Introduction: Ghorepani Poon Hill short trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill stands out as one of Nepal's most popular and exemplary Annapurna Trekking Destinations, contributing the best perspectives of the Annapurna Mountain Range and the Dhaulagiri Mountain Range. The breathtaking mountain scenery, the beautiful ethnic villages, and many other factors justify the popularity of Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking package. The most remarkable significance of the Annapurna Ghorepani Trek is the favorable elevation of Poon Hill, trekkers will witness the overwhelming sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas.
Poon Hill Trekking is Nepal's most picturesque short trek, popularly known as Sunrise View Trek. This trekking route is also considered simple, as we don't have to encounter any of the hardships that generally trekkers face during high-altitude trekking. The Ghorepani trekking route starts from Pokhara and ends at Pokhara. This unbelievably beautiful city is 200 km west of Kathmandu and is a 6-hour bus ride or 30-minute flight from Kathmandu. There is another one-and-a-half-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, from where your trek of a lifetime takes place.
Where does the Poon Hill trek begin and end?
The Poon Hill Trek begins with a short drive towards Nayapul from Pokhara, which will take around one hour and 30 minutes max. After reaching Nayapul, we show our permits first at the checkpoint and start trekking towards Tikhedhunga. The first day of the walk is going to be sunny. On the second day, we start our hike from Tikhedhunga towards Ghorepani via Ulleri, where the steepness of Ulleri is waiting for us. Then, we enter the Ulleri village and the shady jungle to reach Nanghethati and have lunch at Birethanti. Then we reach lower Ghorepani, where there is a very good coffee shop. Nepal recommends having coffee there if you have time.
On the big day of our trip, we rise early today and then go towards Poon Hill, where we will witness one of the most beautiful sunrises of our lifetime. Spend some time there with the majestic 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. Then we return to our teahouse, have breakfast, and head towards Tadapani, one of the best walks. We reach the top of the hill and start descending, walking along the river, and having lunch in the silent environment of nature before heading towards Tadapani.
After spending the night at Tadapani, we rise early the next day, go towards Ghandruk, and then return back to Pokhara after completing our trek.
What is the best time or month for trekking towards Ghorepani?
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking is open all year round and can be done in all seasons. March to May and September to December are the fundamental trekking seasons for Ghorepani poon hill and Annapurna Region. Therefore, get ready to be captured by the beauty of this breathtaking mountain, which truly feels like a blessing. The moment of joy that you feel while you see the snow-capped peak is indescribable; you think and enjoy most of it.
What to expect during the Poon Hill trek?
You walk on the rugged mountain trail that extends through the wonderfully magnificent Rhododendron landscape along the valley, where there is an extraordinary encounter with the untamed life and landscape of the Himalayan Ranges, a small but beautiful mountain river stream, green hills, and deep terrain valleys incorporated with high-altitude flora and fauna like orchids, rhododendron, and Magnolia woods, along with rare animal species like white-breasted kingfisher, highland butterflies, Musk Deer, etc. add beauty to nature and your excitement at the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, and also the hospitality of local people like Magar's, Gurung on the way, or at the tea house will truly amaze you. At the end of the destination, we reach Poon Hill, which offers a fascinating view of all-encompassing perspectives of the Annapurna (8,091m/ 26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri (8167 m/26,795 ft). After that, we return to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, a worthy trip for your short trek around the Annapurna Area.
Accommodation and food facilities at Ghorepani
The accommodations are basic, like teahouses and small lodges where we will stay during the Ghorepani trek. Tikhedhunga is a small town with basic tea houses. Still, better accommodation facilities are available at Ghorepani, and for Tadapani, the hotels are basic. Still, suppose travelers and trekkers plan to stay at Ghandruk by extending a day. In that case, the accommodation and service facilities at Ghandruk are very good.
The available foods are fresh and only made once the order is placed. There are various items to choose from, whether you are vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or on a specific diet.
Electricity and Internet facilities during Poon Hill trek
Electricity is available in all the places and can only be disturbed in bad weather or natural circumstances, or else electricity is available throughout the trek. For charging Holiday Tours Nepal always advises carrying a power bank since charging ports are not available in the room. Travelers and trekkers often have to leave their phones and other devices at reception, so it's better to carry a power bank and charge your phone instead of leaving your cell phone to charge at reception.
WiFi is provided at practically all tea shops and resorts. Additional expenses for charging and WiFi may cost up to 500 rupees. Trekkers can also take a SIM card, which includes an internet data plan.
Outline itinerary for Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
Day 01: Pokhara, Nayapul, and Tikhedhunga (1570m) 2 hours of driving and 3-4 hours of walking.
Day 02: Tikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani (2780m) 5–6-hour walks.
Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani-Tadapani (2660m) 4–5-hour walks.
Day 04: Tadapani–Ghandruk and drive back to Pokhara (1990m) 3–4-hour walk.