Poonhill is a beautiful ridge located to the north of Pokhara, famous for offering the best sunrise views in the region. The Poonhill Sunrise Trek is a popular short trekking package that takes adventurers to this enchanting ridge. The trek passes through culturally rich villages, with a stunning backdrop of majestic mountains. Along with the unforgettable sunrise view over Annapurna, Poonhill offers panoramic vistas of several peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Starting from Pokhara, a one-hour drive leads to Nayapul, where the trek begins. Leaving the wide, paved roads behind, trekkers follow an off-the-beaten-path trail. The route takes you alongside gushing rivers, through forests of blooming rhododendrons, and past traditional Gurung settlements, eventually reaching Poonhill. The Poonhill Sunrise Trek not only provides an awe-inspiring sunrise view but also awakens a sense of spirituality in the peaceful Annapurna region.

The trekking route passes through Tikhedhunga and continues to Ghorepani, where the famous hill station of Poonhill awaits for the magical sunrise experience. After enjoying the sunrise, the trek continues through Ghorepani and returns to Nayapul, followed by a one-hour drive back to Pokhara.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November) are the best seasons to undertake the Poonhill Sunrise Trek. This is a teahouse trek, meaning plenty of lodges are available along the route. The lodge owners are welcoming and will do their best to ensure a pleasant stay for trekkers.

The Poonhill Sunrise Trek is perfect for those seeking an easy yet memorable trekking experience.

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.