Trek Introduction

The Poon Hill Trek is a short and effortless hike, suitable for families. It is a four-day trek with very little chance of high-altitude sickness. Hence, it is suitable for any person looking to have a hilly vacation, from children to elderly people. You will also be treated to comfortable guest house accommodations during the journey. It’s also famous by the name of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek due to the way it is done. The Poon Hill trek distance covers about 35.9 kilometers from Hille to Kyumi. The longest part of the trek is from Ghorepani to Tadapani, which spans around 12 kilometers. 

The Poon Hill trek map takes you close to the ranges of Annapurna with quite a straightforward path, suitable for a family or an intermediate trekker. The path follows horse and mule trains and then passes along the rhododendron forests and terraced paddy fields. You will stay overnight at teahouses run by local families in a traditional way. Reach Poon Hill, the most popular viewpoint in the Annapurna region, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas along with stunning sunrises.

The Poon Hill Trek contains grand vistas of the Himalayas. In nearly a week, trekkers hike through the foothills of the sacred Annapurna mountain range. Be thrilled by the towering views up close to the snowy peaks. Depending on your travel dates, you visit the lovely Gurung village of Ulleri, home of many brave Gurkha Soldiers. Their lifestyle and also hospitality will warm your heart. You will walk in pine and rhododendron forests where Machhapuchhre, the Fish Tail Peak, towers above the trail. The Poon Hill trek altitude is 3,210 meters.

Highlights

• Reach to Ponhill top (3210m) for incredible sunrise view
• Short & Easy trek around Pokhara suitable for all age groups
• Explore typical villages en-route
• Stunning Mountain views including Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, etc
• Village life & people’s faces
• Natural Hot Springs
• Rhododendron forests
• Easy Accessibility
• Special Photography opportunity
• Wildlife sightings
• Peaceful Environment
• Ghandrung Museum

Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

The Poon Hill trek itinerary begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. You will have a walk of a few hours, overnight staying at Ulleri. In the 4 days Poon Hill trek itinerary, hike from Ulleri to Ghorepani with stunning mountain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

From Tikhedhunga, you climb a huge hill with indented steps to Ulleri, a Gurung village, which is also one of the stiffest parts of the trek. You will hear over and over again from Nepalese people the phrase “Bistarai, Bistarai!” The English version translated is “Climb the steps slowly.” Then from Ulleri continue along stone steps to Ghorepani. The most beautiful scenery is in spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom. Take breaks to enjoy the breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and Annapurna South.

The major attraction in the 2 days and 5 days Poon Hill trek itinerary is the sunrise over the Himalayas. We need to wake up early and hike up to the viewpoint in Poon Hill before the sun has risen. It will be such a memorable moment for every trekker. From this vantage point, you can enjoy great views of nearby snowy peaks: Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Annapurna South(7,219m).

While the view from Poon Hill remains the main highlight, the trek also features a visit to the lovely village of Ghandruk. It is the second-biggest Gurung town in Nepal. Ghandruk to Poon Hill trek takes about 6-7 hours. You will get more insight into Gurung culture and their culture here.

Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

The Poon Hill trek difficulty has a medium status, which can fit participants with early to reasonable fitness levels. It comprises uphill climbs and gradually easy downhill treks, covering 30-40 miles depending on the route chosen.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes around 3-5 days. You will have 5-6 hour hikes per day. The trekkers go up from 8,000 feet to a maximum of 10,500 feet at Poon Hill. 

Although some parts are really tough to walk through, especially the uphill sections, most of the average fitness people can do it comfortably by preparing them well for the trek. Do physical exercises and cardio exercises prior to the trek. This will help in building up stamina as well as strength.

Gradual acclimatization has to be stressed. It does mean stopping beside, keeping oneself properly hydrated, and at a steady pace, to assure a worthy preference.

Early in the morning, trek about 45 minutes to Poon Hill for the best sunrise views. Later, begin trekking to Ghandruk. From Ghandruk, take the next day’s trip further to Kimche and Syauli Bazaar, then drive toward Nayapul, this will take approximately 5-6 hours. Drive back to Pokhara by which the trek ends.

Altitude Sickness During Trek

Traveling above 2,500 meters can result in altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness. Anyone can experience altitude sickness regardless of their physical fitness.

Those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before acclimatizing, and those with preexisting respiratory problems are more prone. We recommend that you consult your doctor before the trek to seek advice specific to your medical requirements.

Some symptoms of altitude sickness can be:

• headache
• loss of appetite
• feeling or being sick
• feeling tired
• dizziness
• difficulty sleeping

If you experience any symptoms or discomfort, please inform the guides. We’ll adjust by adding extra acclimatization days or slowing the trekking pace based on your condition.

Altitude sickness is a genuine risk during Himalayan treks. However, it’s preventable. You can avoid altitude sickness by:

• Ascend slowly
• Don’t drink alcohol during the trek
• Stay hydrated
• Use medications
• Eat a healthy diet, especially plenty of carbs

Poon Hill Trek Best Season

The Poon Hill trek best season are from September to November and from March to May. During these months of the year, the weather remains quite a clear view, and the temperature is not too high and extremely cold. Mornings and evenings may get a bit nippy, but days offer splendid mountain views.

Permits

You will need 2 permits for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)

Similarly, it’s strongly recommended to have travel insurance for your safety during the trek. It should cover medical expenses and emergency helicopter rescues in case of natural calamities, injuries, or altitude sickness. This ensures a safe and worry-free trip. 

Poon Hill Trek Cost

The Poon Hill trek price from Pokhara starts from US$ 325 to 475, depending on the no. of pax. Just in case, if you want to add an extra day to your poon hill trek, then we can do that also. However, it will increase your Poon hill trek price. On the other hand, if you have time you could also go for the Lower Mustang trek 13 days, or the Mustang Short 6-day trek. Also, don’t miss out on the famous Annapurna base camp trek 6 days. On the other hand, if you want to do a tour either in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, or Lumbini, you can go for the Best Nepal 8-day tour, Kathmandu Pokhara tour, or All Nepal 10-day tour.

Tipping for Guides and Porters during the trek

Tips are a reward, either monetary or not, presented by customers or clients to people who have served in different sectors for their exemplary deliverables. On the Poon Hill Trek, gratuity is not included but is still expected to be given to the guides and porters for their service. You also have the option to tip on your last trekking day if you are satisfied with their work. It’s a way to show appreciation for their hard work and services, but the choice to tip is entirely up to you.  

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