You might say what is so special about walking up to Poon Hill, when you can walk to Annapurna Base Camp for the same view?
Well this is something we will only be able to paint a picture of until you get atop Poon Hill and witness the magic of the place for yourself.
You are taking this trek for the views and the authentic Nepali Trekking experience. This is exactly what you will leave Nepal with, after this trek.
The views of mountain ranges as always will leave you speechless. And yes, while the mountains you will see may be the same but the experiences and memories you gather will be different with each trail. Add the views of lush green hills and blooming flowers to it and it’s a trek you never knew you wanted.
What little pain you feel as you trek to Poon Hill vanishes when you get the vistas from the height of 3193 meters.
Another reason to take up the Poon Hill Trek is that it gives you the same views in a short amount of time and smaller budget. The Poon Hill Trek is also a more relaxing way to get amazing views of Annapurna and other mountain ranges.
Trek Facts
Trek Duration: 7 days
Trekking Destination: Poon Hill
Trekking Region: Annapurna Region
Trek Start and End Point of the trek: Nayapul
An Ideal time to make the trek: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)
Starting Altitude: At Nayapul – 1,070 meters (3510.49 feet)
Highest Altitude: At Ghorepani – 3,193 meters (10475.72 feet)
Trek Grade: Moderate (Depending on your level of fitness)
Highlights of Poon Hill Trek
- 360° panoramic views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges along with other mountains.
- Mesmerizing Rhododendron forests.
- Seeing wildlife like Musk Deer in their natural habitat.
- Serene sunrise and sunset over the mountains.
- Explore Pokhara including the Phewa lake, caves, and temples
- Experience Gurung and Magar culture and lifestyle.
Overview of the trek
The Poon Hill Trek is among the best treks in the Annapurna Region. You will be filled with a tranquil feeling when you see the sun rise over the rugged Annapurna range from Poon hill.
It is one sunrise you wouldn’t want to miss.
This 7-day trek is a relaxing way to get a front seat to the Himalayas. You start your journey with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Enjoy the evening at the lake city and head off early morning on a drive to Nayapul. The same day you will talk till Tikhedhunga then Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
This trek will take you down the highest point of trek – Poon Hill via a different route. You will be walking down via the Tadapani – Ghandruk – Nayapul route and back to Pokhara.
Annapurna Region in general has stunning views of the mountain ranges. It is often described as a paradise by nature lovers.
The Poon Hill trek will give you a spectacular view of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Mount Manaslu, and Mount Machhapuchhre among other mountains. This trek will also offer captivating views of the landscape, wild animals, and monasteries.
This trek will also expose you to a very diverse range of population from Brahmins to Sherpas. So, the region offers you more chance to interact with the local people, their culture, and tradition.
The tea houses also have great service, as Annapurna region in general is one of the more popular ones. The accommodation and meals served in the tea houses are great.
Detailed Itinerary
The Poon Hill Trek is a short but exciting trek. It very popular among trekkers who want the views of the Annapurna Range in less number of days.
Day 1: Fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu
The first day will you fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It is a .25 minutes comfortable flight. Once you reach Pokhara you will have the whole evening to yourself. You can explore Pokhara if you want to. You will be spending the night in Pokhara.
Day 2: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga
You will set out on a drive for about an hour early the second morning to reach Nayapul. You will get a glimpse of mountains on the drive to Nayapul.
You will be walking from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga which is a 4 hour journey. The trail moves along Tikhedhunga river. You will be able to see natural waterfalls and lush green countryside. Your stop for the night will be at Tikhedhunga.
Day 3: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
The destination for the day is Ghorepani. The trek will initially descend until you reach a river. After crossing the river, you will walk up to the Ulleri Village. Ulleri has the largest Magar settlement on the trek. You will be able to get a spectacular view of Annapurna South from Banthanti. The trail will lead you through Rhododendron, and Magnolia forest, before reaching Ghorepani.
You will be able to enjoy a relaxing sunset after a 6 hour trek to Ghorepani.
Day 4: Poonhill(3193) and trek to Tadapani(2630m)
Catching the sun rise from Poon hill is breathtaking. To witness this you will have to trek to Poon Hill at the crack of the dawn. The entire region is surrounded by snow-capped peaks rising above the horizon.
After taking memoirs of Annapurna Region, you will trek down to Tadapani, where you stay for the night.
Day 5: Trek down to Ghandruk
After a good breakfast you will start your descend towards Chhomrong. You will pass the Gurjung Khola, Kimrong, and Deurali on your way to Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is a small Gurung village. It is one of the most famous destinations for trekkers known for its panoramic views of the mountains. You will be spending the night in Ghandruk.
Day 6: Trek back to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara
Day six is essentially the last day of the trek. You will trek down to Nayapul and catch a 3 to 4 hour ride back to Pokhara.
Once in Pokhara you will check into the hotel. Then you can explore the city as you please. Be it putting your feet up at a restaurant overlooking the lake or strolling around buying souvenirs.
Day 7: Fly to Kathmandu
Day seven will see you packing your belongings and getting on a flight back to Kathmandu. You will have the rest of the day to explore before you leave the next day.
Best Season for the Poon Hill Trek
The Poon Hill trail is open to trekkers all year round. It is just the question of getting there during the best circumstances.
But to get the best of this trek, you should choose to trek during the peak seasons. The peak season consists of Spring and Autumn seasons. The best months you can undertake this journey are from March to May and from September to November.
You, however, should pre-book your rooms on all of the night stops. The trails and tea houses will be busy with activity as it is the most preferred season.
If you are a person who wants to walk on a quiet trail on your own pace, you can choose the offseason – Winter or Monsoon. You trail will be much more empty and so will the tea houses. You can choose among the tea houses you like after you get to the destinations. You will have to carry a raincoat and a little extra clothings for these seasons though.
Some Tips for the Poon Hill Trek
If you are a novice trekker these tips will be of huge help. If you a professional trekker you can use them as a checklist.
- Make a checklist of the items that you will need on the journey or you can refer to this packing list.
- Follow your list as you pack. Leave the luxury items behind. Try to make your bag as light as possible.
- Pack breathable rain gear and waterproof hiking shoes incase you are trekking in the Monsoon season.
- Keep raincoats and backpack cover in an accessible place in case you face sudden rainfall.
- Carry at least one trekking pole irrespective of the season. It will save your knees that could be the result of your walking on uneven trails.
- Incase you are walking during the warm weathers make sure you are carrying lightweight, sweat absorbent clothing.
- Carry anti-bug ointment to keep the leech, bugs, and mosquitoes at bay.
- Carry all your personal items like toothbrush, paste, and sunscreen.
- Make sure you have packed all the medicines you need. You can buy the general ones in Nepal, but it better you bring your prescribed medications along.
- Hire a professional trekking guide and a porter.
- If you choose to travel during the peak season, make sure you have made advance bookings in the hotel. You will not have to scramble through the trails to get one.
- Carry a water bottle to help you to stay hydrated throughout the trek. Drink at least 3 litres to keeping yourself hydrated.
- Carry extra batteries and SD cards for your cameras.
- Do not forget to enjoy each and every moment of the short trek.
Last Say,
Poon Hill Trek is an exciting trekking package up to the Himalayas. The Poon Hill Trek is a perfect package for the trekker who want to see the Annapurna Range up close in a limited time. The mountain vistas from the Poon Hill viewpoint is no less than other viewpoints.
This is a complete package with the mesmerizing views and the comfort of a short trek. It is also perfect for the trekker who cannot trek up to high altitudes due to altitude sickness. And the trekkers with a limited number of days.
So, are you ready to take this short yet exciting trek up to the Himalayas?
If yes, allow us to plan your trip!
Feel free to contact us for further information on the trip.
