Rich in culture, stunningly gorgeous, and time & money friendly, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the ultimate trek in Nepal. It is undoubtedly the best thing to do in Nepal. As you read on, you will find all the essential details of the trek so you can successfully trek Pool Hill yourself.
If you are planning to take a trip to Nepal, then you probably have been planning the trek too. A brilliant decision would be to go on a Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, which is considered to be one of the best in Nepal. Moreover, getting into the Himalayas is the best way to observe and understand the beautiful country. The three days trek will take you through various thick jungles, quaint villages, and over streams, and many more places before ending up at the altitude of 3200m, with your head amongst the highest peaks in the world.
So, here is everything you need to know before beginning the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Why go for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The beautiful three-day trek will be the best trek of your life as you will get close to nature, to peacefulness, and stunning panoramic views. You will pass through various charming, old-fashioned villages of Magar and Gurung communities. On your way up, you will also come across various Himalayan mountains that are uninterrupted and photogenic such as Nilgiri, Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung, and Machhapuchhare.
Another best thing, the trek is easily accessible from Pokhara as the starting point is only 1.5 hours away from Pokhara, and the whole 3 days trek is a beautiful way to immerse you into the divine Himalayas. What is more, it is the most affordable trek that starts at around $240.
What’s the Best Time to Trek?
The best time to go on this trek is from September to November and then from March to May. Though it is also possible to trek in January and December but be heedful of the winter season as the temperature in winters can drop below -15 degrees Centigrade. While in May, the trails will be all wet as the monsoon season starts at the end of May.
And if you want to see the popular blooming Rhododendrons, which is a national flower of Nepal, then April is the best time to visit the trek as your morning and evening will be pleasant.
Read Also: Which Is The Best Season For Trekking In Nepal?
Should You Hire a Guide or Trek Solo?
Whether solo or with a guide, a big question that strikes in everyone’s mind. It is believed that both the options are viable here, and like anything, both have their own unique benefits.
If you are planning to go on a solo trip, there is no problem because it is the most popular trek in Nepal, which is famous for solo traveling in search of an adventure! There will be affordability, freedom, only you will be responsible, though you will have a lack of knowledge regarding the language, local flora, and culture. But the best thing will be that you will be on your own so you can hike throughout the day, spend as much as time in the cafes on the way, and still enjoy the beautiful trek.
Another option is to hire a guide or ask your trekking buddies to join with you. If you hire a guide then everything will be well-organized for you, you will have local expert knowledge, might also get porters to carry your heavy gears. It might cost you a little more but it’s worth hiring.
Most essential- TIMS Passes and Trekking Permits
Whether you go for group trek or solo trek, you will need to have both Annapurna National Park Permit and Trekking Information Managements System Permit.
If you are planning on hiking with an organized group that your tour guide will manage the whole process and the cost will be incorporated into your trekking fee.
But if you are going alone then the permits will cost you around $40-50. And you will need to carry these permits at all times as to show them at the checking points.
Most Important – Make sure that you carry at least four passport size photos with you for the trekking permit too!
Here’s the full Itinerary for Nepal’s Best Short Trek.
Initially, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is listed as a 4-7 days trek, depending on how much time you want to spend amidst nature. It is one of the most famous treks that take you through Nayapul, where your trek starts by taking you through dense forest, flowing streams, quaint villages, and diverse nature.
Day 1 – Nayapul to Tikhedhunga
The adventure begins from Pokhara from where you need to reach Nayapul to begin your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The first day will be quite easy as you will trek through gentle trails and some beautiful villages. After arriving in Tikhedhunga, a village, you can check-in into a guest house or beautiful lodge as there are many options to explore. It will take 5 to 6 hours to complete your day 1 trek as the trek is 10 KMs long.
Day 2 – Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Your next day will begin with steep trails and challenging hike for 2 hours and then gently passing through villages of Ulleri and Banthanti. On your way, you will also come across the breathtaking view of fishtail or Machhapuchhare, Annapurna Himalaya Range, and Hiunchuli. After some time, you will pass through a dense forest. The second-day hike will be around 7 to 8 hours as it is 12 Km long.
Day 3 – Ghorepani to Poon Hill, Ghorepani to Gandruk
You need to leave for the third day a little early to see the beautiful sunrise in the Himalayas. On your trek, you will have the most scenic view of Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and many other snow-capped peaks. It will be 10-12 hours of trek, the most distant trek so far. You will reach Gandruk, which is a large village with the best raw culture, the best traditional food, and the best spectacular view. Here you will find various lodges and hotels to stay for the night.
Day 4 – Gandruk to Deurali
The trail will start with a downfall and mostly stone covered. On this day, you will pass through various small villages with upside and downside trails. You will reach Deurali in the evening in about 9-10 hours. Here also you will find a variety of guesthouses that are reasonable yet comfortable. Along with it, there are many beautiful traditional cafes showcasing the culture of Nepal by serving traditional dishes.
Day 5 – Deurali to Pokhara
As you will start your trek, within an hour, you will reach the permit check town of Pothansa, from where you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pokhara. If you want to continue some hike, you can also change your way to Annapurna Eco-Village, and in no time you will reach the beautiful village. Once you reach, you will see a beautiful setting with everything organic and natural to preserve the natural environment and purity. Either you can stay here for a night, as to have some relaxing time in the beautiful setting and with the friendly people of Nepal or you can take a bus or taxi back to Pokhara.
No fitness level is required to trek Poon Hill
The whole trek is easy and moderate as it starts and ends at comparatively low altitude and also there are no physical challenges on the way. If you can manage to be on your feet for at least 4 to 5 hours then you are good to go. And also make sure that you are fine with steep hill climbing and stairs. Also, make sure that you carry travel insurance with you.
Essential things to pack for the trek
Preparing what gears to pack is a little difficult as you have to balance between pack light as possible, while still packing all the essentials. This packing is for all seasons and as for winters, do to pack extra layers of warmers.
- Travel Insurance
- Reusable water bottle
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Dry bag
- Waterproof jacket
- Portable charger
- A camera to capture the amazing trek
Things to Expect on Ghorepani Poon Trek
- Don’t expect hot bathing as most of the guesthouses and lodges advertise 24-hour hot water but don’t live up to the expectations. But some of the guesthouses live up to their statement and have a hot water shower facility. So check before checking in.
- Always start your day early as to never miss the beautiful sunrise. Also, if you start your trek early, you will be able to reach your destination in the daytime as some of the trek days are 9-10 hours long. Also, you will have enough time to rest, relax, chit chat with locals, and know their culture.
- Poor network connectivity can be seen in most of the trekking areas. So, if you really want to stay connected to your loved ones and work, you will have to look for a hotel or guesthouse with Wi-Fi service. Also, you will be in the midst of nature and lush greenery so the best you can do is stay away from technology as to totally immerse in the adventure.