5-Day Annapurna Poon Hill Trek: Sunrise Views, Rhododendron Forests & Ghandruk Village Experience

The Annapurna Conservation Area is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking regions, known for its stunning mountain views and rich cultural diversity. This trail is considered a low-altitude trek, with the highest point reaching 3,210 meters, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Himal.
Mount Annapurna stands at 8,091m, the world’s 10th highest peak, while Dhaulagiri (8,167m) is the 7th highest—both visible from famous viewpoints like Poon Hill.

During spring, the trail becomes even more magical as the entire forest blooms with vibrant rhododendrons, creating a colorful and mesmerizing landscape. The route also offers views of many Himalayan peaks below 8,000m, such as Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, and several smaller mountain ranges visible in every direction.

This trekking trail passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where houses are beautifully crafted with stone and wooden architecture. These communities are culturally rich, allowing trekkers to experience local festivals, dances, songs, and traditional lifestyles.
The region is lush with rhododendron forests in spring, while September to November offers clear skies and the best mountain visibility. Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, but still rewards trekkers with peaceful, quiet trails.

Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul/Birethanti – Trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m)

The journey begins with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or Birethanti (1,025m). This is the main gateway for treks such as Ghorepani Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, and MBC.
After registering in Birethanti, the trail gently ascends for 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Tikhedhunga.

Along the way, you pass through lush forests, charming villages, and stone staircases. Several teahouses—such as Greenview Guest House, Annapurna Guest House, Hotel Peaceful Garden, and Susma Guest House—offer good food, 24-hour hot showers, clean rooms, and Magar/Gurung traditional dishes.
Trekkers also cross two scenic suspension bridges before reaching Tikhedhunga.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ulleri (1960m)

From Tikhedhunga, a 2 to 2.5-hour uphill climb leads to Ulleri, a village at approximately 1,960 meters. The altitude gain of about 400m makes this one of the tougher days, with many steep stone steps.

Ulleri has around 13 teahouses, including Prastuti, Superview, Majestic, and Holiday Guest House, offering excellent facilities and even pony services.
Morning views from Ulleri are breathtaking—Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) appear stunning and clear.

Day 3: Ulleri to Banthanti (2200m) → Nangethanti (2460m)

The trail from Ulleri to Banthanti takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Many trekkers stop for tea or lunch at the riverside teahouses.
From Banthanti, another 1 to 1.5-hour walk leads to Nangethanti (2,460m). This section enters deep rhododendron and oak forests, offering shade and peaceful scenery.

Nangethanti has about four well-maintained teahouses with good facilities and beautiful views.

Day 4: Nangethanti to Ghorepani (2750m–2860m) → Poon Hill (3210m)

A short 1–1.5 hour hike (about 3 km) from Nangethanti brings you to Ghorepani, which has two areas:

• Lower Ghorepani (2750m)
  
  

• Upper Ghorepani (2860m)
  
  

From here, trekkers usually hike 1 hour early in the morning to reach Poon Hill (3210m) for sunrise. This is one of Nepal’s best panoramic viewpoints, offering 360° Himalayan scenery including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre.

Day 5: Deurali to Pokhara via Ghandruk

On the final day of the trek, the journey from Deurali to Ghandruk offers one of the most scenic and culturally rich downhill routes in the Annapurna region. The trail begins with a gentle descent through dense rhododendron and oak forests, where birds can be heard chirping in the early morning and soft sunlight glows through the trees. As you walk lower, the forest becomes even more vibrant, especially during spring when rhododendrons bloom in multiple shades of red, pink, and white, creating a picture-perfect natural tunnel along the way.

After walking for about 2 to 2.5 hours, you gradually reach Ghandruk, one of the largest and most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Ghandruk is famous for its traditional stone-roofed houses, neatly paved walking paths, and warm hospitality. The village also offers spectacular close-up views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Machhapuchhre (6993m), which appear even more stunning during sunrise or when clouds clear. Trekkers can explore the village’s cultural museum, interact with local Gurung families, and observe their unique customs, weaving, daily lifestyle, and architecture that reflects centuries of tradition.

Ghandruk provides plenty of teahouses and lunch spots, so you can enjoy a relaxing meal.From ghandruk , you can take a jeep or local vehicle back to Pokhara, which usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The drive follows terraced fields, small waterfalls, and charming hillside villages, offering one last glimpse of rural Nepal before returning to the peaceful lakeside city.

By late afternoon or evening, you reach Pokhara, completing your Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek with unforgettable memories of majestic mountains, cultural encounters, and beautiful landscapes