Watch the Sunrise From the Top of Poon Hill

Home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, Nepal is well known internationally as the ultimate mountaineering destination. Moreover, its spectacular scenery and network of trekking trails makes Nepal a popular trekking destination, and no matter what your level of experience you are sure to find a trekking route to suit your needs. The Ghorepani/Poon Hill route is a good option for beginners as it is considered to be relatively easy, but still takes trekkers into some remote and incredibly scenic areas below the Annapurna Mountains, with the distinctive Fish Tail Peak (Machhapuchhare) on the skyline. The route travels through isolated Gurung and Magar villages and spectacular rhododendron forests alive with the sound of birds.

As with most trekking routes in Nepal, the adventure starts in the capital city ofKathmandu, with trekkers traveling between four and five hours by road to Pokhara, where they remain overnight. The following day starts with a drive to Nayapul and a walk along the banks of the river to reach the village of Birethanti. The trail continues along the Bhurungdi Khola river bank before climbing the hillside to Hile (1495m), and thereafter Tikhedhunga (1525m). The pace of the first day of trekking is relatively easy, giving trekkers the opportunity to become accustomed to the experience.

After staying overnight at Tikhedunga, trekkers head for Ghorepani via Ulleri, Banthanti and Nangethanti, with the trail winding through forests of oak and rhododendron. The following morning trekkers rise early to hike up Poon Hill in time to see the sun rise and illuminate the snow-covered peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Fish Tail Peak. At 3210m, this is the highest point of the trek. Following this breathtaking experience, trekkers return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue their journey to Tadapani where they stay overnight. The return journey includes a stop at Ghandrunk village, home to the Gurung ethnic group, and a popular tourist destination. The final day of trekking is easy downhill walking from Ghandrunk to Nayapul, before driving back toPokhara and then Kathmandu.

To view the rhododendron forests in full bloom, the best time for trekking to Poon Hill is in March, and as trekkers will be staying in guest houses along the way, it's possible to travel fairly light. A point worth mentioning is that trekkers are encouraged to bring water purification tablets as an alternative to buying bottled water, as littering with plastic bottles has become a huge problem along Nepal's trekking and mountaineering routes. What you take in, you should be sure to take out.