POON

HILL

POON HILL GHOREPANI TREK

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a trek that can be done by almost everyone. It is also known as the Ghorepani trek, or just Poon Hill or the Annapurna Sunrise Trek, names due to the early morning trek to Poon Hill from where you can see the sunrise over the Annapurna Range.

Like other trekking routes in the Annapurna Sanctuary Park, you can choose to start at different points. The most popular way is to start in Nayapul and to finish in Ghandruk or vice versa. Another option is to start in Kimche to Nayapul or vice versa. Poon Hill Trek is that it is at a lower altitude than some of the other major treks in the Nepal like Dhaulagiri or Everest Base Camp Trek. As a result, there is a lot less risk of getting altitude sickness. But don’t be fooled, just because it is easier and at low altitude does not mean it is not tough. The elevation gain per day is at a maximum of 500 meters. In fact one of the greatest challenges on this trek is the section at Ulleri where you need to ascend 3000 stone steps. Regardless, it is gives you a great insight in a short period to hiking in Nepal with amazing views.

If you are looking for answers to specific questions, read here or go here to see some of our blog posts

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POON HILL GHOREPANI TREK a glance

Overnight in tea houses or lodges on the mountain

From 10 days with just 5 days of trekking but can be extended to include several options

Starts and ends in Kathmandu with a flight/drive to Pokhara. Ascent and descent routes are different

A shorter easier trek with a lot of stairs

POON HILL GHOREPANI TREK itinerary

Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu

Arrival and transfer to Hotel.

Day-2: Guided Sightseeing

Guided sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.

Day-3: Flight/drive to Pokhara

This morning we fly / drive to Pokhara. After checking in at the hotel we head out to view the major sites to include Vindyavasini Temple, and Mahendra Cave. We also visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and continue to David Falls before getting back to the Hotel. You can have some free time around the main Pokhara city to explore in on your own.

Day-4: Trek to Ghandruk (1950m)

After breakfast, drive to the trek starting point Naya Pul (1 hr). The trek starts with descent of an hour to Birethanti. We then walk through the rice fields along the riverside to Syaulibazar. To get Ghandruk (1,950m) we climb through rice fields and forest. Here you will find an interesting Gurung village with a good chance to see the famous Fishtail mountain, Machupuchre.

Day-5 : Trek to Tadapani (2540m)

We will trek through the dense forest preserved by Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) for 3 hours. We will reach Banthanti for lunch after which the route ascends and descends until we reach Tadapani (2,540m).

Day-6 : Trek to Ghorepani (2834m)

The climb is steep in some places as we head through a mixed forest of oak, magnolia and rhododendron to a small forest clearing. The trail then heads up to a ridge with fine views and drops a little to Ghorapani at 2834 meters. (Trekking: 5 hrs)

Day-7: Hike up Poon hill, Trek to Tirkhedunga (1360m)

This morning we trek up Poon Hill at 3210m, a vantage point to view the Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and the Annapurna massif. We then head through rhododendron forests and make a steep descend on a stone staircase to Tirkhedungha (1,360m). (Trekking: 6 hrs)

Day-8: Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara

An easy walk of 3/4 hours which brings us back to Naya Pul, from where we drive to Pokhara (1hr). Enjoy the attractions of Pokhara on your own. Overnight Hotel.

Day-9: Fly to Kathmandu

This morning we will rise early and drive to Sarangkot Hill for a view of sunrise over Machupuchre. After breakfast elephant, land rover and canoes will transfer you to waiting vehicles. You will drive to airport and fly to Kathmandu. Rest will be the Free at leisure at Kathmandu. Hotel

Day-10: Depart

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about POON HILL TREK

How difficult is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

It is a moderate trek and one of the easiest, if not the easiest trek in Nepal. The Poon Hill Trek is family-friendly as well. Regardless, you needs to be moderately fit.

Can the Poon Hill trek be combined with anything to make it longer?

There are several options. You can combine the trek with the Mardi Himal trek. You go on the Poon Hill trek all the way to Ghandruk, from there to Landruk and from Landruk continue on the Mardi Himal route. It is also easily combined with the Annapurna Base Camp/Sanctuary Trek. You can also extend the trek to include Chomrung and Australian Base Camp.

What is the difference in the various starting point options?

Nayapul – Ghandruk distance is 40 kilometers but the ascent profile is greater than the Ghandruk – Nayapul route

Nayapul – Kimche distance is 44 kilometers but the ascent profile is greater than the Kimche – Nayapul route

What are the tea houses like?

Tea houses are accommodations along trekking routes in Nepal that offer basic lodging and meals. The rooms are all generally basic. The higher elevation rooms do not have toilets, and some facilities only have squat toilets. Lodges at lower levels may have attached private bathrooms. There is no heating and electricity is often solar and on only for a few hours in the evening. Rooms have a bed, pillow and a thick blanket a small light. Guesthouses and teahouses are dotted along the whole trek, starting from Besisahar all the way to Jomsom.

To the west, the Annapurna region is protected in a vast conservation area managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Tea houses in the Annapurna are monitored by the NTNC and must meet specific requirements including fixed pricing, standard menus, and limits on how many tea houses can be built along specific routes.

Which is the best month to do the Ghorepani Sunrise trek?

The best time to visit the Annapurna region is either side of the late May to mid-September monsoon season. Late September to November and February to May are the main trekking months with fairly stable conditions, good visibility and temperatures at about -6°C at higher altitudes, though it can go lower. It is possible to hike in December and January, but be aware that temperatures can drop below -15c during, while May is the start of the monsoon season and signals an increase in potentially wet days.

Can I charge my camera batteries and mobile phone during the trek?

Yes, you can charge your batteries and mobile phones in every place by paying extra at the rooms do not have charging facilities. The price of charging may vary in different places. It is wise to bring your power bank which you can charge in Kathmandu and use it in the higher area as charging batteries in the higher area is quite costly.

What are the meals like on the trek?

You can choose the food from the menu and it depends on the places. You can also choose local dishes and continental/Chinese dishes. However, food is cooked by the basic local lodges so the variety and flavour differs from one place to the next.

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Poon Hill Trek?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

Is it better to go clockwise or anticlockwise?

Almost all trekkers do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in an anti-clockwise direction. This way the altitude gain is less and people are less prone to the effects of altitude sickness. The Thorung La Pass, at 5416 meters (17769 feet) is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and is, together with the various peaks you will see on the route, an absolute highlight of the trek.

What is the terrain like on Poon Hill?

The Ghorepani trail is very clearly marked out with wide paths in most places. The route heads up though stunning forests through small little villages. It is very hilly, and if there is a river to cross the paths go down one side, over the river and up the other side. You will also encounter endless stairs which meander up steep hill sections.

What gear do I need for Poon Hill?

There are certain essentials that are needed for most treks and these no different. The best way to draw up your list is from the base up, i.e. thermal underwear, then hands and feet (gloves, socks etc). Then boots which must be waterproof with good ankle support, trekking pants, trekking tops, short and long sleeve, thermal jacket, outer shell jacket which likewise is windproof and water proof, hat, scarf, beanie, balaclava. Then consider sleeping, i.e. sleeping bag, etc. Accommodation along the route is in guesthouses, so a bed and mattresses are provided. Some include lovely warm duvets, others not, so a sleeping bag is required. If you are camping, then your still need a sleeping bag but we supply the sleeping mat.

Then, the last items to add are personal items like toiletries, camera, medicines, water bottle, backpack, camera etc.

We supply a duffel bag on arrival

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