Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges especially when the first sun rays of the day appear.

This 8 days round-trip from Kathmandu is one of the best short treks in Nepal reside in lower foothills that afford the most beautiful views of the Annapurna Himalaya.

The trails start at Nayapul after 1.5 hours drive through the scenic countryside from Pokhara and follow the Jomsom trail for the first two days with overnight stops in Tikedhunga and Ghorepani. The steepest climb up in this route is picturesque Ulleri (2,025m/6,800ft) includes 3,767 steps counted by trekker Lance Hard. From Ulleri, the trail enters lush oak forest crossing numerous streams however there have been robberies and trekkers have been attacked by bandits, so travel in a group. From there it takes 3 hours to Ghorepani, meaning “horse water” once was watering hole for the horse caravans that traveled between Pokhara and Mustang.

On day three, leave before dawn for the hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,478ft) waiting for sunrise with the majestic giants of the Himalayas showed their faces one by one, Machhapuchare, Annapurna II, and the dazzling show white face of Dhaulagiri. Descent to Tadapani after breakfast and day later continues downhill to Ghandruk, a village of stone and slate houses with a colorful Buddhist monastery before reaching our final stop at Nayapul where we can pick up bus/jeep back to Pokhara.