4:00 AM on 21st October 2025, a small hike began through the cold mornings of Winter. From Ghorepani Deurali at an altitude of 2880 meters above sea level, in the cold, dark, and quiet trail, uphill in the moonlight. From below, several lights could be seen moving like a snake, and on our right, another trail intersected from Ghorepani Bazar, where another group of lights was moving towards us. It was all trekkers, depending on the dim light, heading towards the Summit before sunrise. It was still dark, yet every trekker was enthusiastic and kept pacing, veteran trekkers and beginners alike.
After half an hour, we reached the entry point, where multiple people were lined up, and bought our tickets and made our way forward. It was still dawn, yet the Himalayas shone brightly. Nearby, a small coffee shop was selling hot lemons, black tea, and coffee; the price was back-breaking, but what he was selling was not just some sweetened drinks but also the moment, a coffee on cold mornings with the view of the whole Himalayan Range. Everyone was waiting for the same moment. Some went to the tower for a better view. I went for a quick peek, but it was packed, so I made my way down, and a few moments later, from the direction of Ghorepani, the sun rose and its rays hit directly at the Tallest mountain in the Range, Machhapuchre, and Annapurna South. We were witnessing a scene from the renowned viewpoint of the Annapurna Region, Poon Hill.
Photo: Sunrise behind the Annapurna South and Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre).
Poon Hill - from shepherd's grazing land to Nepal's most famous viewpoint
Approximately 60-70 km from central Pokhara, within the premises of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, a small grazing land at an altitude of 3200 meters, also known as Poon Hill, is nicknamed the prominent sunrise and Annapurna Range viewpoint of Nepal. Before the establishment of the sustainable tourism industry, the valley and its nearby meadow, like Poon Hill, were grazing lands for locals' horses and sheep. With the booming tourism and trekking culture worldwide, a local grazing land where generations of shepherds probably stayed in complete serenity became a hot topic and a top choice for trekkers.
It was the beginning of winter, the weather was favoring the trekkers, and on the day of the hike, it was crystal clear. Even on the nights, the mountains shone brightly, with a cup of coffee from the small shop at the viewpoint, everyone was waiting for the awaited view. Of course, the Himalayan Range from Dhaulagiri to Machhapuchre was already visible, yet it wasn’t complete. Around 6’0 clock, the horizon near Manaslu lit with bright red; everyone took out their cameras, waiting for the right moment, and finally the star (literally) of the morning made its appearance. The rays first hit the giant mountains and gradually lit the whole valley. The scene mesmerized everyone; some enjoyed the view from the tower, others sat on the stones, and some were still, while most were busy taking photos during golden hour. Obviously, we had hours of photo sessions as well.
The scenery made me wonder what this specific land was like, and how it made the shepherds feel when they were looking at the exact scene, the travelers, traders, and villagers. For someone who was here for the first time, and for those who were here as one of their daily lives.
With those thoughts, the hike and moment ended and was beginning to be recorded as a memory, slowly descending towards the lodge with the Annapurna South in front of us.
What makes Poon Hill worth the hike?
There are multiple such viewpoints in Nepal, like Daman in Kathmandu, from where it is said you can see the whole Himalayan Range on clear mornings, so what makes the Poon Hill hike so special?
Simple, it is the vast difference in experience and sense of achievement. Most trekkers claim it is also beginner-friendly, which is true, but the mentioned viewpoints can be accessed by road. The true popularity of Poon Hill lies in the whole journey, which most trekkers themselves do not realize. Imagine a memory made through no effort and a memory after days of hardships, which is more memorable. Poon Hill is the definition of equal reward for equal time given for it. The moment you feel you have achieved it through your efforts makes the joy more memorable, which is also the core reason for trekking.
Photo: Himalayan Range from Daman, Makwanpur
