Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a 5 days trek in the Annapurna region. The trek takes you to a well-known viewpoint, Poon Hill, from where you can see clear views of the Annapurna ranges. The journey will take you through several villages, diverse landscapes, and lush forests.
The trek takes travelers to mainly Gurung and Magar communities, where they can interact with the locals and get a brief on their culture and lifestyles. The trail travels through lush rhododendron and oak forests, waterfalls, terraced rice fields and several villages like Ghandruk.
The highlight of this trek is Poon Hill, which is situated at an altitude of 3,210 meters and is a well-known vantage point. It offers breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Fishtail (6,997 m), Annapurna South, Himchuli, and neighboring peaks. You will hike to Poon Hill early in the morning and witness an amazing sunrise over the Himalayas.
The Ghorepani trekking route starts from Nayapul, which is 1 hour, 30 minutes away from Pokhara. In the next few days, travelers will pass through villages like Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk, eventually returning to Pokhara.
So, get ready to witness a mesmerizing sunrise from Poon Hill, to immerse yourself in the ethnic culture of Ghandruk, and to experience the rich flora and fauna within the Annapurna Conservation Area. For more information on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and bookings, please feel free to contact us.
Ghorepani Poon Hill 5 Days Trekking Route
Your Poon hill trek begins in Pokhara with a short drive to Nayapul. Naypaul is the starting point of this trek. The drive to Nayapul takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Pokhara. From Nayapul, you will trek to Tikhedhunga, which takes about 4 to 5 hours of hiking.
After your overnight stay in Tikhedhunga, the next day you will hike all the way to Ghorepani. The trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani takes about 3 to 4 hours. The trails will provide you with distant views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscapes.
On the third day, you will go on an early morning hike to Poon Hill, which is the main highlight of this trek. This hike takes about 1.5 hours and provides you with the most amazing views of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna ranges. After Poon Hill, you will descend to Tadapani for an overnight stay.
In the next few days, you will trek to Ghandurk and Nayapul, respectively. From Nayapul, you will drive back to Pokhara, marking the end of your Poon Hill trek.
The Glory of Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a well-known viewpoint in the Annapurna region of Nepal, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views and lovely morning views.
At 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) above sea level, Poon Hill offers hikers a unique viewpoint that allows them to appreciate the majestic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Given its relative accessibility, hikers of all abilities who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without the challenges of higher-altitude expeditions love the Poon Hill trek.
Some of the highest peaks like Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Machapuchare (6,993 meters), sometimes known as Fishtail Mountain due to its peculiar appearance, and the Dhaulagiri massif (8,167 meters) can be seen from the summit of Poon Hill.
In addition to its stunning views, the Poon Hill trek offers several other attractions. On the way to Poon Hill, trekkers travel through quaint communities, terraced fields, and dense forests of rhododendron. The verdant forests are particularly vibrant during the spring season.
The trail's rich cultural heritage from the Gurung and Magar peoples is another thing that hikers can find pleasure in, adding even more cultural flavor to the experience. The journey will be as pleasurable as the destination, thanks to the kind hospitality of the traditional teahouses dotted along the route.
Mountains Viewed While Trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill
The trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill offers spectacular views of some of the most majestic peaks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. As trekkers make their way along the trail, they are treated to breathtaking vistas of these iconic mountains:
- Annapurna South (7,219 meters / 23,684 feet): A dominant peak in the Annapurna range, Annapurna South is renowned for its imposing presence and the stunning views it provides.
- Annapurna I (8,091 meters / 26,545 feet): The highest peak in the Annapurna Massif and one of the world's 14 eighth-thousanders, Annapurna I is notable for its challenging climbing routes and awe-inspiring height.
- Machapuchare (6,993 meters / 22,943 feet): Known as Fishtail Mountain due to its distinctive twin-peaked summit, Machapuchare is sacred in local culture and revered for its beauty.
- Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters / 26,795 feet): The seventh highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri is a massive and formidable peak that stands prominently to the west of Annapurna.
- Nilgiri (7,061 meters / 23,166 feet): A trio of peaks known as Nilgiri North, Central, and South, these mountains are famous for their stunning, jagged profiles and striking presence in the region.
- Hiunchuli (6,441 meters / 21,132 feet): Part of the Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli is a beautiful peak that adds to the scenic tapestry viewed from the Poon Hill trek.
Altitude Table of Ghorepani Trek
|
Location |
Altitude (m) |
Altitude (ft) |
|
Pokhara (Starting Point) |
820 |
2,722 |
|
Nayapul |
1,070 |
3,510 |
|
Tikhedhunga |
1,540 |
5,052 |
|
Ghorepani |
2,874 |
9,429 |
|
Poon Hill (Sunrise View Point) |
3,210 |
10,528 |
|
Tadapani |
2,630 |
8,626 |
|
Ghandruk |
1,950 |
6,400 |
|
Pokhara (End Point) |
820 |
2,722 |
Best Season for Trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill
The pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (fall) seasons are the best times to hike the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. These seasons run from March to May and September to November.
During these times, the weather is often consistent, making for a clear sky and good visibility, ideal conditions for taking in the breathtaking dawn from Poon Hill and the expansive vistas of the Annapurna mountain range.
In spring, the trekking trails are adorned with vibrant rhododendron blooms, adding a burst of color to the journey. The moderate temperatures and clear weather during this season make it perfect for exploring the Annapurna region. In autumn, the air is crisp and cool, and the atmosphere is clear, providing trekkers with breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks.
These favorable conditions during spring and autumn ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. Trekkers can navigate the Ghorepani trails with ease, taking in the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the area.
The highest point of Poon Hill (3,190 meters) offers panoramic vistas without the challenges posed by extreme weather, making these seasons the best time for a memorable trekking adventure in Nepal.
