A quick, high-value trek from Pokhara to Poon Hill delivers a sunrise panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in just three days. Expect village culture, rhododendron forests and steep stone steps with teahouse nights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before first light you follow a line of headlamps up a narrow stone stair—breath fogs, your pace slows, the world compresses to footfalls and the promise of light.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to hike 5–7 hours on uneven, stepped trails and handle short steep sections at altitude
Wildlife
History
The route passes Gurung and Magar villages—ethnic groups with hill agriculture and long histories of service in Gurkha regiments; ACAP protects this culturally rich landscape.
Conservation
ACAP manages trekking impacts—use marked trails, buy local services to support communities and carry out non‑biodegradable waste.
Reserve your spot on the Poon Hill 3 Days short trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Get your permits
Carry a TIMS card and ACAP permit—checkpoints at Birethanti require them before you start walking.
Start very early for Poon Hill
Aim to reach the summit 30–45 minutes before sunrise to secure a viewpoint and avoid crowds.
Bring cash and small denominations
Teahouses accept cash (NRs) for meals, hot showers and Wi‑Fi; ATMs are limited outside Pokhara.
Acclimatize and monitor symptoms
Although moderate, the trek reaches ~3,200 m—know early signs of altitude sickness and descend if symptoms worsen.
Hiking boots
Sturdy, broken‑in boots handle long stone stair sections and muddy approaches.
Warm layers (fleece/down)
Temperatures drop sharply at night and on the Poon Hill summit before sunrise.
winter
Rain shell and gaiters
Protects against monsoon rain and muddy trail spray on lower sections.
summer
Water treatment (tablet/filter)
Teahouse water may be boiled or filtered; treating water reduces risk and cuts plastic bottle use.