If there is a place in Nepal where the Himalayas in Poonhill feel nearly within reach, then it’s Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters above sea level.
This beautiful ridge offers the most majestic 360° view of the Poon Hill Himalayas, including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (known as Fishtail) and all other peaks of the Annapurna range reflecting Scarlet and Gold in the morning sun.
So, what makes it feel special?
You don’t need to be an experienced climber or withstand the extreme altitude to see the view.
The short poonhill trek, from Ghorepani village, will give you one of the most famous sunrises of any trekking in Nepal; the peaks simply transition from silver to gold.
Pro Tip: Be at your viewing point at least thirty minutes before sunrise. You will see Dhaulagiri to the left, Annapurna South just ahead and Machapuchare shining like a knife to your right, perfectly geometrically spaced like the textbook definition of Nepal’s most iconic mountains.
Whether you are planning your poonhill trekking route or daydreaming of Nepal’s Himalayas, Poon Hill offers you the cinematic moment from visiting the Himalayas that you have always dreamed about.
Check out our 6-day GhorePani Poonhill trek package to know the full details.
Why Poon Hill Should be on Every Himalayan Bucket List
Ask any trekker where they feel the most alive in the Himalaya in Poonhill and it will always be Poon Hill.
Dawn doesn’t break at Poon Hill; it erupts.
The sky is on fire with orange hues, the air chills your breath and the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machapuchare burn a molten gold.
But it’s not all about the sunrise or sunset; the poon hill Himalayas are the perfect introduction to the spirit of trekking in Nepal, where mountain majesty meets cultural warmth.
Poon Hill is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area and offers travelers a front-row seat to the world’s most dramatic mountain theater, without the treacherous altitude of Everest or the long days of the Annapurna Circuit.
You’ll trek through misty forests, along stone-paved trails and into smiling Gurung villages that still serve avid hikers hot steaming dal bhat.
Did you know? From Poon Hill, you can see over twenty Himalayan peaks in one sweep, including two of the world’s eight-thousand-meter giants.
If you’re new to trekking in Nepal, this is the place you start.
And the best part is that you can easily connect these short and scenic treks to longer adventures such as the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Connect with Nepal Base Camp Treks and experience trekking in Poonhill in a way that you will remember for a lifetime.
An Overview of the Annapurna Region
The Annapurna Region guides you to the wonders of Nepal.
It is Nepal’s most varied trekking zone, composed of snow peaks, tropical valleys and colorful Gurung villages all secluded in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
You experience off the beaten path as you walk through a layered landscape of nature, culture and altitude.
Trekkers will be rewarded with drama and beauty as soon as they reach Poon Hill: Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri lie in front of them and stretch beyond the horizon.
It is a perfect snapshot of what the greater Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks will offer, but will only take you a few incredible days.
Fun Fact: There are more than 100,000 people who live within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is the largest protected area in Nepal, encompassing over 7,600 sq. km of fertile land and rugged mountains.
| Area Name | Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) |
| Peaks | Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) |
| Famous Treks | Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit |
| Average Days | 3-6 days |
| Elevation (range) | 1,000 m (Pokhara) – 3,210 m (Poon Hill) |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) + TIMS Card |
| Best Seasons | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) for clear views |
| Major gateways | Nayapul, Kimche or Pokhara |
Sunrise Views at Poon Hill
People travel to see one of the most beautiful mornings in Nepal for a reason.
Long before the sun comes up, trekkers leave their tea houses in Ghorepani, head lamps flickering on, boots crunching over stone staircases.
The climb is short, roughly 45 minutes to an hour, but the altitude makes every breath feel heavy.
Then, in a blink, you come over the open ridge. The world feels still, limitless and cold.
A moment passes.
A sad little glow creeps across the horizon.
The light strikes Dhaulagiri first, then Annapurna South and finally Machapuchare – bringing the poon hill Himalayas to life from shadow to flame.
In the next blink of an eye, the horizon is blazing alive – 20 or so snow peaks glowing in the morning gold and pink.
Quick tip: If spring or autumn time is your time to go, leave Ghorepani by 4:45 a.m. and a little earlier in the winter months. The sun rises between 5:30-6:00 a.m., so you’ll want to be there at least 30 minutes before to find your spot.
Poon Hill is possibly the shortest trek to a sunrise ever, but it feels larger than life.
You easily identify Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri and of course, the Fishtail Mountain (Machapuchare) – the crowning jewel of trekking in Nepal.
Organizing Your Poonhill Trek: Routes, Duration & Difficulty
As with many things in life, the real reward comes after effort and climbing quite a few stairs.
We can discuss your trek on Poonhill and with good preparation, you can make the difference between the trek feeling like a tiring climb or a beautiful adventure.
Let’s get you prepared for what to expect, from start to summit at an elevation of 3,210 m.
Main Trek Routes
| Treks | Duration | Trekking Route | Best For |
| Classic Ghorepani PoonHill Ghandruk trek | 4-5 Days | Nayapul → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Ghandruk → Pokhara | First-time trekkers wishing to ‘do it all.’ A beautiful mix of mountain views, Gurung villages and rhododendron forests |
| Short Poon Hill Trek | 2-3 Days | Nayapul → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → return the same way | Travelers in a jam or want a quick escape from Pokhara into the Himalayas |
| Extended Route to Annapurna Base Camp | 7-9 Days | Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Chhomrong → Annapurna Base Camp | Potential trekkers who wish to see the sunrise at Poon Hill and go on a deeper adventure in the Annapurna region |
Trek Difficulty and Altitude Factors
Even with all the impressive views of the poon hill himalayas, the altitude of the Poonhill trek is very manageable.
At a height of just above 3,200 meters, it is only considered moderate in difficulty, with sufficient challenge to be rewarding, but safe enough for slow, first-time trekkers.
Highest point: Summit of Poon Hill – 3,210 meters
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,200 meters from Ghorepani
Hours of walking/day: 4-6 hours
Trail type: Consists of stone stair steps, paths through forest and ridgelines
You may feel the altitude on the last ascent; however, serious altitude sickness is rare.
However, it is always sensible to go at your own pace and to ignore time!
If you have hired a guide and/or a porter, they will help you to manage your ascent, hydration and rest stops safely.
Best Season and Poonhill Weather
For our purposes and perspective of viewing the mountains, timing is everything!
Poonhill weather changes quickly, but we have basically two seasons that provide clear skies to enjoy amazing sunrises and incredible views:
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
| Spring | March to May | Rhododendron flowers blooming, mild days, colorful landscapes |
| Autumn | September to November | Beautifully clear skies and perfect temperatures |
| Winter | December to February | Crisp air, snowy ridges and colder mornings |
| Monsoon | June to August | Green forest, but heavy rain and clouds |
The day before your hike, check the forecasts, as it can quickly become misty at Poonhill after sunrise.
Scenic Highlights of Poonhill Trek
The Poon Hill Himalayas offer some of the most incredible scenery in Nepal.
This trek is a unique, short, but scenic trek around the Himalayas.
You get the full experience from mountain views, beautiful forests and the friendly people, all within a few days of easy trekking in Nepal.
You will feel fulfilled on every step from your first village to your last view from Poon Hill.
Panoramic views of the Mountains: Annapurna & Dhaulagiri.
When travelers come to the Himalayas in Poonhill, the view is the reason why it does not disappoint them.
At sunrise, you will witness a colorful light reflecting at Poon Hill Himalayas, such as Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri range.
From the viewing point, you can see:
Dhaulagiri (8167 meters) – the 7th highest mountain in the world.
Annapurna I (8091 meters) and Annapurna South (7219 meters) – glowing light golden in early morning sun.
Machapuchare (Fishtail, 6993 meters) – a sacred, dramatic rock and perfectly shaped.
You can see Hiunchuli, Nilgiri and other snowy ridges stretching across the horizon.
This is one of the best panoramic views of any trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
And that is the Poon Hill Trek’s uniqueness, a short trek but filled with absolute beauty.
Rhododendron Forests and Nature Trails
You will walk through one of Nepal’s largest collections of rhododendron forests as you trek to Poon Hill.
In spring, colorful hills bloom with red, pink and white flowers, which adds vibrancy to your adventure.
This natural corridor in the Annapurna Conservation Area hosts more than 1,200 plant species, making every step alive.
The hike to Poon Hill also winds through sequences of oak, pine and bamboo forests, providing valuable shade and breezy freshness along your trek.
The sound of birds singing, the freshness of the cool air and the smell of damp earth create a tranquil trail and perfect getaway from the city.
Tea Houses and Local Village Life
The trail opens up every few hours into small Gurung and Magar villages, where charming tea houses present you with the hospitality, warmth and simplicity of life in mountain villages.
You will be able to rest, eat dal bhat, converse with the locals and wonder at the snow-capped peaks right outside your window.
Villages such as Ulleri, Ghorepani and Ghandruk add their own flavour to the poon hill trek – and they blend mountain culture, hospitality and comfort.
Common tea house experience:
Spotlessly clean, warm beds and blankets.
Home-cooked meals; generally, dal bhat, soup or noodles are usually on the menu.
Evening campfires and plenty of hot ginger tea.
Solar-powered charging stations are generally available.
Unparalleled setting from its terrace; the beauty of the poon hill himalayas.
Local Tip: By supporting family-owned tea houses, your stay directly helps to support local communities and to sustain trekking in Nepal.
Tips for an Enjoyable and Safe Poon Hill Trek
Although the Poon Hill trek can be done in a short span of a couple of days, you will feel more at ease, safe and you will cherish this trek for a long time if you are adequately prepared.
Gear and Essentials
You need to think of a light and smart Poonhill Trek packing list as the basis for having a fun trek.
Weather in the poon hill himalayas can change quickly and focus on layering the essentials, not bulk.
Clothes
- Lightweight trekking pants and a warm jacket
- Quick-dry t-shirts and base layers
- A down jacket for early morning Poon Hill viewing (3,210 m)
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Rain jacket or poncho (especially for Spring, monsoon)
Shoes/Footwear & Gear
- Good quality, comfortable trekking shoes with ankle support
- Trekking poles to help with steep stairs near Ullerei
- Small pack 25-35L for daily essentials
- Headlamp for early morning ascents to arrive at Poon Hill for sunrise.
- Water bottle, tablets to purify water.
- Sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen
Other Essentials
- Power bank or solar charger
- Personal first aid kit and some basic medicines
- Toiletries and wet wipes.
- Snacks (chocolate, energy bars, nuts).
- A copy of permits (ACAP and TIMS).
Altitude Management and Staying Healthy
The poon hill trek altitude (3,210 m) is safe for most trekkers, but pacing is key.
The ascent from Ulleri to Ghorepani is steep and therefore you need to take breaks frequently and drink plenty of water.
Altitude Safety Tips:
- Drink 2–3 liters of drinking water daily
- Walk slowly by enjoy the trekking routes instead of racing
- Sleep and stay warm
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke at high altitude
- Listen to your guide and porter; they will know proper management during rest stops
Navigating the Trail and Local Culture
The trekking routes to Poon Hill are clear and well-marked; however, it’s safer and easier if you hire a local guide and porter, especially in fog/bad weather.
They will also help you with permits, tea house bookings and discussing local culture and traditions.
Cultural Etiquette for Trekkers:
- Say “Namaste” when you meet a local person — it shows respect.
- Dress modestly in villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruck.
- Always ask if it is okay to take a photo of someone.
- Eat local food at tea houses for your meals and support the livelihood of the local people.
- Do not litter — this is especially important in the Annapurna Conservation Areas and trek routes.
Combining Poon Hill With Other Treks in Nepal
More than just a viewpoint, the Poon Hill Himalayas make an excellent launching point for many other famous treks in Nepal.
As a short trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Poon Hill easily connects with longer, more scenic treks such as the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Popular Combination Treks
| Trek Option | Duration | Highlights |
| Poon Hill + Annapurna Base Camp | 7-9 Days | Experience the Poon Hill sunrise images and then trek into Annapurna South and the glacier valley at Base Camp |
| Poon Hill + Annapurna Circuit (Short Section) | 10-12 Days | Continue trekking across high passes, through rhododendron forests, and into mountain villages |
| Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tadapani-Pokhara Loop | 5-6 Days | Enjoy local tea houses, forest trails, and stunning Himalayan Arch views |
Note: Pokhara is the starting point for all the above-mentioned treks, the gateway to the poon hill trekking region.
Day Treks and Short Hikes from Poon Hill
If you are not able to do a complete expedition, you can experience some day trek opportunities from Ghorepani or nearby villages:
- Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill: An iconic short trek, a hike up the hill requires only a 45-minute early morning climb to the viewpoint.
- Ghorepani to Ghandruk Day Hike: The hike is beautiful, as you will trek through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages and fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
- Ulleri–Banthanti–Nangethanti Trail: A relatively easy trekking trail that is perfect for beginner trekkers looking for quieter walks in nature.
Shorter treks like these are a fantastic way to experience the poon hill himalayas without going on longer treks. It is great for families or casual trekkers!
FAQS
What is the duration of the Poon Hill trek?
The Poon Hill trek takes 4-6 days from Nayapul, which is near Pokhara.
It lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area and is considered one of the simplest short treks in Nepal.
What can I view from the Poon Hill Himalayas viewpoint?
You will see Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare (Fishtail) all illuminated from sunrise at the top..
Do I need a guide and porter?
Yes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is safer and easier if you take a guide and porter.
They will assist with navigation, and permits, and at local tea houses, so you can experience a worry-free trekking journey.
When is the optimal time to trek to Poon Hill?
The best months to trek to Poon Hill are March to May and September to November.
Expect clear skies, mild weather and blooming rhododendrons within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Can I pair Poon Hill with other treks?
Yes! You can extend your trek to Poon Hill toward Annapurna Base Camp or even the Annapurna Circuit for once in a lifetime long trek through the Himalayas.
Conclusion
Standing at the top of Poon Hill Himalayas and watching the very first light touch Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri, you see why this view is so famous.
The trek to Poon Hill is not an extensive one, but it has everything in it that makes trekking in Nepal so memorable.
It offers quiet paths, welcoming villages and those mountain sunrises you can never delete from your mind.
Whether you take the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek or connect it with the Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, it has it all and gives a full experience of being in the Himalayas, in the scenic Annapurna Conservation Area.
Simple, scenic and full of wonder – The Poon Hill trek is the most loved short adventure in Nepal.
If you’re ready to experience the sunrise that will define the Himalayas for you, let Nepal Base Camp Treks assist you, and leave the work to us.
We will set you up with guides and porters, permits and tea houses on your behalf, all you will have to do is walk, breathe and take in the spirit of the mountains.
Book your Poon Hill trek today and be welcomed by the first morning light of the Himalayas.
