A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a multi-level tapered write pole. The write pole comprises a main pole with a tapered tip on a leading edge or a trailing edge, on which is formed at least one yoke that has a tapered edge. The edge of the yoke is recessed from the ABS of the main pole, giving the head a stepped profile. The yoke can be a single yoke formed on one side of the main pole or it can be two yokes formed on both the leading and trailing sides of the main pole. The write pole structure creates an efficient channeling of magnetic flux to the ABS surface of the pole tip which produces magnetic recording field at high area densities.