Guide to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Major Attractions

Following are the major attractions of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

• Short and easy to complete even without a lot of preparation
• Rhododendron forests of ACAP region light up your trek, especially in the spring.
• Mesmerizing sunrise from Poon Hill amidst the mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.
• Quaint villages set in the backdrop of stunning mountains.

Trekking Start Point

You can start the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek either from directly Kathmandu or from Pokhara.

Option 1: If your start your trek from Pokhara, you need to reach Nayapul from private vehicle. The trek will start from Nayapul. This is also the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Option 2: If you choose to start the trek from Kathmandu, you need to take a flight to Pokhara and then drive to Nayapul and start trekking.

Duration of the Trek

The duration for Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is about 3-5 days. You can decide the length of the trek depending on your time availability.

Option 1: If you choose 3 days trek in Poon Hill, your trek will start from Kimche via Nayapul. From here, you trek to Tadapani, Ghorepani, Poon Hill and return the same way back to Hile. From Hile. From here we drive to back to Pokhara.

Option 2: If you want to trek in a relaxed manner, you can opt for 4 days Poon Hill trek. Here, you start trek from Nayapul, trek to Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill and then reach Nayapul via Tadapani and Ghandruk village.

Option 3: You can enjoy your Poon Hill Trek to the fullest if you plan a 5 days trek. The trek will start from Nayapul. From Nayapul, the trek will move towards Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, Jhinu Natural Hot Spring and return back to Pokhara.

Poon Hill Weather

The Poon Hill region is famously known as the Cherrapunji of Nepal as it receives the maximum amount of rainfall in entire Nepal. Talking about the Poon Hill weather, there are chances of the temperature going slightly below the mark of zero degrees in some winter months but with smart and sensible packing, this should not be a matter of concern.

Also, since it is a low altitude trek, a slight increase in altitude normally does not affect the temperature and weather of the trek route. The temperature does not change to extremes even during summer or winter. It is quite moderate. During summer, the temperature is around 22-26 degrees centigrade allowing you to make the trek with just a t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

The best time to trek for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is between September - November and then March-May. April is the best time to trek if you wish to see the famous red Rhododendrons in full bloom. The Poon Hill weather is also very comfortable during April.

Required Permits

You need to acquire the ACAP permit and TIMS card before you start the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. These permits ensure that you are legally trekking and abiding by laws within the area. The ACAP Permit is USD $3,000 / NPR 3,000 per person, while the TIMS Permit is USD $20 / NPR 2,000 per person. Make sure you bring a minimum of 4 passport photos for the trekking permits. You need to carry both the ACAP and TIMS card during the trek as it might be checked at different locations. You can apply for your permits either in Pokhara or in Kathmandu.

Guides and Porters

Along with enjoying the scenic beauty, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a brilliant way to gain further knowledge into the Annapurna Region. This trek can be done without a guide as tracks are quite straightforward with plenty of maps located at some of the bigger towns along the trail. Taking a porter is your personal choice.

Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the easiest treks in Nepal. The Poon Hill Circuit trek can be completed even with a very little trekking experience. Poon Hill (3190 meters) lies at the highest point of this trek circuit. So, there is very less chances of altitude sickness.

Climbing the 3500 stairs during the hike to Ulleri and the hike to Poon Hill from Tadapani are the most challenging parts of the Poon Hill Circuit Trek. Apart from these, the trek is fairly easy. Exercising for a few weeks prior to coming this trek will make it easier. The Poon Hill trek difficulty can be categorized as very less difficult one.

Poon Hill Sunrise Time

The pleasant sunrise at Poon Hill trek passes through culturally rich villages that are set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. The Poon Hill Sunrise time provides the best sunrise view. So, you can plan to ascend Poon Hill in the pre-dawn and watch the sun rise over the mountains in front of the lookout. Even though the view is mesmerizing anytime, watching the sunrise over the Annapurna range is an experience you’d never.

Poon Hill Trek Packing List

Following are the must have’s in your Poon Hill Trek Packing List:

Tent

If you want to get closer to nature and opt for camping instead of staying in the lodges, you can carry a tent with you.

Sleeping Bag

The sleeping bag is optional for most treks. Having a sleeping bag keeps you warm through the night when the temperature falls.

A sturdy bag

You need to choose something sturdy and waterproof if you plan to trek with a porter.

Hiking boots

Boots are recommended over normal running shoes because the terrain can be quite uneven and rocky, and you need something that will protect your ankle from rolling.

A Daypack

A daypack will be necessary to carry your personal items such as sunscreen, camera, hat, wallet, passport, water bottles, snack etc in this. Normally, a 30-liter bag is the ideal size to use as a day bag.

Hiking poles

Packing lightweight walking poles which are simple to store and durable are recommended for your trek trip to Nepal. Using walking poles can decrease the strain on your knees and will also help you with balancing on the steep walks. Hiking poles also help lessen the impact on your joints.

Clothing

The clothing items you pack depends on the length of your trek. For example, the full Everest Base Camp trek will require a few more changes of clothes than the comparatively shorter Poon Hill trek. You can pack the following items: cargo trousers, hiking shorts, waterproof jacket, pullovers, winter hat, gloves, toiletries, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, medications, etc.

Others

Other Miscellaneous items for Poon Hill trek packing list include water bottles, slippers, rain coats, sunglasses, headlamps, travel chargers, etc.

Now that we have provide basic guidelines for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek that lies in the Annapurna Circuit Trek region, we would also like to let you know that among the different trek to Annapurna regions, Tilicho Lake trek is also famous for its religious point of view as many Hindu pilgrims from around the world visit this lake. If you wish for a bit difficult trek but not miss the Poon Hill Trek at the Annapurna Circuit, you can try out the Tilicho Lake trek. Tilicho Lake trek is not only a challenging route but also one of the finest trekking routes in the Annapurna region. 

Breeze Adventure is based in Kathmandu, Nepal has been conducting various treks especially in the Annapurna region like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, etc. Do contact us if you are planning for a trekking trip to Nepal.