Poon Hill is famous for its sunrise, when a sweep of Himalayan peaks turns from grey to pink to gold. From the viewpoint at about 3,210 m you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, the Annapurna range, Nilgiri and the fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre, depending on the clarity of the air. The experience is memorable, but it works best with a little planning.
When to leave Ghorepani
The walk up from Ghorepani takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Most trekkers start roughly an hour before sunrise, around 4:30 to 5:00 in spring and autumn, using a headlamp. Starting a little earlier lets you reach a good place on the viewing platform and watch the colours change from first light. Check local sunrise times when you arrive.
What you will see
The view is a long horizon of white peaks, with Dhaulagiri dominating the western end at over 8,100 m. As the sun rises, light catches the highest summits first. Between peaks you look down into foothill valleys filled with cloud on clear mornings. The scene changes by the minute, so stay a while.
What it is like at the top
The platform and tea shops fill up quickly in peak season, with people sharing the space and the cold. Wear warm layers, gloves and a hat, even in spring. Carry a flask or buy hot tea from a stall. Stand slightly away from the busiest spot if you want clearer photographs.
Beating the crowd
- Leave earlier than the groups staying in larger lodges.
- Climb slowly to avoid arriving breathless and cold.
- Choose weekdays if your schedule allows.
- Stay away from the narrowest points on the stairs so others can pass.
If the weather is cloudy
Cloud can hide the peaks for a day or two. If your plan allows, try the sunrise on a second morning, or consider returning later in the day when clouds sometimes lift. Do not push in dangerous weather. A guide can judge conditions and may advise skipping the climb in snow or heavy rain.
Photography tips
Use a tripod or steady surface, avoid using flash, shoot in raw if your camera allows and take wide shots as well as close-ups. Keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket, because cold drains them fast.
What to wear and bring
Wear thermal layers, a down or fleece jacket, a windproof shell, a warm hat and gloves. Carry a headlamp, a flask of hot tea or buy from vendors, a camera or phone with a charged battery and a small snack. Shoes with good grip are essential on the dark, frosty path. Bring a small plastic bag for rubbish, and carry it out.
Etiquette at the viewpoint
- Do not block the viewing platform with tripods during crowded periods.
- Keep voices low during the sunrise, since many people come for quiet.
- Take turns to photograph the best spots.
- Stay behind barriers and on marked paths.
The descent and breakfast
After sunrise most trekkers return to Ghorepani for breakfast, pack and continue the day. The walk down in daylight reveals the forest and the village in a different mood. Take time to enjoy it rather than rushing.
Is it worth waking up for
For most people, yes. Even in poor visibility the experience of being above the clouds, listening to prayer flags and watching the sky change is memorable. If you are unwell or the weather is dangerous, skipping the climb is perfectly sensible.
