Poon Hill | Besisahar

Poon Hill is a prominent mountain viewpoint in the Myagdi District of Nepal, situated at an elevation of 3,210 meters (10,531 feet).

Visual Characteristics

The site is a rounded, grassy hilltop equipped with a multi-story metal observation tower. It offers a 360-degree panorama of over 20 peaks, including the Dhaulagiri Massif (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The foreground is dominated by dense rhododendron forests that turn vibrant red and pink during spring.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Located above the village of Ghorepani. It is a 45–60 minute uphill hike from the Ghorepani lodges.

Trekking Route: Typically part of a 4- to 5-day loop starting and ending near Pokhara (Nayapul or Tikhedhunga).

Permits: Requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.

Entry Fee: A small local maintenance fee (approx. 100–150 NPR) is often collected at the entrance to the viewpoint.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The viewpoint gained international fame as the "Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek." It serves as an accessible introduction to Himalayan trekking. The surrounding area is part of the largest rhododendron forest in the world. Historically, Ghorepani (meaning "Horse Water") was a rest stop for ancient traders' horses on the route to Tibet.

Key Highlights & Activities

Sunrise Viewing: The primary activity; thousands of trekkers ascend in the pre-dawn darkness to watch the sun hit the 8,000-meter peaks.

Photography: One of the most photographed locations in the Himalayas due to the framing of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.

Rhododendron Blooms: In March and April, the entire hillside below the viewpoint transforms into a flowering forest.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Observation Tower: A permanent structure providing a higher vantage point above the crowd.

Hot Drinks: Small seasonal stalls often sell coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at the summit during sunrise.

Trail: A well-maintained stone staircase leads from Ghorepani to the summit.

Best Time to Visit

March–April: Peak flowering season; clear mornings.

October–November: Highest clarity and sharpest views of the peaks.

Early Morning: Most trekkers arrive by 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM to secure a spot for sunrise.

Facts & Legends

A technical feature of the view is that Poon Hill is one of the few places where you can see two separate 8,000-meter massifs (Dhaulagiri and Annapurna) in a single glance. Local Magar legend holds that the hill is a spiritual guardian of the valley, and the "Poon" name is derived from the local Pun (Magar) ethnic group that inhabits the surrounding villages.

Nearby Landmarks

Ghorepani Village – 1.5km South

Tadapani – 9km East (Next trekking stop)

Ghandruk – 15km Southeast

Kali Gandaki Valley – Visible to the West