Poon Hill

  • 5 Days
  • Age 12+
  • Year-round

Sunrise over a 270-degree view of the Himalayas. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, and much more

If you have more time in Annapurna, take it. But for a quick trek this is a great combination of interesting villages and spectacular mountain views.

Day 1

Drive out of Pokhara to a trail head. Trek north to follow the route of the Modi Khola river. At first the route is near the river, but the trail climbs steadily. Stay in Gandrung, a prosperous town high above the river.

Day 2

Trek to Tadapani - "far water" in Nepali. It was once a water stop for the pony trains that carried the India - Tibet salt trade. Now it's a trekker's stop.

Day 3

Trek to Ghorepani - "horse water". Like Tadapani this was a trade stop, but Ghorepani is a real town with an upper and lower section.

Day 4

Up very early to climb Poon Hill, 3,000 meters, for an amazing 270-degree sunrise view of the central Himalayas. Breakfast back in Ghorepani, then trek downhill through forests and fields to Ulleri.

Day 5

Check out the early morning view. Then trek down a long stair-step hill to Tirkedhunga for lunch. It's an easy afternoon walk to Birethanti, then 45 minutes from Birethanti to the road, and another 45 minutes back to Pokhara.

"At the end of the first day of trekking when we came over the top of the hill and our guide said that down below was our campsite and that the tents we could see (already pitched) would be where we would be sleeping, it was a total surprise to us. None of us had thought that somebody would be pitching tents for us or that we would have such elaborate and delicious meals."

Hannah Messerli - Friends in High Places guest

"Finally, I am again in my normal routine, after experiencing one of the most exciting things I've ever done. Believe me I am already planning my next one, maybe for October."

Modesto Penaherrera - Ecuador