If you are looking for a short but iconic trekking adventure in Nepal, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is surely one to consider. Indeed, it provides fabulous views of Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. This three-day trek is popular among those with limited time, and it is suitable for all family members, including young children. We usually recommend travelling during spring or autumn which is also a better time to see the colourful rhododendron flower.
- Duration: 3 days
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highest point: Poon Hill (3,210 meters)
- Start and end point: Nayapul
- Best seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Why Choose Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Short and easy trek suitable for all ages
Ancestrally, the sunrises from here used to be the first thing one used to watch before going to the field, and it used to signal that it was time to go to the field where puppets instead of people are. A sunrise view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri comes from the top of Poon Hill
The Trishul procession and the local prayer ceremonies are fun to be a part of with the villagers. The moon goes down, and the sun goes up amidst the chanting of the local native
One of the main sights of the trek is the walk past the large rhododendron trees which are gorgeously blooming and filling the forests with a very vibrant red color.
Mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nayapul to Ulleri
The trek starts from Nayapul, about 1.5 hours drive from Pokhara. Walking through the moti river and villages, a trail goes uphill to Ulleri village. Being a small village Ulleri is up a hill and all the houses there are made of stone and erected by the Gurung.
- Walking time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: About 8 km
- Elevation gain: 1,020 meters to 2,050 meters
Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani
Passing through the edge of the slope of beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, the trail is mainly ascending, but the slope is not sharp. The village is characterized by a large population and high altitude conditions trigger the occurrence of inflammation.
- Walking time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: About 6 km
- Elevation gain: 2,050 meters to 2,860 meters
Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill, then to Nayapul
Wake up early and take a walk to Poon Hill for the sunrise. Amazing scenes of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks are witnessed followed by a sumptuous breakfast at Ghorepani. Climbing down through the trees and farms, we get our way through the rain to Nayapul.
- Walking time: 7-8 hours (including Poon Hill)
- Distance: About 16 km
- Elevation change: 2,860 meters to 1,070 meters
What to Pack
Pack things but take time to bring the important ones:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Warm clothes (marshmallow, sweaters, hats, gloves)
- Rain jacket
- Water bottle
- sunscreen and sunglasses
- first aid kit
- headlamp or flashlight
- camera
- snacks
Preparing for the Trek
Physical Readiness
This trek is considered a light to the moderate one, so the only condition should be your everyday shape. To increase your endurance, you should walk, jog, and go for a walking tour, and if possible, use stairs instead of lifts for a week. Meanwhile, you need to manage your backpack without overloading it with unnecessary objects.
Dealing with Altitude
Despite its low elevation by trekking standards, some trekkers can be affected by the altitude in Ghorepani. The general rule is to walk slowly, drink a lot of water, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcohol, and tell your guide if you feel something wrong before everything gets critical.
Respecting Local Culture
One of the priorities of any traveler is to be respectful to the local culture. It is appropriate to ask for permission before taking a photo, to dress well and follow the custom of taking off shoes when entering sacred places, to use the right hand for giving and receiving items and also for eating, and also to greet locals with a “Namaste” and so on.
Food and Water
The menu used to consists mainly of Damsons and Momos aside from some other Tibetan bread, and noodle soup. There are water sterilization pills for use in the course of the trip.
Necessary Permits
Help is always available for proper information about the Annapurna Conservation area Permit(ACAP) and TIMS card issued by the ANNARPA network. The Annarpana cards can be obtained in either Kathmandu or Pokhara and are valid on every Annapurna trail.
Staying Safe
In order to solve the problem of injuries, every hiker should have a guide or a friend with them. Always walking within the signs, being properly equipped with first-aid supplies, having the contacts of the emergency services in your pocket, and checking out the expected meteorological conditions are the best safety measures to take while trekking in the mountains.
Protecting the Environment
While trekking, which is the driving force engendering positive effects on the environment, involves the following as an individual’s collective actions and responsible behaviour. Recycle all waste materials, use biodegradable products, respectthe local flora and fauna of the region.
Conclusion
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a thirty-minute walk with an option to hike to explore sacred Himalayan butter you can ever imagine and also to have a mingling cultural experience. Be that as it may, such preparation is hassle-free that no one would ever notice the beauty of the place. For this trek, you need to be environmentally responsible and respect local culture for a mental memory in Nepal full of adventure and beauty, which is assured.
