If you're seeking a place to escape bustling city life for a while and experience the real beauty of nature, Poon Hill is ideal for your leisure. It stands out as one of the most beloved scenic viewpoints in Nepal, renowned for offering panoramic sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range.
The viewpoint has been successfully drawing the attention of travellers from around the world for decades. It has relatively easy access compared to other high-altitude destinations in the country.
People of almost all age groups can reach here to see the snow-capped giants shining white and gold as the first rays of dawn hit them. You can create a truly unforgettable memory here in Nepal's Himalaya with your family and friends or solo.
Apart from the sunrise panorama, the lush rhododendron forests and rolling hills make its surroundings more pleasant and fascinating. During your journey, you'll go through the village known as Ghorepani (a gateway to the hill), where you can also have a cultural experience of the ethnic groups: Gurung and Magar.
This guide provides a detailed overview of Poon Hill. Read it till the end and make a plan to visit this beautiful destination in the near future, as it's calling.
Origin Of Poon Hill
The name Poon Hill derives from one of the sub-castes of the Magar community, Poon (Pun). They're the indigenous ethnic groups of western Nepal. It's inhabited by Pun Magars, mainly around villages such as Ghorepani (2,850 m/9,350 ft), Ulleri (2,050 m/6,725.72 ft), and Tadapani (2,630 m/8,628 ft).
In the old days, the hill was mainly used for sheep and goat herding by the Pun Magar people. Slowly, they began to find the view of morning sunlight kissing the Himalayas, which looked absolutely amazing.
Therefore, they promoted it as a viewpoint to witness the sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. Soon, it got recognised among travellers globally as Poonill during the late 20th century as trekking tourism developed in the country.
Where Is Poon Hill And What Makes It Special
Poon Hill is located in the Myagdi District of Gandaki Province in western Nepal. It's part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, standing above the traditional village of Ghorepani at an altitude of 3,210 m (10,531.5 ft).
It's a very short and rewarding trek as you can reach there in just two days from Pokhara. Even the trail is very natural and well maintained which gives you the perfect vibe for trekking. That's why it has caught the eyes of travellers worldwide, especially those who are beginner hikers.
With a well-established trail designed for trekkers, Poon Hill offers accommodation options of various standards, including those suitable for a luxury trekkers.
The stunning panorama of the peaks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges makes the hill truly special. It's famous for the sunrise, offering one of the most photographed scenes in the country.
In the early morning, you can enjoy the peaks painted in golden and pink shades. These notable peaks are as follows:
- Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft)
- Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m/26,795 ft)
- Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft)
- Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,131.89 ft)
- Machhapuchhare (Mt. Fishtail, 6,993 m/22,943 ft)
Apart from the sunrise and great mountain views, the viewpoint is also well-known for its natural and cultural surroundings. The route to the hill goes through the red and beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and terraced farmland.
The Magical Sunrise Experience At Poon Hill
The sunrise in Poon Hill is like witnessing a spell happening in the Himalayas. Trekkers usually hike early in the morning by lighting up headlamps and reach the viewpoint before dawn. They wait for the sun to emerge.
When the sun finally shows up in a soft orange, the snow-covered giants in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges become alive with gold, pink, and crimson. Their spectacular appearance gives you serene and peaceful vibes. Such a natural display makes you want to take photos with your camera from different angles for memories.
The calm atmosphere makes the sunrise view even more special. As you're surrounded by fresh mountain air and thorough quietness, you'll have a deeply refreshing experience. When you watch the Himalayas getting touched by the first light of day from here, you'll create a memory that lasts forever.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Poon Hill
Regarding the best time to visit Poon Hill, spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are the seasons to consider visiting. It's because during these times of year, the weather conditions are mostly favourable, and the mountain views are exceptional.
Peak Seasons
Spring brings moderate temperatures and colourful trails as rhododendrons bloom, resulting in a vibrant and scenic landscape. The mornings are usually clear. It offers amazing chances to experience the magnificent sunrise view of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks.
Autumn is widely considered the peak time for visiting Poon Hill. It's the post-monsoon season. The monsoon rain washes away the dust and haze.
Therefore, the skies turn clear, and the visibility of the mountains is mind-blowing during autumn. It offers stable weather with cool mornings and warm days, creating perfect conditions for sunrise views and photography at the hill.
Off-Seasons
The other two seasons, winter (December, January, and February) and monsoon (June, July, and August), are the off-season for visiting Poon Hill. Among these seasons, visiting there in winter is also possible if you prefer fewer crowds and are okay with the cold weather. During this season, the mountains appear in their true form, fully covered with white snow.
The rainy season isn't the ideal time of year to travel anywhere, despite the lush and green landscapes. It's not recommended, as the weather is mostly cloudy and the mountain views aren't guaranteed.
Nature And Scenery Around The Hill
The major highlight of Poon Hill is the nature and scenery around its area. It's surrounded by lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, and their colour changes according to the seasons.
In spring, the blooming rhododendrons turn the hill red and pink. Such natural phenomena give visitors a peaceful and refreshing vibe.
The route leading to the viewpoint offers breathtaking sceneries of the landscape, including rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages. Along the trail, the sounds of birdsong, the flow of streams, and the fresh mountain air enhance the overall experience.
From the hill, the view becomes even more dramatic. Snow-covered peaks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges tower above the horizon when the mornings are clear. As the sun's rays gradually touch the mountains, the surrounding hills shine in a soft, golden light, enhancing the natural beauty around the viewpoint, which is truly astonishing for nature lovers and photographers.
How To Reach Poon Hill
Poon Hill is one of the easiest viewpoints to reach in Nepal. It's near Pokhara. Road access is available from the city to the village of Ghorepani.
It's up to you. You can take a vehicle from Pokhara and reach Ghorepani for an overnight stay. If you love walking and want to explore the area slowly, you can first travel to Ulleri by vehicle and then start your hike to Ghorepani from there.
The hiking route is different, meaning you don't need to go through the roadways. It takes approximately 5 hours of walking, depending on your pace, from Ulleri to Ghorepani.
The following morning, you need to wake up early around 4 A.M. and hike to Poon Hill to witness the beautiful sunrise view. In around 45 minutes of walking, you can reach the viewpoint.
Tips For Visiting Poon Hill
Although the trail to Poon Hill is easy, you need to be a little cautious when hiking to the viewpoint. It's about the elevation gain. The hill is above 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft).
If you're from a sea-level and hot region, and Poon Hill is the first high-altitude location that you're going to, you shouldn't take it lightly. In Nepal, the weather is often cold above an elevation of 2,000 m (6,561.68 ft), especially at night and early in the morning.
You can get caught by a cold and altitude sickness at any time in such an environment. Even though the chance of getting ill is lower here, you should still be careful about your health.
Here are some useful tips for visiting Poon Hill that you should follow to make your journey to the viewpoint successful:
- Wake up early and reach the viewpoint before dawn.
- Bring warm clothes for an overnight stay and an early morning hike to the viewpoint.
- Ascend gradually to avoid altitude sickness.
- Drink enough warm water, at least 3 litres a day.
- Consume carbohydrate-rich foods a day before visiting the hill to stay energised.
- Carry essentials like a water bottle, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera for an early morning hike to the hill.
Other Nearby Destination
Poon Hill is centrally located among other famous destinations in the Annapurna Region, Khopra Ridge (3,660 m/12,007 ft), Mulde Viewpoint (3,637 m/ 11,932 ft), and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, 4,130 m/13,549 ft), making it a suitable resting point for nature hikes.
After you experience the breathtaking sunrise view from the top of the hill, you can head to either of these three destinations as well. By walking for just a few days from here, you can get to another heavenly place.
Journey to these other three destinations is moderate in difficulty. Khopra Ridge and Mulde Viewpoint offer nearly the same 180° views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges as Poon Hill, but with different landscapes. However, ABC offers an exceptional 360° view of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and other neighbouring peaks in the Annapurna Range.
Why Poon Hill Should Be On Your Nepal Travel List
Poon Hill is a destination that should be on the bucket list of anyone travelling to Nepal, as it offers a special blend of accessibility, spectacular mountain views, and cultural allure. To reach here, you don't need any prior trekking experience. It's perfect for first-time high-altitude hikers, someone with a tight schedule, or those seeking short and easy adventures.
The hill offers one of the best 180° panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Regions. The accessibility and scenic reward make it an ideal choice for someone visiting Nepal for the first time.
Apart from its amazing views, Poon Hill also offers you an opportunity to experience the authenticity of rural Nepal. The routes pass through the Gurung and Magar villages, allowing you to learn about their lifestyle and culture, and observe the terraced farmlands. You can have the experience of adventure, local culture, and nature's beauty all in a single journey.
Conclusion
Poon Hill is one of the most rewarding destinations in Nepal, best known for its magnificent sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. Additionally, it offers a glimpse of local mountain life. You can experience them all without travelling a long and difficult distance.
The hill is perfect for people of all age groups. If you're travelling to the country for the first time to escape your hectic daily life for a while and seeking a peaceful nature escape, it's a must-visit destination that should be on your bucket list. It perfectly balances adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
