Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Ultimate Guide

PoON HILL GHOREPANI TREK

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a 4 - 5 day hike in the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. It takes a moderate level of fitness to complete

Poon Hill Ghorepani

Poon Hill Trek or Ghorepani is one of the popular treks in Nepal, a short trek at lower altitude taking you into the Annapurna's. The mountain scenery is break taking and combines incredible scenery with a chance to see beautiful Gurung Villages along the way. The actual trek to Poon Hill is relatively easy and includes walking alongside streams and through forests. It is at 3200m and so the risk of sickness is greatly lowered. However despite its grade, there are a lot of steep sections and lots of stairs. The Ghorepani trek starts from Naya Pul and heads up through the rice fields along the riverside to Syaulibazar and then on to Ghandrung (1,950m).

From here, the views of the famous Fishtail mountain, Machupuchre, is stunning. The climb up to Poon Hill takes about one hour and once there, provides incredible views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna , Nilgiri, Fishtail and other famous mountains of the west region. It is also known as the Ghorepani trail. Ghorepani means 'Horse water' and is he name of a village where the horses, mules and ponies carrying loads would stop to refresh themselves

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best time to climb

The hike can be done throughout the year, however, Autumn (Sep - Nov) is often considered to be the best season for hiking in Nepal with a great climate and several festivals. although it is a little colder than Spring, the skies tend to be much clearer. Spring, (March - May) is the next favourite and also main summit season for Mt Everest. During spring time, the Khumbu valley erupts with beautiful rhododendron flowers. June to August is monsoon season so the route is quiet. During November and December it is cold but again, some travelers find it worth visiting during this period, as there are fewer tourists.

travel insurance

The cost of a medical evacuation from the mountain is expensive, which is why adequate travel insurance is required on all climbs booked through us. Adequate, means you must be covered for 1) Trekking or hiking – this may sound strange, but many insurance list that as an exclusion.
2) Altitude up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance providers do not include this under their standard cover and often limit it to 3500m or less.
3) Sprains strains and physiotherapy – yes, many insurers exclude this; though ironically, this is what you will most likely need cover for.
4) Personal accident – this is the horrible part of insurance. Yes, you need to be covered in the case of death. We are often told by clients – “if anything happens to me, just leave me there.” It is not that simple.

https://www.nomadicadventures.co.za/Travel-Insurance.html

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview

Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu
Day-2: Guided Sightseeing
Day-3: Flight to Pokhara
Day-4: Trek to Ghandruk
Day-5 : Trek to Tadapani
Day-6 : Trek to Ghorepani
Day-7: Hike up Poon hill, Trek to Tirkhedunga
Day-8: Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Day-9: Fly to Kathmandu
Day-10: Depart

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GHOREPANI POON HILL TREK

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).

Ghorepani poon hill

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.

Poon Hill Trek

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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Poon Hill Frequently Asked Questions

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 here

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