illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow. You may buy coffee and breakfast from a local who has carried produce up to Poon Hill.

• Otherwise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast before trekking on to Tadapani through the rhododendron forest.

• Spot wild animals, such as langur monkeys climbing through the trees. There are excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare from Tadapani.

• The trail becomes slightly easier as we continue on a steady path through the forest canopy.

• Continue walking and, after two hours, pass through rhododendron forest to reach the settlement of Baishi Kharka, with a row of tea houses and lodges on a ridge. From here, trek downhill through the small settlements of the Gurung community and arrive at Gurjung village, which also boasts a school.

• From here, trek down to Ghandruk.

• This area offers some of the finest trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna range and Machapuchhere dominate the mountain views, with glimpses further east to Lamjung Himal, and views of the Manaslu Range are also possible. Ghandrung village is rich through its excellent farming land and the generations of its sons who have sent and received pay and pensions from the British and Indian Gurkha armies.

• After breakfast, trek along a pleasant downhill trail. The trail then levels out and follows the banks of the river. After spending a long time at higher altitudes, the heat sometimes makes travelling on the open riverbed uncomfortable.

• After about 4 hours, arrive at the riverside settlement of Birethanti for lunch. This is also the main entry point to the Annapurna Conservation Area.

• After lunch, walk along the high banks of the Modi Khola for about 30 minutes and end the trek at Nayapul, where waiting vehicles will take you on about a one-hour drive back to Pokhara.

• Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. B.B.