Poon Hill at sunrise: Nepal's most photographed Himalayan viewpoint
For the price of a short, gentle trek, Poon Hill delivers the sunrise shot that fills travel feeds — Dhaulagiri and Annapurna glowing gold. Here's how to do it.
If you have seen one photo that made you want to trek in Nepal, there is a good chance it was taken from Poon Hill. At 3,210 metres, this grassy summit above Ghorepani serves up the Himalaya's most accessible great sunrise — a 180-degree wall of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna turning gold — and you do not need to be a hardened trekker to stand there.
Key facts
- Poon Hill viewpoint sits at 3,210m
- A short, gentle trek of about 4–5 days from Pokhara
- Sunrise panorama over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre
- Suitable for beginners and families
Why it is the postcard shot
Few viewpoints on earth pack this much mountain into one frame. As the sun rises, light spills across more than a dozen peaks above 7,000 and 8,000 metres, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m), with the unmistakable fishtail spire of Machhapuchhre off to the east. It is the kind of scene that needs no filter — and because the climb to the viewpoint is short, you can be there with a tripod before the first light hits.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Viewpoint altitude | 3,210m |
| Trek length | ~4–5 days |
| Start point | Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Best months | Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr (clear skies) |
Getting the shot
The trek climbs through some of Nepal's prettiest middle-hill country — terraced fields, Gurung and Magar villages, and rhododendron forest that blazes red in spring. The famous stone staircase up to Ulleri is the one real workout. You overnight in Ghorepani, then climb 45 minutes in the dark to the viewpoint for sunrise. For photographers: arrive early for a foreground spot, bring a wide lens for the panorama and a longer one for the peaks, and shoot the colour that lands on Dhaulagiri first.
What this means for you
If you want a genuine Himalayan trek but only have a few days — or you are travelling with family or first-timers — Poon Hill is the perfect choice. It pairs beautifully with a Pokhara lakeside stay, and the sunrise alone is worth the trip. We arrange the transport, lodges and a guide who knows exactly where to stand when the light breaks.
Some views you work for years to earn. This one asks for a few days and an early alarm — and gives back the photo of your life.
Source: Travel Himalaya Nepal trek operations.
Cover photo: sagar sintan via Pexels (Pexels License).
Planning a trek?
We handle the permits, logistics & guides
NMA-certified local guides, transparent pricing, 5,000+ treks since 1998. Tell us your dates and we'll sort the rest.
More in Trail & Weather
Trail & Weather
The best beginner treks in Nepal: where to start if you've never trekked
You don't need to start with Everest. Nepal has a ladder of gentle, jaw-dropping treks perfect for first-timers — short days, teahouse comfort, and views that will ruin you for ordinary holidays.
Trail & Weather
What to pack for a Nepal trek: the essential list (and what to leave home)
Pack right and a Himalayan trek is pure joy; pack wrong and you'll regret it at 4,000m. Here's the no-nonsense packing list our guides actually recommend for 2026.
Trail & Weather
Beyond the trek: the wild side of Nepal that most visitors miss
Rhinos, tigers and elephants in steamy jungle, an hour's flight from the snow peaks. Nepal isn't only mountains — and the lowland national parks are the perfect add-on to any trek.