Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: The ultimate short trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek will take you to the foothills of Annapurna. The route is easy to follow, making it ideal for first-time hikers and families with children.
Poon Hill, the most famous viewpoint in the Annapurna Region, offers breathtaking sunrise and Himalayan scenery, you’ll be traveling along trails covered with oaks, conifers, red and pink rhododendron, junipers, moss-draped trees, ferns, and varieties of orchids with Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) overlooking the route.
Overview
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek features some of the greatest Himalayan sights. You get to journey underneath the sacred Annapurna’s slopes in less than a week, close-up views of the snow-capped summits, walking through traditional Gurung and Magar villages which are home to courageous Gurkha troops. Enjoy their wonderful welcome while learning about their distinctive culture.
Poon Hill is the highest point, both practically and metaphorically. Trekking to Poon Hill to witness the morning light over these beautiful snow-capped mountains is a lifetime experience. This is a great introduction to the Himalayas for even experienced hikers, especially if time is limited.
The accommodation along this well-traveled road is great, staying at comfortable luxurious lodges as well as cheap alternatives are available in practically every destination, where meals are not disappointing and the mountains of course, never fail to impress you with their photogenic glory. The majority of lodges provide internet access and showers.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment list:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, and torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirt.
- Long sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Itinerary
As your plane passes over Kathmandu, you are greeted by endless rows of lush hills and mountains. Our staff will accompany you upon arrival and drive you to your accommodation. Take a break and recharge your batteries. You'll have time to explore the city after you've checked in (depending on your arrival time). The valley of Kathmandu offers you various treats.
Today you'll have a long day ahead. Wake up early and prepare to leave Kathmandu, you'll be driven to the domestic airport to catch your flight to Pokhara, a picturesque lakeside city. It is a scenic half-hour flight filled with majestic views of Langtang Range and Annapurna mountains. From Pokhara, you board a vehicle and drive to Hile, from where your trek begins. It is a refreshing walk across a typical Nepalese landscape. The trail winds through the verdant forests of Annapurna Conservation Area and charming Gurung and Magar villages. As you follow the steps from Tikhedhunga you'll reach your destination for today, make sure you go slow on the stairs, following the stone steps you'll reach Ulleri where you'll have plenty of time to rest making conversation with the locals.
Continue climbing on the stone steps to Ghorepani from Ulleri. During the spring, this section of the route is undoubtedly the most beautiful, as it is lined with lush woods of rhododendron flowers, ferns, and orchids. Make photography your excuse and stop at regular intervals to take in the breathtaking vistas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and Annapurna South. At the gateway to Ghorepani, get your permits checked. Ghorepani literal translation is drinking well for horses and mule packs passing along the historic trade route. There is a sizable Magar community in the area, as well as a variety of lodges and teahouses where you can spend the night. Poon Hill is nestled just above Ghorepani, so if you're not too exhausted a smooth climb up the hill for a sunset view is advisable but only recommended if the weather is clear.
Get up early in the morning and trek to Poon Hill to see the stunning sunrise at 3,210 meters which is the highest point on your climb. The Himalayan mountains surround you once you reach the summit, take in the 360-degree panorama and spectacular display of light and color as the sun rises over the icy blue peaks. The snow-covered Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli transform from golden yellow, red, pink, and orange. Capture as many pictures as you can. Thereafter, you'll be descending back to Ghorepani and Banthanti village to reach Tadapani. Hike past Deurali Danda, another viewpoint point with breathtaking views of the Annapurna, on the way. Once you arrive at Tadapani, a town at the foot of Machhapuchhre, you are warmly welcomed by colorful prayer flags, make your way to a teahouse and take a much-needed rest.
Ghandruk, a typical Gurung heritage village, is about a 3-hour trek from Tadapani. This is Nepal's second-largest Gurung settlement, with a large population of British Gurkha soldiers. Take a break for lunch and stroll around the village, visit the ancient Gurung Museum. From Ghandruk you'll descend to Kimchi and board a car to Pokhara which takes around 2 to 3 hours, upon arriving you'll head towards your accommodation, rest later you can talk a walk around the city. Walking Distance: 4-5 hours (10 km) trek, 2:30 hours' drive
Before returning to Kathmandu you can visit tourism sites around Pokhara which has much to offer. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and relax for the day, relax or venture out on your own to see more of the city. Later in the evening, a special goodbye dinner with your guide and our staff members will mark the end of your Nepal vacation.
Our representative will pick you up 3 hours before your flight departs and transport you to the airport, say your farewell to Nepal and the friends you made throughout your journey. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
