Weather in Poon Hill

About Poon Hill

Poon Hill's 3,210-meter summit offers a panoramic sunrise where hikers watch shadows retreat from 20 mountain peaks simultaneously, an experience that compresses Nepal's entire Himalayan geography into 30 minutes of light. The Ghorepani trail makes this eight-hour ritual accessible to ordinary trekkers seeking transcendence.

Country

Nepal

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

NPR

Language

Nepali, English

Things to do in Poon Hill

Guided sunrise trek from Ghorepani Rhododendron forest walks in spring Tea house village stays along trail Photography of shadow retreat across valleys Seasonal flora documentation Local porter interviews and stories

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with occasional showers.

February

Cold, with occasional showers.

March

Cold, with regular rainfall.

April

12C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

May

14C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

June

16C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

July

16C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

August

17C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

September

16C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

October

12C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

November

10C

Cool, with occasional showers.

December

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

Poon Hill is the reward at the end of a steep pre-dawn climb — a 3,210m ridge in the Annapurna foothills offering one of the most accessible 360-degree Himalayan panoramas anywhere, with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre all visible as the sunrise turns the peaks pink and gold. The trek there, through rhododendron forests and the stone-stepped villages of Ulleri and Ghorepani, is a popular short alternative to longer Annapurna treks.

Best areas to stay in Poon Hill

Nayapul

The roadhead and starting point for the Poon Hill trek, reached by taxi or bus from Pokhara.

Ulleri

A Magar village reached via a famously steep stone staircase, the first major overnight stop on the trek.

Ghorepani

A ridge-top village serving as the base for the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill's viewpoint.

Poon Hill Viewpoint

The 3,210m summit itself, with a viewing tower offering panoramic sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Getting to Poon Hill

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Flights

Fly into Pokhara from Kathmandu, then travel by taxi or local bus to the trailhead at Nayapul (~1.5 hours).

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From London

~1.5 hours by road from Pokhara to Nayapul, then 3–5 days on foot.

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Getting around

The trek is entirely on foot via teahouse trails; porters and guides can be hired in Pokhara or at the trailhead.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Poon Hill trek take?

Most itineraries take 3–5 days round trip from Nayapul, including the climb to Ghorepani, the pre-dawn ascent of Poon Hill, and return — making it one of the shorter classic Annapurna treks.

When is the best time for the Poon Hill trek?

October to November and March to April offer the clearest views; March also brings blooming rhododendron forests along the trail.

Do I need a guide or permits for Poon Hill?

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card are required. A guide isn't mandatory but is recommended for first-time trekkers, particularly given recent permit rule changes.

How difficult is the Poon Hill trek?

Moderate — the route involves thousands of stone steps, particularly the climb to Ulleri, but doesn't reach extreme altitude, making it accessible to reasonably fit trekkers without acclimatisation concerns.

What is the accommodation like along the route?

Teahouses (basic guesthouses) line the route, offering simple rooms and meals — no need to camp, though rooms can fill up in peak season.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The sunrise from Poon Hill is everything people say it is — Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South lit up gold while we stood shivering with hundreds of other trekkers, but it didn't dampen the magic at all.

Jamie F. · October 2023

★★★★★

Did this as a shorter alternative to the full Annapurna Circuit and it delivered incredible views for far less effort. The rhododendrons were in full bloom on the way down, an added bonus.

Nisha P. · March 2024

★★★★☆

The stone steps up to Ulleri nearly broke me, but every teahouse along the way was welcoming and the views from Poon Hill made it all worthwhile. Book accommodation ahead in peak season.

Tom G. · November 2023