Looking for a 5 Day Classical Hike in Nepal? Poon Hill Classical Trek is the most rewarding for you with stunning sunirse and Annapurnas!!
Picture yourself waking up on Poon Hill, high above the clouds at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). The air’s chilly, you’re a little groggy, but suddenly—sunrise hits. Snow-capped Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft) light up in blazing orange. It’s wild. If you want to see that for yourself, Haven Holidays Pvt. Ltd. runs a 5-day Poon Hill Classical Trek from Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft), looping back after Ghandruk (2,012 m / 6,601 ft).
Here, you drive out from Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft) to Birethanti (1,025 m / 3,363 ft), and that’s where the adventure starts: moderate trails through blooming rhododendron forests, local Gurung villages, all set inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. And honestly, this trek isn’t just for pros—it’s got the right mix of challenge and ease, so beginners don’t have to worry, but experienced trekkers won’t get bored. Haven Holidays takes care of the nitty-gritty so you can focus on the mountains.
Right from the start, there’s an energy—you drive out, then walk from Birethanti (1,025 m / 3,363 ft) over suspension bridges and past terraced fields until you hit Tikhedhunga (1,540 m / 5,052 ft). The climb gets steeper after that, up to Ulleri (2,070 m / 6,791 ft), with stone paths and endless rhododendrons. The birds are everywhere, and waterfalls spill down the hills. Sure, it works your legs, but it’s a thrill for your camera, too. And it’s easy to settle in at the teahouses, since Haven Holidays makes sure you’ve got friendly guides, safe places to sleep, and meals that actually taste good.
By day two, you push through oak and bamboo up to Ghorepani (2,874 m / 9,429 ft). The trail isn’t as tough as the first day—more gentle slopes, and the views really open up. Villages like Banthanti (2,250 m / 7,382 ft) and Nangethanti (2,460 m / 8,071 ft) break up the walk; you get smiles and waves from the locals, and the air feels fresher as you climb. Excitement just builds for what’s coming next: that crazy sunrise. Nights up here are comfortable, and honestly, the mountain hospitality is a highlight thanks to Haven Holidays’ planning.
More significantly, the sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft) is something else. You get up before dawn, walk the last stretch to the top, and suddenly, everything is glowing—360-degree views of the Himalayas including Annapurnas (Annapurna I: 8,091 m / 26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) and Ganesh Himal (7,422 m / 24,350 ft) in that early light. After soaking it in, the trek drops through thick forests to Tadapani (2,630 m / 8,629 ft). Mist rolls in, waterfalls tumble through the trees, and the trail is alive with birds and flowers. By then, you actually feel different—like you left something ordinary behind. Haven Holidays makes sure you’re safe and that every moment feels special.
Actually, the last leg brings you down to Ghandruk (2,012 m / 6,601 ft), a classic Gurung village. Stone houses, tiny museums, and terraced farms surround you, and you get a real taste of mountain life (plus, homemade food that’s refreshingly good after all that walking). You finish trekking downhill through Syauli Bazaar (1,170 m / 3,839 ft) to Birethanti (1,025 m / 3,363 ft), and the path gets easier as the memories of the peaks linger. Then it’s a drive back to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft), feeling both tired and totally inspired. This route just blends challenge and comfort perfectly.
Ready for it? Booking is simple with Haven Holidays—they sort out permits, guides, accommodation, transportation and all the details. You’ll head home with stories, unreal photos, and a new connection to Nepal. Whether you just want sunrise views or the full trek, the package delivers: real value, safety, and moments you won’t forget. Reach out to Haven Holidays Pvt. Ltd., grab your boots, and let Annapurna do the rest. Your next adventure is waiting
This five-day Poon Hill Classical trek kicks off and wraps up at Birethanti, tracing a scenic loop through the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. You start in Pokhara, sitting at 827 meters, and drive about an hour and a half to Nayapul or Birethanti, ready to tackle the trail. The highest point you’ll reach is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, where you get jaw-dropping views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. The route covers somewhere between 45 and 48 kilometers over five days, with daily walking times ranging from four up to seven hours. On the way to Poon Hill, you climb up via Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani, and then circle back through Tadapani and Ghandruk, a charming Gurung village. You’ll need both ACAP and TIMS permits before setting out, and your best shot at clear skies runs from October to May.
Day one is pretty relaxed. After you leave Pokhara, you drive to Nayapul or Birethanti (1,263 m), and then your trek officially begins along the Modi Khola and Bhurungdi Khola valleys. It’s about 9 to 11 kilometers—four or five hours trekking—past fields, villages, and a couple of classic suspension bridges, ending your day in Tikhedhunga at 1,540 meters. You’ll get your first taste of Himalayan scenery and the mellow riverside atmosphere.
Day two cranks it up a notch and gets your legs working. You’ll hike 10 to 12 kilometers over five or six hours through thick forests, grinding up those endless stone staircases through Ulleri (2,050 m) and Banthanti (2,200 m) until you reach Ghorepani (2,860 m), a lively Magar village right beneath the Annapurna peaks.
Day three starts with an early wake-up and a 45-minute climb up to Poon Hill. The sunrise here is the stuff of legends—gold light spilling across Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Nilgiri—seriously, you won’t want to put your camera away. After snapping a hundred photos, you head back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then you set off for Tadapani, dropping through dense woods and walking seven to eight hours over roughly 12 kilometers to reach 2,630 meters.
Day four is way gentler. It’s a short four-hour walk (just 6.5 kilometers) down through oak and rhododendron forests, with mountain panoramas around every bend, leading you to Ghandruk (1,940 m). This village is famous for its stone houses, local museum, and big views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
On your final day, it’s mostly downhill—eight or nine kilometers through terraced fields and forests, landing back in Birethanti (1,263 m). From here, you hop a ride back to Pokhara. The whole trek balances a moderate physical challenge with rich cultural encounters and world-class scenery, winding between 1,263 meters up to 3,210 meters at the top of Poon Hill. It’s perfect for anyone with decent fitness looking to soak up the magic of the Annapurnas.
Here, the first day of the 5-day Poon Hill Classical trek starts off nice and easy. You leave Pokhara early in the morning, riding in a comfy private car or jeep. The road—about 49 km long—snakes through green hills, terraced fields, and small villages before you roll into Birethanti, about an hour and a half later. The drive itself is smooth, especially between October and May, and you get some great views of the countryside along the way. Birethanti sits right where two rivers meet and marks your entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you’ll stop here to get your trekking permits checked.
From Birethanti, you start walking. The first stretch is a wide, easy trail that follows the Bhurungdi Khola valley. It’s about 9 km to Tikhedhunga, so expect to be on the trail for 4 to 5 hours. The hike isn’t too tough—just a gentle climb, about 277 meters up. You wander through rice terraces and a few Magar and Gurung villages, and cross some classic suspension bridges. Along the way, you’ll catch peaceful riverside scenes, watch locals tending the fields, and maybe spot the distant shapes of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli poking above the valley.
By late afternoon, you reach Tikhedhunga, tucked in among rhododendrons and surrounded by low hills. The village is pretty quiet, and the views, while subtle, hint at the bigger mountains still to come.
For the night, you’ll stay at a teahouse—maybe Chandra Lodge or Tikhedhunga Guest House. Don’t expect luxury: the rooms are simple, usually with two beds and thick blankets, and maybe a bathroom attached if you get lucky. Hot showers are shared, and everyone gathers in a cozy dining hall for filling Nepali dishes like dal bhat. There’s plenty of warmth and hospitality here—plus a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s steeper climb to Ulleri.
I did Everest Base Camp Trek with the team of Himalayan Hymn in February, 2026 and I ended it with amazing experiences. The care and the planning they did proved that Himalayan Hymn is a very professional trekking operator in Nepal.
I cannot wait recommending Himalayan Hymn to anyone who are plannign their Nepal Trip. Go with them and make your trip to Nepal worthwhile.
The Poon Hill Classical Trek was simply incredible. Every day felt special. The early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) was the highlight. The sunrise over Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri was magical. The golden light on Machhapuchhre looked unreal. The trail was well-paced and perfect for short treks. Villages like Ghorepani were charming and peaceful. Our guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. Everything was well organized from start to finish. This short trek gave a complete Himalayan experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Nepal.
This 5-day Poon Hill trek exceeded my expectations. The route from Pokhara was scenic and relaxing. The rhododendron forests were beautiful, especially in spring. The views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli were clear and close. The trek was not too difficult, yet very rewarding. Accommodation and food were better than expected. The sunrise from Poon Hill was unforgettable. It felt like standing above the clouds. The entire trip was smooth and enjoyable. A perfect choice for beginners and nature lovers.
The Poon Hill Classical Trek is ideal for a short adventure. The trail passes through lovely villages and green hills. Ulleri’s stone steps were challenging but fun. The local culture and hospitality were amazing. Watching the sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) was unforgettable. The mountains looked very close and clear. The itinerary was well planned with enough rest time. Our guide shared great insights about the region. Everything felt safe and comfortable. This trek is short, scenic, and truly rewarding. I would love to do it again.