Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill trekking takes you through dense jungles filled with rhododendrons, birch, juniper, fir, and bamboo. Your trail mostly runs through these lush forests. As you climb above Ghorepani, you will see the pine trees of the tropical highlands. Some of the popular landmarks that are visible during the Poon Hill Trek route are Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Tadapani, etc, along with the views of the stunning mountain ranges like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, etc.

The route towards Poon Hill begins from Nayapul, following footpaths through rural villages. From there, you will reach Ulleri, where you will reach Ghorepani. After Ghorepani, we first climb towards Poon Hill and then descend to Ghandruk via Tadapani village.

The route to Poon Hill is Nayapul – Birethanti – Hile – Ulleri – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani – Ghandruk – Syauli Bazaar. The initial part of the trek includes steep stone staircases. You will pass through small villages of Magar and Gurung people. The plants change from subtropical to tropical as you climb. While some steep sections are during the trek, it is suitable for beginners with short daily walking times.

Poon Hill Trek Pricing Based on Group Size

As the table indicates, the Poon Hill trek cost is varied according to the number of trekkers in one group. For example, it will cost about $340m per person; however, if the trekking group increases to 2 to 4, the cost decreases to $299 per person. If the group is more than 10 people, the cost per person decreases to $250.

Viewpoints, Villages, and Rhododendron Trails of Poon Hill

Poon Hill Viewpoint

Stationed amidst the gigantic massif of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, Poonhill is astounding. The vista of these two mountains, as seen from Poonhill, is magnificent. Trekkers prefer to hike to Poonhill from Ghorepani early in the morning. They usually make it to Poonhill right before sunrise. The air during the morning here is crisp and invigorating. As the sun unveils from the Annapurna giants, many mountains are visible before you.

Rugged ridges, snow, and a capped summit create a stunning contrast against the morning sky. It’s a mesmerizing watch as the color imprinted on the mountains shifts from soft hues of pink to orange. As the day unfolds, the radiant of the color changes to shades of gold and white.

Ghorepani Village

Ghorepani village is the highest-altitude village you will be staying in during the Poon Hill trek. “Ghore Pani” translates to “horse water” in Nepali. Long before, this village used to be a rest stop for traders and travelers to quench the thirst of their horses and mules on the way to Tibet. Ghorepani village creates a tranquil ambiance amidst dense Rhododendron forest. During the spring months (March-May), Ghorepani is vibrant and vivid, with an explosion of Rhododendron colors. You will gaze at the red, white, and pink flower canvas. This is the final point of ascent in Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, and we will begin our final stretch of hike to Poonhill from this village.

Ghandruk Village

Ghandruk village is encircled by the gigantic massifs of the Annapurna mountains. This village is a typical Gurung village portraying the artistic aura of centuries back. The main entrance of Ghandruk is filled with stone houses adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. Inhabited mostly by Gurung people, this village is also the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It stands at an elevation of 1939 meters and is the most densely located village of Poon Hill trekking.

Dense Rhododendron Forests

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is filled with numerous Rhododendron forests. The trail encompassing the Poonhill and Ghorepani is filled with colorful hues of Rhododendron flowers. Poon Hill trek covers the areas of Rhododendron forests, which transform into an alluring canvas of red, pink, white, and purple blossoms, creating a surreal and fairy-tale-like setting. Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal and is highly regarded not only for its captivating beauty but for its medicinal benefits too.

Trek Duration and Pricing Options

The average trek duration of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek ranges from 2 to 5 days. The trek’s cost changes on the trek’s duration, which means the less duration trek costs less than the more duration trek

• The 2-day Poon hill trek is US$229 per person, Your trek starts from Ulleri, and treks to Ghorepani, The Next morning, you climb to Poonhill for sunrise, the Himalayas view, and then same way back to Ulleri. From Ulleri, drive back to Pokhara.
• 3-day Poon hill treks US$259 Per person, Your trek starts from Syauli Bazar via Nayapul, trek to Tadapani, Ghorepani, Poonhill, and then same way back to Hile. From Hile, drive back to Pokhara.
• The 4-day Poon hill trek is US$299 Per person, you start the trekking from Nayapul, trek to Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poonhill, and then another route to Nayapul via Tadapani and Ghandruk village.
• 5 Days Poon hill trek US$349 Per person, you start the trek from Nayapul, trek to Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poonhill, Tadapani, Jhinu Natural Hot Spring, Syomrong, and back to Pokhara.

Trek Distances for Your Poon Hill

The Poon Hill Trek distance is depending on how many days Poon Hill Trek you choose.

• 2 days Poon Hill Trek 19 km or 11.80 miles
• 3 Days Poon Hill Trek 31 km or 19.26 miles
• 4 Days Poon Hill Trek 42.5 km or 26.40 miles
• 5 Days Poon Hill Trek 40 km or 24.85 miles

Travel Options to and from the Poon Hill Trek

There are several modes of transportation that you can board to travel to or from during the Poon Hill Trek. First of all, there are two modes of transport: by air or by ground.

Air Transport

Air transport is limited. You can only board a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Air transportation is more comfortable and quick but is more expensive than other modes of transport.

Ground Transport

Ground transportation for the Poon Hill trek depends upon the group size. If you are in a group of 2 people, they can have a taxi for your trip. If the group size ranges from 3-7 pax, a jeep will be hired for the journey. Private vehicles will be booked for Syauli Bazar to Pokhara and Pokhara to Nayapul section of the trip and then when returning back as well.

Can we see Sunrise from Poon Hill?

Yes, we can see the sunrise from the Poon Hill. In fact, seeing sunrise and sunset from the Poon Hill trek is among the best attraction of the Poon Hill trek. First, this popular hill is at an elevation of 3,210 meters, which is why it is the perfect vantage point for the panoramic views of the mountains and the stunning sunrise and sunset.

However, to see the amazing sunrise, trekkers must time their trekking accordingly. They must arrive in Poon Hill before dawn, which is why the time between 5 Am to 5;30 Am is often important, and the trails towards the hill are quite crowded. The trekkers often come overnight and stay in the hotel at Ghorepani and wake up early in the morning for the Poon Hill trek so that they don’t miss the sunrise.

Starting and Ending Points During the Trek

As a general practice, the Poon hill trek is initiated from Nayapul. It is a small highway-side village located 40 kilometers northwest of Pokhara. This is an initiating point for the Poon Hill trek. However, the road has been paved from Nayapul until Ulleri but is only accessible via Jeep or a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Also, the ending point of the trek is Syauli Bazar itself.

After moving from Nayapul, the trekkers will pass through landscapes like jungles, peaks, valleys, and river banks. The trekkers will pass through villages like Ulleri, Nangethanti, Deurali, and Ghorepani before reaching Poon Hill.

Communication Services for Poon Hill Trek

Unlike 4-5 years back, the Poon Hill trekking trail has a strong reach of network communication now. There is a good reach of cellular and data services in the area. The parts of the trekking trail have 4G access for you to connect with your loved ones. That being said, since the geography is remote and difficult to access, the network gets disrupted most of the time.

Communication may not be as smooth as at lower altitudes, so people often carry satellite phones with them. However, compared to another high-altitude trek, even at the peak of Poon Hill, communication is still decent, which means you can talk to your loved ones without any complications.

A Beginner’s Guide to Challenges and Preparation

The trek to Ghorepani-Poonhill is a leisurely adventure suitable for beginners. It lasts a maximum of two days, including the descent, making it ideal for novice trekkers. Although the initial part of the trail is steep and may leave you breathless, your body will adapt as you gain altitude, making the ascent more manageable. The Poonhill trek is highly recommended for novice and beginner trekkers.

This trek can be a stepping stone for those looking to embark on high-altitude traverses like Manaslu Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Everest 3 High Passes Trek. Although this trek is somewhat easy to moderate, certain challenges still may affect beginners on their first excursion. These challenges are:

• Altitude – Altitude can be one factor that increases the difficulty level, especially for beginners. The trekkers will reach an elevation of 3210m. Due to the high altitude, beginners will face specific difficulties like dynamic weather, freezing temperatures, and, most importantly, the chance of experiencing altitude sickness since they are not as trained in acclimatization, which is the primary way to prevent the possibility of the illness.
• Terrain – The Poon Hill trek does not pass through hard terrains like the ABC Trek or the Circuit Trek. However, the trekkers still need to cross some tough landscapes and climb steep ascents, which can be tough if their stamina is not at the standard.
• Remoteness – The Poon Hill Trek initially passes through established towns. Still, after a while, you will reach remote villages like Ulleri, Deurali, Ghorepani, etc., which are underdeveloped compared to cities and towns. Hence, the trekkers will not find the infrastructure or the services they are often used to.
• Meal Options – Poon Hill Trek is quite popular for trekkers who love to explore the culture, rituals, and traditions of people in the Annapurna region. The cultural immersion also includes food options which in the high altitude are limited to local Nepali, Dal Bhat, Dindo, Ghundruk, etc. Some foreign trekkers might not prefer Nepali food and instead look for Western cuisines, which are quite scarce in these situations.

When to Go for the Best Experience?

For Poon Hill trek in Nepal, three seasons are considered best for trekking. They are Spring, Autumn, and Winter.

Spring

Spring, which begins in March and lasts until May, is the most favored time for Poonhill trekking. This season provides ideal weather and temperature for trekking. Compared to other seasons, the weather is stable, which helps trekkers and guides plan correctly. One of the best attractions of trekking in Spring is the chance to see different landscapes in their pristine beauty. The blooming flowers and clear views of the skies and mountains motivate the trekkers to trek for several days.

Autumn

Autumn is another good time to trek to Poonhill. Autumn months usually last from the end of September until November. Like Spring, the Autumn season also provides perfect weather and temperature for trekking; however, during November, as the winter grows closer, the evening becomes chilly. The trekkers are attracted by the clear view of the mountains and different types of vegetation all across the region. The autumn season also offers a chance to see different Nepali festivals. Two national festivals in Dashain and Tihar fall in the Autumn season, which allows trekkers to learn about the festival and immerse themselves in the culture.

Winter

Winter time in Nepal is also favorable for trekking from December to February. Although in certain high-altitude treks, the winter season might be considered the least ideal time for trekking, this is not the case for the Poon Hill trek. Since the trekkers will only reach an altitude over 3200m and the trek duration is lower, the weather and freezing temperature won’t affect them as much. However, trekkers must prepare for this cold weather and temperature, so packing essential clothing is necessary.

Monsoon

On that note, the summer months(June-August) are Nepal’s monsoon season, which creates monsoon rain. Occasional rain showers make the trail slippery and obstruct the Himalayan views. That being said, trekking can be done during this time. The best weather for the Poon Hill trek is during Autumn(September- December) and Spring(March-May). Also, winter trekking to Poonhill is doable. While the temperature during winter months drops to an extreme level, we can arrange for a trek during those times. Despite the cold and snowy pattern, the weather during these months is excellent. Carrying warm gear and a sleeping bag for the night is advised if you are trekking during the winter.

What to Expect for Meals and Accommodation on the Poon Hill Trek

Foods

The inclusive package of a trek to Poonhill includes three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it begins before the initial stretch of the trek. The menus for breakfast include soups, oatmeal, roti, chapati, pancakes, toast with jam, scrambled eggs, and fried eggs.

Meals during the Poon Hill trek can range from a wide variety of cuisines. Let’s take a closer look at the food menus that trekkers can get during their trek.

• Breakfast: Simple Breakfast (Eggs, any item with hashbrown potato, toast or Gurung or Tibetan Bread, Pancake, Muesli, Oat Porridge, etc.)
• Lunch: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam, Tomato Hot spicy, Chicken curry optional), Macaroni, Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumplings, Pizza, fried rice, Fried Noodles, French fries, etc.
• Dinner: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam, Tomato Hot spicy or pickle, Chicken curry optional), Macaroni, Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumplings, Pizza, fried rice, Fried Noodles, French fries, etc.
• Dessert: Fresh fruit (apple, orange, pomegranates, banana, and any seasonal fruit) served as a sweet dessert.

Accommodation

The Annapurna region is home to the traditional hill communities of Gurungs and Magars. The area around the Poonhill trekking trail is dotted with villages from these communities. The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is a teahouse trek, which means you will stay in various teahouses as you travel from one town to another. Along the trek, popular stopovers such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk offer numerous teahouses for accommodation.

Accommodation in Poon Hill Trek includes staying in such teahouses. Teahouses are similar to mountain lodges in the European Alps. These small wooden structure houses provide basic lodging facilities for trekkers. A typical teahouse will have twin beds with a foamed mattress. You will be provided with a pillow and quilt. These houses are usually kept warm with a Bukhara stove built in the diner of the lodge. There are hot water shower facilities available. Also, these lodges have wifi facilities.

Preparing for the Poon Hill Trek – Fitness & Permits

Although the Poon Hill trek is not as tough as other trekking destinations, it still needs some preparation. The trekkers must be fully fit, have issued relevant permits, and pack all the necessary items; however, keep their luggage as light as possible if they want to enjoy the trek.

Raising fitness

First of all, being physically fit for a modest-height trek like the Poon Hill trek is essential, mostly for beginners. The trek has many ups and downs, which can take a toll on the body. The trekkers must be able to trek for two to three days and every day for about five to six hours. First and foremost, trekkers must try to increase their core strength and the strength of their legs. Increase the physical stamina and endurance level before booking the trek. You can indulge in the exercises like swimming, jogging, running, etc. The trekkers can also practice short hiking by carrying backpacks and luggage to test their stamina level.

Issuing Permits for Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill Trek is an underrated but beautiful trekking spot in the Annapurna region. This trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is why trekkers need to issue two permits which are Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is the mandatory permit that the trekkers need to issue while visiting trekking destinations of the Annapurna region like Poon Hill Trek, ABC Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, etc. You can issue the ACAP at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the TAAN office in Pokhara.

ACAP permit costs

• For foreigners: Nrs. 3000 (Approx. $30)
• For SAARC Nationals: Nrs. 1000 (Approx.$10)Tims Card costs: For foreigners: Nrs. 3000 (Approx. $20)
• For SAARC Nationals: Nrs. 1000 (Approx.$10)

TIMS Card

Apart from the ACAP permit, a TIMS card must be obtained for Poonhill Trekking. TIMS stands for Trekkers Information Management System. This card is vital to locate the trekkers during their travel. Security personnel will retrieve information about your identity and whereabouts from TIMS cards. Both of these permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Your trekking agent can guide you in obtaining these permits. In some regions of Nepal, like Everest, a TIMS card is not necessary since they already have municipality permit cards, but in another area like Annapurna, the personnel at the checkpoint can check for the TIMS card.

TIMS Card cost—In Nepal, the cost of a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card is NPR 1,000 for trekkers from the SAARC countries and NPR 2,000 for international trekkers.

Poon Hill Trek Weather and Temperature Guide

The temperature will depend on what time you book the Poon Hill trek. But we organize this trek every day for the whole year. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September – November) are the best times to do this trek. If you want to see Rhododendron, February – April is the best time. If you want to walk in the snow during this trek, winter ( December – February ) is the best time.

• Winter (December – February): The minimum temperature will be around -5 Celsius, and the Maximum temperature will be 15 Celsius. The temperature will be slightly cold, but trek during this time is still nice weather. This is the right time to walk on the snow at this trek.
• Spring (March-May): Minimum temperature will be around +5 Celsius, and the Maximum temperature will be 30 Celsius. This is the best time to trek, with a clear sky and good temperatures. If you want to see the Rhododendron, this is the best time.
• Summer (June – August): The minimum temperature will be around +5 Celsius, and the Maximum temperature will be 30 Celsius. This is raining season, and we are still organizing this trek during this time. A Rain Poncho or Rain Jacket is recommended.
• Autumn (September – November): The minimum temperature will be around 0 Celsius, and the Maximum temperature will be 25 Celsius. This is another of the best times to go on this trek. After the rainy season, the weather will be fresh and beautiful.

Exploring Alternative Treks to Poon Hill

There are a few alternative routes for the Ghorepani Poon Hill that will give trekkers a similar experience to that of the Poon Hill Trek. These treks are also low altitudes and have less duration, which is not difficult compared to other major challenging treks in Nepal. So let’s get into them.

Khopra Danda Trek

The Khopra Danda trek is an underrated and peaceful trekking spot in the Annapurna region. Often the trekkers are only aware of this trek if they visit or experience it for the first time. This trek takes about 7 to 8 days but can be curated according to your needs. You will arrive at Khopra Danda, which has amazing views of the mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Jomsom Muktinath Trek is another amazing alternative to the Poon Hill Trek. In this trek, the trekkers will pass through different places of the Annapurna region, like Pokhara, Fewa Lake, Jomsom, and Kagbeni, which leads to the beautiful sacred place of Muktinath. Muktinath is important for the Annapurna region as a major attraction, but it is also equally important for the Hindus and Buddhists.

Ghandruk Trek

Just like the Poon Hill trek, there is other short and sweet destinations that the trekkers in Ghandruk Trek. This trek begins in Nayapul, similar to the Poon Hill trek, but instead of going to Ghorepani, it leads you to the lovely village of Ghandruk. Ghandruk is famous for its traditional Gurung culture, terraced fields, and beautiful mountain views. You can spend a day exploring Ghandruk before climbing up to Poon Hill through Tadapani and returning to Nayapul.

Comparing the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and Mardi Himal Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is among the highly popular trek in the Annapurna region. However, another trek is also in the same area, the Mardi Himal Trek. Both treks are short-duration and low-altitude, ideal for beginners and trekkers who prefer less challenging treks. So let’s compare the Poon Hill trek with the Mardi Himal Trek.

Views

Mardi Himal Trek is more amazing for trekkers who like the stunning views of the mountains and the Annapurna region. Although you will be able to see stunning views of the mountains from the top of Poon Hill, however, during Mardi Himal Trek, you will be closer to it.

Popularity

In comparison between Poon Hill Trek and Mardi Himal Trek, Poon Hill is relatively more popular. This trek is best for trekkers with family and friends looking for a less stressful expedition along the stunning beauty of the Annapurna region. The Mardi Himal trek is preferred by trekkers who have high stamina and prefer challenging treks,

High Elevation

One of the important preferences for trekkers can be the high elevation. The Poon Hill Trek’s high elevation is 3,210m, and that of Mardi Himal Trek is 4,500m. So the trekkers that prefer high altitude trek prefer Mardi Himal, whereas the trekkers that prefer low altitude trek prefer Poon Hill trek.

What to Expect on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a popular short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This is the best choice for trekkers who are not as experienced and are looking for the least challenging treks in Nepal. However, the Poon trek is equally rewarding, as trekkers will still get true Himalayan adventure.

Here is what you can expect during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:

Scenic views

The trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and other surrounding peaks. The views are especially spectacular from Poon Hill, the highest point on the trek.

Diverse landscapes

The trek passes through various landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and rugged mountains. Although the duration is short, you will still experience all the landscapes surrounding the Annapurna region.

Warm and friendly people

During the Poon Hill trek, the trekkers are expected to meet local Nepal people who are living their life, celebrating their culture, and also preserving their culture and tradition for a long time. The people of Nepal are very warm and friendly. You will be welcomed with smiles and great hospitality during your trek. If you have a guide, it would be easy to conversate with them and learn the history and background of the region you are trekking.

Amazing Trekking condition

The trekkers can expect amazing trekking conditions if they decide to explore the Poon Hill trek. Poon Hill Trek is regarded as genuinely one of the best and most beautiful trekking spots in Nepal.

Benefits of booking Ghorepani poon Hill Trek Himalaya Trip

24 hours service

Himalaya Trip offers round-the-clock customer support, which means you can contact them with any questions or concerns anytime, day or night. Whether you have a last-minute query, need to change your itinerary, or encounter an unexpected situation during your trek, their team is always available to assist you. This 24-hour support gives customers security and satisfaction and reassures them that help is always available.

Safety First

The main priority for the Himalayan Trip is the safety of the trekkers and travelers. They have experienced staff with knowledge of navigation, safety, security, and even first aid for emergencies. They always respect your opinion, provide you with essential guides and tips, and always keep you on your toes, as they know that you have to be ready for unforeseen circumstances for safety.

Experienced guides

With Himalaya Trip, they are always safe and protected, as they have experienced guides with over 20 years of know-how. They are well experienced and knowledgeable about the trails and the region, which enables them to navigate fairly easily. They are also well equipped to handle unforeseen circumstances and flight rescue.

Customizable itineraries

Himalaya trip also provides the opportunity to customize your itinerary. They know that every traveler has their own preference and unique choices on how they want to explore the region. If you book with our company, you can tailor your trekking package to your interests, pace, modes of transportation, and fitness level.

Discounts

Himalaya Trip is also a renowned trekking company that provides adequate discounts based on the number of trekkers, festivals, and seasons. Trekkers have lots of incentives for booking treks in groups because of some amazing discounts and offers. So, before booking the trek, make sure you explore all the areas and opportunities where you can receive a discount.

Gear and Clothing for the Poon Hill Trek

Although the Poon Hill trek is somewhat easy to moderate level, trekkers still need to pack essential items of clothing, gear, or equipment depending on their preference or the season. However, compared to other high-altitude tough treks, the trekkers don’t need to take everything and can only pack essential things.

Clothing

• • • Hiking shoes
    • Trousers
    • Socks
    • Warm jacket,
    • T-shirts (two or three) and long-sleeved shirt,

Essentials

• • • Sunscreen (SPF 20+),
    • Backpack around 35 liters,
    • Torch (flashlight),
    • Camera, memory card, and battery charger( spare batteries),
    • Toilet Paper,
    • Quick-drying towel,
    • Warm hat,
    • Gloves,
    • Thermal underwear,
    • Sunglass,
    • Spikes in winter, etc.

Note: Spikes or crampons are recommended if you are doing this trek in winter ( December – February). A rain poncho or rain jacket is recommended if you are doing this trek in summer (June—August).