Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots of Annapurna Circuit

How does it feel to begin your trek with a stunning sunrise over white snow-capped peaks? Ethereal right!

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most scenic treks of the Annapurna region, but it isn’t just about the natural abundance of the Himalayas. Trekkers often ask what the good sunrise and sunset spots of Annapurna Circuit are, and the answer is never just one as the region has plenty.

Known for its diverse landscapes, the Annapurna Circuit offers golden views of the rising and setting sun over the snow-capped peaks, which feels magical. From the tallest Khopra ridge to the popular Poon Hill’s sunrise viewpoint, this trekking region has it all.

Let’s dig through the Annapurna Circuit to find the sunrise and sunset spots on this trail!

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 22-day adventure that offers an unparalleled experience of the Himalayas while taking us through lush subtropical forests, diverse landscapes, and high-altitude desert plains. The trek circles the Annapurna Massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), and provides stunning views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchre.

Along the way, we’ll pass through charming villages, interact with various ethnic communities, and immerse ourselves in the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Annapurna Circuit is the perfect trek for those looking to experience the best of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Are there Good Sunrise and Sunset Spots on the Annapurna Circuit?

There is no doubt that the Classic Annapurna Circuit has several scenic viewpoints, but it also has excellent spots for witnessing breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Being a trail that ranges from high mountain passes to subtropical valleys, the Annapurna trek offers numerous sunrise and sunset viewpoints.

Here’s the list of some best sunrise and sunset points of the Annapurna Circuit:

Best Annapurna Circuit Sunrise Viewpoints List

• Poon Hill
• Muldai Viewpoint
• Mohare Danda
• Sarangkot Hill
• Pumdikot Danda

Best Annapurna Circuit Sunset Viewpoints List

• Upper Pisang
• Ngawal
• Muktinath/Jhong Hill
• Marpha
• Manang

Famous Sunrise and Sunset Spots of Annapurna Circuit

Among the numerous viewpoints of the Annapurna circuit, some are infamous for watching the sunrises and sunsets. Some of these are:

Poon Hill View Point

Whenever you are trekking through the Annapurna region, the sunrise view from Poon Hill is a mandatory activity as it comes across the way. Located near the Ghorepani village, this low-steeped hill offers the most rewarding view of Annapurna ranges, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchre, Mount Nilgiri, and other surrounding peaks.

Situated at an elevation of 3210 meters, the Poon Hill View Point offers the close-up sunrise view over the Mount Machhapuchre. When the sun rises, it lights up not only one but a series of mountain ranges including Annapurna I, Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, and Himchuli.

Mardi Himal View Point

The Mardi Himal View point is another iconic sunrise/sunset spots in the Annapurna region. It is located at an elevation of 4200 meters from the sea level and itself is a good peak for trekkers to summit.

Offering one of the best view of Machhapuchre from the closest distance, this view point is less crowded and hence you can enjoy it the most. In fact, it feels like the close-up sunrises over the fishtail are standing face to face.

Muldai Viewpoint

Often called as the hidden Poon Hill, the Muldai Viewpoint is fit for the ones who want more expansive view of Himalayas while witnessing the sunrise. Situated at an elevation if 3637 meters from the sea-level, this sunrise view point offers a sight of more than 20 Himalayan peaks including the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges.

With a moderate level of difficulty, the Muldai Viewpoint is also a fit sunrise point for people with any level of fitness.

Mohare Danda

At an elevation of 3300 meters, the Mohare Danda is very special location in the Annapurna region as it serves as both sunrise and sunset view points. Not just the magical views of ravishing sunsets and heavenly sunrises, the Mohare Danda offers ca good view of Pokhara Valley in a clear weather.

The viewpoint also has a few ecolodges where you can stay for enjoying the sunset in the evening after seeing the view of morning sunrise in the morning.

Pumdikot Danda

Even though it isn’t much popular, the Pumdikot Danda is a newly arising sunrise/sunset viewpoint of the Annapurna region. It exactly doesn’t come inside the trail of Annapurna Circuit trek as it is in Pokhara, the end point of classical Annapurna circuit trek. But, you can still enjoy the sunrise/sunset view over the Annapurna range from the Pumdikot Hill while enjoying your rest day in Pokhara.

From this point, you can also enjoy the view of Fewa lake with backdrops of Annapurna and Macchapuchre mountain. The sunrise over the settlements of Pokhara Valley looks very photogenic.

Sarangkot Hill

The Sarangkot hill is the classic viewpoint for magical sunrises and sunsets in Pokhara over the beautiful Himalayan ranges. It was always a popular point for enjoying the views of the Annapurna region for trekkers.

Visitors often visit this hill for watching the golden hues in the skies early morning and in the evening. In addition, the reflection of the sunrise over Annapurna ranges and Machhapuchre mountain in the Fewa lake is worth experiencing.

Unpopular Sunrise and Sunset Spots on the Annapurna Circuit

Khopra Ridge

The Khopra Ridge actually falls on the extension of the Annapurna circuit trek rather than the main trail. Located at an elevation of 3660 meters, it is, this ridge is actually a hidden gem offering the stunning sights of south face of Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri.

Annapurna Base Camp

There is no doubt the Annapurna Base Camp itself is a one of the best sunrise and sunset spots of the Annapurna region. But it doesn’t fall exactly on the trail of Annapurna circuit rather on the extension of it.

Since it is at an elevation of 4130 meters, it offers unobstructed view of the surrounding peaks like Machhapuchre, Himchuli, Gangapurna, and different peaks of the Annapurna range.

Machhapuchre Base Camp

Your journey to ABC passes through Machhapuchre Base Camp and hence it is not exactly a part of the Annapurna Circuit. However, it is one of the iconic sunrise viewpoint as well as sunset point with an elevation above 3700 meters.

Thorong-La Pass

Known as the highest point in the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Thorong La pass with an elevation of 5416 meters is the best point to watch the dramatic sunrise unfold over the snowcapped mountain peaks.

Since this pass connects the Manang region with Mustang, you can expect to catch sights of different peaks of these regions too.

Manang

Manang is often known as most romantic small town in the Himalayan region to witness the magic of nature and magic of rising and setting sun. With an elevation of 3540 meters, this village gives you the best view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.

Tilicho Lake

Sunrise on the mountain peaks reflecting on the clear waters of one of the highest lake in the world is definitely the most surreal experience. This lake is situated at an elevation of 4919 meters from sea level and hence it is a worthy adventure on its own.

Surises and Sunsets: Beautiful Phases of the Day

Chasing the magic of sunrise and sunsets over the Himalayas is not just an activity but a worthy experience. A set of golden rays while beginning the trek sets your tone for the upcoming adventure.

Whether you aim for the famous spot like Poon Hill or highest peak point at Thorong La pass and Khopra ridge, the sunset glow of afternoon is a perfect rewards post trek. These magical moments recharge you after hours of tiredness while trekking on the challenging trails.

Take you chance to feel alive while catching the moments of Himalayas!