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A compact, four-day circuit from Pokhara to Poon Hill that delivers sunrise panoramas of the Annapurna range, village culture and rhododendron forests. Ideal for hikers with moderate fitness who want big mountain views on a short timetable.
A compact, four-day circuit from Pokhara to Poon Hill that delivers sunrise panoramas of the Annapurna range, village culture and rhododendron forests. Ideal for hikers with moderate fitness who want big mountain views on a short timetable.
Dawn slips under the ridge like a quiet promise as you climb the switchbacks toward Poon Hill, headlamp bobbing among a string of silhouettes. The pre-dawn chill bites your cheeks; behind you, valleys fold into mist and ahead the Annapurna massif sharpens into stone and light. By the time the sun lifts, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre tilt gold across the horizon.
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Operated by Holyland Adventure Tours and Travels · Pokhara, Gandaki Province
Dawn slips under the ridge like a quiet promise as you climb the switchbacks toward Poon Hill, headlamp bobbing among a string of silhouettes. The pre-dawn chill bites your cheeks; behind you, valleys fold into mist and ahead the Annapurna massif sharpens into stone and light. By the time the sun lifts, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre tilt gold across the horizon.
This compact 4-day circuit threads traditional Gurung villages, rhododendron forests and steep stone staircases—more than 3,000 steps between Nayapul and Ulleri—before reaching Ghorepani (2,874 m) and the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m). Geologically the trail climbs the foothills of the Greater Himalaya, where glacially carved valleys and young, uplifted ranges create the dramatic skyline.
Culturally the route runs through Gurung communities—Ghandruk remains a living museum of customs, architecture and hospitality, with teahouses and the occasional family dinner offering an up-close look at local life.
Practical side: expect 4–6 hours of walking on most days, sturdy stone steps, river crossings and short steep pitches. Altitude tops out just over 3,200 m, so acclimatize, drink steadily and move deliberately on stair sections. Carry cash for teahouses, pack warm layers for the pre-dawn summit, and allow early starts to catch the sunrise at Poon Hill.
The trek is accessible to hikers with moderate fitness and rewards effort with some of the most concentrated Himalayan panoramas possible on a short itinerary.
moderate.
4 days.
Suitable for hikers who can walk 4–6 hours a day on uneven terrain and stair sections; basic cardiovascular fitness and lower-body strength recommended.
Yes—this route is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area; ACAP permits and TIMS are required and typically handled by your operator.
Moderate fitness: expect 4–6 hours of hiking per day with sustained stair climbs and short steep sections; prior trekking experience helps but is not mandatory.
Teahouse-style guesthouses with basic bedding and hot meals are provided each night; the operator often includes one complimentary room in Pokhara at trip end.
The highest point is Poon Hill at about 3,210 m—mild AMS can occur; ascend slowly, hydrate, and inform your guide of symptoms immediately.
The route passes through lands of the Gurung people and lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s first and largest conservation region established in 1986.
ACAP manages trekking impact—stay on trails, avoid single-use plastics, and support local teahouses and guides to keep economic benefits in the communities.
Holyland Adventure Tours and Travels operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dawn slips under the ridge like a quiet promise as you climb the switchbacks toward Poon Hill, headlamp bobbing among a string of silhouettes. The pre-dawn chill bites your cheeks; behind you, valleys fold into mist and ahead the Annapurna massif sharpens into stone and light. By the time the sun lifts, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre tilt gold across the horizon.
Dawn slips under the ridge like a quiet promise as you climb the switchbacks toward Poon Hill, headlamp bobbing among a string of silhouettes. The pre-dawn chill bites your cheeks; behind you, valleys fold into mist and ahead the Annapurna massif sharpens into stone and light. By the time the sun lifts, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre tilt gold across the horizon.
This compact 4-day circuit threads traditional Gurung villages, rhododendron forests and steep stone staircases—more than 3,000 steps between Nayapul and Ulleri—before reaching Ghorepani (2,874 m) and the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m). Geologically the trail climbs the foothills of the Greater Himalaya, where glacially carved valleys and young, uplifted ranges create the dramatic skyline.
Culturally the route runs through Gurung communities—Ghandruk remains a living museum of customs, architecture and hospitality, with teahouses and the occasional family dinner offering an up-close look at local life.
Practical side: expect 4–6 hours of walking on most days, sturdy stone steps, river crossings and short steep pitches. Altitude tops out just over 3,200 m, so acclimatize, drink steadily and move deliberately on stair sections. Carry cash for teahouses, pack warm layers for the pre-dawn summit, and allow early starts to catch the sunrise at Poon Hill.
The trek is accessible to hikers with moderate fitness and rewards effort with some of the most concentrated Himalayan panoramas possible on a short itinerary.