The Annapurna Panorama Trek offers a short yet moderate-level journey through the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected region. It covers most of Nepal's popular tourist destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Poon Hill and Ghandruk.
This Annapurna Panorama Hike also includes historical and cultural landmarks, remote villages/settlements, nature, beautiful rhododendrons, and other plant species. One can experience genuine Nepalese hospitality along with the beautiful sights that Nepal has to offer.
This 9-day trip presents amazing views of the Giant Himalayas, World Heritage Sites, and friendly Gurung and Magar locals. It even involves a hike through the Himalayas with views of the three highest mountains in the world: Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and many other smaller, lesser-known, but equally attractive mountains.
Moreover, this Annapurna Poon Hill Panorama Trek is an excellent choice for those who only have a limited period of holiday. Due to its ease, this trip is preferred by first-time hikers, as well as families planning to trek with their children.
So, don’t you want to see the magic of the Annapurna region? Walk through a beautiful route comprising local life, lush hills, and mesmerizing views. Book the best Annapurna Panorama Trekking to Poon Hill package for 2024/25 with Nepa Hiking Team. It will be the best trip of your life!
Complete information about the Annapurna Poon Hill Panoramic Viewpoint
Poon Hill is located just above the village of Ghorepani, a key stop for locals to rest their horses carrying goods and feeding them water. Poon Hill is just 250 – 270 km far away from Kathmandu and easily reachable from Pokhara (the main starting point of the trek) within 2 to 3 days.
It sits at a height of 3,210m. As the height is a minimum level, there is no risk of altitude sickness, and it is perfectly suited for all trekkers, beginners, and families willing to go on short trips around Annapurna.
Poon Hill is known as one of the best spots to see the morning sunrise view. It lies on the way to the famous Annapurna Base Camp (Annapurna Sanctuary) Trek. It is a key stopover for various manner of Annapurna Conservation Areas.
Now, a question may arise. Why is Poon Hill called the best point to see the sunrise view?
PoonHill is often known as the best place to witness sunrise views for a very good reason. The Hill station offers 360-degree panorama views of some of the highest and most beautiful peaks. Not one, not two, but you get the chance to see the three highest mountains in the world, along with some other smaller mountains.
From towering Dhaulagiri, which stands at the height of 8,167m, Annapurna at the west, standing at the height of 8,091, and the unique shape mountain Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in the east. This spot gives everyone a glimpse of the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as a combo.
As the sun rises, these peaks, along with other surrounding mountains, are bathed in golden light. Seeing the transformation, changing of white snow-covered peaks into a glowing shade of orange and red color is nothing but a kind of magic. You will feel like Mother Nature is casting her spells and showing her true magic to every traveler.
How to prepare for the sunrise Hike of Poon Hill from Ghorepani?
To enjoy these mesmerizing views, you need to be prepared beforehand.
Firstly, the day before hiking, make sure you have enough restful sleep. Don't forget to set an alarm, as you need to start your hike early.
Secondly, talking about the duration, it takes up to 1 hour, depending on your walking speed and the route conditions. It is important to start your early hike around 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise.
Lastly, you will walk in the dark; the temperature at that time is cold. The trail might also be slippery due to morning dew. So it is a good idea to take a good flashlight or headlight (a better option) with you and make sure to wear warm clothes.
Tips:
- Take your time, and don’t speed up to reach the hill. Listen to your guide's instructions. While the height is not too high, forcing yourself too hard could still make you feel unwell and even lead to altitude sickness.
- Although the hike is shorter, you can take some snacks and carry some water with you.
Special Note: Do not forget to take a camera and mobile phone to capture photos and make memories of a lifetime.
Why Choose Annapurna Panorama Trek in Nepal?
Here are the top 10 highlights and reasons why you should choose Annapurna Panorama Hike in Nepal:
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Easily accessible and Short Trek: One of the main reasons to choose this trek is due to its accessibility (easily reachable from Pokhara within a short period)
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Beginner and Family-Friendly Choice: It is perfect for everyone, whether you're traveling to Nepal for the first time, trekking with family, or a beginner looking for a short but memorable trekking experience in the Himalayas.
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UNESCO Sites: You can witness the art, culture, and history of the country by doing a guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley.
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Annapurna Conservation Area: Enter the largest protected area in the country and get the chance to witness rare endangered species such as Himalayan musk deer, red panda, and Himalayan Black bear.
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Cultural Experience: You can interact with various local communities. The prominent people you will find are Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Loba. Know about their daily life experience, know about their culture, and learn some local language also.
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Diverse Landscape: Experience a wide range of Landscapes, from terrace farmlands to thick forests of Rhododendron.
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Hike to the vantage point: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (the best panoramic viewpoint) and catch the perfect sunrise view lightening up the Mountains.
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Three Highest Mountains: You can view three of the world’s highest peaks, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, within proximity.
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Extensive Rhododendron Forests: Walk through the colorful Rhododendron forest (National flower of Nepal) throughout the way.
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Pokhara – City of Lake: After completing your tiring trek, relax in Pokhara. Enjoy the evening while walking at the Lakeside of Phewa Taal.
Complete Route Overview of Annapurna Panorama Trek
Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport, you will be picked up by our team and transported to a 3-star hotel at Thamel, where details of your trip will be provided. The following day, you will be taken on a private vehicle for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu (KTM) Valley. Check out detailed day tour activities here for the day.
On the 3rd day, you will travel to Pokhara using a tourist vehicle that takes 6 -7 hours, depending on the traffic. The next day, after getting up, you will drive to Birethanti, and the actual trek to Ulleri starts.
The way from Ulleri to Ghorepani is fairly steep, and you will be crossing a number of stone stairs. So it is good for you to take enough time while walking and sitting down whenever you are tired.
You will start your day before the sunrise up to Poon Hill to catch the sunrise over the Mountains. You will retrace back to Ghorepani and trek to Tadapani.
Moving on, you will reach a traditional Gurung Village, Ghandruk. The village has a Gurung museum and many traditional tea houses run by Gurung and Tamang People. You can stop for lunch there before descending to Kimche.
After Kimche, you will take a vehicle to get back to Pokhara. You will end your trip with a drive back to KTM. The next day, one of our representatives will drive you to the Airport.
We will bid you farewell and hope to see you soon on your next adventure! We hope you enjoyed your trekking adventure in Nepal.
Related Trips You May Prefer Instead of Annapurna Panorama
If you want to travel on another exciting trip rather than this 9-day package, check out our Annapurna trekking packages with different routes and itineraries. Plus, the route is interconnected to major destinations of Annapurna, so you can easily switch to another trekking route.
For example, you can join our standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek after the completion of this 9-day Annapurna Poon Hill Panorama Trek.
If you are looking for more of the off-the-beaten path, consider Khopra Ridge Trek or The Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill.
And, for more comfort and a moderately easier trek in the region, you can choose Luxury Trek in Annapurna, which also lasts for nine days.
For a more exciting, more challenging trek, explore Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. Choosing this trek allows you to pass one of the world’s highest mountain passes, Thorong La (5,416m).