Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

• Experience stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas at Poon Hill (3,210m) after an early hike.
• In the distance, see the peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) as well as Hiunchuli and Nilgiri.
• Pass through the vast rhododendron forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
• Immerse yourself in Gurung and Magar culture by visiting the many villages throughout the trek.
• When you reach the villages, an authentic teahouse awaits you along with the hospitality of the locals.
• Cross many picturesque landscapes across waterfalls, forests, and terraced farmland. Many suspension bridges are present along the route.
• This trek is great for families and beginners. It is a nice, short adventure into the Himalayas.
• And, as always, we have the skilled team from Sherpa Trailblazers to guide us on a safe trek full of great memories.

Best Time for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the prime trekking times for Ghorepani Poon Hill. The forests along the trail in spring are a riot of colour with the blooming rhododendrons. The views contrast with the springtime forests and are crisp and clear with the autumn air. The monsoon leaves behind lush greenery, but with a higher risk for muddy trails. Winter (December to February) is a great time for trekking if you prefer a bit of tranquillity. There is the occasional snowfall, as well as freezing temperatures at night and in the morning.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an ideal moderate trek for those with an average fitness level. It is of moderate difficulty due to the several days of trekking between five and seven hours each, but it is also a popular choice due to the lack of technical difficulty. Ulleri is where the trek gets a bit more difficult with a steep ascent of over 3000 stone steps. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,210 meters at Poon Hill, which has a lower risk of altitude sickness than other higher treks in the Himalayas. This trek can be done by any healthy individual willing to walk at a good pace and take adequate breaks.

Accommodation During the Trek

Accommodations for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek provide comfortable family tea houses and mountain lodges. Most rooms are clean and simple, and are twin sharing. These rooms contain beds, pillows, and blankets and have shared bathrooms. Some of these lodges provide bathrooms and hot showers for a fee. Dining halls are cozy and warm, and are often heated by a stove in the centre, especially during cold months. These local tea houses act as a comforting resting place and also provide an opportunity to see and experience the hospitality of these mountain communities.

Food and Drinks

The tea houses on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek provide a large variety of meals that are nutritious and fresh. The most popular trekking meal is the traditional Nepali meal, Dal Bhat, since it is often served with refills. Other meals that are provided are fried rice, noodles, pasta, momos, soups, pancakes, porridge, Tibetan bread, eggs, potatoes, and sandwiches with seasonal vegetables. Drinks that are most available are tea, coffee, ginger tea, lemon tea, hot chocolate, and garlic soup. Drinking boiled or purified water is recommended to stay healthy and hydrated during the trek.

Permits Needed

Before embarking on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, trekkers are required to obtain two permits: the ACAP and the TIMS Card, per the current governmental requirements. The permits are a means to financially support local governments to manage and fund additional conservation projects, maintenance and support of trekking trail infrastructure and the safety of trekkers in the Annapurna area. Sherpa Trailblazers will obtain permits for you so you can focus on the fun and adventure.

­Transporations

The drive that begins the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek goes from Pokhara to Nayapul and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The drive is scenic as it passes through more rural areas and small villages. The drive from Nayapul or Ghandruk back to Pokhara can be booked as a private or shared vehicle. The options for travelling from Kathmandu to Pokhara are a tourist bus, a flight or a private vehicle.

Altitude Sickness

There is a risk of experiencing altitude related symptoms on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, as it reaches a maximum height of 3,210 meters. Symptoms can include mild headaches and shortness of breath. To combat these issues, Sherpa Trailblazers recommends drinking plenty of water and walking at a steady pace. Sherpa Trailblazers provides safety as the main concern. Our guides are trained and experienced in the field, as well as monitoring trekker health and providing necessary first aid. Based on these observations, guides have the authority to make decisions on the trek that would best ensure a safe experience.

Packing List

The packing list below will help you plan what to pack for your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. There are several key packing categories such as clothing, trekking gear, and daily packs. For clothing, make sure to pack moisture-wicking base layers, trekking pants, fleece layers, and outer layers. Also pack outer gloves and gloves, a hat, and trekking boots and socks. For gear, pack a sleeping bag (this may not be needed in the warmer months), trekking poles, and a water bottle that you can refill. You will also need sunscreen and lip balm along with your personal medication and hygiene products. Don’t forget a headlamp, your camera, and a portable charger. For inclement weather, pack a rain cover. You will want a small day pack to carry your gear, and be sure to pack your gear in such a way that you minimize your total pack weight, as this makes and improves the trekking experience.

Preparation and Fitness

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be a strenuous activity. Pack several weeks ahead of the trek to give your body time to adjust. Walking and/or hiking are the best ways to build up the muscles and stamina you will need for the trek. The trek includes several steep sections, so doing uphill treks will also help you prepare. The healthier you eat and stay hydrated, the better prepared you will be. Wear your trekking boots to acclimate your feet. There is not a lot of prior trekking experience needed, but it is good to be in decent shape.

Flora and Fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area

Nepal’s largest protected conservation area, the Annapurna Conservation Area, is well-known for its rich biodiversity. During the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, trekkers traverse through forests of rhododendron, oak, pine, bamboo, and magnolia. The blooming rhododendrons in the spring turn the hillsides into a blooming garden. The diverse wildlife of the region includes Himalayan monals (the national bird of Nepal), pheasants, langurs, barking deer, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and, in the more secluded areas, the snow leopards and the Himalayan black bears that are very difficult to spot. This trek is rewarding for birdwatchers and nature lovers all year long.

Gurung and Magar Culture

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek provides a fantastic chance to engage with the colourful traditions of the Gurung and Magar communities. The villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk have all retained their unique cultural identities, their stone dwelling, and their local festivals, along with their folk dances and various other customs that have been observed for centuries. Visitors to these villages can find monasteries, prayer flags, and village museums, and they have the opportunity to sample the local mountain cuisine. The hospitality of the Gurung and Magar people along this trek ensures that this trip provides a rich cultural experience in addition to the spectacular mountain views.

Why Sherpa Trailblazers?

We think a great journey has to be safe, real, and full of lasting memories. All our local Sherpa guides have been to the Annapurnas a hundred times, and they love sharing Nepal and its culture and history with you. We have put a lot of thought into our prepared routes, the places we stay, and how we get you from one place to the other. We also provide special service from the day you arrive to the day you leave. Your safety is our main concern, and our team is trained in looking after you to manage altitude, emergencies, and first aid. Responsible tourism is a big deal here, and we like to support local people and keep our trekking routes as green as we can. Sherpa Trailblazers is the company that you can count on to give you all the memories of the Himalayas you can imagine and a lot more.