What is Poon Hill?

Poon Hill is a viewpoint at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It’s renowned for offering spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas, including Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other surrounding peaks.

It is the highlight of the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek, a short and relatively easy hike perfect for beginners, families, and travelers short on time.

 Location and Region

• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area, Gandaki Province

• Starting Point: Nayapul or Tikhedhunga (accessible from Pokhara)

• Highest Point: Poon Hill – 3,210 meters

• Nearby Villages: Ghorepani, Ulleri, Tikhedhunga, Tadapani, Ghandruk

Trek Overview

Highlights:

• Iconic sunrise over the Himalayas

• Stunning views of over 20 snow-capped peaks

• Rich Gurung and Magar culture

• Walk through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages

• Accessible teahouse trek — no camping needed

 Duration:

• Typically 3 to 5 days, depending on the route and pace

 Difficulty:

• Easy to Moderate

• No prior trekking experience required

• Suitable for children and older travelers

 Suggested Itinerary (5 Days)

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m)
Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, trek to Tadapani
Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk (beautiful Gurung village)
Day 5: Trek down to Nayapul, drive back to Pokhara

Optional: Reverse route or shorten to 3 days by skipping Tadapani/Ghandruk.

 Poon Hill Sunrise Experience

The pre-dawn hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. At the top:

• A panoramic 360° view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges

• Changing colors of the peaks as the sun rises – truly breathtaking!

• Observation platform with viewing towers and signboards

• Warm chai or coffee available from small stalls at the top

Accommodation and Food

• Teahouses available in every village (basic but comfortable)

• Western and Nepali meals: dal bhat, pasta, pancakes, momos

• Carry some snacks and water purification tablets for convenience

 Packing Essentials

• Warm clothes (even in spring/summer, mornings are cold)

• Headlamp (for the early morning Poon Hill climb)

• Comfortable trekking boots

• Trekking poles, rain jacket, water bottle

• Basic first aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm

 Permits Required

You’ll need two permits:

1. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – approx. NPR 2,000

2. ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) – approx. NPR 3,000

Both can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu before starting the trek.

 Best Time to Visit

Ideal Seasons:

• Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons in full bloom

• Autumn (October–November): Clear skies and best mountain views

 Avoid:

• Monsoon (June–August): Slippery trails, leeches, poor visibility

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Possible snowfall, but still accessible for most

 Photography Tips

• Carry a telephoto lens for mountain close-ups

• Tripod for low-light sunrise shots

• Wide-angle lens for panoramic landscapes

• Capture villages and forest trails along the way for cultural contrast

Fun Facts

• Poon Hill is named after the Poon Magar community that inhabits the area

• Despite its modest elevation, the viewpoint offers Himalayan vistas usually seen from higher, more strenuous treks

• Considered one of the best short treks in the world

 Conclusion

The Poon Hill Trek offers a perfect Himalayan adventure without the time or altitude demands of longer routes like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. It’s ideal for anyone looking for:

• Breathtaking mountain views

• Immersive cultural experiences

• A manageable, beginner-friendly trek

Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or a first-time trekker, Poon Hill delivers unforgettable memories with minimal effort — truly one of Nepal’s most rewarding experiences.