Ghorepani Poonhill Trek - 7 Days

Trek Route Summary

Trip Overview

The scenic views of the Himalayas have always captured the hearts of travelers who came to Nepal in search of a journey of their lifetime. And such journeys are very hard to come by.

Mainly because these kinds of journeys need to inspire and enrich your inner souls with a fascinating bundle of joy and experiences that simply can’t be replaced, no matter how hard you try. And such a journey or may I say trek is our Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.

Yes, it may not take you to the base camp of some of the world’s highest mountain peaks where an amphitheater of Himalayan massifs awaits you. But it will nonetheless allow experiencing a simpler yet overwhelming trekking adventure in Nepal.

It’s one of the many treks that can be done in Nepal but is considered by many as one of the best treks to go on if you wish to catch some breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna range including Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Machapuchare (6,993 m), Mt. Himchuli (6,441m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) – the seventh highest mountain in the world. What more do you need?

While standing at the top of Poonhill which is situated at a high elevation of 3,210 meters above sea level may not sound interesting at a first glance but the first instances when you reach there will be something dreamlike that can only be experienced once in a lifetime.

With that being said, the overall journey in itself will also be a remarkable one as you get to travel through eccentric trekking routes filled with enchanting forests, heart-warming village communities, stunning natural and cultural presence, and most of all a quaint atmosphere where you can solely experience the wilderness within the Himalayas. So, if you feel like doing some meditation or yoga activities then feel free to do so as you will not get a much better place to do so.

So, how will the trek begin, you ask! And we say with a drive to Pokhara city – a famous touristic city of Nepal which is also the second-largest city in terms of land area after Kathmandu city. After Pokhara, we then drive off to Nayapool and then onward begin taking our first gentle steps into the spellbinding Annapurna region.

Once, you do that, you are all set to reach Tikhedhunga village the same day. Next, we head up higher to Ghorepani village and be ready to walk for several hours on stony steps that can at times feel like never-ending. However, as soon as you arrive at Ghorepani village, you will already have to experience the reminiscing feeling of trekking in Nepal.

From Ghorepani, you will just need to start an early morning hike that won’t be anywhere near as taxing as the walk up to Ghorepani. And with it, you will have reached your much-awaited final destination to observe the snowcapped mountains of the majestic Himalayan range.

So, if you ever feel like doing a short trek up to Poonhill, then contact us to book this trip right away.

Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

Being one of the best short treks in Nepal- Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek comparatively easier and more comfortable.

This trek does not have a difficult trial at all although there are some ascends and descends. This journey is suitable for anyone regardless of age and gender.

This trek is also called a family trek, people can trek with their children and seniors.

However, as this trek is listed as an easy to moderate trek, you need to walk 4-6 hours in a day passing the stairs and steep hills. Moreover, the weather in Poon Hill is tremendously impulsive which may add a brick in difficulty level.  

Best Time for Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek

It is accessible to peak Poon Hill throughout the year. But most of the explorers trek Autumn (September – November) and (March-May).

In these seasons, the temperature is moderate, the skies are clearer and you get incredible views of the Himalayas.

In April, you can see the famous Rhododendrons in full bloom, which is stunning.

In the rainy or snowy period, you may need to face more challenges as the ways are muddy and the skies are cloudy even raining/snowing which may miss the panoramic views.

Poon Hill Trek Permits

Trekking in Poon Hill requires different permits:

Trekking Information Management System (TIMS Card) and

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)permit.

Note: You do not require any restricted area permits in this trek.

The cost of the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) is USD 20 / NPR 2,000 per person and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is USD 30 / NPR 3,000 per person.

To get the TIMS Card you need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board or Trekkers Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Secretariat in Kathmandu.

To acquire the ACAP Permit, you need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Tourist Office in Fewa Damside, Pokhara.

Note: You need to carry all these permits along the journey because they will be checked in the different checkpoints along the trek.

Accommodation

There are several lodges and teahouses throughout the journey. Most of the teahouses on the way offer basic amenities, offering the rooms, Wi-Fi, charging facilities, and a hot shower.

The bathrooms and toilets are on a sharing basis, with no toilet paper and running water. In some teahouses, even hot water is limited.

These teahouses offer meals according to their menu. Most of them offer Rice Lentils (Dal Bhat) which is most popular in the Himalayas. Some of them offer western food but the taste may be different.

Physical Fitness for this Trek

Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is considered a family trek which can be completed within 5-7 days. Being one of the easy treks in Annapurna Region,  trekkers require to walk 4-5 hours only in a day.

 As Poon Hill (the highest point of the trek) elevates at 3,210m/10,531ft above the sea level, there are fewer chances of Acute Mountain Sickness as well. Trekkers having good physical can complete this trek without any difficulties.

What is the food like during this trek?

Thousands of trekkers reach Poon Hill each year. Plenty of the teahouses are built on the way to serve those guests. Most of them are serving well tourist menus. Both local and international food items are available throughout the journey.

Local Nepali dal Bhat- a set of Rice, lentil, vegetable and pickle, spaghetti, bread, fried rice, omelet, porridge, Tibetan bread, fried noodles are easily available in almost all the teahouses. Tea, coffee, cold drinks, beer, soda, and hot lemon are widely available during the trek.

Note: In the Ghorepani Poonhill trek route, bottled water is not sold to discourage the usage of plastic bottles. The teahouses sell boiled water instead. They will refill your water bottle with boiled water.

What Trekking Gears do I need while Trekking?

Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is enlisted as an easy-moderate trek that can be done with general hiking equipment. Usually one needs the following equipment during the excursion.

• Trekking poles
• Trekking pants and shorts
• Long and short-sleeved shirts/t-shirt
• A windcheater/fleece jacket
• Sunblock cream
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottles
• A pair of comfortable shoes
• Cotton socks (1-2 pair woolen socks is needed too)
• A pair of sandals
• Headlamp

Brief Itinerary

Altitude Chart

FAQ's

Trip Map

Gallery