Alarms ring across Ghorepani at about 4:30 am. We meet in the lodge dining hall for a quick cup of tea, then walk to the ticket gate above the upper village. From there it is a steady staircase through rhododendron and oak forest, 336 m of height gain in about 1.5 km. The path is wide and well used, but uneven in places and frosty in winter. Most people stop two or three times to catch their breath.
At the top, the sky lightens behind Machhapuchhre first, then the snow on Dhaulagiri turns pink. Sunrise itself lasts only a few minutes, but the light keeps changing for half an hour as it moves down the faces of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. We stay 40–60 minutes, long enough to climb the tower, drink a hot chocolate and take photos without rushing. Mornings in October and November are clear on most days.
There is an entry ticket at the gate, charged by the local community for trail upkeep; the amount is small and has changed over the years, so check current status before you travel. On the way down, look for the forest you missed in the dark. Breakfast is waiting by about 7:30 am, and then the trek continues, usually east to Tadapani or north along the ridge towards Khopra Danda, where far fewer trekkers go.
Good for
- First-timers
- Families
- Photographers
- Couples
Questions travellers ask
What time should I leave Ghorepani for Poon Hill?
Leave at about 5 am in October and November, 5:15 am in December and January, and 4:45 am in April and May, when the sun rises earlier. That gives 45–60 minutes for the climb plus 10–15 minutes at the top before sunrise. Fast walkers can leave 15 minutes later.
Is there an entry fee for Poon Hill?
Yes. A small ticket is sold at the gate above Ghorepani, collected by the local community for trail and viewpoint maintenance. The amount has varied over the years and is usually a few hundred rupees or less. Carry Nepali cash, and check current status before you travel.
Can seniors climb Poon Hill?
Most active seniors manage it. The climb is only 336 m, and walking slowly for an hour is enough. The challenge is the cold and the darkness, so a guide with a strong torch, trekking poles and warm layers make a real difference. Anyone with heart conditions should consult a doctor first.
