The Annapurna Sunrise Trek is also call Poon Hill trek is a relatively easy walk meandering through villages and rhododendron forests. This invigorating trek reveals some of the best views of the Himalayas and is considered by many as the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region. Reaching a maximum altitude of 3210m, the completion of this trek will be comfortable for anybody of a reasonable level of fitness.
This trek, like others in the Annapurna region, takes off from the serene lakeside city of Pokhara. The real walking begins from Phendi village which can be reached after a short drive from Pokhara. Beyond this point you will be faced with a gentle forest slope inhabited by playful Languor (black-faced monkey) and offering a sneak preview of better things to come. Walking west to Tadapani (2590m) you will come across some of the most incredible rhododendron forests in Nepal, while the gargantuan Mt. Machhapuchhare (6900m) looms above you. Traveling along to Ghorepani, marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Reaching the final destination of Poon Hill (3210m) is a reward in itself. You cannot imagine the magnificence of the sunrise that you will witness from here, which illuminates the peaks of the entire range, leaving you spellbound. The added presence of rice terraces completes the picture making it a photographer's paradise. A walk down to Tikendungha and then a drive to Pokhara announce the end of this marvelous trek.
Annpurna Sunrise Trek - Photo By: HGT
Important Note and Optional Activities Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier Trekking. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Day to Day Itinerary for Annapurna Sunrise Trek
Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft). After time to get refreshed, evening you will meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.(Welcome dinner included)
Day 02 Kathmandu sightseeing & trek preparation
Today, morning we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Visit Bouddhanath stupa another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After your lunch at Bouddha visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and late afternoon back to hotel and evening briefing about your trip, what is your responsibility, what to do and does not in the trek? Introduce with our fellow trekking staff and chances to ask remaining question and remaining time explore the surrounding areas or simply relax at the hotel.
(Breakfast Included)
Day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara valley, 7-8 hrs drive
With a morning wake up guide will pick up you and transfer to the tourist bus station and drive (approximately seven hours with breaks) through the beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara lakeside (823m/2,700ft) and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explore the surrounding lakeside areas and overnight at hotel. (Breakfast Included)
Day 04 Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana, 4 hrs walk
Today, morning a short drive (40 minutes) to reach at Phedi starting point of our trek. From here we will follow the trail to get Dhampus village for around 1 and Β½ hours ascends passing through terrace field and small forest. After lunch at Dhampus village we will continue our trek, ascent for 2 hour to reach at Pothana (2540m/8,331 ft), where we will rest and relax at our local teahouse for overnight. Pothana is a small village surrounding by small forest with good view of Machhapuchre (Mt. Fishtail) as well as Annapurna South with Dhampus village to the bottom. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are Included)
Day 05 Pothana to Landruk village, 4-5 hrs walk
After your teahouse breakfast we will be walking up and down along quiet trails through the forest for about 3 hours where en-route some small teahouses offering tea o cold drink breaks for small business. We will reach at Tolkha for lunch and after lunch easy walk further to Landruk village (1,765m/5,790ft), which also nice village settlement in terrace landscapes. Enjoy exploring the local houses and massif landscapes and overnight at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are Included)
Day 06 Landruk to Ghandruk Village, 4 hrs walk
Today, we continuing, the trail leads step way about 40 minutes walking down to the Modi River and crossing the bridge you can be seen bee hives on a side of cliff. Stop for tea break and bee hives scenery a side of Modi river and continuing our trek to Ghandruk, the trail ascends and steepest before we reach at Ghandruk (1,990m/6,529ft), which is a largest Gurung (popular ethnic group from western region of Nepal) settlement in the area with the closest views of Annapurna and Machhapuchre to the north and evening enjoy exploring the local village and people with traditional dressed. Tonight stay at local hotel/lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are Included)
Day 07 Ghandruk village to Tadapani, 4 hrs walk
Today we pass the Ghandruk village ascends walk to the rich rhododendron forest and about 3 hrs fully forest walking reaches at Bhaise Kharka where few teahouses and after lunch again ascends up to the Tadapani (2,710m/8,891ft) after few hour walk through the forested way. Finally we reach at Tadapani for overnight stay. This small place is surrounding by rhododendron forest and closest view of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna range. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are Included)
Day 08 Tadapani to Ghorepani, 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast it is a short walk down to the stream and crossing wooden local made bridge and again followed by a 3 hour climb up to the steep ridge of Deurali for lunch and further walk to the top of Deurali pass (3160m/10365 ft). After an easy walk of around an hour, trails lead down to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft), where we will stay for the tonight. This is popular place for around and can see good panoramic view of the Mt. Dhaulagiri range and explore around. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are Included)
Day 09 Ghorepani to Poonhill to Pokhara, 8-9 hrs walk
Today early morning your guide will knock you door to wake up you with a dark climb up to the Poonhill takes 45 minutes hike on your pace though the rhododendron forest and spread glimpse of sunrise view and chirping sounds of birds during the early hiking. Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft) is a great viewpoint from where we will be able to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys as well as see the more than 20 highest mountain closest views. After back to hotel and breakfast we walk down to Tikhedhunga via long forested downhill and after lunch further to Nayapul to catch up the car/taxi and after an hour drive back to Pokhara for overnight. Stoll around the lakeside and enjoy your diner and overnight at hotel. (Breakfast and Lunch are Included)
Day 10 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Morning we will drive back through the scenic countryside and en route will stop for lunch. It takes 6 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the day relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel and you own or further references you extending holiday as per your time and interest. (Breakfast and dinner Included)
Day 11 Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. (Breakfast included)
Himalayan Glacier Trekking has a philosophy with trip inclusions: as much as possible is included so HGT customers know the total cost of the adventure trip up front.
Bus, hotel/airport transfer
Deluxe Shanker Hotel or similar category hotel at Kathmandu
All ground transportation by comfortable vehicles
All accommodations in lodge and all meals during the treks no extra charge for single travelers
Down jacket, seasonal sleeping bag
Welcome & farewell dinner
All porterages costs
All cost for a Himalayan Glacier leader(First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking) and sherpa, a sherpa assistance leader(s) and assistance Trek leader help each individuals while on trek
All necessary paper works and permits.
Travel & Rescue arrangements
Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
All government and local taxes if necessary.
Himalayan Glacier Kit Bag
Trip Cost Does Not Include
Visa fees/ International airfare to & from home city/
Excess baggage charges
Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu.
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
Tips for guides and porters.
Optional trips and sightseeing if extend
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medial issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don't arrange or sell insurance. For more information
Accommodations
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and HG Trekking has chosen the best deluxe accommodation for 3 nights hotel Shanker or similar category hotel here in Kathmandu, 2 nights three to four star hotel in Pokhara and 5 nights lodges/guesthouses will be provided. We maintain standard comfort in every matter based on the availability of facilities on the spot. All hotel accommodations are based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; at no extra charge. On request we will provide you single supplement and will be charge US$250.
Toilet Facilities - On trek, toilet facilities are available on each place you stop for night and some places offers even toilet attached into your room with hot/warm showers.
Meals
The facilities in route to Lower Annapurna is well developed as compare to the other trekking route in Nepal, any level of dine are expected even apple pie. Meals on full board basis will be provided at the lodges/guesthouses and tea shop; and the places has been fixed with high level of balance diet, hygiene and safety. Three meals (Nepali, Sherpa, and Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cousins) will be provided from the lodges/guesthouses according HG Trekking standard. Each day dinner and breakfast will be provided in the same place you spend the night. Lunch will be at the tea shop in a pleasant surrounding.
Equipments & Packing List
While packing for “
Annapurna Sunrise Trek”certain gears are essential to be considered. Please Click here for the comprehensive packing list for this trip.
Acclimatization
Annaprna Sunrise Trek is consider as a easy trek for all levels, children, youth and adults and not required any altitudes prevention actually. You are going up to 3200m/10499ft which is your maximum altitudes on your trek at Poon Hill; and offers the majestic panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna & Manaslu Mountain.
We advise specially the guest(s) with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.
Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff
HGT's itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS but it is important to remember, some people can be more susceptible than others.
Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements
Himalayan Glacier only employs and train Nepalese leaders and local staff. By employing and training local people they put something back into their communities. HGT currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your Annapurna Sunrise Trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.
Intensive Wilderness First Aid - KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
Trekking Guide Training - Nepal Government's Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet - TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
English Language - KEEP
Conservation & Biodiversity - KEEP
Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (optional) - Nepal Mountaineering Association
Our Trek Leaders obviously speak the English language but consider this is not our mother language and this enables a HGT traveler to pick up and use a few of the local greetings and get first hand experience of the local culture. The guides and porters know the route direction like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and it shows.
Our operation is smooth as a safety concern; there will be one Leader, one assistance leader and one sherpa porter on each group of two. This ensure if in case one get sick, it would not disturb the itinerary, the trip still running as plan as in itinerary. And please understand that our group start from 2 and maximum it goes up to 10 which is good team to communicate and facilitate in every manner.
Porters Protection: Each trekker is allowed his/her gear bag weighted not exceeding 15kgs/33 pounds that Himalayan Glacier Trekking strongly stand on porters rights and solely against any exploitation on it's operation. And we are closely working with IPPG (International Porters Progress Group)
Responsible tourism practice: Trekking are gently in the Himalayas during the recent days, areas like Everest, Annapurna & Langtang. We therefore do our best to reduce minimal impact on each trip to the mountain and all Himalayan Glacier trips aim for 'zero footprint' impact on the natural environment and the people who live off it's resources. We enforce a number of do's and don'ts for our customers and staff when out in the wilderness. Himalayan Glacier Trekking and Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) had done some clean up campaign in the past and support its other environment awareness activities. read more...
Health & Experience Required
Annapurna Sunrise Trek is very easy walk & relax!; and required 4-6 hours of walking everyday; walking up to Poon Hill will be higher altitudes on your trek. You should be prepared max 10-12 Km of walking or jugging exercise everyday one month before your Annapurna Sunrise Trek starts, even if you do not have this exercise this trek can be done but depends on your age and physical fitness because you aren't walking on difficult zone of Himalayan landscape. You must know what about trekking and experience walking on natural trail.
It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to HG Trekking at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip. Himalayan Glacier reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking your trip.
A Day on your Trek...
Your sherpa knock your door and says 'Good Morning' Bed Tea 'sir' at 6 am in the morning. After a while you will offer a basin of hot water to wash.
A variety of breakfast of many choices according your order, and you are off to trek for more then 3 hours through the forests, hills, mountain and local villages. You will stop at pleasant surroundings for hot lunch for an hour.
You will then walk 3 or more hours, stop for the night rest, you will then offer tea or coffee some light snacks then explore the area with trek leader or relax until dinner is served at the warm dining hall, and many choices of excellent food.
In the evening read or discuss among yourselves or with your crew about your spent days and next day(s). You will then encourage to sing or sang and they will show their traditional dances. Sometime you will spend playing cards and "Penny ante" card games are popular in Nepal, and the crew would love to teach you their 3 card poker-like game, among others. Finally, go to bed which is two-men occupied room and foam mattress for a well deserved night's rest and you will also served with hot water rubber bag to keep you extra warm.
Pre Trip Meeting
Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.
Best Season
Trekking & Climbing Seasons
The best months are September, October & November during the Autumn season March, April & May during the spring season are consider as the best seasons for attempting this walk. The good months are December, January February and okay are June, July, August; and Trekking can be done round the year.
Departure Dates & Price
Additional Information
Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by email. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: US telephone: 704-200-7512 Nepal telephone: 00977-98510-55684
Trip Facts
Price from: US$ 815
Activities:
Trekking & Walking, Cultural Tours & Sightseeing
Trip Duration:
11 days
Trip Grade:
Easy
Altitude:
Lodge to Lodge
Accommodation:
5 nights in four star hotel (3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara); 5 nights in lodges or guest houses
Meals:
All main meals except in Kathmandu and Pokhara
