Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in Annapurna Sanctuary is likely one of the simplest treks that explains its increasing popularity. Besides, for inexperienced hikers and those who just want to have a taste of hiking in the region, it’s a wonderful way to walk. Moreover, the Ghorepani Pooh hill is generally considered one of the best short treks in Nepal’s Annapurna region. Basically, there are several factors that contribute to the popularity of Poon Hill Trek. It requires only moderate fitness and is one of the least physically demanding of Nepal’s trek, making it ideal for families.

Moreover, the Poon Hill trek can be completed between 3-5 days which depends on the requirements. It is a low-altitude trek with a maximum altitude of 3,210m (10,531.5 feet) at the top of Poon Hill. However, Ghorepani has an altitude of only 2,874 m (9,429 ft.) where the visitor will stay so there’s little change of altitude sickness on this trek.

Besides, being excellent to trekking for non-trekkers and offering a wonderful experience for those who have a short time for adventure. The primary attraction of the trek is the beauty and variety of the landscape with lush vegetation, terraced rice field, and alpine regions. Moreover, Machhapuchhre’s highly attractive fluted peak (Fishtail Peak) dominates the landscape throughout the trek. Once you reach Poon Hill, one of the most spectacular mountain scenery on Earth will face you. As Poon Hill is 3,210 meters high so the sunrise view is a pleasure to see, justifying every grueling step you have taken to get there.

Where to start and finish the trek?

Like that of other trekking routes in the Annapurna region, this poon hill trek has different starting and finishing points. The most popular way for starting the trek is from Nayapul and finish it in Ghandruk. The total ascent for the route will be 3000m and total descend will be 1996m. The visitor can do it the other way around; to start from Ghandruk and to finish in Nayapul. Moreover, as compared to Nayapul – Ghandruk option the visitor will get less ascend and more descend; i.e. about 2000m up and 3000m down. For going to these villages, there are jeeps and buses available. But, if it rains a lot then the road from Ghandruk gets muddy so there might be no buses from Pokhara. Instead, the visitor can walk to Kimche from Ghandruk (4 km extra and 300 m more down) or all the way to Kande through Australian Camp.

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

Poon Hill Trek itinerary will be 3 to 5 days from/to Pokhara depending on your time and level of your physical fitness. Most people fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara to begin Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The flights leave regularly, although weather interruptions/delays are common.

On the other hand, the path can be as follows according to the most trekkers plan. They are:

First Day: Pokhara (820m/2,690ft.) – Nayapul (1,070m/3,5010ft.) – Tikhedhunga Ulleri (1,960m/6,430ft.), 1 ½ hrs drive (45 km), 6-7 hrs trek, 11 km

Second Day: Ulleri (1,960m/6,430 ft.) – Ghorepani (2,860m/9,382 ft.): 7km, 4-5 hrs.

Third Day: Walk up Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft.)-Ghorepani (1,940m/6,364 ft.) – Tadapani (2,630m/8,630ft): 11km, 6-7 hrs.

Fourth Day: Tadapani (2,630m/8,630ft) – Ghandruk 91,940m/6,364 ft.) and drive to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft.): 1-2 hrs trek; 3 hrs drive to Pokhara in private jeep or bus.

It may vary according to others plan.

When to trek?

The best season for hiking the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is March-April and September-October. Also, it must have a comfortable temperature with not much snow or rain. The visitor can also view the beautiful nature during the trek. From the top of Poon hill, in addition to many other peaks, the snow-capped summits of the Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, both more than 8,000 meters high, can be clearly seen. Moreover, the mountains shine like gold when the rays of the sun hit it. What’s more, it’s amazing to have the Himalayas so close, nearly at your doorsteps.

Besides, adorned with greeneries the trail ascend and descend alters interrupted by waterfalls, streams, and bridges. Along with this, Oak, Rhododendrons, ferns and medicinal herbs spread their fragrances. The singing of birds and the swinging of monkeys on branches provides wilderness experience. Tea houses and lodges over ridges are grouped. Instead, visitors can get clean accommodation and healthy items on menus. The fall (September-November) gives Nepal’s biggest festive mood. Quiet climate provides blissful trekking in Nepal or enjoys trekking under clear skies and alluring Rhododendron blossom of spring (February-May).

Further Afield

Visitor can walk back through the villages of Ghandruk and can stay for the hiking to the Australian Camp. Besides this, they can explore the charming culture, people and enjoy 1 or 2 days extra in nature.