Poon Hill Trek Guide

Poon Hill Trek route reality

Poon Hill is the classic short Annapurna sunrise trek, usually linking Tikhedhunga or Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. The altitude is lower than ABC or the Circuit, but the stone stair sections are still demanding.

• Route access from Pokhara
• Best season and visibility
• Daily walking rhythm
• Lodge and comfort expectations

Who should choose this

Choose Poon Hill if you want a short, lower-altitude trek with village stays, sunrise views, and easier logistics from Pokhara.

• Match the route to available days, not only the destination name.
• Check altitude gain, lodge comfort, and transport reliability before finalizing dates.
• Keep a backup day when mountain flights or long road transfers are part of the plan.

Best planning window

October-November and March-April are best for clear views. Winter can be good with cold mornings. Monsoon is green but cloudy and wet.

• Spring and autumn are the main planning windows for most trekkers.
• Winter can work on lower or shorter routes with warmer gear and flexible expectations.
• Monsoon needs a region-specific plan because visibility, rain, and trail conditions vary sharply.

Logistics and local judgment

Road access changes the start and end points, so the best itinerary depends on how much walking versus driving the group wants.

• Confirm current road, trail, and flight conditions close to departure.
• Use realistic walking hours rather than map distance alone.
• Plan descent and exit options before the group is tired or weather changes.

Expert planning note

Poon Hill is short, not effortless. The sunrise is the headline, but the real comfort comes from pacing the stair climbs and using Ghandruk well.