The 8-day Mulde Viewpoint and Poon Hill Trek is a short but rewarding Himalayan journey through the peaceful forests, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints of Nepal’s Annapurna region. Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this itinerary combines the quiet trail to Mulde Viewpoint with the famous sunrise experience at Poon Hill.
This trek is ideal for travellers who want outstanding views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges but do not have enough time for a longer journey such as the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is also a good alternative for people looking for a less crowded trekking route with comfortable teahouse accommodation and no technical climbing.
The journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, followed by a scenic tourist-bus drive to Pokhara. After spending a relaxing night near Phewa Lake, you travel through beautiful countryside to Ghandruk, one of the most attractive Gurung villages in the Annapurna region.
From Ghandruk, the trail climbs through rhododendron and oak forests towards Tadapani and Dobato. This section of the route is quieter than the main Poon Hill trail, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings in a more peaceful atmosphere. Along the way, you will pass small streams, waterfalls, seasonal buffalo pastures and mountain viewpoints.
The highest point of the trek is Mulde Viewpoint, also known as Muldai Viewpoint, at 3,637 metres. An early-morning hike from Dobato leads to the viewpoint, where you can watch the first sunlight appear over the Himalayan peaks. On a clear morning, the viewpoint offers a wide panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal and several surrounding mountains.
After visiting Mulde Viewpoint, the trek continues through forests and ridges to Ghorepani. The following morning, you can make an additional sunrise hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 metres. Visiting both Mulde Viewpoint and Poon Hill allows you to enjoy two different Himalayan panoramas during one short trek.
The route then descends through rhododendron forests, stone stairways and traditional Magar settlements before reaching Hile. From there, you drive back to Pokhara and later return to Kathmandu.
Peace Nepal Treks operates this journey as a private and customisable trekking package. It is suitable for solo travellers, couples, families, friends and small private groups. We can adjust the itinerary according to your available time, physical condition, preferred walking pace, and other holiday plans in Nepal.
One of the main advantages of this itinerary is the opportunity to visit both Mulde Viewpoint and Poon Hill. Mulde offers a quieter and more peaceful sunrise experience, while Poon Hill is one of Nepal’s most famous Himalayan viewpoints. Together, they provide outstanding views from different locations in the Annapurna region.
The main trails around Ghorepani and Poon Hill can become busy during the popular trekking seasons. The route through Tadapani, Dobato and Mulde is generally quieter. This makes the trek particularly attractive to travellers who prefer peaceful forests, smaller settlements and fewer people on the trail.
The complete itinerary takes eight days from arrival to departure. It includes Kathmandu, Pokhara, traditional mountain villages and several days of trekking. This makes it a practical choice for travellers who want a complete Nepal experience within a limited holiday period.
The journey is a trekking adventure rather than a climbing expedition. You do not need mountaineering skills, ropes or technical equipment. However, you should be physically prepared for long uphill and downhill walks on mountain paths.
The route passes through villages connected with the Gurung and Magar communities. Their traditional houses, farming practices, food, customs and warm hospitality add cultural meaning to the journey. Ghandruk is particularly well known for its Gurung heritage and beautiful stone-built village surroundings.
Large sections of the trail pass through rhododendron and oak forests. During spring, the blooming rhododendrons bring bright colours to the hills. The journey also includes mountain streams, waterfalls, open ridges, terraced fields and peaceful grazing areas.
The route has locally operated teahouses in the overnight villages. Although the accommodation becomes simpler in remote places such as Dobato, trekkers can sleep in proper rooms and enjoy freshly prepared meals. Camping equipment is not normally required.
The Mulde Viewpoint and Poon Hill Trek is suitable for:
This trek may not be suitable for people who have serious knee, heart, breathing or mobility problems without prior medical advice. Some days include long climbs, steep descents and many stone steps.
The Mulde Viewpoint and Poon Hill Trek is considered a moderate trek. No previous climbing experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable walking for approximately five to eight hours on some days.
The trail includes forest paths, stone steps, narrow mountain tracks and continuous uphill and downhill sections. The walk from Ghandruk to Dobato via Tadapani is one of the longer and more demanding days of the itinerary.
Preparing with regular walking, hill climbing, cycling, swimming or cardiovascular exercise for several weeks before travelling will make the experience more enjoyable. Strengthening your legs and knees is especially helpful for the long descents.
The highest point is Mulde Viewpoint at 3,637 metres. Although this is lower than many high-altitude treks in Nepal, travellers can still feel the effects of reduced oxygen. Walking slowly, staying hydrated, eating properly and following the guide’s instructions are important.
The best times for the Mulde Viewpoint and Poon Hill Trek are generally spring from March to May and autumn from September to November.
Spring offers warmer daytime temperatures and colourful rhododendron forests. The mountains are often visible in the morning, although clouds may develop later in the day. This is one of the most attractive seasons for nature lovers and photographers.
Autumn normally brings clear skies, pleasant temperatures and excellent mountain visibility. The landscape is fresh after the monsoon, making this one of the most popular periods for trekking in the Annapurna region.
Winter can provide clear mountain views and quieter trails. However, temperatures around Dobato and Mulde Viewpoint can become very cold, especially during the early morning and at night. Snow may occasionally affect the higher section of the route.
The monsoon season brings green forests, fewer trekkers and beautiful countryside. However, rain, clouds, muddy paths, leeches and possible road delays can make the journey more challenging. Mountain visibility may also be limited.
Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly in every season, so travellers should carry suitable clothing and remain flexible.
The itinerary includes hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara and teahouse accommodation in the mountain villages.
Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara generally provide private rooms with attached bathrooms and standard facilities. During the trek, accommodation is simpler and usually based on twin-sharing rooms.
Ghandruk and Ghorepani offer a wider selection of teahouses. Tadapani and Dobato have fewer choices, and facilities in Dobato are more basic because of its remote location. Hot showers, internet access and battery charging may be available at some teahouses for an additional local fee, but these services cannot always be guaranteed.
Teahouses along the route serve a selection of Nepali and international-style meals. Popular choices normally include:
Dal bhat is particularly popular because it is warm, filling and provides good energy for trekking.
Safe drinking water is available in the villages. Depending on the location, trekkers can purchase boiled or filtered water or use purification tablets in refillable bottles. Carrying a reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste in the mountains.
The trek provides an opportunity to experience the culture of the Gurung and Magar people, two communities closely connected with the Annapurna region.
Ghandruk is famous for its Gurung heritage, stone houses, traditional farming and mountain views. Ghorepani is historically associated with the Magar community and developed as an important stopping place on the old trading route.
Visitors should respect local traditions, ask permission before photographing people and follow their guide’s advice when visiting villages, religious places or private homes.
Mulde Viewpoint is valued for its broad Himalayan panorama and quieter setting. Weather permitting, trekkers may see:
The clearest views are often available around sunrise, before clouds begin forming over the mountains.
Both viewpoints are beautiful, but they offer slightly different experiences.
Poon Hill is more famous, easier to access and often busier during peak trekking seasons. Mulde Viewpoint is higher, quieter and reached through a more peaceful forest trail.
This itinerary includes both places, so travellers do not have to choose between them. Mulde provides the quieter mountain experience, while Poon Hill adds one of Nepal’s classic sunrise viewpoints to the journey.
Peace Nepal Treks encourages every guest to travel responsibly. Trekkers should carry reusable water bottles, avoid leaving waste on the trail, respect local customs and use water and electricity carefully in remote villages.
Staying in locally managed teahouses, hiring local guides and purchasing local products allow tourism income to support mountain communities directly.
Peace Nepal Treks has been organising trekking, climbing and cultural holidays in Nepal since 2004. Our team combines many years of local experience with friendly and personal service.
Our treks are led by experienced and licensed Nepali guides who understand the route, weather, altitude, local culture and mountain environment. They monitor your wellbeing, manage daily arrangements and help you understand the places you visit.
We design our itineraries to provide a suitable balance between walking, rest, sightseeing and cultural experiences. We can also adjust the journey according to your schedule, interests and level of fitness.
Rather than treating every traveller in the same way, we listen to your needs and organise the trek accordingly. Solo travellers, couples, families and private groups can all receive a personalised trekking service.
Your safety and comfort are always important to us. Our guides maintain a sensible walking pace, watch for signs of altitude-related problems and carry basic first-aid supplies. We also help travellers understand the necessary trekking preparation and travel insurance requirements.
We work with local guides, porters, drivers, hotels and teahouses. This helps tourism income remain within Nepal and directly benefits the communities that make Himalayan trekking possible.
The Mulde Viewpoint itinerary can be extended or combined with sightseeing in Kathmandu, additional nights in Pokhara, Chitwan National Park or another trekking destination in Nepal.
Peace Nepal Treks can customise this journey according to:
Contact Peace Nepal Treks to discuss your travel plans. Our local team will help you create a safe, enjoyable and memorable journey through the Annapurna region.
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Peace Nepal Treks will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
After checking in, you can rest and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may also explore the nearby area.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
After an early breakfast, travel to Pokhara by tourist bus. The scenic journey follows winding roads through green hills, river valleys, terraced fields and small countryside settlements.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may relax beside Phewa Lake, explore the Lakeside area or enjoy a peaceful evening with views of the surrounding hills.
Driving time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast, drive through beautiful countryside towards Ghandruk. Along the way, you will pass terraced farmland, rivers and traditional villages. The final part of the road may be rough and bumpy, depending on its condition.
Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung village in the Annapurna region. After arriving, you can explore its stone-paved paths, traditional houses and local museum. On a clear day, the village offers wonderful views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
Driving time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Altitude: Approximately 1,940 m
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghandruk
After breakfast, begin your trek with a steady climb through peaceful rhododendron and oak forests. The trail passes small streams, waterfalls and natural viewpoints before reaching Tadapani, a scenic mountain settlement surrounded by forest.
After a short rest, continue towards Dobato. This quieter section of the trail includes several uphill and downhill paths through dense forests, open ridges and seasonal buffalo pastures. As you climb higher, the views of the Annapurna range become increasingly impressive.
Upon reaching Dobato, check into a simple and welcoming teahouse. Rest well and prepare for the following morning’s sunrise hike to Mulde Viewpoint.
Walking time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Altitude: Approximately 3,420 m
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dobato
Wake up early and hike to Mulde Viewpoint before sunrise. The climb takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. From the viewpoint at 3,637 metres, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
On a clear morning, you may see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal and several other snow-covered peaks.
After enjoying the views and taking photographs, return to Dobato for breakfast. Continue trekking through forests, mountain ridges and stone-paved trails towards Ghorepani. Spend the night in this beautiful Magar village.
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours, including the viewpoint hike
Highest altitude: 3,637 m
Overnight altitude: Approximately 2,874 m
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani
Early in the morning, you may hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 metres. From the top, enjoy another beautiful sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Return to Ghorepani for breakfast and begin descending through rhododendron forests and traditional mountain villages. The trail includes many stone steps, so you should walk slowly and carefully.
After reaching Hile, drive back to Pokhara and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore the Lakeside area.
Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours, plus the Poon Hill hike
Driving time: Approximately 2–3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast, travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Enjoy the changing scenery of rivers, green hills, terraced fields and roadside villages along the journey.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. You can spend the evening relaxing, shopping for souvenirs or exploring the lively streets of the city.
Driving time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time to explore Kathmandu, purchase souvenirs or relax at your hotel.
At the appropriate time, a representative from Peace Nepal Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure.
Your memorable trekking holiday in Nepal ends here. We wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another Himalayan adventure.
(All equipment must be returned after the trek.)
Guests may safely leave city clothes, suitcases and other unnecessary belongings at our office during the trek. We will keep them secure until you return.
Personal expenses such as
Mulde Viewpoint is located above Dobato in Nepal’s Annapurna region. It stands at approximately 3,637 metres and offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
The trek is moderately difficult. It does not require climbing skills, but you should be prepared for several hours of walking each day, including uphill sections and long stone stairways.
Yes. Active beginners with reasonable fitness can complete the trek by walking steadily and allowing enough time for rest. A local guide makes navigation, pacing and daily arrangements much easier.
Yes. An optional sunrise hike to Poon Hill is planned on the morning of Day 6 before descending to Hile. Travellers who prefer more rest may skip this side hike.
In clear weather, the viewpoint offers a wide panorama that may include Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri and Lamjung Himal.
Yes. Peace Nepal Treks can adjust the itinerary according to your available time, group size, walking pace and other travel plans in Nepal.
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Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2026.
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