Poon Hill Sunrise Trek

Essential Info

Best Period for the Sunrise Poon Hill Trek

The Annapurna region of Nepal has a temperate climate which means you can take our Poon Hill sunrise trek any time of the year except for the monsoon rains.

However, the monsoon also has its own charm that justifies the visit. But the most favorable time for our trip is during the mid-season of spring and autumn.

In Spring(March-May), the rain stops and the days start to get longer, more beautiful, and warmer with temperatures hovering between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. You will have cool nights though so you can enjoy all the season in one day.

Moreover, the forests will be full of trees bearing various colored flowers and fruits as well as more sun and heat. It will be therefore great time to engage in outdoor hiking with the excellent spectacle of the high Himalayas.

From September, the autumn begins in Annapurna lasting till November. During this season, the temperature begins to drop and ranges between 17 to 23 degrees Celsius.

There will be charming autumnal air at Ghorepani and Poon Hill and the pathway you will walk through will be blanketed with dry leaves. There can be little clouds but not enough to hide the phenomenal views of the high mountains.

It is worth noting that Ghorepani and Poon Hill enjoy quite mild weather even in winter (December-February) because of their relatively lower elevations.

The temperature can linger between 10 to 16 degree Celsius with shorter days and it may start to get dark around 5:30 pm. But Ghorepani and Poon Hill see the most sunny days and the blue sky will be more frequent.

The summertime in Annapurna appears from the months of June – August. The days are hot and long with temperatures easily reaching over 30 degrees Celsius.

Once the monsoon onsets, the heavy rain can change the trails leading to Ghorepani into slippery and muddy paths with an increased risk of landslides.

However, the rain enhances the beauty of the Annapurna Reserve with green surroundings all around. Luckily, the rain does not fall continuously, so you can have the chance to enjoy dry trails occasionally.

Please note the winter and the summer are the low seasons of the year so you can enjoy these destinations at leisure, avoid crowds, and enjoy the low fare at hotels making them the best time to visit Annapurna on a budget.

Poon Hill sunrise trek Difficulty Level

Our Poon Hill sunrise trek is a moderately intense trek that is ideal for adventurous travelers who wish to combine the thrill of trekking with natural beauty.

The route leading from Nayapul to Ghorepani and Poon Hill involves moderate distances that need our hikers to manage the daily walks between 5 to 6 hours each day.

For the most part of the trek, the altitude gain will be less than 500 m, except for the third and fourth days of the trek. On both the third and fourth days, you will have to manage the altitude increase of around 900 m.

Likewise, the most treacherous section will be on the third day when you have to overcome the long and hard climb over the 3300 stone steps to Ulleri.

Additionally, the terrain will also be more and more uneven but it lacks any technical difficulties. So our trip is accessible for all active and healthy individuals who regularly engage in walking.

In fact, this trip will be the perfect introduction to trekking in the Himalayas where the remarkable Himalayan heights between 6000 m to 8000 m await your arrival.

Who is suitable for our Poon Hill sunrise trek?

Ghorepani and Poon Hill are the true paradise for lovers of hiking trails and mountains. From stunning landscapes to wild trails, our Ghorepani Poon Hill sunrise trek has everything that makes it a suitable trip for all experience levels.

Furthermore, with a mild climate throughout most of the year, the conditions are perfect for exploring every corner of these unique destinations.

In addition, the trail is completely safe and signposted and the entrance permit for the Annapurna Reserve has been paid so you can walk freely in nature.

Plus, the government and the local communities continually invest in the maintenance and signage of trails, ensuring that they are always in excellent condition.

There are also many rest areas en route, where hikers can recharge their batteries and enjoy the scenery. The Annapurna Reserve also provides information centers that offer support to hikers, including tips on safety and environmental preservation.

Access to this trail is also facilitated by the country’s good transport infrastructure. You can reach the start of the trail by public or private transport or even by flight.

In addition, the fact that this trail is popular also has the advantage of making the villages in this area continuously developed, so there are comfortable accommodations with wifi, electricity, hot water, and other amenities ready to serve all tourists.

This combination of quality infrastructure and easy access makes this trip a pleasant and safe experience for all levels of adventurers.

Altitude Sickness

The Ghorepani and Poon Hill are not that far away and they are not that high so there is usually no problem with high altitude sickness. Still, you will be reaching an altitude above 2500 m, where many travelers, especially those from lower regions, often suffer from mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

These can be headache, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, and rapid breathing, which usually appear 4 to 10 hours after reaching to higher zone. They are usually not severe and the body will adjust on its own within 1 to 2 days.

This adjustment time is called acclimatization which we lack in our program because of its short duration. So we advise all our participating members to avoid strenuous activities such as exercising, walking, or running during the first few days of the journey.

Instead, you should rest, stay hydrated, and closely monitor your symptoms for any unusual changes. If you experience only mild symptoms of altitude sickness, your body will slowly adjust, and these symptoms will go away on their own.

However, if the symptoms worsen, you should travel to a lower altitude immediately. The use of Diamox (Acetazolamide) will help as the medication can prevent and relieve symptoms.

But you should always know about its indications, contraindications, and the correct use so it is better that you ask your doctor about the medication before starting the trip.

What preparation will be right for Annapurna Poon Hill sunrise trek trekking?

Trekking to Ghorepani and Poon Hill although not too difficult is also not a simple walk. It is a multi-day journey to an altitude that exceeds 3000 m. which can be quite challenging.

Therefore, it is crucial to be adequately prepared for the physical demands that nature presents. To make sure you are in appropriate physical condition, you should begin your fitness program at least a month before our trip.

You can begin with light running at a steady pace; a gentle jog of about 20 to 30 minutes will help warm your muscles and increase your aerobic capacity.

You can then enter the world of strength training by following the exercises such as squats, push-ups, and sit-ups. Do not forget to include rest days in between with light walking to maintain muscle flexibility.

You can then engage in regular hikes carrying a heavy backpack which will further acclimatize you to the difficulties of the trekking journey.

Likewise, mental preparation is also one of the vital aspects for the success of any hiking adventure in nature. You should be mentally ready to face the challenges ahead which can involve practicing relaxation and meditation techniques, stepping outside your comfort zone, and preparing to reach the altitude of Poon Hill.

Accommodation and Eating

Among the available hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, we have arranged the finest three-star category hotel for your overnight stays in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Each hotel room will have comfortable furnishings with two beds, essential furniture, and a private bathroom with hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi.

On the trekking trail to Ghorepani, we will manage all your overnight stays in the most comfortable lodges or teahouses, which have greatly improved due to the rise in tourism.

Now that more and more locals have understood the needs of the Western tourists, they have started to add up more and more amenities to make their each guest comfortable as long as they stay. Therefore, you can find everything from a delicious menu to hot water, Wi-Fi, and electricity.

As for dining arrangements, breakfast will be served at the hotel during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Taking into account the varied tastes of our guests, we have arranged the lunches and dinners on your own in these two cities for which USD 25 to USD 30 is adequate.

On the trail, we will take care of three meals a day (breakfasts, dinners, and lunches). Today, the trail to Annapurna has numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can not only recharge your batteries but also sample the typical cuisine of each village.

Transportation

As a reliable organizer of comprehensive tours and treks in Nepal, we have arranged a private vehicle for your transfer-in on your arrival day and transfer-out on your departure day from Nepal. We have also arranged a tourist bus for you as a regular transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Alternate Trail to Poon Hill sunrise trek

Now that Annapurna has various networks of well-paved roads, you can take different approaches to reach Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Some can give you a longer hiking experience in nature while others can just take you to the Himalayas within a matter of two days.

If you ask for a two-day route to Poon Hill, you can fly straight to Pokhara from Kathmandu and drive to Ulleri. Then, you can walk up to Ghorepani in about 4 to 5 hours and ascend to the Viewpoint of Poon Hill followed by a drive back to Pokhara.

Or, you can also choose to walk through the quaint little settlements of Ghandruk, and Tadapani when heading to Ghorepani or on your way back from this stunning destination.

If you would like to add a touch of excitement to your journey, you can go rafting in Trishuli or consider a visit to the Manakamana Temple- one of the revered Hindu temples in Nepal of Goddess Durga.

Many of you may also think about integrating the Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit journey into your Annapurna Poon Hill sunrise trek. But one intriguing option will be to visit the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4550 m) after reaching Poon Hill.

Additionally, if you are inclined, you may ascend the Mardi Peak (5587 m) and boast the achievement of conquering one of Nepal’s Himalayan peaks.

For this journey, you will trek from Poon Hill to Landruk, passing through Ghandruk village, and then proceed to the Mardi Himal Base Camp via Forest Camp and High Camp.

From this base camp, you will not only see the entire Annapurna mountain range but also Tent Peak, or Tharpo Chuli (5,695 m), and Singu Chuli or Fluted Peak (6,501 m). After your adventure, you will return to Pokhara via Siding Village.

Travel Insurance

One of the prerequisites for our Poon Hill sunrise trek is the appropriate travel insurance as the necessary permits to enter the Annapurna Reserve cannot be obtained unless we present a copy of your valid insurance policy.

Besides this requirement, securing travel insurance is one of the essential preparations that you must make as soon as you decide to visit Nepal. This is because medical assistance and evacuation services in Nepal are not free and incur high expenses if you are not insured.

This service is the best guarantee you can have that you will be promptly assisted in any emergency abroad. In addition, you will be trekking which is counted as one of the extreme sports you take in the midst of nature and mountains where unexpected can happen suddenly.

For example, when climbing 3300 stone stairs to Ulleri, you may slip and fall injuring your ankle or breaking your bone. When at Ghorepani, you may get sick from altitude sickness and may need emergency rescue by air.

In such cases, travel issuance will give you peace of mind by saving your time, and money on care, avoiding more unexpected expenses in your budget.

Please remember, in your travel insurance, you must include coverage for medical costs, repatriation, rescue by air, delayed or canceled flights and trips, extra stays, lost or delayed luggage, theft, robbery, and hiking to at least 3300 m altitude.

Essential Permits for Poon Hill sunrise trek

We need to procure two mandatory permits for our Poon Hill sunrise trek. One is of course the ACAP permit necessary after Birethanti to walk through the territory of Annapurna reserve.

The second is the TIMS permit which helps the tourist personnel to keep track of our locations so they can provide rescue in any unexpected natural catastrophe.

The ACAP stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the payment of 2000 Nepali rupees is essential for its procurement. The TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System and the payment of 3000 Nepali rupees will be needed for its issuance.

The TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), the ACAP office of Pokhara, and the NTB (Nepal Tourism Board) are the responsible bodies for issuing these permits.

Our team and our guide will manage the procurement of these permits for you and the associated fees are already added to our overall sunrise Poon Hill trek cost.