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A compact 48-hour trek to Poon Hill delivers an iconic Himalayan sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. This private itinerary skips the lowland approach with a jeep transfer, maximizing summit time and teahouse comfort.
A compact 48-hour trek to Poon Hill delivers an iconic Himalayan sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. This private itinerary skips the lowland approach with a jeep transfer, maximizing summit time and teahouse comfort.
You wake before the village stirs, headlamp bobbing as the trail pulls you through a dark forest that smells of damp rhododendron and wood smoke. The jeep from Pokhara deposits you at Upper Ulleri (≈2,090 m) and the path quickly converts to stone steps—the long, steady climb that defines this short Himalayan trek. By the time you reach Ghorepani camp (≈2,860 m), the sky has shifted toward cold pink, and the mountains are already claiming the first light.
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Operated by ABC Trek and Tour · Ghorepani, Gandaki Province
You wake before the village stirs, headlamp bobbing as the trail pulls you through a dark forest that smells of damp rhododendron and wood smoke. The jeep from Pokhara deposits you at Upper Ulleri (≈2,090 m) and the path quickly converts to stone steps—the long, steady climb that defines this short Himalayan trek. By the time you reach Ghorepani camp (≈2,860 m), the sky has shifted toward cold pink, and the mountains are already claiming the first light.
Ghorepani and Poon Hill sit in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges; these ridgelines were folded and thrust up by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates and now present a knife-edge skyline of 7,000–8,000 m peaks. The area is traditionally inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities—small villages along the route still operate family-run teahouses where local cuisine and stories anchor the trek.
Practical guide: Day 1 typically includes a 2–4 hour jeep transfer then 3–6 hours of trekking with ~700–900 m of cumulative ascent to Ghorepani on uneven, often-steep stone steps and forest trails. Day 2 is a pre-dawn 45–60 minute ascent to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for panoramic sunrise views, then 3–5 hours descending back to Ulleri and a transfer to Pokhara.
Expect cool temperatures at dawn, crowded viewpoints during high season, and basic but comfortable teahouse stays. Bring layered insulation for the summit push, sturdy boots for the stone stairways, and cash for tea, tips, and small purchases in villages.
moderate.
2 days (approx. 8–12 hours trekking total).
Moderate fitness: able to hike 4–6 hours with sustained uphill sections and stair climbs; comfortable with altitude up to ~3,200 m
Yes—trekkers require an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card; these are usually arranged before or at checkpoints in Pokhara.
The route is classified moderate: long stair sections and steady climbs but no technical scrambling; basic fitness and comfortable hiking experience are sufficient.
Teahouses are simple family-run lodges with shared bathrooms in many spots, hot meals, and basic bedding—expect rustic comfort rather than luxury.
Clear views are most reliable in spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Nov), though Poon Hill is accessible year-round with wetter trails in monsoon months.
Ghorepani and surrounding villages are historically Gurung and Magar settlements; the trail follows old transhumance and trade routes linking mid-hill communities.
The route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area—stay on marked trails, minimize single-use plastics, and support local teahouses to promote sustainable tourism.
ABC Trek and Tour operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You wake before the village stirs, headlamp bobbing as the trail pulls you through a dark forest that smells of damp rhododendron and wood smoke. The jeep from Pokhara deposits you at Upper Ulleri (≈2,090 m) and the path quickly converts to stone steps—the long, steady climb that defines this short Himalayan trek. By the time you reach Ghorepani camp (≈2,860 m), the sky has shifted toward cold pink, and the mountains are already claiming the first light.
You wake before the village stirs, headlamp bobbing as the trail pulls you through a dark forest that smells of damp rhododendron and wood smoke. The jeep from Pokhara deposits you at Upper Ulleri (≈2,090 m) and the path quickly converts to stone steps—the long, steady climb that defines this short Himalayan trek. By the time you reach Ghorepani camp (≈2,860 m), the sky has shifted toward cold pink, and the mountains are already claiming the first light.
Ghorepani and Poon Hill sit in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges; these ridgelines were folded and thrust up by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates and now present a knife-edge skyline of 7,000–8,000 m peaks. The area is traditionally inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities—small villages along the route still operate family-run teahouses where local cuisine and stories anchor the trek.
Practical guide: Day 1 typically includes a 2–4 hour jeep transfer then 3–6 hours of trekking with ~700–900 m of cumulative ascent to Ghorepani on uneven, often-steep stone steps and forest trails. Day 2 is a pre-dawn 45–60 minute ascent to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for panoramic sunrise views, then 3–5 hours descending back to Ulleri and a transfer to Pokhara.
Expect cool temperatures at dawn, crowded viewpoints during high season, and basic but comfortable teahouse stays. Bring layered insulation for the summit push, sturdy boots for the stone stairways, and cash for tea, tips, and small purchases in villages.