A complete guide to Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
 
Rajesh Neupane Written By: Rajesh Neupane
Published On : 6th September, 2023

A complete guide to Ghorepani Poon Hill trek

Highlights 

  • Breathtaking views of majestic mountains
  • Village settlements of Tamang and Gurungs
  • Diverse landscape
  • Beautiful dense forests

Some facts

Best season:    Autumn and Spring Season

Difficulty level:   Easy to moderate

Elevation:          3210m above sea level

Walking hours per day: 5 to 6 hours 

Total time:           4 to 5 days 

Accommodation : Teahouse/Lodge

Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the best and most famous best treks in the Annapurna region that provides an up-close and spectacular view of the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and a picturesque sunrise view of the mountains. It is one of the shortest treks in Nepal with beauty and adventure. Besides the studying views of the mountain, the trek also witnesses the various terrains of Nepal and dense forests.

The trek also provides an opportunity to experience close contact with diverse people inhabiting the different regions. It includes Thakuris, Gurungs, Magars and more others with their own unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle. The trek in the hilly region through Rhododendron forests with a majestic view of Annapurna range, Mt. Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli and many other mountains is what every trekker wants and you will get it in this trek.

The trek is situated in the northern central territory of Himalayan and north-east of Pokhara of Nepal bordering the districts of Myagdi and Kaski. Poon Hill lies beside the village of Ghorepani, Dhaulagiri. Beautiful sunrise and sunset along Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peak range is during an entire trek unexplainable. This is a popular trek and different trekking agents have various stop points but if you are going through Pokhara it’s usually the same.  The vantage point of this trek is at the altitude of 3210m at Poon Hill. Sunrise and sunset from this vantage point are what you shouldn’t miss. This trek is suitable for all seasons and months.

This trek provides the beautiful view of Nepal’s Himalayas and the authentic taste of Gurung and Magar culture and traditions. Similarly, the temples and monasteries along the way can give the religious tranquility of this amazing country. The trek provides a pleasant environment and landscape. The one who loves nature and beautiful landscapes will be a lifetime experience. The trek also has various brand names like Annapurna panorama trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill short trek, Ghorepani Ghandruk Circuit trek, and Annapurna Sunrise trek. The trek is especially for the tourist who has limited time and wants to experience the massif of Himalayan as a view. This trek is especially for beginners, elderly people, family, students without any trekking experience. 

The trek gives a chance to interact with local people especially in Gurung village known as Ghandruk. The village is full of traditional and magnificent architectural buildings. You can experience the world’s best hospitality in this region. The village will show warm hospitality with cultural programs. This is the second village in Nepal for trekking activities after Siklis. 

The attraction of the trek

This is the trek that can be done in a short period of time but there is no compromise of beauty and attraction. The trek through lush Rhododendron and orchid forests in the Annapurna Sanctuary, Quaint villages like Ghorepani, Tadapani, Landrung and many more. The trek along with the view of spectacular mountains like Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Macggapuchhre will catch your sights. Similarly, you can see the national bird of Nepal – Lophophorus and other birds and animals in the route. The mesmerizing sunrise from various places like PoonHill and Australian camp is what you don’t want to miss on this trip.

Best time for the trek

Since the trek in Ghorepani Poon Hill is not so difficult, it is better to trek in the best season for beautiful nature and majestic view. Autumn season from September to November and spring season from  March and May. There is a slight possibility of trekking at the time of winter in this region. In Autumn you can have the clear visibility of amazing mountains and beautiful cherry blossoms along the way which makes the trek more exciting. The spring season is warmer than the autumn season in this region in Nepal. The forest of the Rhododendron blooming makes the environment clean and beautiful. 

The environment in winter in the trail isn’t freezing as in the place of base camp but the temperature of the destination goes minus degrees of Ghorepani, Tadapani and Poon Hill area may also get freezing.  

It’s better not to trek in this region in summer. In Nepal, summer is a rainy season and it makes the trail almost slippery in mud and wet. The visibility of the mountains and hills isn’t clear due to clouds and fog.  

Accommodation 

This trail is one of the most popular treks that runs for many years. There are many lodges with clean and nice bedrooms with attached toilets and private rooms in some destinations in the region. You can also find a cheap room for $3 USD to $5 per night. In the season it’s more difficult to find room than other times in Tadapani. Therefore we recommend that you book in advance if you are planning to trek in autumn and spring. 

Talking about the foods you get foods that should be chosen from the menu. Usually, you will find the same food menu that is cooked by the experienced local cook trained by their ancestors. You will find hygienic local food that is healthier for your health. 

There you may see the lodges that are completely run by the family members as a business for livelihood. The local people want tourists to try local Nepales food like Dal Bha, Ghandruk that is needed for energy to trek in this region. For water, you can buy a bottle of mineral water on the first and last two days. You wouldn’t get to buy water on the third day because the plastics are hampering the environment of the region. So you need to buy some big barrels or drink boiled water.  You can also drink water from a direct tap without purification. 

Permit and fee

The trekking of Ghorepani Poon Hill is done in Annapurna Conservation Area so we also need to have a confirmed legal permit by the government for conservation area permits. These permits can be issued in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu or in the Association branch office of Pokhara or natural conservation project office that costs NPR 3000 for any foreigner. Similarly, tourists from SAARC countries need to pay a bit less than other tourists for the permit that costs NPR1000. You also need to know about the Trekkers Information Management System Card which is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Nepal. For the individual trekkers, it cost $20 USD and for group trekkers, it cost $10USD. These TIMs are in various colors for group trekkers, individual and SAARC region’s trekkers. Similarly, you also need to take a ticket for Poon Hill that cost NPR 100.

 

Equipment 

You don’t need any specialized equipment for the trek in Ghorepani Poon Hill. And the rest i.e. clothes will depend on the month you are trekking. The following are some necessities for the trek:

  • Pair of comfortable shoes [better if its a trekking shoes]
  • Trekking pants
  • Winchester or warm jacket
  • Pairs of shocks
  • Water bottles
  • Water purification tablets
  • Sunglasses
  • Map 
  • Trekking poles if you have any knee problem

Difficulty level

Poon hill trek is known as the easy to moderate level trek but it depends on your fitness and lifestyle. The hardest part for many trekkers is morning early trekking. The trek is reputed as the best short trek in Nepal for good reason. People of average fitness, age and ability can enjoy trekking without any difficulty. The exception is the monsoon season with heavy rain and slippery road conditions. In monsoon this is a bit difficult to trek for a region. 

Conclusion 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the best trek for trekkers having a short time. Ghorepani Poon Hill offers more than you expected in those short times. The beautiful dense forest with the company of birds and flowers, majestic views of mountains, clear and clean waterways is the natural offering of this trek. Whereas, the warm welcome of local people in their village, the hospitality of the staff, smiley faces in the way put a bit sugar in your trek. 

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