The Best Short Trek in Nepal: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Nepal offers a wide variety of trekking trails as the foothills of the Nepalese Himalayas offer an astounding view. Several easy and moderate treks could be planned with comfort. Easy access and better hotels or homestays make it possible for everyone to go on short treks.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a popular short trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Well suited for trekkers short in time and hoping for easier trekking holidays, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is considered to be the best short treks in Nepal. Even for experienced trekkers, the great introduction to the Himalayas, and the accommodation along the established route never disappoints even if the time is short.
Here are a bit background information highlights about the poon hill trek
Days Required: 7 days
Altitude: 3210 meters (Highest point)
Best Time To Trek: October to May
Costs: Depending on whether you choose to have a guide and porters to going alone, the prices will vary drastically.
Teahouses: prices can vary from teahouse to teahouse but are usually very cheap
Food: Set menus are in place for teahouses and are usually cheap.
Several routes could be followed to complete this trek. The seven days poon hill trek is perhaps the ultimate short trek that still gets into the heart of the Annapurna and allows us to get to know the culture of the locales and their diversified delicacies. The highest elevation point of the trek, Poonhill is the ultimate viewing point for the Annapurna range; Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Varaha Shikhar and Lamjung Himal. Hiking up to the Poonhill to watch the panoramic sunrise over stunning snow-covered mountains is to die for.
The magical journey starts with a scenic flight or a drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The next day, a short drive to Nayapul and foot trails welcomes. Adorned with greeneries the trail ascend and descend alters interrupted by waterfalls, streams, and bridges. Oak,Rhododendrons, ferns and medicinal herbs spread their fragrances. Birds singing and monkeys swinging on branches offer the experience of wilderness.
Teahouses and lodges are clustered over ridges. You get clean accommodation and healthy items. Passing Tikhedhunga, Ulleri to Ghorepani do remember that you should make a pre-dawn walk to Poon Hill for the sunrise view because the exceptional sunrise from Poon Hill is simply unmissable.
Capture the heart-throbbing moment of life. The trail continues to surprise you with astonishing ethnic villages of Ghandruk. Ghandruk, located at 1940m above sea level, is surrounded by huge mountains and is the kind of place where, once you arrive, you experience calm and relaxed, and don’t want to leave. The touristic village displays great hospitality and ethnic cultures and traditions. It offers fresh tranquillity of this high alpine area and a peek into customary Nepali way of life.
The Autumn (September- November) brings the greatest festive mood in Nepal. Tranquil weather offers blissful trekking in Nepal or enjoys the trek under clear skies and alluring Rhododendron blossoms of Spring(February-May)
The following itinerary could be followed to complete the trek in 7 days.
Day 01: Fly or drive from Kathmandu - Pokhara (25 minutes flight or 6-7 hours drive)
The trail of Poonhill trek runs through the north of the beautiful Pokhara city. We kick off this magical journey with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This 25 minutes flight offers a majestic view of the glorious Himalayas like Manaslu Peak, Langtang range and Annapurna.
Alternatively, you can take a 7 hours drive to Pokhara via scenic Prithvi Highway, enjoying shortstops and scenic beauty all the way around. Enjoy carefree at the lakeside and wander around the streets of Pokhara.
Day 02: Drive to Nayapul and trek - Ulleri (1960 m) (1-2 hours drive) (6-7 hours trek)
The vehicle will leave us at Nayapul and the trek starts. We’ll start early this day after having breakfast at Pokhara. Nayapul is two drive hours north from Pokhara. After we reach Nayapul, we start trekking to our destination, Ulleri.
We commence our trek to Birethanti, a prosperous riverside village at the confluence of the Modi and Bhurungdi Kholas (streams). We move up to Sudame reaching Tirkhedhunga village from where we cross a metal suspension bridge and steep ascent stone staircase which brings us to the village of Ulleri. Ulleri is an amazing landscape valley floor with marvelous views of Annapurna and Himchuli.
Day 03: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2860 m) (4-5 hours)
Today, the trails gently climb through pasture lands and cultivated fields along the cascading rivers through refreshing Oak and Rhododendron Forests. The scenery will give you the energy to continue up the steps as you immerse yourself in the walk.
The trail crosses two sparkling clear rivulets, a small ridge before making a short climb to Nangathanti(2460 m). After a couple of hours of steep climbing, we will arrive at Ghorepani from where we can get soaring views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna-South, Himchuli and Annapurna I.
Day 04: Trek from Ghorepani- Poon Hill(3210 m) and Tadapani (2,630m)(6-7 hours)
Poonhill is popular for the best sunrise view in Pokhara. We will make a pre-dawn start for about 1-hour walk up to Poon Hill (3210m). From the grassy top of the hill, we experience an unobstructed panoramic view of the great Himalayas stretching from far western Dolpo, and Dhaulagiri (8,172m/26,812ft), Annapurna Range in the north, including Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail) and on to Manaslu (8,163m/26,783ft) in the northeast. Watching the beautiful sunrise is a defining moment with lots of pleasure and peacefulness.
After that, we hike down to Tadapani. The eastward trail to Tadapani crosses numerous ridges with occasional flat sections and wonderful views of the snowy peaks to the north. The trail descends steeply through the thick moss-covered pine and rhododendron forest with rich birdlife to Tadapani which also provides a closeup sunset view.
Day 05: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m)(1-2 hours)
Today the trekking trail descends steeply through rhododendron forests to Baise Kharka, The walk to Ghandruk is pleasant and short through the forests with occasional view of the Mountains. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung settlement in Nepal. We can explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung village. Stay at Ghandruk will be enjoyable, with an awe-inspiring view of Annapurna South and Fishtail range.
Day 06: Ghandruk - Nayapul (3-4 hours trek) and drive to Pokhara (1-2 hours drive)
From Ghandruk, the trail passes through small hamlets, terraced fields and subtropical forests with scenic views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail, and Gangapurna Mountains, We will cross the forest of blooming rhododendron and reach Birethanti from we take the downhill walk and follow Modi Khola till we reach Nayapul then take a 2 hours drive to Pokhara.
Day 07: Drive/ fly from Pokhara - Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,600 ft) (5-6 hours drive / 25 minutes flight)
After the completion of the magical journey and with gaining the memories for a lifetime, we plan on returning to Kathmandu. You can opt for a flight or any road transport means for your return to Kathmandu.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be completed with a different route commencing with the following itinerary.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be completed with a different route commencing with the following itinerary.
Day 01: Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes flight or 6-7 hours drive)
Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk via Nayapul and trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) (3-4 hours ride, 3 hours walk)
You can either take a ride from Pokhara to Kimche or Ghandruk. Kimche is a small village about 2 hours walking distance away from Ghandruk. Bus services go all the way to Ghandruk but due to pure road conditions, taking a walk from Kimche is preferred.
After wandering around Ghandruk for a while, we ascend to Tadapani for overnight stay.
Day 03: Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani (2860 m) (5 hours walk)
The trail escalates steeply through the dense pine and rhododendron forest crossing several ridges to reach Ghorepani which is a major trail linking several other villages as well as the Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 04: Trek from Ghorepani to Poonhill and Tirkhedhunga and drive back to Pokhara (4-5 hours trek, 2-3 hours drive)
We take an early morning climb Poon Hill to see the sunrise and panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail and the other Himalayas. The astonishing panoramic view of the Himalayas will make the effort worthwhile. We descend to Tirkhedhunga from where we take a ride back to Pokhara.
Day 05: Drive/ fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,600 ft) (5-6 hours drive / 25 minutes flight)
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be fairly categorized as an 'easy' trek and it is, therefore, possible to pack quite lightly. Carry a few basic clothes, hiking shoes, water bottles, sunglasses, some snacks, and a first aid kit. It can get cold at night, peculiarly at higher altitudes, so you should also pack warm layers for sleeping in, however, sleeping bags and towels are generally unnecessary as tea houses will provide both bed linen and towels. Also, remember to bring cash as there exists no ATMs on the mountain.
Either you are looking for an adventurous trek or the short and easy trek with a glorified Himalayan view, trekking in Nepal always has something to offer to the trekking enthusiast, Poon Hill trek is the best for you!