Short Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill is the famous vantage point located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This is one of the gems of Nepalese Trekking. For many years, the hill is the most popular short trekking destination. People cherish the mesmerizing sunrise from the top of the Poon Hill (3210 m). At an altitude of 3210 m, the hill endows breathtaking scenery of mountain like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Himchuli, Neelgiri, Annapurna South, Dhampus, Machhapuchhre, etc. The major reason behind its popularity is that trekkers can simply do Short Poon Hill Trek by following either 3 days itinerary or 5 days itinerary. This section is also a part of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Therefore, the significance of this hill is high. It is one of the reason that makes the Annapurna region of Nepal the most trekked trekking region!

3 Days Short Poon Hill Hike

The expansion of road has curtailed the trekking route of Poon Hill Trek. Therefore, you can complete the journey up to the top of Poon Hill from Pokhara in just 3 days. A jeep will take you to Tikhedhunga and trekkers have to start trekking up to Ulleri on a first day. You can directly go to Ulleri by jeep but it is not recommended as it will dampen the mood of trekking. About 2 – 3 hours of walking is needed to reach Upper Ulleri where trekkers spend overnight.

Here is the outline itinerary of 3 Days Poon Hill Trekking:

Day 1: Jeep Drive to Uller- 3 Hours then Trek to Ulleri – 2 Hours (2165m)

Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani – 5/6 Hours (2860 m)

Day 3: Poon Hill Hike for Sunrise view; Trek to Ulleri – 3/4 Hours then Jeep Drive to Pokhara -3 Hours

4 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The most appropriate trekking to explore amazing places around Poon Hill is to follow the 5 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek itinerary. This itinerary includes villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Gurung Hill, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. Therefore, it is the most satisfying way to do the trek!

Here is the outline itinerary of 5 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:

Day 1: Jeep Drive to Tikhedhunga from Pokhara; Trek to Upper Ulleri – 2 hours (2165m)

Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani – 5 Hours (2860 m)

Day 3: Poon Hill Hike for sunrise view; Trek to Tadapani – 7/8 Hours (2665m)

Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk – 3 Hours then Drive to Pokhara – 3 Hours

If you allocate a week’s holiday then you can comfortably complete the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Nowadays, people prefer to add additional trekking route in the Short Poon Hill Trek itinerary. There are few destinations in the periphery of Poon Hill that are suitable to add in this trip. These places are Mardi Himal, Mohare Danda, and Khopra Hill.

Trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill via Mohare Danda

Mohare Danda Trek combined in the itinerary of Poon Hill Trek doesn’t require more than two additional days. It is possible to reach Mohare Danda from Ulleri in a day. After a remarkable sunset and sunset experience from the top of Mohare Danda, you can reach Ghorepani comfortably. In order to increase the trekking memories choose this alternative trekking route.

Mardi Himal Trek with Poon Hill

The joyous and wholesome trekking experience will be when you combine Mardi Himal Trek itinerary and Poon Hill itinerary. By doing so, trekkers will be able to experience green lush forests trail of Mardi as well as multi-ethnic village environment of Poon Hill section in one single trip. Moreover, the scenery of mountains are always there. In fact, from the top of the Mardi Himal one can see the unparalleled scenery of mountains, cascading hills, and gorgeous view of Mt. Machhapuchhre. You will require at least 5 days to do this style of trek.

Khopra Hill Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill

It is the most challenging among all the styles of trekking to Poon Hill. The journey of Khopra Hill is moderately difficult. Trekkers have to allocate at least 6 days to include Poon hill during the Khopra Hill Trek. The location of Khopra is in the opposite hill of Ghorepani Poon Hill facing each other. However, the trail of Khopra reaches up to 4500 m from sea level. It is tiring as well as demanding due to high altitude and rugged trail

How Difficult is Poon Hill Trek?

Difficulty level of Poon Hill Trek is fairly easy. Don’t underestimate it though. You will have to walk uphill and downhill frequently and an average walking hours per day is about 6 to 7 hours. The most tiring day is when you walk uphill from Ulleri to Ghorepani. There is not flat trail and you will have to continuously trek uphill up to Poon Hill. There is less risk of altitude sickness. So, overall a fit person can easily complete the Poon Hill Journey without any fuss. In fact, it is an ideal trekking route where you can take your kids too and have a momentous family trekking experiences.

Pokhara to Poon Hill Trek Distance

The total walking distance during short Poon Hill Trek is about 26 kilometers including Poon Hill Hike (Two way). This is not long walking distance but presence of uphill sections make it hard for some trekkers. If you have good physical fitness then you can easily complete this trekking distance. Interestingly, you must be careful while descending rather than while ascending the trek route. The total road distance for this trek is about 53 kilometers. Pokhara to Tikhedhunga road distance is about 28 kilometers and Ghandruk to Pokhara road distance is about 25 kilometers.

Can I do this trek in any time of the year?

Yes, it is possible to do Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in any time of the year. Monsoon season is not highly recommended as frequent heavy rainfall and cloudy atmosphere can dampen the overall experience of the trekking. Winter is surprisingly right time to do this trek as you may experience snow in Ghorepani and Poon Hill. However, the trail becomes slippery and dangerous while descending down to Tadapani or climbing the Gurung Hill and Poon Hill. So, the best time to do the trek is during the months of spring and autumn season.

Things to Remember before Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking

Short Poon Hill Trek is the most popular trekking trip to do in Nepal. In fact, the trek is on par with Langtang Valley Trek of Langtang region, Everest View Trek of Everest region, Tsum Valley Trek of Manaslu region. Yes, this short trekking route is the most among all the short trekking routes of major trekking regions of Nepal. Please know certain things before the trip. It is wise to know all the facts about the trek beforehand and be prepared for the trek.

Travel Insurance: You must have a travel insurance bought in your home country before embarking on the journey of Poon Hill Trek. This insurance plan help you to avoid any kinds of hassles due to cancellations, accidents, medical help, and in worse case scenery in case of emergency helicopter rescue. So, buy a travel insurance plan and give the copy of insurance plan before beginning the trek.

Build Physical Fitness: Trekkers have to walk for more than 6 to 7 hours both uphill and downhill. This requires good stamina. While walking downhill you may split your hamstring or muscle spasm can be very traumatic. Therefore, build your physical fitness level to complete this trek easily.

Trekking Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is needed for the trek.

Backpack: Please pack your bags with the necessary clothes and items. Remember that a porter carry about 18 kilograms only if you hire a porter. Normally, two trekkers are given one porter.

How to reach Annapurna Base Camp from Poon Hill?

Some trekkers who are on the Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking wish to extend their trek to Annapurna Base Camp. It is possible to reach the base camp of the world’s 10 tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna. When mountains call you then you respond by reaching its foothill and leaving footprints in its base camp. Make sure that you have gathered all information about cost, weather, and itinerary before finalizing to go to Annapurna Base Camp. To reach Annapurna Base Camp from Poon Hill, you will have to trek to Tadapani first. From Tadapani, trekkers trek to Sinuwa via Chhomrung. After spending a night in Deurali, trekkers can finally reach Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3900m)

Which is the best trekking agency to book Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Package?

Book the Poon Hill Trek package with the agency that employs locals as a trekking guide and porter. Traveling with locals will help you get the authentic information of the place and local culture too. Moreover, the locals can help you easily immerse into the traditions and culture of the trekking trail and they can assure safety more than others.

Nepal High Trek is one of the leading trekking agency of Nepal which is working relentlessly to create sustainable trekking scenarios in Nepal. To create a sustainable environment helping locals to participate in the trekking ensures that natural and cultural heritages of the trail are preserved! Yes, you will not have any worries about logistics, lodging, and overall trek management if you choose NHT. We strive to exceed guests’ expectations and we never leave a single stone unturned to provide quality services as well as knit a memorable holiday for our clients.