Overview
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is undoubtedly one of the best short treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is a classic teahouse adventure that stretches in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary. This trek is ideal for those who are short on time but do not want to compromise on the Himalayas’ authentic experience.
Traversing through the rugged trails of Annapurna Sanctuary, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek integrates beautiful sceneries, rich Gurung culture, quaint villages, and rhododendron forests. In a short time, this trek takes you to the edge of the Himalayas. It provides an opportunity to witness the rustic mountain lifestyle.
The journey to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek begins with a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu valley to Pokhara. Furthermore, you’ll drive to Nayapul and start trekking in the world’s most popular trekking region—Annapurna Sanctuary. You’ll walk past several famous villages, including Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani, before heading to Poon Hill.
Beyond a doubt, Poon Hill is the most significant highlight of this trek. At an altitude of 3,210 meters, this famous viewpoint of the Annapurna region marks the trek’s highest elevation point. Poon Hill is famous among the trekkers for its glorious view of sunrise and sunset. Likewise, this vantage point offers a breathtaking panorama of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Lamjung Himal.
Located in the most popular trekking region of Nepal, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek hosts a large number of comfortable teahouses and lodges. These teahouses and lodges provide all the necessary services, like cozy rooms, meals, WiFi, charging facilities, and hot showers, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Right For You?
- Although Ghorepani Poon Hill is a moderately difficult trek, it is not an easy task. On this trek, you will be walking up to 3,210 meters at Poon Hill. The trail to Poon Hill is steep and strenuous. This trek demands both physical and mental preparedness but is achievable, even for first-time trekkers.
- On the trek, you will be gaining approximately 700 to 800 meters elevation every day. Make sure both your body and mind can cope with the altitude gain. You’ll begin your adventure from 827 meters at Pokhara and trek up to 3,210 meters at Poon Hill. Although the risk of high altitude sickness is considerably less on this trek, we recommend you to stay cautious.
- On average, you will be walking for 5 to 6 hours every day on the rugged trail of Annapurna Sanctuary. If you think you have the endurance to take on this challenge, we’re confident that this trek will be suitable for you. Before you pack your bags and head to the Himalayas, we advise you to train and prepare for the trek properly. It is highly advisable to engage in cardio-oriented activities such as running, swimming, jogging, cycling, etc., at least a month prior to the trek.
- Bear in mind, the weather in the mountains is often unpredictable, especially in the upper section of the trek. In the higher elevation of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you may potentially have to bear cold weather, heavy rainfalls, and even snowfall in the worst-case scenario. Make sure you are aware of such unforeseeable circumstances and are ready to cope with them. Make sure to pack enough layers and weather protection gear to avoid the wet weather and extreme conditions.
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a classic teahouse trek. So, during the trip, you’ll be staying in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara only. You’ll be staying in a local teahouse during the trek. The rest of the days in the Himalayas won’t be as comfortable as your days in the city.
Generally, the teahouses of Annapurna are relatively more comfortable and cozy, compared to other treks. They provide basic amenities, such as rooms, a warm blanket, delicious food, WiFi, hot shower, and charging facilities. So, if you’re one of those travelers who can adjust with the basic services, and are not fancy for luxury, this trek is ideal for you.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – Outline Itinerary
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Trekking Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet at Airport and Transfer to Hotel | 1350 | - |
| 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 827 | 6 hours |
| 3 | Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070m) and Trek to Tikhedhunga | 1970 | 6 hours |
| 4 | Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani | 2880 | 6 hours |
| 5 | Morning Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) and Trek to Tadapani | 2625 | 7 hours |
| 6 | Trek from Tadapani to Landruk | 1565 | 6 hours |
| 7 | Trek from Landruk to Phedi (1,700m) and Drive to Pokhara | 827 | 5 hours |
| 8 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1350 | 6 hours |
| 9 | International Departure | - | - |
Important Notes
- In case of any emergencies, your trekking guide will be fully liable to alter the itinerary or trip plans. The guide will make the necessary changes or required delays to make the trek safe and successful in case of any health issues or any unforeseeable circumstances on the road.
- Although Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is moderately difficult, do not take this trek lightly. While the risk of altitude sickness is considerably less in this trek, it will certainly demand proper physical and mental fitness. We recommend you engage in cardio-related workouts, such as swimming, running, biking, and jogging, at least a month prior to the trek.
- Usually, the teahouses of Nepal use type C plug for charging sockets, which may not be compatible with your charger. In such a case, you may not be able to charge your phones or cameras on the trek. Therefore, to avoid such circumstances, we suggest you carry a universal travel adapter to charge your mobile phone or camera.
- Note that not every teahouse in the Annapurna region has access to hydroelectricity. Some villages in the upper reaches of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek use solar as the only source of electricity. Therefore, power may not be reliable all the time in the upper regions. As an alternative, make sure you carry a portable charger to charge your electronic devices, in case the power supply is not sufficient.
Before you begin your trek to the mountains, we recommend you carry enough cash for additional expenses in the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. There are plenty of ATM lounges and credit card facilities around Pokhara and Kathmandu. But, once you go further than that, you will not find any ATMs or credit card services along the trekking trails.
Therefore, it is advisable that you dispense as much cash as possible in Kathmandu or Pokhara itself. Additionally, make sure to exchange your foreign currency into local cash as most teahouses in the trek only accept local currency.
Required Permit for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
To trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill, you’ll need to acquire two trekking permits. They are:
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
- TAAN Lakeside Office in Shanti Patan, Pokhara
How much does it cost:
- US$20 for individual trekkers
- US$10 for group trekkers
- For SAARC, US$6 individual trekkers
- For SAARC, US$3 group trekkers
Things required to acquire TIMS Card
- Permit fees
- Photocopy of your passport
- Passport size photographs
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
How much does it cost:
- US$30 for international travelers
- US$2 for SAARC travelers
Highlights
- Explore around the vibrant city of Pokhara and relax at the shore of Phewa Lake
- Hike to the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill at 3,210 meters
- Witness the glorious sight of pristine mountains gleaming with the golden rays of sunrise from Poon Hill
- Marvel at the majestic panorama of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Lamjung Himal
- Meander through the forest of rhododendron and witness its crimson bloom
- Indulge in rich Gurung culture and experience their warm hospitality
- Traverse through the Annapurna Conservation Area—home to 105 mammals, 518 species of birds, 23 amphibians, 40 reptiles, and 1,226 species of flowering plants
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