Panoramic view of the Himalayas from Poon Hill Top

The mystical aura of the Annapurna Region devours one with delight and serenity while admiring the view of the Himalayas from the 3,210m altitude of Poon Hill’s highest point. The Himalayan ridges reaching east to west will be visible from this elevated location. Catching a glimpse of the enchantment of White Annapurna and Dhaulagiri beaming straight ahead will be an unforgettable experience. Along with it, Mardi Himal and Nilgiri lend even more elegance to the sight.

Clear days will greatly increase the likelihood of seeing the city of Pokhara to the south and the far-northern Gurung Settlements. Ghorepani to Poon Hill is a 45-minute uphill trek through appealing Rhododendron and oak forests. Poon Hilltop offers breathtaking views of the glorious sunrise emerging from the hills, which is another incredible experience. There’s a higher hilltop beyond the view tower called “Poon Hill Danda” from where it’s serene to look out over the surrounding Annapurna region without having to deal with the crowd.

The magnificence of Ghorepani and Ghandruk on Poon Hill Trek

A peaceful hamlet nestled amid verdant hills, Ghorepani serves as the primary destination for trekkers seeking a peaceful respite and rest stop. Oak, pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests encompass the picturesque hamlet of Ghorepani. One can discover several pieces of vegetation that cover the entire region of the trekking trail to Ghorepani. There is also a good possibility of encountering native animals such as musk deer, red pandas, and Himalayan Thar. At Ghorepani, tiny teahouses, stores, and traditional eateries serve trekkers the finest dishes and unwinding.

The Gurung and Magar communities’ dwell within and around Ghorepani, and it is common to come across their traditional festivities during the Poon Hill Trek. Ghandruk is another picturesque settlement on the Annapurna Trekking Trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding hamlets and lush valleys. The Gurung people, are the major ethnic group of people, inhabiting the vicinity of Ghandruk.

The settlement is perched on the crest of a majestic hillside with a backdrop to the Himalayas. A bright day allows a magnificent view of the stunning Himalayan peaks of Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchre, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. The cottage-style buildings built of mud and woods, as well as the stone trail that falls within the Annapurna Sanctuary, bring nostalgia and joy to the Poon Hill Trek.

Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Indulge in the everyday activities of the Gurung community dwelling in and around Ghandruk
• Admire an incredible panorama of Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna from the Poon Hill Top
• Trek through woods of rhododendrons, across suspension bridges, and come across waterfalls
• Enjoy the verdant surroundings while exploring the hamlet of Ghorepani
• Savour the scenery of farmlands and paddy fields of Ulleri
• Traverse through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and witness diverse flora and wildlife species
• A brief and rejuvenating trek beneath the majestic Himalayas

Itineraries

Day 01 – Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1450m) – 6 hours

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you an hour north from Pokhara. Nayapul will be our starting location for the Poon Hill trek. The trail climbs steadily upward to the verdant farmland, passing by rivers, waterfalls, and settlements until arriving at Birethanthi. After a brief stop in Birethanthi to take in the scenery, we will proceed to Tikhedhunga. Tikhedhunga will be our overnight stop.

Day 02 – Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,874m) – 6 hours

The fresh morning atmosphere, along with our first view of the Annapurna, ignites us. As we cross the Tikhedhunga suspension bridge, the gorgeous settlement of Ulleri greets us. Proceeding the trek, the moist ambiance of oak, juniper, and pine trees will be something to relish as we approach the Annapurna Conservation Area. Through the viewpoint of Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri, the trial will direct us to the heavenly village of Nagthanthi. A brief halt here will expose us to the everyday activities of the Gurung people who inhabit within the Nagthanthi vicinity. The trek continues until we hit Ghorepani, an idyllic hamlet just below Poon Hill. Our overnight stay will be in Ghorepani.

Day 03 – Trek From Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Decend to Tadapani (3,210m) – 6 hours

The trek begins early in the morning and continues uphill for 45 minutes to the highest observation point of Poon Hill. A yellow beam of early sunlight lands straight on Poon Hill, providing an incredible vista. The Poon Hill’s high spot offers a comprehensive view encompassing the ridges of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Tukuche. Following a while, the trek will head downward in the direction of Ghorepani. With its serene view of the Himalayas and surrounding countryside, a quick breakfast at Ghorepani will be soothing. After descending and passing through the marvelous Rhododendron vegetation, we will arrive at the village of Tadapani. Tadapani serves as a significant hub for several trekking locations and is home to plenty of tea shops. Overnight at Tadapani.

Day 04 – Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m) – 6 hours

Today, on our way to Ghandruk, we are going to trek for more than four hours. The trail starts at the Gurung community, where lovely rhododendron trees, singing birds, and diverse flora greet trekkers. Ascending towards the Ghandruk, the stream flows with pure, pristine water. Once we have some tea and some refreshments, we will continue on our trek through the Rhododendron Forest, passing via the tiny community of Berikharka. The beauty of Ghandruk greets us in an hour. It will be a fantastic overnight stay in the serene community of Ghandruk.

Day 05 – Descend to Nayapul and Drive back to Pokhara (1,700m) – 5 hours

The combination of toast and tea while witnessing the final sight of the Himalayas will be something to cherish at Ghandruk. The stone-made trail will lead us through the picturesque village of Ghandruk. Mud dwellings and the local Gurung community represent the traditional local lifestyle of Nepalese people living in the mountainous part of the country. Following a two-hour trek, we will arrive at Syauli Bazaar, from where we will board a jeep and head to Pokhara. The off-road route will curve across the hills and pass through Nayapul’s fertile region before leading us on the Baglung-Pokhara Highway in the direction of Pokhara. The evening by Pokhara’s lakeside, complete with music and food, will be unforgettable.

Best Season for Poon Hill Trek

The Annapurna Region has irregular weather variations, particularly around the high terrain. For this reason, it’s crucial to forecast the weather and choose the ideal trekking season to capture the greatest views and memories. Furthermore, Poon Hill Trek is accessible at any time of year, but understanding the optimal season for trekking will be incredibly beneficial for trekkers.

Spring Season (March to May)

The ideal choice for trekkers is to take a Trek to Poon Hill in the spring. The flowering of Rhododendron blankets the whole Kaski and Annapurna Region, adding to nature’s spectacular beauty. Moderate temperatures and mild precipitation will allow a bare-eyed viewing of the Himalayas. This season promises to provide some amazing views from Poon Hill and a high likelihood of encounters with the local flora and wildlife.

Temperature – 5 º C to 15 º C

Autumn Season (September to November)

The rain renders the Annapurna Region a veritable rainbow of greenery and leaves from September. Warm temperatures accompanied by a northerly wind create a pleasant atmosphere for the Poon Hill Trek. There will be no rain, and if rain does fall, it will be light. During this season, one may also get a chance to celebrate Nepal’s primary festivals like Dashain and Tihar with the local people. Following spring, this is yet another fantastic time to experience the Poon Hill Trek.

Temperature – 5 º C to 20 º C

Summer Season (June to August)

The sun rises, sending scorching beams straight towards the ground. As Pokhara heats up, hikers typically flee to the upper regions to avoid the blazing heat. Torrential rain in the mountainous terrain, on the other hand, might cause landslides and floods. Furthermore, the likelihood of clouds and fog obscuring the entire vista and scenery is considerable. Aside from that, one may forecast the weather and decide to embark on the Poon Hill Trek, since at this time of year the picturesque farmlands with views of the Himalayas and verdant surroundings would appear spectacular following the rain.

Temperature – 10 º C to 25 º C

Winter Season (December to February)

In the Annapurna region, winters may be bitterly cold, making trekking quite challenging. The frigid breeze that blows directly over the hills adds to the coldness. The higher Annapurna Region will get significant snowfall. Nonetheless, one may experience the winter atmosphere of the Annapurna Region by taking the Poon Hill Trek with the appropriate gear and cold-weather apparel.

Temperature – -5 º C to 10 º C

Permits for Poon Hill Trek

Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are the two permits needed for Poon Hill Trek. ACAP will undoubtedly be necessary as the trial goes through the Annapurna Sanctuary. The Poon Hill Trek does not require any additional permits, such as a restricted area permit. Our trekking organization will take care of each of the permits required for the Poon Hill Trek.