Poon Hill, Nepal: Complete Travel & Trekking Guide

It's 5 AM, the air is freezing, and a line of headlamps winds up a steep forest trail above Ghorepani. At the top, trekkers from every corner of the world huddle together in down jackets, clutching cups of hot tea and waiting in near silence. Then it begins. A faint pink glow touches the summit of Dhaulagiri, spreads across Annapurna, and within minutes an entire wall of Himalayan giants is blazing gold against a deep blue sky. This is Poon Hill, one of the most famous sunrise viewpoints on earth and the highlight of Nepal's most popular short trek. This complete guide from Nepal Trip Services covers everything you need to plan your visit: the mountain panorama, sunrise hike, trekking routes and itineraries, permits, difficulty, best time, accommodation and practical tips.

What Is Poon Hill?

Poon Hill is a scenic hilltop viewpoint at 3,210 metres (10,531 ft) in the Annapurna Conservation Area of western Nepal. It rises just above the mountain village of Ghorepani, northwest of Pokhara, and offers a sweeping 180-degree panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Poon Hill isn't a mountain summit you climb with technical gear; it's a forested ridge-top with a viewing tower and open terraces built for watching the sunrise. Reaching it requires a short multi-day trek, making it one of the most accessible places in Nepal to experience real Himalayan scenery.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Location	Myagdi District, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
Altitude	3,210 m (10,531 ft)
Base Village	Ghorepani (about 2,874 m)
Hike from Ghorepani	About 1.5 km, 45 minutes–1 hour
Nearest City	Pokhara
Trek Name	Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (Annapurna Sunrise Trek)
Trek Duration	3–5 days from Pokhara; 7 days from Kathmandu
Difficulty	Easy to moderate
Permits	ACAP & TIMS Card
Best Time	October–November & March–April
Famous For	Himalayan sunrise, rhododendron forests

How Did Poon Hill Get Its Name?

Poon Hill is really "Pun Hill", named after the Pun, a sub-group of the Magar people. The Pun Magar community has lived in this region for generations, and their name now appears on maps and trekking guides worldwide.

The Poon Hill Mountain Panorama

The view from Poon Hill stretches across more than a dozen peaks, including two of the world's ten highest mountains.

Mountain	Height	What Makes It Special
Dhaulagiri I	8,167 m	World's 7th highest peak and the star of the western view
Annapurna I	8,091 m	World's 10th highest peak
Gangapurna	7,455 m	Visible on clear days to the northeast
Annapurna South	7,219 m	Close and towering above the valley
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)	6,993 m	Sacred peak, officially never summited
Tukuche Peak	6,920 m	Beside Dhaulagiri, above the Kali Gandaki
Nilgiri South	6,839 m	Striking pyramid-shaped summit
Hiunchuli	6,441 m	Sharp peak beside Annapurna South

The Kali Gandaki Gorge

Between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna lies the Kali Gandaki Gorge, often described as the deepest gorge in the world. From Poon Hill, you can see the vast valley dividing these two 8,000-metre giants, a powerful reminder of the Himalayas' scale.

The Poon Hill Sunrise Experience

The Sunrise Hike

Detail	Information
Start Point	Ghorepani
Distance	About 1.5 km one way
Elevation Gain	About 325 m
Time Uphill	45 minutes – 1 hour
Trail	Steep stone steps through rhododendron forest
At the Top	Viewing tower, open terraces, seasonal tea stalls

Approximate Sunrise Times

Season	Sunrise	Leave Ghorepani
Spring (Mar–May)	5:30 – 6:15 AM	4:30 – 5:00 AM
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)	5:15 – 5:40 AM	4:15 – 4:30 AM
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	5:50 – 6:30 AM	4:45 – 5:15 AM
Winter (Dec–Feb)	6:30 – 7:00 AM	5:15 – 5:45 AM

Sunrise Tips

• Arrive 20–30 minutes early; the best colours appear before the sun rises.
• Dress warmly; it's often near or below freezing at the top.
• Bring a headlamp for the dark forest trail.
• Stay after sunrise; golden light on Dhaulagiri and Annapurna lasts a while.
• Be patient; morning mist often clears shortly after dawn.

Poon Hill Trek Routes

There's no road to Poon Hill, so every visitor treks. The most popular route is a loop from Pokhara.

Route	Direction	Highlights
Nayapul → Tikhedhunga → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Ghandruk	Clockwise	Famous Ulleri stone steps first, Gurung culture at the end
Ghandruk → Tadapani → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Ulleri → Nayapul	Anti-clockwise	Gentler start, descending the stone steps at the end
Pokhara → Ulleri (jeep) → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Ghandruk	Short clockwise	Skips the stone steps, saves time
Beni → Tatopani → Ghorepani → Poon Hill	From the west	Part of longer Annapurna treks with hot springs

Sample Poon Hill Itineraries

3 Days from Pokhara (Short & Fast)

1. Pokhara → Ulleri (jeep) → Ghorepani
2. Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani
3. Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara (jeep)

4–5 Days from Pokhara (Classic)

1. Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga
2. Tikhedhunga → Ulleri → Ghorepani
3. Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani
4. Tadapani → Ghandruk
5. Ghandruk → Pokhara

7 Days from Kathmandu (Our Recommended Trip)

1. Arrival in Kathmandu
2. Drive to Pokhara
3. Drive to Ulleri and trek to Ghorepani
4. Poon Hill sunrise and trek to Tadapani
5. Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara
6. Return to Kathmandu
7. Departure

How Difficult Is the Poon Hill Trek?

The Poon Hill Trek is graded easy to moderate, making it ideal for beginners.

Factor	Details
Max Altitude	3,210 m (low altitude-sickness risk)
Daily Walking	4–7 hours
Toughest Section	Stone steps to Ulleri and the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill
Technical Skills	None required
Suitable For	Beginners, families, active seniors

Preparation tip: Regular walks, stair climbing and light cardio for 4–6 weeks before the trek will make a big difference.

Permits & Entry Fees

Poon Hill is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you'll need:

Permit	Cost (Foreign Nationals)
ACAP	NPR 3,000
TIMS Card (via agency)	NPR 1,000
Poon Hill viewpoint fee	Small local fee, paid at the top

Under current rules, foreign trekkers must trek with a licensed guide in this region. Your trekking company arranges permits in advance.

Best Time to Visit Poon Hill

Season	Months	Views	Highlights
Autumn	September – November	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Clearest skies, best sunrise views
Spring	March – May	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Blooming rhododendrons, warm days
Winter	December – February	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Crisp views, quiet trails, cold nights
Monsoon	June – August	⭐⭐	Green landscapes, frequent clouds and rain

Best overall: October–November for views, March–April for rhododendrons.

Weather at Poon Hill

Season	Sunrise Temperature at Poon Hill (Approx.)
Spring	-3°C to 5°C
Monsoon	6°C to 10°C
Autumn	-2°C to 4°C
Winter	-10°C to -3°C

Always dress in warm layers for the sunrise hike, regardless of season.

Where to Stay for Poon Hill

There's no accommodation on Poon Hill itself. Trekkers stay in Ghorepani, which has many teahouses and lodges just below the viewpoint.

• Rooms: Simple twin-sharing rooms with beds and blankets
• Facilities: Shared or attached bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging (often for a small fee)
• Dining: Warm communal halls serving dal bhat, momo, pasta, soups and bakery treats

Other overnight stops on the trek include Ulleri, Tikhedhunga, Tadapani and Ghandruk.

What to Pack for Poon Hill

• Warm down jacket, fleece and thermal layers
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Warm hat and gloves
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Broken-in trekking boots
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag (-5°C to -10°C)
• Reusable water bottle and purification tablets
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm
• Camera, power bank and spare batteries
• Cash in Nepalese rupees (no ATMs on the trail)

Photography Tips at Poon Hill

• Wide-angle lens for the full panorama
• Zoom lens for individual peaks like Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre
• Tripod for low-light shots before sunrise
• Keep batteries warm in an inner pocket
• Claim your spot early in peak season
• Shoot the forest too: rhododendrons and mist make beautiful foregrounds

Other Great Viewpoints Nearby

• Tadapani: Close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South
• Ghandruk: Panoramic views from a traditional Gurung village
• Deurali Ridge: Scenic high trail between Ghorepani and Tadapani
• Mohare Danda & Muldai Viewpoint: Quieter alternatives with similar panoramas

Extend Your Poon Hill Trek

• Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m): Continue from Tadapani via Chhomrong into the Annapurna Sanctuary
• Mardi Himal: A ridge trek with close views of Machhapuchhre
• Khopra Danda: Off-the-beaten-path ridge and lake trek
• Tatopani Hot Springs: Descend west to relax in natural hot pools
• Chitwan & Lumbini: Add jungle safari or cultural touring after the trek

Practical Travel Tips

• Walk slowly, especially on stone steps and the sunrise climb.
• Stay hydrated and eat well to keep your energy up.
• Carry cash; teahouses rarely accept cards.
• Bring a power bank, as charging can cost extra.
• Respect local culture and ask before photographing people.
• Give way to mules by standing on the uphill side of the trail.
• Pack out rubbish and avoid single-use plastic.
• Get travel insurance covering trekking and helicopter rescue.

Explore More with Nepal Trip Services

Poon Hill is the perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking. Experience it on our 7-day Poon Hill Trek, or explore more adventures in the Annapurna Region, including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Design your own journey with our Trip Planner.

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Poon Hill, Nepal: FAQs

1. Where is Poon Hill located?

Poon Hill is in Myagdi District of western Nepal, inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. It sits just above the village of Ghorepani, northwest of Pokhara. The viewpoint lies between the Kali Gandaki and Modi Khola valleys. It's reached on the popular Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

2. What is the altitude of Poon Hill?

Poon Hill stands at 3,210 metres (10,531 ft) above sea level. It's the highest point of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The base village of Ghorepani is about 2,874 metres. The altitude is moderate, so serious altitude sickness is uncommon.

3. Why is it called Poon Hill?

Poon Hill takes its name from the Pun, a sub-group of the Magar people who live in the area. The original name is "Pun Hill", which later became "Poon Hill" in English spelling. The Pun Magar community has lived here for generations. Many still run teahouses in Ghorepani today.

4. What mountains can I see from Poon Hill?

From Poon Hill, you can see Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. Two of these, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, are among the world's ten highest mountains. You can also see the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The view is clearest in the early morning.

5. How long does it take to hike to Poon Hill from Ghorepani?

The hike takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour uphill. The trail is steep, with stone steps through rhododendron forest. Coming back down to Ghorepani takes around 30–40 minutes. Most trekkers return for breakfast before continuing their trek.

6. How many days does the Poon Hill Trek take?

The trek usually takes 3–5 days from Pokhara, or about 7 days including travel from and to Kathmandu. The shortest version drives to Ulleri and completes the loop in 3 days. Longer versions include Tikhedhunga, Tadapani and Ghandruk at a relaxed pace. Itineraries can be customised to suit your schedule.

7. Is the Poon Hill Trek difficult?

The Poon Hill Trek is graded easy to moderate. It involves 4–7 hours of walking per day, with steep stone steps and some uphill climbs. No technical skills are needed. Anyone with average fitness can complete it with a steady pace.

8. Is Poon Hill suitable for beginners and families?

Yes, Poon Hill is one of the best treks in Nepal for beginners and families. The moderate altitude, short duration and comfortable teahouses make it very accessible. Children with walking experience and active seniors often complete it successfully. The pace can be adjusted to suit your group.

9. What is the best time to visit Poon Hill?

The best times are autumn (September–November) for clear skies and spring (March–May) for blooming rhododendrons. Winter offers crisp, clear views but cold nights. The monsoon (June–August) often brings clouds, rain and leeches. October and November are the most popular months.

10. What permits do I need for Poon Hill?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. ACAP costs NPR 3,000, and the TIMS card costs NPR 1,000 through an agency. A small local fee is also collected at the Poon Hill viewpoint. Your trekking company can arrange permits in advance.

11. Can I trek to Poon Hill without a guide?

Under current rules, foreign trekkers are required to trek with a licensed guide in the Annapurna region. A guide handles permits, route-finding and safety. They also share insights into local culture and nature. Trekking with a guide makes the experience easier and more rewarding.

12. Is there accommodation on Poon Hill?

No, there is no accommodation at the top of Poon Hill. Trekkers stay in Ghorepani, just below the viewpoint, which has many teahouses and lodges. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with meals, hot showers and Wi-Fi available. Booking ahead is useful in peak seasons.

13. How cold is Poon Hill at sunrise?

Poon Hill is cold at sunrise year-round. In winter, temperatures can drop to around -10°C, while spring and autumn mornings are usually around freezing. Wind can make it feel even colder. Wear a down jacket, hat and gloves for the sunrise hike.

14. Will I get altitude sickness at Poon Hill?

The risk is low because Poon Hill is only 3,210 metres and you don't sleep at that altitude. Some trekkers may feel mild symptoms such as headache or breathlessness. Walking slowly, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol help prevent issues. Inform your guide if symptoms appear.

15. Can I combine Poon Hill with Annapurna Base Camp?

Yes, Poon Hill combines perfectly with the Annapurna Base Camp trek. From Tadapani, the route continues to Chhomrong and into the Annapurna Sanctuary. This adds several days but offers both the Poon Hill sunrise and close-up views of the Annapurna massif. It's one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal.

Final Thoughts

Poon Hill proves that you don't need weeks of trekking or extreme altitude to experience the magic of the Himalayas. In just a few days, you'll walk through rhododendron forests, stay in welcoming Magar and Gurung villages, and stand on a ridge as the rising sun lights up Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. It's a moment of pure wonder that has made Poon Hill one of the most loved trekking destinations in the world.

Go slowly, dress warmly, wake early and let the mountains do the rest. Whether it's your first trek or your tenth, Poon Hill delivers views and memories that stay with you forever. For a safe, well-organised adventure with experienced local guides, Nepal Trip Services is here to help you plan the perfect Poon Hill journey.