Poon Hill (3210 m / 10,532 ft) is a popular hiking destination in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering spectacular Himalayan views. This viewpoint is the main point of view in the trek to Ghorepani Poon Peak.
Here you will see mountains such as Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus hill, Dhulariri II, and several other tall peaks.
Where is Poon Hill?
Poon Hill is a hill station overlooking the Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri mountain range, situated on the border of Myagdi district and Kaski district in Gandaki Pradesh, Nepal. The hill station is located about 177 km west from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
Poon Hill: Sunrise Bliss
The hiking from Pokhara to Poon Hill takes 2–3 days covering a distance of 35.9 km. The Poon Hill viewpoint is on the way to the Annapurna Sanctuary situated in the Annapurna Conservation Area's centre. To complete this journey, trekkers need to get an ACCAP Permit from Kathmandu.
Best time to Visit Poon Hill
Poon Hill peak trekking season is from September-November and then from March-April. Hiking in December and January is still feasible, but be conscious that winter weather will make for an icy experience (temperatures will drop below -15c during peak season!), while May is the beginning of the monsoon season and signifies a rise in potentially rainy days.
You'll need to do the hike in April to see the famed Rhododendrons in full bloom, and trekkers believe this is the perfect time to walk Poon Hill as the views are spectacular and the weather is nice.
Permits Necessary for reaching Poon Hill
Both a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) and an Annapurna National Park Permit (sometimes also known as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) are required, whether you choose to trek Poon Hill solo or with a group.
Poon Hill: Sunlit Horizon
If you are hiking with an organized tour group, these will be included in your trekking fee, and your guide will manage the entire process (organizing and carrying them through the trek).
The ACAP Permit is USD 3,000 / NPR 3,000 per person, and the TIMS Permit is USD 20 / NPR 2,000 per individual. You will need to carry these permits with you on the trail at all times, as they will be checked along the way at various checkpoints.
Trekking permits can be arranged either at the Kathmandu-based tourist office in Nepal or the tourist office in Pokhara before you start the trek.
Key Features of Poon Hill
- Take a relatively modest view of the Himalayan giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from a panoramic sunrise
- Meet with trekkers from around the globe
- Take photographs at the famous Poon Hill station sign
- Exploring the Gurung history, tradition and vocabulary with an individual's unique lifestyle produce a rugged and inflexible feel.
How to get to Poon Hill?
Poon Hill is regarded by many as one of the most popular vantage points in Nepal. Early in the morning, most trekkers hike to Poon Hill from Ghorepani village to see the sunrise.
The views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri are spectacular and worth the hour-long early morning climb through the rhododendron forest along stone stairs.
It can get relatively crowded up on Poon Hill, especially during the Spring and Autumn peak trekking seasons. Wait for several hundred fellow trekkers to share the views. Upstairs there is even a coffee stand serving hot and cold drinks.
There are several ways to reach the top of Poon Hill station. They are:
Via Ghorepani Trek
The most popular way to get to Poon Hill is through the 5-day Ghorepani trek, which brings trekkers to the village of Ghandruk from Nayapul via Ghorepani / Poon Hill and back to Nayapul.
Morning view of Ghorepani
Your journey starts at Pokhara, but the actual trek begins from Nayapul. Nayapul is about 45 kilometres from Pokhara. This main road is in better condition, and flatter as compared to the road to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
It'll take you a total of 1.5 to two hours to get to Nayapul from Pokhara. There are possibilities to enter there by public bus or private car.
Community Trail of Poon Danda
If you plan on avoiding the crowds, you can opt for a much more quiet trekking route that leads from the backside of Poon Hill via Poon Danda (Poon Ridge).
End of Annapurna Circuit Trek
While many Annapurna Circuit trekkers are busing our jeep back to Pokhara after reaching Jomsom, some trekkers prefer to prolong their Annapurna Trek by turning left at Tatopani following the Ghar Khola in the direction of Ghorepani towards Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill one last time.
Mountains visible from Poon Hill
Poon Hill is one of Nepal's most visited viewpoints because it offers a panoramic view of several mountain peaks. Some of them are:
- Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)
- Annapurna I (8,091 m)
- Annapurna South (7,219 m)
- Annapurna II (7,937 m)
- Annapurna III (7,555 m)
- Gangapurna (7,455 m)
- Machapuchare (6,993 m)
- Tukuche peak (6,920 m)
- Dhampus peak (6,012 m)
- Hiunchuli (6,441 m)
- Gurja Himal (7,193 m)
- Nilgiri Himal (7,061 m)