The Annapurna Sunrise Trek, also famously known as Poon Hill Trek, is a comparatively easy walk winding through villages and rhododendron forests. This invigorating trek reveals some of the best views of the Himalayas especially from the Poon Hill which is considered the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region – and perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth. Reaching a maximum altitude of 3193m, anyone with a normal level of fitness would easily undertake this trek comfortably. Let’s test our stamina at the Ulleri Hill with more than 3,000 stone steps, one of world’s largest numbers of stone steps on a hill of this kind. Just imagine the splendor of the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas that we will witness during this trek, illuminating the peaks of the entire range and leaving us spellbound!
While trekking along to Ulleri and Ghorepani, we marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders – Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Reaching the final destination of Poon Hill (3210m) is a reward in itself, perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth. Then trek to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk and enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Gurung Museum there. Trekking through the Rhododendron forest that blooms with red flowers during the springtime.
Our visit to Nepal won’t be complete without a visit to Chitwan, where we will visit the National park. Hence, Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition includes a package tour to Chitwan. The name “Chitwan” means “Heart of the jungle” and is home to over 70 species of animals including some of the world’s endangered species such as Royal Bengal Tiger, Great one horned Rhinoceros, Gaur, Gharial crocodile and over 450 species of birds.
But there is more than the wildlife. Chitwan is also famous for a pilgrimage to Devghat at the confluence of Kali, Seti and Trisuli River where hermits have been coming meditate for centuries. Many people think that Devghat is a holy place to end their life. Whether we walk deep into the jungle, journey by jeep to the distant hills, float down the river in a dugout canoe or walk to discover the mysterious culture of different ethnic groups we’ll have an incredible experience.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 01: 17th Dec 2024 Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: 18th Dec 2024 Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 03: 19th Dec 2024 Kathmandu-Pokhara (827m) by bus 6-7 hours
Day 04: 20th Dec 2024 Pokhara – Tikhedhunga (1540 m) 4-5 hours
Day 05: 21st Dec 2024 Tikhedhunga-Ghorepani (2860m) 4-5 hours
Day 06: 22nd Dec 2024 Ghorepani (Poon Hill) -Tadapani (2630m)4-5 hours
Day 07: 23rd Dec 2024 Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m)4-5 hours
Day 08: 24th Dec 2024 Ghandruk to Pokhara: 3 -4 hours
Day 09: 25th Dec 2024 Pokhara Sightseeing (827m)
Day 10: 26th Dec 2024 Pokhara to Chitwan (350m) 4-5 hours
Day 11: 27th & 28th Dec 2024 Chitwan: 2 Nights 3 days Package tour (815m)
Day 13: 29th Dec 2024 Chitwan to Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 14: 30th Dec 2024 Shopping /Rest in Kathmandu Sightseeing in Bhaktapur 3-4 hours
Day 15: 31st Dec 2024 Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Important Information for Guests of Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition:
At Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition, the safety and security of our guests is our top priority during your trek. Please note the following important details:
Your cooperation in ensuring that you have the proper travel insurance and in remaining flexible with the itinerary will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
Day 01: 17th Dec 2024 Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a HV Treks’ placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 02: 18th Dec 2024 Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: 19th Dec 2024 Kathmandu-Pokhara (827m) by bus 6-7 hours
This day we travel for 6-7 hours if we are going the bus. But if we are going by air it will take just 35min to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Immediately after you left Kathmandu you climb to the pass over the mountain ridge that surrounds Kathmandu valley. If it is a clear day, you can enjoy the phenomenal view of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna on the way. The road descends to about 400 meters and runs along the Trishuli River. Sometimes we can see a group of people in rafts in the Trisuli River. The bus stops for lunch on the way. Finally, we reach Pokhara the most beautiful city of Nepal by the afternoon. From today onwards, after the dinner or before we go to bed, the HV Treks’’ treks guide will take a report and give a briefing in every evening about the trek that we are going to make next day.
Day 04: 20th Dec 2024 Pokhara – Tikhedhunga (1540 m) 4-5 hours
We set off early in the morning by bus or a taxi to go to the starting point of the trek. The road winds sometimes hairpins up to a point where the villages called Naudanda, Khare and Lumle lie. Breathtaking view of Annapurna range can be seen clearly. The driving takes about an hour. After that, we have descended steps to walk to the new bridge over the Modi Khola. Then begins our fast walk. First, we follow the path to the big village called Birethati. The path runs through the rice fields slowly up to the few houses of Tikhedhungha. The Total trekking duration is 4-5 hours.
Day 05: 21st Dec 2024 Tikhedhunga-Ghorepani (2860m) 4-5 hours
After the 400m uphill climb over the well-known stairs, Ulleri begins. The steps are uneven and that makes us quite tiring. The path winds up through several steps. Above Ulleri there is thin habitation of people. Hence, it is quiet and calm. We can see very few people working in cultivation. Often there are ancient tattered huts as shelters. We walk through oak and rhododendron forest, growing along the river that leaps down in waterfalls. Especially in the spring, it is a fairy tale with the beautiful flower’s wealth of rhododendrons. Ghorepani literally means “horse water”. It lies atop a pass and traditionally the horses which are the caravans to Mustang are drenched here. It is in the altitude of 900 meters. The duration of trekking is about 4 ½ hours.
Day 06: 22nd Dec 2024 Ghorepani (Poon Hill) -Tadapani (2630m)4-5 hours
We have to wake up before the dawn to watch the sunrise. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will lead us to the viewpoint. It takes about 45 minutes to climb the hill. Before the breakfast, we can enjoy the most beautiful views of the central Himalayas from Poon Hill. We back to Ghorepani and after breakfast, we slowly climb heading to Tadapani. The sunlight keeps on changing the color of snowy peaks dark grey to light grey. We can see the last foothills of the Dhaulagiri-chain including Churen Himal, the right of the dark deep crevice of the Kali Gandaki valley, the peaks of Annapurna, the Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Macchapucchare (the “fishtail mountain”) and then further to the right the peaks of Manaslu. After we enjoy the breathtaking views we descend to the lodge for breakfast. At a gentle pace, we go down through an incredible rainforest with many rhododendrons. After having been a few hours in nature we find a few lodges in the wasteland. This is Tadapani (“far away from water”).
Day 07: 23rd Dec 2024 Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m)4-5 hours
Today we walk flat in the beginning then the path goes gradually downhill through the jungle. We cross a stream called Ghatte Khola through a small wooden bridge. Ghatte Khola means the stream with the traditional stone mill which is operated by the force of water. After the stream, the path still goes downhill to Ghandruk. On the way, there are many viewpoints for the mountains Hiuchuli, Annapurna and Machhapuchchhre. Finally, we reach to Ghandruk, a big and beautiful Gurung village in the mountain region. We stay here for the night. Ghandruk is the village with the headquarter of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and a Museum regarding the Gurung Culture. A small hydroelectricity power station also lies here. Telephone, mobile and internet service is available here.
Day 08: 24th Dec 2024 Ghandruk to Pokhara: 3 -4 hours
The path goes downhill through the staircases in many places. We walk through the terraced fields. Several teahouses welcome us on the way. We walk enjoying the beauty of nature and human settlements (villages) up to Naya Pul through Birethati, a small village at the bank of Modi Khola. From Naya Pul we catch a local bus or private vehicle to Pokhara. The drive takes about an hour to Pokhara. On the way, we still can enjoy the beauty of nature: the mountains, jungles and beautiful villages through the window of the bus. The road to Pokhara is pitched and winding. We stay in a well-facilitated hotel in the beautiful city of Pokhara for the night.
Day 09: 25th Dec 2024 Pokhara Sightseeing (827m)
Time to relax in Pokhara. The ambiance is pleasant, the weather mild. In Lakeside, we can enjoy boating, cafes, shops, and the restaurants along the Lake with their tasty international cuisines. For the more energetic, we can visit the famous Peace Stupa, the Tibetan Settlement.
Day 10: 26th Dec 2024 Pokhara to Chitwan (350m) 4-5 hours
Today we drive to Chitwan by tourist bus or private vehicle. The distance is 150 km from Pokhara and road is winding. So, we drive slowly enjoying the views around us. The road goes through the terraced fields and small cities of Gagan Gauda, Dule Gauda, Damauli, Dumre and Abu Khaireni on the way. In some sections of the road, we can enjoy the greenery of jungles and rivers since we drive along the Marsyangdi River and Narayani River. Marsyangdi Hydro Power Station lies on the way. From Muglin, where Marsyangdi and Trisuli River meet, we cross a big bridge and turn to the south for Chitwan along the Narayani River. We stay in a lodge in Chitwan amidst the jungle and bank of Rapti River.
Chitwan tour will be a kind of package tour
Day 11: 27th & 28th Dec 2024 Chitwan: 2 Nights 3 days Package tour (815m)
Chitwan is best known for its culture and wildlife activities. Chitwan means “heart of the jungle”, because of its dense forests and wild animals. Chitwan national park is located in the central south of Nepal, just 165 km far from Kathmandu and 150 km from Pokhara, which offers us many jungles as well as cultural activities. Such as Elephant back safari, canoeing trip, jungle walk, visit ethnic local people house, culture dance performs by local tribe people, visit sunset point and so on. The people who have at least 2 nights and 3 days’ time to visit Chitwan national park, we can have quiet relax and luxuries program, which will allow us to know about Chitwan national park, jungle activities, and local people, their daily life.
Day 13: 29th Dec 2024 Chitwan to Kathmandu (1337m)
Today we drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle. The distance is just 165 km but the road is winding. So, we drive slowly through the jungle along the Narayani River in the beginning. Then from Muglin, we drive along the Trisuli River through the jungle, terraced fields and small cities on the way. At the place called Kuringhat, we witness Nepal’s only cable car service: Manakamana Cable Car. The cable cars fly above the Trisuli River, several green hills and villages to the famous Manakamana GoddessTemple of Gorkha District. The term “Manakamana” means the “Wish of our Spirit”. The pilgrims to Manakamana Goddess Temple believe that the Goddess will make their wish fulfilled. We sometimes see the rafters in the Trisuli River through the window of the bus.
Day 14: 30th Dec 2024 Shopping /Rest in Kathmandu Sightseeing in Bhaktapur 3-4 hours
This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by HV Treks.
Day 15: 31st Dec 2024 Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. HV Treks’ staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Max Altitude: 4130 meters
Best Season: Sep – Nov and Mar–April
Difficulty Level: Moderate
December, January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So, trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So, a tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programs during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
