5-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara with Annapurna Sunrise

• After breakfast, board the vehicle and drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, which takes about 1 and a half hours.

• Upon arriving at Nayapul, meet your porter and other Sherpa staff and commence the trek. Initially, trek down to the river for about 10 minutes and cross the new suspension bridge, thus named Nayapul (New Bridge), then climb up to the main village located on the ridge.

• Walk on cobbled stones and then follow the trail along the Modi River for about 20 minutes to arrive at the settlement of Birethanti for lunch.

• After lunch, the trail follows the main street of Birethanti, going through bamboo forests and passing a large waterfall and swimming hole.

• Follow the Burundi Khola on the north bank until Tirkhedhunga.

Stay at a lodge/tea house.

• From Tirkhedhunga, 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 from Ulleri to Ghorepani is 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).

• The trail crosses 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 of gradual climbing will finally lead to Ghorepani.

Stay at a lodge/tea house.

• Wake before dawn and trek up to Poon Hill (3200 m) to view a magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna Range. The views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are truly magnificent from Poon Hill.

• Shortly afterwards, return to Ghorepani for breakfast and, after breakfast, start the trek to Tadapani via Banthanti.

• From Ghorepani, the trail climbs south on a muddy path through deep forests. The ridge along the trail hides the mountains and leads to a steep, sometimes treacherous descent on a narrow path alongside the stream as the trail continues.

• The steep descent becomes gentler on the way to Banthanti, where you stop for lunch.

• From Banthanti, the trail follows the stream down to a bridge and starts climbing, entering a field of cane and making some ups and downs before reaching the vantage point of Tadapani, which offers a brief view of the mountains.

Stay at a lodge/tea house.

• The trail becomes slightly easier as you trek 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 small settlements of the Gurung community and arrive at a Gurung village that also boasts a school. From here, descend again to Ghandruk. This area offers some of the finest trekking in Nepal.

• The Annapurna range and Machapuchhere dominate the mountain views, while glimpses further east to Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu Range are also possible.

• Ghandruk village is rich through its excellent farming land and through generations of its sons who have sent and received pay and pensions from the British and Indian Gurkha armies.

Stay at a lodge/tea house.

• After breakfast, trek along a pleasant downhill trail, after which the path levels out and follows the banks of the river.

• After having spent a long time at higher altitudes, the heat can sometimes make travelling on the open riverbed uncomfortable.

• After about 3 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 Naya Pul, where waiting vehicles will take you on the one-hour drive back to Pokhara.

• Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.