3 Best Viewpoint Treks beyond Poon Hill for Stunning Himalayan Views in Annapurna
Poon Hill (3,210m) is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Annapurna region for magical Himalayan panorama and sunrise views. Due to its popularity, the trek is very crowded and feels commercialized. For trekkers who want a more secluded and raw experience, Poon Hill is not suitable anymore. Yes it still offers incredible views but with crowded trails, commercialized routes and a packed viewpoint. If you truly care for a remote and less crowded experience, there are 3 best alternatives to Poon Hill viewpoint trek in the Annapurna region.
Mohare Danda, Kokhe Danda and Muldai Viewpoint are the best alternative treks to Poon hill that skip the crowded and commercialized routes while offering a different way to experience the mountains. These routes are the best alternative to Poon Hill trek for anyone that wants a quieter ridge walk, off the beaten forest trails and through authentic villages. You can avoid the busiest trails and enjoy eco trekking with community based lodges and eco cottages.
These Poon Hill Trek alternatives pass through remote, quiet and authentic villages trails and off the beaten forest paths where you can enjoy sunrise and mountain views without the crowd. Mohare Danda combines community-based trekking on a remote and less crowded ridge. Kokhe Danda takes you through quiet forest trails to the least known viewpoint in Annapurna. Finally, Muldai Viewpoint ventures into remote rhododendron and oak forests from Tadapani which offers a close up sunrise panorama of Annapurna mountains.
If you are looking for less crowded treks in Annapurna with a similar or better viewpoint than Poon Hill, these 3 treks are perfect for you. Each offers different routes, different scenery from the viewpoints, authentic cultural experience and remote trails.
Let’s learn about the 3 best Poon Hill alternatives for you with this guide. We understand each trekker has their unique trek expectation. So, choose the best alternative to Poon Hill trek with quieter and remote trails, authentic cultural immersion as per your need. With these alternative treks, you can experience the Annapurna Himalayas from a different perspective peacefully without the crowds.
Why do trekkers look for alternative treks to Poon Hill?
Poon Hill has the rightful reputation of one of the best viewpoints for sunrise and broad panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. However, the same reputation brings a big crowd of trekkers into Ghorepani trekking route and Poon Hill viewpoint. For those who want stunning Himalayan views with quieter trails, Poon Hill cannot fulfill that requirement. Hence, trekkers seek alternatives to the famous Poon Hill to enhoy a quieter and more authentic trek.
Trekkers look for remote and authentic trekking alternatives to Poon Hill mainly to avoid the huge crowd and mass tourism. Poon Hill viewpoint becomes busy around sunrise and the route is also crowded mainly during the peak trekking seasons. The alternatives of Poon Hill offer solitude on the remote trails and authentic trekking experience far from commercialization. You get these benefits while enjoying equally scenic views from their viewpoints. Each of these alternative treks offer peace, authentic culture and remote trails and more than just a famous viewpoint.
Looking for Poon Hill alternative treks is the only way to experience both scenic views with less crowded routes for those who value remote and raw adventure rather than chasing popular viewpoints.
We suggest these three trekking routes as a better alternative to Poon Hill trek for sunrise and mountain views along with quieter trails. Each offers a unique way of witnessing the Annapurna & Dhaularigi peaks through different trails and within just 4 or 5 days.
Quick comparison: Mohare Danda vs Kokhe Danda vs Muldai Viewpoint
| Comparison angle | Mohare Danda Trek | Kokhe Danda Trek | Muldai Viewpoint Trek |
| Maximum altitude | 3,300 meters | 3,303 to 3,310 meters | 3,637 meters |
| Highlights | Panoramic sunrise over the mountains from the Mohare ridge and community-based eco trekking | Least known ridge, off the beaten forest trails and eco cottages with sunrise and sunset views | Elevated sunrise views over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri through remote rhododendron and oak forests |
| Main mountain scenery | Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) | Dhaulagiri & Annapurna ranges, Manaslu and Langtang peaks visible on clear days | Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri |
| Duration | 5 Days | 4 Days | 4 to 5 Days |
| Trail features | Traditional villages, forests, farmlands and community lodges | Forests, hills and locally run eco cottage accommodation | Quiet & off-the-beaten rhododendron and oak forest trails, basic teahouse |
| Crowd | Lesser crowds than Muldai peak and Poon Hill | Least crowded than all Mohare Danda, Muldai peak and Poon Hill | Lesser crowd than only Poon Hill |
Mohare Danda Trek: Community based ridge walk
Mohare Danda is a scenic ridge that you reach through off the beaten trails in Annapurna region. It is perfect for trekkers who want expansive views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges similar to Poon Hill but along a community based trekking. It is an eco trek with local lodges and hidden villages like Nangi. Mohare Danda rivals Poon Hill in terms of scenic beauty with minimal crowds.
- Highlights: Off the beaten ridgewalk to Mohare Danda (3,300m), community based lodges, eco trekking and minimal crowd
- Duration: 5 days
- Mountain views: Broad views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges from the scenic ridge
Follow this 5 Days Best itinerary for Mohare Danda trek
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor & trek to Banskharka
Day 2: Trek to Nangi village
Day 3: Hike to Mohare Danda & explore around the ridge
Day 4: Trek to Karbakeli
Day 5: Trek to Baiseri & drive to Pokhara
Muldai Viewpoint Trek: Close up Himalayan views
Muldai Viewpoint (3,637m) is a relatively higher peak perfect for trekkers who want a better and close-up view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The route becomes less crowded after detouring from Tadapani and heading towards Dobato. You trek through remote and less trodden forests of oak and rhododendrons. You primarily see Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri up close from the scenic and higher ridge of Muldai peak.
- Highlights: Scenic detour to Muldai peak (3,637m) off the beaten rhododendron and oak forest trails, elevated ridge for close up mountain views from a different angle, less crowd
- Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Mountain views: Close-up views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and other peaks of Annapurna massif
Follow this 4 Days best Muldai Viewpoint trek itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk & trek to Tadapani
Day 2: Trek to Dobato
Day 3: Hike to Muldai viewpoint for sunrise & trek to Ghorepani
Day 4: Descend to Ulleri & drive back to Pokhara
Kokhe Danda Trek: Remote & least crowded forest trails
Kokhe Danda is the least known viewpoint in Annapurna region. It is also the highest ridge point of Parbat district and lies just in front of Mohare ridge. It is the least crowded viewpoint perfect for those who want solitude and authentic cultural immersion on the trails. From Kokhe Danda, you can witness stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges standing tall over rolling hills of Parbat. Dhaulagiri is the main dominant peak from this viewpoint. On clear days you may also witness Manaslu and Langtang peaks in silence without any rush as there is minimal crowd on this trail.
The trail leads into lesser-known cultural villages through scenic forests. You will experience an authentic lifestyle and community of the mountain staying at eco cottages run locally by the people. It is the best route for those who seek a remote yet easy adventure into the hidden trails of Annapurna.
- Main highlights: Highest point of Parbat district, least known trekking trail, lowest crowd, remote villages, forest trails and trekking along eco cottages
- Duration: 4 Days
- Mountain views: Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges dominating over the layered hills of Parbat district with Manaslu and Langtang peaks visible on a clear day
This is the best 4 days Kokhe Danda trek itinerary that we suggest,
Day 1: Drive to Banthati from Pokhara & hike to Aama cottage
Day 2: Hike to Kokhe Danda via Aapa cottage
Day 3: Sunrise at Kokhe Danda & hike back to Banthati
Day 4: Drive back to Pokhara
What kinds of accommodation do the alternate treks feature?
Accommodation on the alternate viewpoint treks like Mohare Danda, Kokhe Danda and Muldai viewpoint is more basic than Poon Hill. Mohare Danda features community based lodges and traditional village houses as accommodation. You will find eco cottages on the Kokhe Danda trail. Similarly, you will find basic teahouses near Dobato for your accommodation during Muldai trek.
These kinds of accommodation are perfect for experiencing authentic culture and interacting with local communities at a deeper level. You can enjoy the true mountain lifestyle of ethnic people on such lodges unlike the commercialized teahouses of Poon Hill.
Why are these treks a better alternative to Poon Hill?
Though Mohare Danda, Muldai Viewpoint, Kokhe Danda offer similar mountain views like Poon Hill, quieter, less crowded trails and uncommercialized experience make them a better alternative to Poon Hill.
Less crowded and quieter trails
These 3 alternative routes to Poon Hill offer a quieter trekking experience. Unlike the popular Poon Hill trail, these routes are hidden and less-explored so you can enjoy the Annapurna region away from crowds. During peak seasons, Poon Hill viewpoint is packed with trekkers for sunrise view which makes the experience feel commercialized. However, on Mohare Danda, Kokhe Danda and Muldai viewpoint, you can enjoy peaceful sunrise views or mountain skyline without hundreds of trekkers crowding the place.
Similar or even better Himalayan views from the viewpoint
Each of these viewpoints offer a different mountain scenery than that from Poon Hill. From Mohare Danda you can enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, Lamjung Himal with Dhaulagiri dominating the skyline. From Kokhe Danda, you can witness a dominating panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. And from, Muldai viewpoint, you can witness Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri rising high. You get a unique view of different angles of the mountain ranges.
Local and uncommercialized routes
These routes take you through less crowded routes into local villages. The trails pass through remote and hidden parts of the Annapurna region. Unlike the Poon Hill route, you won’t experience commercialization when trekking to either Kokhe Danda or Mohare Danda. You will trek through traditional villages and stay at community and eco lodges which provides you a raw insight into mountain culture and lifestyle away from mass tourism.
Authentic trekking experience
You trek through remote and underexplored trails when hiking to these viewpoints. Experience an authentic trek through traditional villages and learn more about the culture of Gurung and Magar ethnic people. Interacting with local communities and experiencing mountain life rather than following only the most popular viewpoint route offers you an authentic trekking experience.
Which alternative viewpoint trek to Poon Hill in Annapurna region is best for you?
Poon Hill, Mohare Danda, Muldai Peak and Kokhe Danda all offer spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains from a relatively low altitude. These are the best viewpoints in Annapurna region to witness scenic mountain views with short and easy treks. A quieter and uncommercialized trekking experience to these viewpoints is what separates them specially from the Poon Hill route.
The best viewpoint trek depends on the experience you want. Either one of these alternate treks to Poon Hill can be the best viewpoint trek for you. Mohare Danda, Kokhe Danda and Muldai Viewpoint each have their own distinct set of highlights, mountain scenery and trekking experience.
Choose Mohare Danda Viewpoint trek if you want a community based eco ridge walk, choose Kokhe Danda if you want the quickest viewpoint through forest trails and eco cottages and choose Muldai viewpoint if you want a higher sunrise panorama.
We can help you choose your best viewpoint trek after discussing what you expect from your journey. Contact Attentive Holiday Tours & Travel to compare itineraries and features of all three regions before choosing your trek.
