Expedition Overview
The sunrise from Poon Hill is the most iconic single image in Nepal — the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, from Dhaulagiri I (8167m) in the west to Manaslu (8163m) in the east, laid out in a single 180-degree panorama as the sky turns from deep indigo to amber and finally blue. The walk to reach it is through what botanists consider the finest rhododendron forest in the Himalaya, with trees up to 30 metres tall and species from white through pink to blood red depending on altitude.
This five-day route is the ideal Nepal photography introduction: high-altitude Himalayan views, forest photography, and Gurung village culture without the altitude risk or logistical complexity of the longer treks. Professor Nasrul Eam has identified seventeen distinct photography positions along this route that produce results well beyond the standard Poon Hill shot.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Nayapul to Ulleri — Stone Steps
From Nayapul the path climbs 3000 stone steps to Ulleri. Traditional Magar and Gurung villages, water mills, and terraced fields in warm afternoon light. The mountains first appear above the ridgeline.
The Goal of the Day: Terraced landscape photography; golden hour village work.
Day 2: Ghorepani — Gateway to Rhododendron Country
Dense rhododendron forest from 2400m to 2800m. In March–April the forest is in bloom at multiple levels simultaneously. Ghorepani village sits at the top of the climb with immediate mountain views from the guesthouse.
The Goal of the Day: Rhododendron bloom photography; forest light at different altitude bands.
Day 3: Poon Hill Sunrise
4:30am departure up the final 45-minute climb to the summit tower. The Annapurna range appears in alpenglow — the sequence from deep blue to gold to full light takes approximately 40 minutes and every minute of it is worth photographing.
The Goal of the Day: The panoramic Himalayan sunrise — the defining shot of the expedition.
Day 4: Tadapani to Chomrong — Annapurna South Close Up
The trail from Ghorepani east to Tadapani passes through the highest and densest part of the forest. From Tadapani, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli are directly in front, almost too large to fit in a wide-angle frame.
The Goal of the Day: Close-proximity mountain photography; scale that defeats normal composition.
Day 5: Ghandruk & Return
Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in Nepal — a working community of stone houses, carved windows, and extraordinary mountain views. Final portrait and street photography session before the walk out to Nayapul.
The Goal of the Day: Gurung community portraiture; urban village photography.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Nayapul is 1.5 hours by taxi from Pokhara. ACAP permit required — expedition arranges. Best season: October–November and March–April.
What to Bring
• Moderate layering — altitude to 3210m only
• 70–200mm for Poon Hill panorama
• Wide-angle for forest work
• Head torch for 4:30am departure
• Rain gear in spring season
