Poon Hill Trek: The Ultimate Hike to a Million Dollar View

Why do we like to go to the mountains so much? Fresh air is most likely one of them. Also, it’s a great environment for exercise. On top of most people’s list of reasons to go to the mountains is probably the mountain views. There’s something irresistible about the sight of something so wild and beyond reach filling the horizon. The most iconic mountain views in the world include the Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Italian Dolomites, the Cuernos del Paine in Chilean Patagonia and of course the view of Mount Everest from Kalapathar. In that same list of epic views is Poon Hill, an elevated hilltop that looks out on the spectacular Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

How do you reach Poon Hill? As with all Annapurna treks, the main hub for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is Pokhara. The trailhead at Nayapul is less than two hours from the city. The first stage is a good warm up, with charming villages and woodlands along the way. The vertical gain is fairly modest. The climb to Ghorepani on the second day is a tough one with lots of elevation gain. On day 3 the ascent of Poon Hill is on the program. It starts pre-dawn in order to be at the summit for its famous sunrise with the Annapurnas in the background. From Ghorepani, Bookatrekking.com offers two options. Either you head back down to Nayapul the very same day. Or you continue the trek for another couple of days via Ghandruk and make the trek a circuit rather than a linear walk. Regardless which route you choose, you have witnessed one of the most epic mountain views of your life.

The Poon Hill Trek difficulty is quite low. The path is wide in many places and on the steep parts steps have been created to make the hiking easier. Technically it’s probably the easiest hike we offer in Nepal. However, there is a but. In a short distance there is a lot of vertical gain. On the second stage from Hile to Ghorepani you ascend a whopping 1400 meters in the space of 10 kilometers. That’s an average gradient of 14%! For most people, descending is actually harder than the ascent. If you do the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in 3 days, the descent is quite extreme with a vertical drop of 2200 meters in one day. Better get those knees trained! Although you may feel the thinner air a little, most trekkers won’t have any problems with AMS as the highest tea house (in Ghorepani) is located below the 3000 meter mark.

The best season to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Here's why:

1. Spring (March to May)

- Blooming Rhododendrons: Spring is known for its mild temperatures, and the rhododendron forests along the trail come alive with vibrant colors, creating a picturesque landscape.

- Clear Views: The skies are relatively clear during spring, offering excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains.

2. Autumn (September to November)

- Stable Weather: Autumn is considered the best trekking season in Nepal. The weather is stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures during the day.

- Panoramic Views: The visibility is excellent, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

- Festivals and Harvest Season: Autumn is also a festive season in Nepal, with various cultural celebrations. The harvest season brings golden landscapes, adding to the beauty of the trek.

While these seasons are generally considered optimal, it's essential to be prepared for varying weather conditions, and it's advisable to check current weather forecasts before embarking on the trek. During the winter months (December to February), the trail may be snowy, and temperatures can be quite cold, making it a less popular time for the trek. But you’ll have the trail to yourself, which could be a very special experience. Similarly, the summer months (June to August) bring monsoon rains, which can make the trails muddy and slippery, posing additional challenges for trekkers.

Poon Hill, the undisputed highlight of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. But which mountains can you actually see? Some of the notable mountains that can be seen from Poon Hill include:

1. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters / 26,795 feet)

Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world and is part of the Annapurna Himalayan range. It is a massive, snow-capped peak that dominates the skyline.

2. Annapurna I (8,091 meters / 26,545 feet)

Annapurna I is the tenth-highest mountain globally and is part of the Annapurna massif. The view of Annapurna I from Poon Hill is particularly stunning during sunrise.

3. Annapurna South (7,219 meters / 23,684 feet)

Annapurna South is another prominent peak in the Annapurna range, and its rugged appearance adds to the beauty of the landscape.

4. Machapuchare (6,993 meters / 22,943 feet)

Also known as "Fishtail," Machapuchare is a distinctive mountain with a fishtail-shaped summit. It is sacred in the local culture, and its view from Poon Hill is iconic.

5. Nilgiri (7,061 meters / 23,166 feet)

Nilgiri is a striking mountain with a snow-covered peak that can be seen from Poon Hill, adding to the visual spectacle.

6. Hiunchuli (6,441 meters / 21,132 feet)

Hiunchuli is a lesser-known but impressive peak in the Annapurna Himalayan range, and it contributes to the overall stunning scenery.

These are just a few of the many peaks visible from Poon Hill. The sunrise and sunset views from Poon Hill enhance the beauty of these mountains, and it's a popular spot for trekkers and photographers seeking awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas.

When preparing for a trek to Poon Hill, it is crucial to secure the necessary permits:

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):

For any trekker planning to explore Nepal, whether heading to the Everest Base Camp or embarking on the journey on the Annapurna Circuit, the TIMS permit is a mandatory requirement for all trekking routes. The fee for this permit is NRS 2000 per person, which is approximately 17 USD or 15 EUR.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

An essential requirement for those intending to trek within the Annapurna region, the ACAP Permit is administered by the National Trust for Nature. Its primary goal is to safeguard and preserve the wildlife and natural environment of the region, with the funds collected dedicated to conservation initiatives.

For each individual embarking on a single-entry trek, the cost of an ACAP Permit is Rs. 3000 (roughly USD 25), regardless of the duration of the stay. These permits can be obtained in either Kathmandu or Pokhara, and designated checkpoints along the trail ensure the maintenance of trekking records.

Discovering the charm of staying in traditional villages along Nepal's trekking routes is an integral aspect of the trekking experience, in our view. It represents a harmonious blend of the rugged mountain wilderness and the distinctive mountain culture. Immersing yourself in the mountain villages provides a genuine glimpse into life in the Annapurnas.

During your stay in each village, you will find accommodations in a tea house, the local term for a guesthouse. On our own Nepal trekking adventures, we always aim to reach the next destination early. Why? Because we cherish the tranquility and simplicity of life in the mountain villages. Enjoying a cup of tea while observing the daily hustle and bustle of life in the Himalayas is a favorite activity. Some villages offer opportunities to visit monasteries, and if you're fortunate, you might witness one of the many Buddhist festivals. While the tea houses themselves are generally simple, recent years have seen some upgrades, including flush toilets, warm water, and even WiFi. Fortunately, the delightful dhal bat, a staple in Nepalese trekking cuisine, remains a fixture on every tea house menu. Immerse yourself in Nepal's mountain culture on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek!