Overview
Poon Hill is a viewpoint at 3,210 m above the village of Ghorepani, reached by a trek of four to five days from Nayapul, near Pokhara. The path climbs a long staircase of stone steps through rhododendron forest, past Gurung villages and terraced hillsides.
The reward is a pre-dawn climb to the top, where sunrise lights up Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. It is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal, and suits first-time trekkers who want a high mountain view without a long expedition.
Highlights
- Sunrise from Poon Hill over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Rhododendron forests, especially in spring
- Gurung villages such as Ghandruk and Tadapani
- Teahouse stays with views along the trail
Best time to visit
March to May has blooming rhododendrons and warm days, and October to November has the clearest air. December and January are cold, with snow possible at Ghorepani. Summer monsoon months bring rain, leeches and cloud.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Good
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Good
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Good
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Pokhara (PKR) from Kathmandu, or take a bus. From Pokhara, a taxi or bus to Nayapul takes about 1.5 hours, and the trek begins on foot or by jeep to Ulleri. The standard loop takes four to five days. Permits for the Annapurna Conservation Area are needed.
What to expect
Moderate. The long staircases to Ulleri and Ghorepani are steep, and the pre-dawn climb is cold. The trail is well made, with teahouses every few hours. No technical experience is needed, but good boots and warm clothes are.
Practical tips
- Start the Poon Hill climb about an hour before sunrise with a head torch.
- Pack a warm layer and gloves for the cold summit.
- Check permit and fee requirements for the Annapurna Conservation Area before you go.
- Book rooms ahead in Ghorepani during the October and March peaks.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Poon Hill trek?
It is a moderate trek, with steep stone steps and some long days. First-time trekkers can do it if reasonably fit.
Do I need a guide?
Not strictly, as the trail is well marked, but many people hire a guide or porter for convenience.
When is the sunrise clearest?
Usually in October and November, and on cold, dry mornings in March.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Gerd Eichmann (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
