Climb to Poon Hill before sunrise and watch the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges ignite. This 9-day circuit mixes cultural stops in Pokhara and Kathmandu with a classic teahouse trek through rhododendron forest and high viewpoints.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before dawn, a line of headlamps threads upward through rhododendron and oak toward Poon Hill. You stand with other early risers as the first light pries apart the dark and the jagged silhouettes of Annapurna (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) step into view. The air is thin and sharp; below, teahouses still smoke and the distant bells from village temples mark the slow pulse of mountain life.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 days
Fitness Level
Moderate: regular cardio and 4–6 hour hiking days; ability to handle sustained uphill on uneven steps helps.
Wildlife
History
Gurung and Magar communities have farmed these slopes for centuries; trade routes and seasonal grazing shaped many of the trails now used by trekkers.
Conservation
This route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area—permits fund local conservation and community projects; practice pack-in/pack-out and minimize single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the Multi-Day Sites of Nepal Tour from Kathmandu with Poon Hill Trek- 9 Days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate and carry purification
Tap water is not reliably safe along the route—carry a reusable bottle and use a filter or purification tablets; teahouses sell boiled water but costs add up.
Pace for altitude
Ascend slowly and plan easy mornings after higher nights—listen for headache, nausea or dizziness and descend if symptoms worsen.
Solid footwear for stone steps
Trails are often steep stone staircases; stiff-soled hiking boots with good traction reduce fatigue and ankle strain.
Book Poon Hill early
To secure a clear sunrise spot, leave Ghorepani well before dawn—bring a headlamp and a warm layer for the summit wait.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip for long ascents and uneven stone stair sections.
Insulated down jacket
Warmth for pre-dawn summits and cold nights in teahouses.
winter
Trekking poles
Reduces knee strain on long descents and improves balance on wet steps.
Headlamp with extra batteries
Essential for pre-dawn starts to Poon Hill and early or late trail sections.