Trip Information
Poonhill is the beautiful ridge located to the north of Pokhara. Poonhill is famous for offering the best sunrise views in Pokhara. One can easily take the short Poonhill trekking package to reach the enchanting ridge of Poonhill. The pleasant sunrise at Poonhill trek passes through culturally rich villages that are set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Along with sunrise view over Annapurna Mountain, Poonhill also offers panoramic views of several mountains including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains. Heading north of Pokhara, we will take one hour of drive to Nayapul. We will leave the wide pitch black road and follow the off the beaten trekking trail. The trail continues through gushing river, forest of blooming rhododendrons and Gurung settlements to Poonhill. Along with sunrise view, one can awaken spiritual feelings in the tranquil Annapurna region.
Poonhill trekking route passes through the settlement of Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani. We will visit the famous hill station of Poonhill and enjoy the sunrise view. Trekking continues through Ghorepani back to Nayapul. Pokhara lies one hour of drive far from Nayapul.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November) are best months to take the easy Poonhill sunrise trekking. Poonhill sunrise trekking is the teahouse trekking. Plenty of lodges are available throughout the way. The lodge owners are helpful and will try their best to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Itinerary Outline
- Day01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m) 5hrs
- Day02: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1050m) 50min Trek to Tikhedhunga (1577m) 4hrs
- Day03: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2675m) 6hrs
- Day04: Ghorepani to Poonhill (3180m) and to Tadapani (2675m) 6hrs
- Day05: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m) 3hrs
- Day06: Ghandruk to Pothana (1990m) 6hrs
- Day07: Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m) 4hrs, Drive to Pokhara
- Day08: Drive to Kathmandu
Details Itineray
Day01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m) 5hrs
Wake up call will be made at 6am. After hurried breakfast, we will reach Tourist Buspark, Kantipath. Bus leave from Kathmandu to Pokhara at about 7am. We will follow Prithvi Highway for 5hrs to reach Pokhara. Journey continues with views of cablecar at Kurintar and Trishuli River. Following Marsyangdi River through terraced fields, we will reach Seti River and continue our journey to Pokhara. Pokhara is the second largest city of Nepal. Pokhara offers great views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Peaks.
Day02: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1050m) 50min Trek to Tikhedhunga (1577m) 4hrs
We will cover 42km distance from Prithvi Chowk and cross beautiful Lumle village to Nayapul (1050m). Poonhill sunrise trek starts from Nayapul. Following Modi River, we will walk past forest of blooming rhododendron and cross small stream. We will cross Birethanti after about half an hour of trek and arrive at Tirkhedhunga.
Day03: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2675m) 6hrs
Steep trek for about 2hrs will take us to Ulleri (2070m). We will cross the Magar village of Banthanti from where we can get spectacular views of Machhapuchhre Mountain (6997m), Hiunchuli Mountain (6441m) and Annapurna South Mountain (7219m). We will cross the small river and climb to Nangethanti. We will arrive at Ghorepani from where we can get soaring views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I and other mountains.
Day04: Ghorepani to Poonhill (3180m) and to Tadapani (2675m) 6hrs
Poonhill is popular for best sunrise view in Pokhara. We will rise very early and reach the base of Poonhill. About an hour of climb will take us to Poonhill viewpoint. We can get sunrise view over Dhaulagiri Mountain (8167m), Annapurna I Mountain (8091m), Annapurna II Mountain (7937m), Annapurna III Mountain (7855m), Annapurna IV Mountain (7525m), Annapurna South Mountain (729m), Nilgiri Mountain (6940m), Tukuche Mountain (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Lamjung Himal (6931m) and other mountains. We will return to hotel in Ghorepani for breakfast and then take descending trail to Tadapani village from where we can get views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail and other mountains.
Day05: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m) 3hrs
3hrs of easy walk through forest of oak, rhododendron and other alpine flowers will take us to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the large Gurung village. We can get striking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli and other Mountains from viewpoint in Ghandruk. Homestay in Ghandruk is a pleasant experience. We will be welcomed by the locals with Khada and traditional dance will be performed in evening in our honor.
Day06: Ghandruk to Pothana (1990m) 6hrs
6hrs of trek will be enough to take us to Pothana. We will take the descending trail and cross the stone steps to reach Kimbu (Bee Hive) that exists on the edge of Modi Khola at 1200m altitude. We will climb through the stone steps to Landruk. The trail escalates uphill to Deurali (2150m). We will walk through the village of Tolkha (1850m) from where we can view Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Lamjung Mountain and other mountains. From Deurali, we will lower down to Pothana where we will stay overnight.
Day07: Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m) 4hrs, Drive to Pokhara
It takes about 4hrs of trek to reach Dhampus Phedi (1113m). We need to walk through forest for about an hour before following the gravel road. Crossing the scenic Dhampus village, we will reach the base of Dhampus hill which is known as Dhampus Fedi. We will catch the vehicle from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara and return to hotel in Pokhara where we will stay overnight
Day08: Drive to Kathmandu
It takes 5hours to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara.
