Poon Hill Sunrise Trek: Best Time, New Route & What to Expect

Poon Hill Sunrise Trek

Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is one of the popular short treks in Nepal. It offers lovely Himalayan views, pleasant villages, and colorful rhododendron forests. It is an ideal trek for those looking for a short but sweet trip to the Himalayas.

Poon Hill is 3,210 meters high and is the most ideal place in Nepal to observe the sunrise. When the sun rises, its rays touch the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and give them a golden glow. This provides a beautiful sight.

Normally, this hike will last 4-5 days, but with this new modification, you can drive to Ghorepani, hike up to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise, and descend through Ghandruk in a mere 3 days. Less walking, more views, and a comfortable yet exhilarating ride awaits.

This is a great trail for families and beginners. It's a good experience but not too demanding. Should you want to know when to visit, what to watch out for, and how to get ready, here is all that you need.

In this guide, we'll cover the best time to go, trekking highlights, route options, and essential trekking tips.

Why to Do the Poon Hill Trek?

The Poon Hill Trek is an excellent option for those looking for a short yet lovely Himalayan trek. With a duration of 4-5 days, the trek is ideal for those with little time.

The trekking trail goes through thick rhododendron forests, picturesque villages, and terracing fields, making it a culturally and naturally rewarding experience.

One of the trek's highlights is the breathtaking sunrise view from Poon Hill. You can witness Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks shine in golden hues on a clear morning.

The trek also gives you a taste of Gurung and Magar cultures as you walk through their villages.

Best Time to Visit Poon Hill

Picking the optimal time can bring a bit of fun to your hike. Here is what you can anticipate during each season.

Spring (From February end to mid of May) - The Best Time

The best season to hike to Poon Hill is in the spring. The rhododendron trees along the path are in full bloom, painting a vivid picture.

The weather is fine, with clear skies and good mountain views. The temperatures are moderate and thus the trek is enjoyable.

Autumn (Mid-September to Late November) – The Ideal Season for Trekking

Autumn offers an ideal weather for the Poon Hill trek. The weather is crisp, and the atmosphere is clear, offering amazing Himalaya vistas.

The weather is stable, which is perfect for trekking. That being said, since it is high season, be prepared for larger crowds on trails and in teahouses.

Winter (December to February) – Cold, Yet Breathtaking

Winter provides a serene hiking experience with fewer people. The skies are clear, showing beautiful views of snow-covered mountains.

However, it does get very cold, especially in higher elevations. If you don't mind the cold and are well-prepared, then winter is a very good time to visit.

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon rains bring heavy showers, so there are muddy and slippery trails. There is regular cloud cover, which tends to block mountain views, and forests tend to get infested with leeches.

Monsoon trekking can be wet and have poor visibility if you take that option. But it still offers stunning greenery along the way.

Highlight of the Poon Hill Trek: The Magical Sunrise View

The highlight of the trek is the sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m). This stunning view is the highlight of the journey.

• A Golden Himalayan View: In the morning, the sun rises over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and they shine with orange, pink, and gold. You can see Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri from the viewpoint.
• A Wonderful Early Morning Trek: Trekkers rise early before dawn and walk for about 45 minutes to an hour from Ghorepani to the summit. The air is fresh, and the peacefulness of the mountains makes it an experience to remember.
• Best Photography Spot: Poon Hill is one of the greatest spots to capture sunrise photography in Nepal if you are a professional photographer or even a visitor.

After the breathtaking view, the trekkers get back to Ghorepani, with the thrill of a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

Poon Hill Trek Route & Itinerary

The Poon Hill Ghorepani trek is easy and traverses various types of terrain. Here is a typical 4-day itinerary from Pokhara:

• Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri (4-5 hours).
• Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (5-6 hours)
• Day 3: We got up early to trek to Poon Hill for sunrise, then trekked to Tadapani.
• Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk, explore the village, and back to Pokhara by car.

Difficulty Level and Trekking Requirements

• Altitude: Maximum elevation 3,210 meters (Low risk of altitude sickness).
• Fitness: Suitable for beginners who possess some physical fitness.
• Walk 4 to 6 hours a day.

Permit Rules

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit - NPR 3,000 (that is $25)

Accommodation and food

There are tea shops on the route where you get rest stops. Dal Bhat, noodle, and soup are common foods here that provide you energy.

Guided or independent hike?

An escort makes your trip better by providing insider information and indicating where you ought to be.

The path is not difficult to navigate, and you can tread on your own, yet a leader creates the path and keeps it clear.

A Better Way to Poon Hill: The Shortest Route

Do you wish to witness the iconic sunrise at Poon Hill without trekking for days?

Good news: a new option exists to drive the majority of the distance, providing the same wonderful experience in only 3 days' time. This suits those who lack plenty of time but desire panoramic views and cultural encounters.

Day 1: Drive by car from Pokhara to Ghorepani (2,874 meters)

Don't spend your hours walking—ride in a 4WD jeep and drive for 6-7 hours across fields, rivers, and mountains. The tiny roads pass through tiny villages where the farmers till the fields and children wave as the jeep passes by.

Reach Ghorepani, a beautiful hill station with rhododendron forests all around it. The cool mountain air and distant snow-covered mountains will make you soon forget the hustle and bustle of city life.

Experience a hot cup of tea, relax and enjoy the scenery as you gear up for a wonderful sunrise trek.

Day 2: Watch the sunrise over Poon Hill and drive to Ghandruk.

Early in the morning, rise, dress in boots, and trek for 45 minutes to 1 hour to Poon Hill (3,210m). On the summit, the morning sunrise slowly hues to pink, then to a golden hue, revealing a stunning panorama of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu. You would never forget the day.

After sunrise and wonderful photography, head down to Ghorepani for breakfast, but the day isn't over yet! Don't head back the way you arrived, but take a lovely jeep drive to Ghandruk, a lovely Gurung hill town with wonderful views towards Annapurna.

In the evening, stroll through its cobblestone streets, tour the Gurung Museum, and bask in the friendly welcome of the locals, the Nepalis.

Day 3: Explore Ghandruk village and return to Pokhara

You don't go to Ghandruk, you experience it more than that. You're able to rise to a lovely sunrise over the Annapurna mountains, eat a hearty breakfast with great views, and learn about the region's traditions and heritage.

After viewing the views, head back to Pokhara for 4-5 hours. This marks the end of your wonderful tour.

You witnessed one of the finest sunrise places in Nepal, lovely mountain hamlets, and pleasant landscapes in 3 days without feeling tired.

Why This Route is Important

• Short trek, wonderful views – Watch the sunrise over Poon Hill without hiking for days.
• Same adventure, more comfort: Travel by Jeep, visit the major sights, and return, all within 3 days.
• Excellent for the brief visit – For those who wish to visit the Himayas within a limited duration.

Final Thoughts

Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is an excellent short Himalayan adventure with stunning views and cultural insights. You may trek here in spring when rhododendrons are in bloom or in autumn when the skies are clear, an experience that you will never forget.

Are you ready to plan your adventure? Check out our Poon Hill Trek Packages and reserve your trip today!