Course Flow
Elevation Profile
A taste of Himalayan viewpoints near Pokhara before committing to the Poon Hill trek. From Sarangkot (1,592 m) watch sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna south wall and Machhapuchhre. Gentle trails suit anyone.
Route by Section
Move from Lakeside to the trailhead by vehicle or on foot.
Village paths and stairs climb to the Sarangkot viewpoint.
The Annapurna south wall, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri spread below.
Return the same way to Pokhara.
Gear
- Light warm layer
- Water & snacks
- Sunscreen
- Cash for cafes
Entry
- No separate permit needed for Sarangkot
- Independent of the Poon Hill trek
- Starts from Pokhara town
Cautions
- Cold mornings
- Monsoon haze
- Slippery stairs
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
The classic introductory Nepal trek: 4–5 days sleeping in teahouses, climbing stair-villages and rhododendron forests to Ghorepani, then greeting sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill (3,210 m). Low altitude-sickness risk makes it accessible to most hikers.
Route by Section
Drive to Nayapul (1.5–2 h) and start trekking. More than 3,000 steps lead up to Ulleri.
Gain altitude through rhododendron forest — in full bloom in spring.
Headlamp up to the Poon Hill platform (3,210 m) — the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri sunrise is unforgettable.
Ridge forest trails lead to Tadapani and down to the Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Descend the valley to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Gear
- Headlamp
- Warm layers (pre-dawn cold)
- Trekking poles
- Water purification tablets
Permits & guide
- ACAP permit required (~NPR 3,000)
- Guide mandatory (since 2023)
- Teahouses $5–10/night
Cautions
- Ulleri stairs
- Pre-dawn cold
- Monsoon leeches & flight delays
Course Flow
Elevation Profile
Extend the Poon Hill trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) over 7–10 days. From Chhomrong the route branches into the glacial valley past Machhapuchhre Base Camp to ABC — proper acclimatization above 3,000 m becomes essential. The complete teahouse-trekking experience.
Route by Section
Walk the standard Poon Hill course through Ghorepani and the sunrise, then move toward Tadapani.
Branch toward ABC at Chhomrong and climb the glacial valley past Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
A short move to Annapurna Base Camp; view the sanctuary in the afternoon light and sleep early.
Watch the ABC sunrise, then start the long descent, recovering at Jhinu hot springs.
Descend from the hot-spring village to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.
Gear
- Sleeping bag (supplement teahouse blankets)
- Full warm set
- Altitude meds (consult a doctor)
- Purification tablets
Permits & guide
- ACAP permit required
- Guide mandatory
- Teahouses bookable on site (reserve in peak season)
Cautions
- Altitude sickness (descent is the cure)
- Winter canyon closures
- Connecting flight delays