The scenic views of the Himalayas have always captured the hearts of travelers who came to Nepal in search of a journey of their lifetime. And such journeys are very hard to come by.
Mainly because these kinds of journeys need to inspire and enrich your inner souls with a fascinating bundle of joy and experiences that simply can’t be replaced, no matter how hard you try. And such a journey or may I say trek is our Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.
Yes, it may not take you to the base camp of some of the world’s highest mountain peaks where an amphitheater of Himalayan massifs awaits you. But it will nonetheless allow experiencing a simpler yet overwhelming trekking adventure in Nepal.
It’s one of the many treks that can be done in Nepal but is considered by many as one of the best treks to go on if you wish to catch some breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna range including Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Machapuchare (6,993 m), Mt. Himchuli (6,441m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) – the seventh highest mountain in the world. What more do you need?
While standing at the top of Poonhill which is situated at a high elevation of 3,210 meters above sea level may not sound interesting at a first glance but the first instances when you reach there will be something dreamlike that can only be experienced once in a lifetime.
With that being said, the overall journey in itself will also be a remarkable one as you get to travel through eccentric trekking routes filled with enchanting forests, heart-warming village communities, stunning natural and cultural presence, and most of all a quaint atmosphere where you can solely experience the wilderness within the Himalayas. So, if you feel like doing some meditation or yoga activities then feel free to do so as you will not get a much better place to do so.
So, how will the trek begin, you ask! And we say with a drive to Pokhara city – a famous touristic city of Nepal which is also the second-largest city in terms of land area after Kathmandu city. After Pokhara, we then drive off to Nayapool and then onward begin taking our first gentle steps into the spellbinding Annapurna region.
Once, you do that, you are all set to reach Tikhedhunga village the same day. Next, we head up higher to Ghorepani village and be ready to walk for several hours on stony steps that can at times feel like never-ending. However, as soon as you arrive at Ghorepani village, you will already have to experience the reminiscing feeling of trekking in Nepal.
From Ghorepani, you will just need to start an early morning hike that won’t be anywhere near as taxing as the walk up to Ghorepani. And with it, you will have reached your much-awaited final destination to observe the snowcapped mountains of the majestic Himalayan range.
So, if you ever feel like doing a short trek up to Poonhill, then contact us to book this trip right away.
Being one of the best short treks in Nepal- Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek comparatively easier and more comfortable.
This trek does not have a difficult trial at all although there are some ascends and descends. This journey is suitable for anyone regardless of age and gender.
This trek is also called a family trek, people can trek with their children and seniors.
However, as this trek is listed as an easy to moderate trek, you need to walk 4-6 hours in a day passing the stairs and steep hills. Moreover, the weather in Poon Hill is tremendously impulsive which may add a brick in difficulty level.
It is accessible to peak Poon Hill throughout the year. But most of the explorers trek Autumn (September – November) and (March-May).
In these seasons, the temperature is moderate, the skies are clearer and you get incredible views of the Himalayas.
In April, you can see the famous Rhododendrons in full bloom, which is stunning.
In the rainy or snowy period, you may need to face more challenges as the ways are muddy and the skies are cloudy even raining/snowing which may miss the panoramic views.
Trekking in Poon Hill requires different permits:
Trekking Information Management System (TIMS Card) and
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)permit.
Note: You do not require any restricted area permits in this trek.
The cost of the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) is USD 20 / NPR 2,000 per person and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is USD 30 / NPR 3,000 per person.
To get the TIMS Card you need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board or Trekkers Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Secretariat in Kathmandu.
To acquire the ACAP Permit, you need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Tourist Office in Fewa Damside, Pokhara.
Note: You need to carry all these permits along the journey because they will be checked in the different checkpoints along the trek.
There are several lodges and teahouses throughout the journey. Most of the teahouses on the way offer basic amenities, offering the rooms, Wi-Fi, charging facilities, and a hot shower.
The bathrooms and toilets are on a sharing basis, with no toilet paper and running water. In some teahouses, even hot water is limited.
These teahouses offer meals according to their menu. Most of them offer Rice Lentils (Dal Bhat) which is most popular in the Himalayas. Some of them offer western food but the taste may be different.
Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is considered a family trek which can be completed within 5-7 days. Being one of the easy treks in Annapurna Region, trekkers require to walk 4-5 hours only in a day.
As Poon Hill (the highest point of the trek) elevates at 3,210m/10,531ft above the sea level, there are fewer chances of Acute Mountain Sickness as well. Trekkers having good physical can complete this trek without any difficulties.
Thousands of trekkers reach Poon Hill each year. Plenty of the teahouses are built on the way to serve those guests. Most of them are serving well tourist menus. Both local and international food items are available throughout the journey.
Local Nepali dal Bhat- a set of Rice, lentil, vegetable and pickle, spaghetti, bread, fried rice, omelet, porridge, Tibetan bread, fried noodles are easily available in almost all the teahouses. Tea, coffee, cold drinks, beer, soda, and hot lemon are widely available during the trek.
Note: In the Ghorepani Poonhill trek route, bottled water is not sold to discourage the usage of plastic bottles. The teahouses sell boiled water instead. They will refill your water bottle with boiled water.
Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is enlisted as an easy-moderate trek that can be done with general hiking equipment. Usually one needs the following equipment during the excursion.
| Day | Highlight | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft) | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara. Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m/5,051ft) | Tikhedhunga |
| Day 3 | Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m/9,380ft) | Ghorepani |
| Day 4 | Hiking to Poonhill (3,210m/10,531ft) and trek to Tadapani (2,630m/8,626ft) | Tadapani |
| Day 5 | Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,360ft) | Ghandruk |
| Day 6 | Ghandruk to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara and Fly back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 7 | Final departure |
Today, upon your arrival in the Kathmandu where you are met by our representative, greetings are exchanged and you are transferred to your hotel.
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal carries a unique set of cultural heritage from different religions and parts of the entire nation. The city shines with national pride alongside the sites listed in UNESCO world heritage list having historical relevance to the nation.
The second day starts with the flight route famous among most of the tourists visiting Nepal; the domestic Kathmandu- Pokhara flight route which takes about 25-30 min from Kathmandu to reach the final destination, Pokhara.
Pokhara is also known as ‘City of Lakes’ and well-renowned for its extreme sports and natural beauty i.e. mountain ranges, lakes temples, trekking trails, etc. An hour's drive on a private vehicle will lead us to Nayapul from Pokhara Airport.
Subsequently, we will begin a 30 mins trek comprising a downhill descend through the classical forest of rhododendron along the banks of Modi River to reach Birethanti (1,015m). It is a small village with many established shops and teahouses.
Continuing the journey, we will be trekking for 5-6 hours on the trail that continues to the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola and move up steely to Hille (1,495m). Eventually, the trail leads to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) after a short climb.
On the way, you will observe the eye-catching view of rice and millet fields. This will be the beginning of our upcoming adventures in the Annapurna region.
The surge in energy from our yesterday’s trek will help us continue today’s a bit demanding steep walk upon the stone staircase to Ulleri (2,070m) which takes about one and a half hours.
Here we get our first glimpse of the Himalayas which includes the staggering view of Annapurna South Mountain (7,219m), Machhapuchhre Mountain (6,997m), and Hiunchuli Mountain (6,441m) and reach Banthanti (2,250m), a small village majorly inhabited by ethnic Magar people.
Beyond this village, we pass through the rhododendron and oak forests probably the largest in Asia. During the blooming season, we will get an opportunity to observe the colorful flowers as we trek on for about 6-7 hours passing by the villages of Banthanti (2,250m) and Nangethanti (2,430m) to reach our today’s final destination, Ghorepani (2,860m).
It’s day four and the most exciting segment of our adventure start today. Very early in the morning, we start our hike to Poonhill situated at an elevation of 3,210m which takes about an hour.
‘Poonhill’ originates from the word Poon which is the surname of the ethnic Magar people who had made this very hill that had leverage on this tower known as Poon Hill.
From here we get the unprecedented and captivating view of the sunrise with its hues emerging from utter darkness forming a blend of pink and blue in the sky over the Himalayas
. The Himalayas with its peaks: Annapurna South, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Hiunchuli along with Mt. Macchapuchre as well as Lamjung Himal range present us with a mind-boggling sight. That being said, sunset views from here are equally enriching the sensation.
After being amazed by this splendid sight and capturing it as pictures and memories, we hike back to Ghorepani (2,860m) and ascend uphill to Deurali (2,920m), then down to Banthanti (2,250m).
Keeping our spirits high we walk an hour to the alluring village of Tadapani (2,630m) on the trail situated in-between the rhododendron forest. Today’s trekking utilizes about 7-8 hours.
Leaving Tadapani, we will trek for nearly 4-5 hours through the dimed forest along the trail followed by the terraced field of potatoes and maize to Ghandruk scanning the incredible sight of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre Range, and Hiunchuli mountains from left to right. The sight is almost hypnotic that no words can do them justice.
The enchantment by these snowscapes is complete and all we can do is capture those moments in our cameras and mind. Ghandruk, being the largest Gurung locale in the country is famous for its rich ethnic culture and lifestyle, terraces, and snowy landscapes.
Starting our final day of the adventure with the farewells to the helpful and generous people of Ghandruk we slowly follow our trail back, trekking for about 4-5 hours to Nayapul. After reaching there we take an hour return trip in a private vehicle to Pokhara.
A return flight of 25-30 mins will take back you to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Once you are in Kathmandu, you can explore the valley visiting the remaining UNESCO world heritage sites that were left previously, or perform last-minute shopping for souvenirs to utilize the rest of your time.
It’s the last day of your stay in Kathmandu and the country. We are delighted that you chose us to accompany you throughout your adventures and shared some joyful moments together. Also, we hope that you are satisfied with our services and expertise.
Either you can continue your stay via starting a new adventure; where we can guide you through some other new destination or you can fly back home safely.
One of our representatives will accompany you to the airport to ensure that you don't have to confront any troubles during your final hours in the Himalayan nation.
Poon Hill is a hill station situates on the border of Myagdi District and Kaski District in Gandaki Pradesh of central Nepal. This lookout is the key viewpoint for the Annapurna Massif range and Dhaulagiri mountain range. One of the nearest destinations of the Annapurna region commences near the town of Pokhara.
After a scenic flight/drive from Kathmandu, trekkers land in Pokhara. Onwards, three different routes lead you to Poon Hill as Nayapul-Ulleri-Ghorepani, Ghandruk-Tadapani-Ghorepani, and Tatopani-Shikha-Ghorepani. Most of the trekkers prefer the trial of Nayapul-Ulleri-Ghorepani among others.
During your Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you will obtain managed accommodation facilities as locally made tea Houses and Lodges compared to other trekking routes in Nepal.
They offer a separate room with twin beds, private lockers including a comfortable mattress, pillows, a small tea table, and a blanket your room. Most of the teahouses are well-furnished private rooms with bathrooms and WI-FI and hot shower in the lodges you stay.
Most of the teahouses en route serve you breakfast and dinner during the excursion. Lunch can be obtained at the forthcoming stops. Nepali Dhalbhat (a combination of rice, curry, spinach, Lentil soup, and pickle) is the most popular dish in the mountain treks and so is in this trek too.
In addition, you can have bread, set breakfast (served with bread, omelet, potatoes & Tea), Fried Noodles, fry rice, Mo: Mo (Dumpling food), the verity of soup, and other western eateries according to the menu in during the trip.
The peak months for Poon hill Trek is September to November (autumn) and March to May (spring). In these seasons, the climate remains stable, skies look clear, and the view becomes unobstructed. The whole jungle becomes colorful with the rhododendron and cherry blooms in the month of March.
It is also accessible to hike in winter too with the right preparations. Trekkers must be mindful that winter conditions will make for an icy adventure (the temperature can drop below -10 to -15 in the night time). The days become sunny and warm with great sceneries.
Trek can be organized in the summer too with the right preparations. With adequate trekking gear and equipment, one completes the voyage successfully.
One of the ferocious debates among the visitors of Nepal is either to take a guide or not while epic hiking or trekking adventures. Except in some restricted regions, trekkers can go singleton journey.
Both options are totally feasible in the Poonhill trek. Each of them has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Trekking with the guides and porters makes the journey more secure comfortable and enjoyable too.
Whether you choose to trek Poon Hill solo or with a group, you’ll need to obtain two permits as a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (also known as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). The former one costs USD $20 / NPR 2,000 per person and latter expenses USD $30 / NPR 3,000 each.
The Poon Hill Trek is typecast under an easy to moderate basket. Compared to high elevated journeys of Annapurna and Everest, it is an easier one. However climbing 3500 stone steps, rough terrains, and topographies plus long day walks in the mountain foothills may craft a number of difficulties during the tramp.
Poon Hill trek is easy and lowers elevated trek that ascends to Ghorepani 2874 m (9429 ft) and further up to Poon hill 3,210 m (10,530 ft) only. Trekkers witness the symptoms of altitude sickness after crossing 3500 meters mostly. So, during this short and easy trek, there are no chances to get High Altitude Mountain sickness.
-1200x1200.jpg "20171006_061017 (1)")
-1200x1200.jpg "20171006_062357 (1)")
-1200x1200.jpg "20171006_060747 (1)")
-1200x1200.jpg "Poonhill trekking")
-1200x1200.jpg "20171006_064648 (1)")
-1200x1200.jpg "IMG_20161207_112529 (1)")
-1200x1200.jpg "IMG_20170908_065551_HDR (1)")
If you don't have long time to explore and wanna go to see beautiful mountain ranges and want to hike with nature? solution is here, the best short trek for all season. all the team members of this company, guide and porter did everything to make the trip success. Highly recommended!!!!
Last month I completed my Poon Hill Trek with Holy Mountain Trek. In the journey, I experienced a lot. My guide Krishna was knowledgeable, he answered my all the questions providing the authentic information. I enjoyed hiking through quaint villages, seeing beautiful vistas, and breathing clean air. The views from Poon Hill was stunning. I could see the first rays of the sun over the giant Himalayas which was breathtaking. So, if you want to enjoy your vacation wonderfully choose this journey with Holy Mountain Trek. Highly recommended.
I booked this trek before landing in Nepal. Parshu sent me all the details and stayed in touch. They picked me up from the airport and shifted me to hotel which made me stressless. My guide Krishna was amazing. He informed not only about the Himalayas but also the history, culture and lifestyle of Nepal and Nepalese. His ever-smiling face, friendly behavior, helpful and kind personality made my journey special. From the viewpoint of Poonhill I could see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadepani were magnificent. Pokhara is a beautiful city and I extended my trip to explore it. So, customizable trip, quick response, impressive behavior makes Holy Mountain Treks different than others. Highly RECOMMENDED!!!!
I explored more than I expected. The peaks were gleaming with the first rays of sun over them. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu were smiling in front of us. Our guide Ram was terrific with the sound knowledge of the Himalayas, history, tradition, geography and culture of Nepal. The villages of Tadpani, Ghorepani and Urlleri, city of Pokhara, ethnic settlements were worth to see. The mountain sceneries, landscapes, religious monuments made our journey more effected. After a few emails exchanged, we booked this trip. Holy Mountain especially Parshu managed everything from pick-up from drop to the airport. Understanding customers desired goals, he administered in an appropriate way. recommend Ram and whole company.
Easy ambling with the fantastic scenerie
Round Annapurna with Tilicho Lake plus P
Considered as a short and easy trek, our
One of the short, easy, and family treks
Considered as an easy short trek from Po
Trekkers who are short on time, want to
Annapurna circuit trek is admired as one
Short Annapurna Trek is a more leisurely
One of the paramount trekking destinatio
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, popularl
Like Mt. Everest, Tilicho Lake too is an
One of the best ways to acquire a peacef
Khopra Danda and Mohore Danda Trek is on
Our Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the
