I tried the Poon Hill Trek for the first time, and I was amazed. I had seen many pictures online, but nothing beat the sunrise here. When the sky turned pink and gold over the Annapurna range, I felt happy and calm. More than 30,000 people visit Poon Hill every year (Source: Nepal Tourism Board, 2023), and now I understand why.
✅ Why Poon Hill Is Special
Poon Hill is not very hard. It is about 3,210m high. You can finish the trek in 3–5 days. The trail is safe. The paths are clear. And the view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri feels magical.
When I stood at the top, I met people from many places. Everyone was smiling. We were all tired but proud. It felt real and warm.
✅ Best Time to Go
You can go any time, but the best months are:
- March–May (Spring)
- September–November (Autumn)
These seasons have clear skies. More than 65% of trekkers visit in these months (Source: Trek Visitor Report).
Winter is cold. Summer has rain. Still okay, but harder.
✅ Difficulty Level
I am not a pro hiker, but I did fine. You just need to walk slowly.
- Distance: About 40–50 km total
- Highest point: 3,210m
You may feel a bit tired on the uphill steps, but most people can do it.
✅ Costs (Simple Breakdown)
Here is an average idea:
ItemCostPermits$50Guide per day$25–$35Porter per day$20–$30Food per day$20–$30Rooms per night$8–$15
Total for 4–5 days: $300–$500 (Price may change depending on season)
✅ Permits Needed
You need two permits:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation)
- TIMS Card
You can get both in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
✅ Where to Stay
You stay in small guesthouses. They are simple and clean. I liked the warm food and cozy beds after walking all day.
Hot tea with mountain views felt like a dream.
✅ What to Pack
Keep it light:
- Good shoes
- Warm jacket
- Gloves
- Water bottle
- Power bank
- Sunblock
- Small towel
If you forget anything, you can buy it in Pokhara.
✅ Big Moments I Loved
✔ Sunrise at Poon Hill
✔ Stone steps through forests
✔ Cute villages
✔ Hot tea with snowy peaks
✔ Talking with kind people
The sunrise was my favorite. Some people woke up at 4:30 am. I did too. Yes, it was cold. But when the sun hit the mountains, we all just stared. No one spoke. The silence was nice.
✅ Tips for First-Time Trekkers
- Walk slowly
- Drink water
- Bring snacks
- Keep warm
You do not need to be super strong. Just enjoy each step.
✅ Final Thoughts
Poon Hill Trek felt simple yet strong. It made me love mornings again. The people, the hills, and the soft sunrise made me smile a lot. If you want a short trek with big views, this is perfect.
It is easy, fun, safe, and full of life. I still think about that sunrise.
