Mountain Sunrise Tour

This tour is also known as the Ghorepani Educational Trek, a comparatively easy walk winding through villages and rhododendron forests beneath the majestic Himalayan scenery. It is one of the best holiday destinations for school and college students.

This colourful short adventure offers something surprising around every corner, with exciting glimpses of the high mountains and whole horizons opening up as you reach the highest points of your trek. Poon Hill (3,210m) offers one of the best mountain vistas in the region.

This trek reveals some of the most breathtaking views, considered by many to be the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region. Enjoy trekking through spectacular mountain scenery and charming villages inhabited by the Magar and Gurung communities.

Most of the trail passes through incredibly dense rhododendron forests filled with birds, playful langur monkeys, and deep subtropical valleys. All of this lies beneath the Annapurna range, with the picturesque fluted peak of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), or Fishtail, dominating the skyline. You will climb Poon Hill at dawn to witness one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes on Earth.

At the climax of this trek, the sun touches the snow-capped summits of the Himalayan giants—Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m)—along with a network of other peaks that slowly appear like magic before your eyes.

This rewarding educational trek leads you through colourful orchids and offers clear views of splendid mountains that can be enjoyed by every traveller who loves nature and beautiful landscapes. This trip is inspiring for students to learn about preserving nature, promoting tourism, and understanding sustainable tourism development.

The trek requires only a small amount of time and begins either from Phendi or Nayapul, reachable after a short drive from Pokhara. You cannot imagine the magnificence of the sunrise from Poon Hill until you witness it yourself—illuminating the peaks of the entire range and leaving you completely enthralled. The additional presence of rice terraces completes the picture, making it a photographer's paradise. This tour is considered one of the best introductory treks with spectacular views.

TRIP FACTS

Activities: Trekking, walking, sightseeing, cultural tour
Difficulty: Easy
Max Elevation: 3,210m, Poon Hill
Trek/Tour Style: Teahouse
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara / Lodges during trekking
Meals: Full board during trek & breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara
Operation: Hotel/Lodge
Transportation: Comfortable private vehicle/tourist bus
Best Season: Sept–Nov & Mar–May
Trip Length: 12 days

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1,350m)

Upon arrival at the international airport, you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel. Take some rest and enjoy your free afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Premium.

DAY 02: FULL-DAY GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Your tour guide will take you through the historical and spiritual highlights of Kathmandu Valley. This includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, the House of the Living Goddess “Kumari,” Kasthamandap Temple, Bouddhanath (one of the largest stupas in Nepal), and Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), a UNESCO site.

You will also visit Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple, where you can observe rituals along the Bagmati River. Later, visit Patan Durbar Square, famous for its stone crafts, temples, and monasteries.

If time allows, you will also visit Bhaktapur, known as the “Living Museum.” After sightseeing, return to the hotel and prepare for the trek. Overnight at Hotel Premium.

DAY 03: KATHMANDU TO POKHARA DRIVE (6–7 HOURS)

Your team leader will pick you up at 6:00 AM. The scenic drive to Pokhara offers stunning views of mountains, rivers, and rural landscapes. Pokhara, with its beautiful Phewa Lake and Himalayan backdrop, is the perfect starting point for the trek. Overnight at Hotel Confidential.

DAY 04: DRIVE TO NAYAPUL (1 HR 45 MIN) AND TREK TO TIKHEDHUNGA (1,570m)

The trek begins at Nayapul. A short walk brings you to Birethanti, a lively village with shops and teahouses. The trail continues along the Bhurungdi Khola, passing through Hille before reaching Tikhedhunga. Overnight at the teahouse.

DAY 05: TREK TO GHOREPANI (2,840m) – 5–6 HOURS

After breakfast, begin the steep climb to Ulleri (2,070m). From there, the trail gently ascends through oak and rhododendron forests toward Banthanti, then Nangethanti, and finally Ghorepani. Overnight at the lodge.

DAY 06: HIKE TO POON HILL (3,210m) & TREK TO TADAPANI (2,520m)

Start early for a 45-minute climb to Poon Hill, offering an unforgettable sunrise over the Himalayas. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trekking through forests and waterfalls to Tadapani. Overnight at the lodge.

DAY 07: TREK TO GHANDRUK (1,950m) – 3–4 HOURS

After a relaxed morning, descend through dense forests to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. Visit the conservation office, museum, and explore the beautiful village. Overnight at the lodge.

DAY 08: TREK TO NAYAPUL & DRIVE BACK TO POKHARA

A short, easy walk brings you back to Nayapul, where your vehicle will be waiting. Drive back to Pokhara and enjoy the lakeside ambience. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 09: EXPLORE POKHARA VALLEY

Visit Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Devi’s Waterfall, World Peace Pagoda, the International Mountaineering Museum, Tibetan Refugee Camp, and Gupteshwor Cave. Free time for relaxation or shopping. Overnight at Hotel Confidential.

DAY 10: DRIVE BACK TO KATHMANDU (6–7 HOURS)

Drive back to Kathmandu, taking in the scenic views along the way. You may also choose a 30-minute flight for an additional cost. Overnight at Hotel Premium.

DAY 11: FAREWELL & RELAXATION DAY

Enjoy a free day. In the evening, a farewell dinner will be hosted with a Nepali cultural experience. A trip certificate will be provided. Overnight at Hotel Premium.

DAY 12: FINAL DEPARTURE

Free time until your airport transfer. Depart with unforgettable Himalayan memories.

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Accommodation:

– 4 nights in Kathmandu
– 3 nights in Pokhara
– 4 nights in teahouse lodges during trekking

Transportation:

– Airport transfer
– Full-day Kathmandu sightseeing
– Kathmandu–Pokhara flights (for guests)
– Bus transport for Nepali staff
– Pokhara to the trek starting point and return
– Pokhara–Kathmandu flights (for guests)

Trekking:

– English-speaking guide
– Porter
– Staff accommodation, meals & insurance
– Sleeping bag & down jacket
– ACAP permit & TIMS card
– Medical kit

Sightseeing:

– English-speaking guide
– All entrance fees

Meals:

– 11 breakfasts
– 5 lunches (trekking)
– 4 dinners (trekking)
– 2 dinners (welcome & farewell)

Taxes included

PRICE EXCLUSIONS

– International flights
– Cold drinks, mineral water, alcohol, laundry, phone calls
– Tips for guides and porters
– Travel & rescue insurance
– Souvenirs and personal expenses
– Mountaineering gear
– Optional sightseeing or trip extensions