The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, also known as the Poon Hill Trek, is a popular trekking route located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is a relatively short and moderate trek that offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, along with an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Highlights:
- Poon Hill: The main highlight of the trek is the ascent to Poon Hill, located at an altitude of 3,210 meters (10,532 feet). From here, you can witness a breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Beautiful Villages: The trek takes you through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where you can experience the local culture, traditions, and hospitality of the Nepalese people.
- Natural Beauty: The trail passes through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and picturesque landscapes. You’ll also encounter several rivers, waterfalls, and suspension bridges along the way.
- Tea Houses: The trekking route has a well-developed network of tea houses and lodges, providing accommodation and meals for trekkers. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer not to camp.
- Permits: To trek in the Annapurna region, you will need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Fitness Level:
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. However, it still involves ascending and descending trails, so some prior hiking experience and physical preparation are recommended.
Weather:
The best time to undertake Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is generally clear during these months, offering excellent mountain views. Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall and less visibility.
It’s always advisable to go with a licensed trekking agency or a knowledgeable guide who can assist you with logistics, navigation, and ensuring your safety throughout the trek.
DETAILS LOOK:
DAY: 1 POKHARA DRIVE TO NAYAPUL – TREK TO TIKHEDHUNGA [1540M]
A scenic 1 hour drive from Pokhara takes us to the starting point of our trek. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola River, we ascend slowly through terraced fields and classic mountain villages. Along the way we will encounter mule or goat caravans carrying supplies to the mountains, heralded by the musical bells they wear. The stunning peaks of Machhapuchare and Annapurna peaking over the green ridges will greet us from time to time as we continue up to Tikhredhunga.
DAY 2: TREK FROM TIKHEDHUNGA TO GHOREPANI [2775M]
Today begins with a real heart-starter! We have a steep ascent to get us going and then a more gradual uphill walk takes us to our camp at Ghorepani. We will pass through some delightful villages and the beautiful, dense rhododendron forest so characteristic of Nepal at these altitudes! If the weather is clear we will see stunning mountain views from Ghorepani, making the climb well worth it! At Gorepani, we are on the main Annapurna Circuit route and there are likely to be lots of travellers passing through this ridge-top settlement in both directions. Ghorepani literally means “horse water” and is a popular stopping place for the mule trains which ply the route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. The impressive peak which can be seen across the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki to the northwest is Dhaulagiri.
DAY 3: SUNRISE AT POON HILL (3200M) – TREK TO TADAPANI [2650M]
It is an absolute must for those who stay at Ghorepani to make the walk up to the celebrated view point of Poon Hill [3195m], which overlooks the village. Dawn is the best time to go so we arrange a wake up call for 5 am and head up the well marked track by torchlight. The first light of dawn illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow.
You may be able to buy coffee and breakfast from an enterprising local who has carried his produce up to Poon Hill to take advantage of the morning trade. Otherwise, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast, before trekking on to Tadapani through rhododendron forest. If we are lucky we will see some wild animals, such as langur monkeys climbing through the trees. There are excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare from Tadapani.
DAY 4: TADAPANI TREK TO GHANDRUK [1950M]
From Tadapani the trail descends through beautiful forests to Ghandruk, which is a stunning village of Gurung people, one of Nepal’s most famous ethnic groups, known for their distinctive dialect, culture, costume, and life style. Ghandruk is also home to many soldiers from the famous Gurkha regiments. From here we can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Fishtail.
DAY 05: GHANDRUK TREK TO NAYAPUL AND DRIVE TO POKHARA
We can enjoy a final down hill walk through forest and villages for about 5 hrs to Nayapul. From here we drive for about 1 hour back to Pokhara where our trek ends and we can enjoy a shower and relax on this stunning lakeside town enjoying the memories!
NOTE: THIS TREK IS START FROM POKHARA SO CLIENT SHOULD BE IN POKHARA. POKHARA IS 2ND BIGGEST CITY AFTER KATHMANDU AND IT IS 7 HOURS DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU AND COULD GET EASILY TOURIST BUS FROM KATHMANDU OF 700.00 RUPPES TICKET.
Included in Cost:
- Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
- Licensed and trained trekking guides,
- potters for carrying goods and supplies,
- Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
- 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
- All accommodation during the trek on sharing Basis.
- All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
- Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
- National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
equipment for the staffs.
Does not Included in Price:
- International Airfares,
- Travel/Trekking Insurance,
- Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
- Visa fees.
- Airport Departure Taxes.
- Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
- Tips for The staffs.
- Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
- Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
- Extra Domestic Ticket of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.
- Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.