Annapurna – Poon Hill Trek

Sunrise at Poon Hill is worth waking up for. This 9-day Annapurna trek is built around Poon Hill sunrise and mountain panoramas, with tea house nights and a guided setup that also handles your Kathmandu and Pokhara base.

I like the practicality of the package, especially the fact that permits and logistics are folded in, not left for you to sort out. One trade-off to plan for is the early start and the simple truth that sunrise depends on weather.

I also like that you’re not just dropped on a trail, you get an English speaking guide and a porter system designed for small groups, plus full meals while you hike. The possible drawback is that tea house comfort is exactly what it sounds like, basic mountain lodges, and you may find hot showers are not guaranteed at every stop.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Poon Hill sunrise at 3210m, with views aimed at Annapurna range, plus Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre
• Permits and TIMS included, so paperwork is handled for you
• Full board during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus three cups of tea or coffee daily
• Tea house accommodation during the hike, with practical mountain comfort
• Guide and porter support through an arrangement where a porter covers the load between two people (basic level)
• Good city comfort at the start and end, with two nights each in Kathmandu and Pokhara including breakfast

Poon Hill Sunrise, a Short Trek With Big Payoff

The Annapurna Poon Hill trek is a short trek, but it has the kind of payoff people remember. Your big moment is an early uphill hike to Poon Hill (3210m) for sunrise, with a panoramic view that includes the Annapurna range and dramatic peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993m). Dhaulagiri is also noted as the world’s 7th highest mountain, which gives you a sense of scale when the light hits the ridgelines.

What I like about this kind of trek setup is how it compresses the best views into a schedule that does not require weeks on the trail. You get several days of walking through villages and mountain landscapes, but you’re not signing up for an all-consuming expedition. You also have built-in rest and recovery in the middle of the trek, with a route that moves between Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk before dropping back toward Nayapul.

The only real consideration is that you are relying on weather for that sunrise. If skies are cloudy, you may not get the clear view you came for, and that can change the feel of the trek day. This is common on short mountain treks, so plan with that reality in mind.

Kathmandu to Pokhara Setup That Keeps You From Stressing

This itinerary starts in Kathmandu and uses Pokhara as your trek launchpad. On Day 1, you land in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel, giving you time to prepare for trekking. On Day 2, you head to Pokhara by tourist bus and overnight there at about 820m.

Why this matters: Kathmandu to Pokhara travel is part of the experience, but it is also where people waste energy trying to figure things out. In this package, the big moves are arranged for you, including airport pickup and drop by car, van, or bus. So you can focus on getting your gear ready and adjusting to the rhythm of Nepal travel.

On Day 7, after trekking down to Nayapul, you go back to Pokhara by private transport. Then on Day 8 you return to Kathmandu by tourist bus, with a stop listed at Damauli. Day 9 finishes with departure to the international airport, or extra time in Kathmandu if you extend your stay.

One practical note: in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the package includes breakfast, but lunch and dinner during those city nights are not included. That’s not a deal breaker, just budget for it so you do not get surprised on arrival nights.

Day by Day Trek Plan, Ulleri to Ghandruk

Below is how the walking unfolds, with the purpose of each day and what to watch for.

Day 1: Kathmandu Valley, get your legs ready

You arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel for preparation, then overnight in Kathmandu. This is a low-pressure day that usually helps your body and schedule adjust before you start climbing.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus

You travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) and sleep in Pokhara. This day is mostly about transit, but it positions you well for the trek start the next morning.

Day 3: Nayapul to Ulleri, the first climb (2010m)

You transfer to Nayapul by private transport (about 1.5 hours), then trek to Ulleri at 2010m. This is your first real elevation gain. It is also a good day to practice the pacing you’ll use throughout the trek, steady and patient.

Day 4: Ulleri to Ghorepani, higher village life (2874m)

You trek Ulleri to Ghorepani at 2874m. This day pushes you higher and sets up your next morning. Ghorepani is a classic base point for the route, and it also puts you close enough to Poon Hill that you can make the sunrise hike early.

Day 5: Ghorepani to Poon Hill for sunrise, then down to breakfast and on to Tadapani (2630m)

This is the signature day. Early in the morning, you hike uphill to Poon Hill (3210m) to see sunrise and the Himalayan backdrop. After taking in the view, you hike downhill back toward Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue onward to Tadapani at 2630m.

How to think about this day: it is active, but it is split into logical chunks. You get the sunrise push, the reward, and then a second walking segment. If you like structured days with clear moments, this day delivers.

Day 6: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m), a change in terrain and mood

You trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk at 1940m. This leg brings you down in elevation compared to Tadapani, which can feel good after the higher points. Ghandruk is known for being a village stop on trekking routes, so expect a more community feel compared to pure ridge walking.

Day 7: Ghandruk to Nayapul, then private transport back to Pokhara

You trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul at about 1070m, then you go by private transport back to Pokhara (about 820m). This is a day for regrouping. After enough downhill walking, it can feel like the trek is finally exhaling.

Day 8: Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus, with a Damauli stop

You ride back to Kathmandu (listed as 1336m on the route information) with an overnight in Kathmandu. This is usually an easier day, focused on travel and rest.

Day 9: Departure or extra Kathmandu time

You depart for the international airport. If you have a few extra days, you can also relax, do shopping, and go sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Tea Houses and Food, What Full Board Feels Like

This trek is set up as a full service food plan while you hike. The package includes all standard meals while in the trekking, with breakfast, lunches, and dinners. It also includes three cups of tea or coffee a day, which may sound small, but it makes a real difference on cold mornings and after uphill sections.

You’ll sleep in tea houses during the trekking days. That means simple mountain lodge accommodation, not a hotel experience. One of the most useful pieces of feedback from prior guests is about showers. People have described hot showers being available at most places, but not at every overnight stop. So, you should pack with the expectation that shower quality will vary.

Also remember the city meal split: breakfast is included in Kathmandu and Pokhara stays, but lunch and dinner are not. When you are trekking, the food is organized for you. When you are in the cities, you’ll likely want to eat at places you choose.

If you care about not thinking too hard while hiking, this kind of included meal setup is a huge win. You will spend less time negotiating and more time putting one foot in front of the other, then eating when your body is ready.

Guides, Porters, and Permits, The Practical Side of Going

A lot of treks fail the stress test. You show up, then suddenly you’re solving paperwork, finding trail support, and trying to move your bags without a plan. Here, the package includes key items that prevent that scramble.

You get the TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) and the Annapurna Conservation Area trekking entry permit included. Those two details matter because they’re tied to legality and to protected-area access.

You also travel with an English speaking guide. In stories from the field, names like Bimal show up for attention to detail, and the team led by Happy is described as organized and supportive. The best part of having a guide on a short trek is not just navigation, it is also pacing, small decisions, and keeping the day feeling smooth.

Porter support is included with a basic setup of one porter between two people. Practically, that means you should still pack smart, but your heavier bag is shared instead of carried by you alone. If you are traveling with a partner or friend, this arrangement tends to feel fair.

You’ll also receive a medical kit, a trip certificate, and even a company duffel bag and t-shirt. Those are small extras, but they reflect that the operator is trying to make the trek feel like a complete experience, not just a walking arrangement.

Transport, Start Times, and What to Expect on Travel Days

Time matters on this trek. The meeting point is at Happyland Treks in Kathmandu, and the start time is listed as 6:00 am. That is early enough that you will want to be ready the night before, not rushing in the morning.

Transport is also arranged in a mix of tourist bus and private transport. Kathmandu to Pokhara is by tourist bus. Pokhara to Nayapul and Nayapul back to Pokhara are listed as private transport, with the Pokhara to Nayapul drive taking about 1.5 hours. Then Pokhara back to Kathmandu is again a tourist bus.

Why this mix is useful: you get some lower-cost movement on the longer city leg, and you get more direct handling on the trek start and end points where delays can mess with your hiking schedule.

One more practical point: this is listed as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. That usually makes coordination easier, especially if you have questions or want to move at a comfortable pace.

Price and Value for a 9-Day Annapurna Poon Hill Trek

At $938 per person, this is not the cheapest way to do Poon Hill. But you are not just paying for trail guidance. You are paying for a bundle of costs that typically add up if you try to DIY.

Here is what you are getting for your money:

• Two nights in Kathmandu with breakfast, and two nights in Pokhara with breakfast
• Hotel pickup and drop, plus road transport between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nayapul
• TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area permit included
• English speaking guide and porter support (basic shared porter)
• Tea house accommodation during the trek
• Full meals during trekking, plus three cups of tea or coffee daily
• Standard staff coverage items like insurance and medicine for staff, plus a medical kit
• A trip certificate, and a duffel bag plus t-shirt

What you are not getting:

• Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation costs
• Nepal entry visa fee and international air fare
• Tips for guide and porter
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Personal equipment and personal expenses like drinks, battery charging, and similar extras

So the value question is really about trade-offs. If you want the convenience of permits, guide, porter, most meals, and most transport already solved, the price can feel fair. If you are a confident independent traveler with your own timing and paperwork system, the cost may feel heavy.

Either way, budget for the gaps. In short treks, tips and personal expenses are often what people forget to include when they first compare prices.

Who Should Choose This Trek (and Who Might Want a Longer One)

This trek is designed for most travelers, and it is a private arrangement. It works well if you want a classic Annapurna view experience without committing to a long multi-week trek.

Choose this if:

• You want the Poon Hill sunrise experience and big peak views, but on a shorter schedule
• You like having meals organized and tea house accommodations handled
• You prefer an English speaking guide and structured transport between the main cities and trek start points
• You want a plan that balances morning effort with enough rest days and manageable routing

You might reconsider if:

• You are not comfortable with early starts, because the schedule has a 6:00 am start time
• You expect hotel-level comfort every night, because tea houses are basic lodging
• You are very weather-sensitive about sunrise. The trek is described as requiring good weather, and sunrise visibility depends on it.

Should You Book Happyland Treks for Annapurna Poon Hill?

If your priority is a smooth, well-supported version of the Annapurna Poon Hill trek, I think this package makes sense. The big reasons are practical: permits and TIMS are included, transport is arranged between Kathmandu and Pokhara and the trek access point, and you get an English speaking guide with porter support. Add full meals during the trekking days, plus tea or coffee daily, and you remove most of the daily hassles that can drain a short trek.

Before you book, do a quick reality check. Bring personal equipment, plan for tips, and budget for lunch and dinner on your Kathmandu and Pokhara days. And accept that sunrise is a weather-dependent bonus, not a guaranteed product.

If that sounds fair to you, booking is a good move. You’ll spend your time on the trail, not on logistics, and you’ll get a high-impact view day at Poon Hill as the centerpiece.

FAQ

What time does this Annapurna Poon Hill trek start, and where do we meet?

The activity start time is listed as 6:00 am, and the ticket redemption meeting point is Happyland Treks, Nepal Trekking, Everest Trek, South Asia, Paknajol Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.

What permits and trek documents are included?

The package includes a TIMS card and an Annapurna conservation area trekking entry permit.

What kind of lodging do you get during the trek?

You get tea house accommodation during the trek, plus two nights accommodation in Kathmandu and two nights accommodation in Pokhara, each with breakfast.

Are meals fully included during the entire trip?

During the trekking days, standard meals are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), along with three cups of tea or coffee per day. Lunch and dinner during your Kathmandu and Pokhara stay are not included, though breakfast is included.

Is travel medical insurance included?

No. Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost are not included.

What if the weather is poor for the trek?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.