Poon Hill Trek is one of the most demanding treks in the Annapurna region. It is also one of the best ways to view panoramic views. You can get a view of several mountain peaks such as Annapurna massifs, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Tukuche, and several others. This trek is considered as a short trek to Annapurna region.
You will have a great opportunity to explore the culture, tradition, religion of several ethnics groups including Brahmin, Chettries, Gurung, and Magar.
This trek is popular for getting the sunrise view from the viewpoint of Poon Hill. You will come across several hot springs. You can also explore cataracts, different species of animals and birds and rhododendron jungles on the way.
Poon Hill Trek Distance depends on the route you take. If you start your journey from Kathmandu then you will cover a total distance of 177km. But, if you start your journey from Pokhara then it is just 35.9km away. The 5-6 days trek is relatively easier. The chances of altitude sickness are less as you will hike with an average elevation.
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Main Highlights of Poon Hill Trek
- Best and short trekking route among countless chains in Nepal offering famous tea houses en route.
- Opportunity to explore paradise destinations of Pokhara including Fewa Lake, David’s fall, Mahendra cave.
- A breathtaking glimpse of the morning sunrise.
- Watching giant peaks from vantage destinations including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.
- Exploring the Gurung culture, tradition and language with a unique lifestyle of individuals establish tough and inflexible touch.
- Settlement holding unique residences, designed and built by local people is equally attractive to others.
Poon Hill Trek Routes
Poon Hill trekking starts with a scenic drive to Pokhara to Nayapul. Further, you will move towards the trekking route ahead passing Tikhedhunga leading to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is located at an elevation of 3,194 m holding a beautiful settlement of Gurung before you reach Poon hill.
Poon Hill is located at an altitude of 3,210 m. You will get an incredible morning sunrise view from vantage destination including extended Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Finally from the point trekking towards Ghandruk crossing Tadapani, you go to Nayapul to catch a drive. You will retrace the same earlier destination and conclude your trek.
Poon Hill Trek Travel Time
Travel Time from Kathmandu to Pokhara
There are three ways to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. By bus, by plane or by private car/jeep.
Taking the plane involves a short 30-minute flight. If the weather is clear and you take the first flight in the morning, you can be sitting at the side of Fewa Lake in Pokhara on time to eat breakfast.
It will take you around 7 hours, by private vehicle including stops. The advantage of a private vehicle is that you can start later in the morning if you want (but best to go early) and stop where you want for photographs etc.
It will take you 7-8 hours, by tourist bus (normal or deluxe) including stops. Tourist buses leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning.
All road transport is subject to road conditions i.e. traffic jams, road construction.
Usually, in the monsoon season, Flights are subject to delay due to weather.
Travel Time from Pokhara to Nayapul
Your adventure begins from going to Pokhara but the real trek begins from Nayapul. Nayapul is 45km from Pokhara. This road is in better condition, and flatter than the Kathmandu to Pokhara road. It will take you an average of 1.5 to 2 hours from Pokhara to reach Nayapul. There are options of reaching there by public bus or by private vehicle.
It will take around 1.5 hours from Pokhara to Nayapul by private vehicle. You can decide the time to leave a little later in the morning and have a more leisurely breakfast first.
But remember you will be walking for around 4 or 5 hours after reaching Nayapul so make sure you don’t leave too late from Pokhara!
Another advantage of your own transport is that you can drive direct to Tikhedhunga, cutting out the first day’s walking.
Public bus leaves every hour. And it takes 2 hours from Pokhara to reach Nayapul.
Average Walking Hours for Poon Hill Trek
This is considered a relatively easy trek (for the Himalayas) and suitable for children. Walking time per day (doing the 5-day trek) never exceeds 6 hours.
You can go on this trek over 3, 4 or 5 days. However, I recommend going for the 5-night trek as it allows you more access and time to mountains, nature, local communities, and personal reflection on a low altitude.
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Itinerary for Poon Hill Trek
Day 01: Go on a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
Total time: approx 1.5 hours drive and 4-5 hours trek
Trekking distance: 9km( Nayapul to TikheDhunga)
You can reduce trekking time by driving directly from Pokhara to TikheDhunga.
Day 02: From Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani
Total time: 6-7 hours
Trekking distance: 13km
Day 03: From Ghorepani to Tadapani with a morning hike to Poon Hill
Total time: Approximately 6 hours plus ‘sunrise viewing time’
Trekking distance: 8km
Day 04: From Tadapani to Ghandruk
Total time: 3-4 hours
Trekking distance: 9.8km
Day 05: From Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
Total time: Approximately 4-5 hours trek and 1.5 hours drive
Trekking distance: 14km
FAQs
What is the trekking cost for Poon Hill?
The cost is usually around USD 850.
Is there any chance of Altitude Sickness?
Poon Hill trekking is a low altitude trekking. The most height that you will climb is 2855m so you will not face any high altitude sickness.
What if I get ill during trekking?
You should inform your tour leader. He will provide you with an emergency medical treatment kit or give information to our team. If the situation worsens, he will contact us for rescue.
Any fitness level required for Poon Hill Trekking?
No fitness level is required as it is one of the easy trekking in the Annapurna region. Trekking hour is usually 4-5hrs per day. Anyone with a normal fitness level can join this trek.
The number of guides and porters will be there in a group?
The group leader will lead you. We provide 1 porter to carry the baggage of 2 trekkers. Supporting staff will vary according to the group size.
Where is Poon Hill located?
Poonhill is located in North Central Nepal in the Annapurna Trekking Region. It lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
Documents needed for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
You need to have a passport with validity for up to 6 months. You need to receive a Nepal Visa which you can either get through Embassy or get a visa upon arrival. You also need to have emergency contact numbers and carry hard cash or Travelers Cheque.
Meals provided during this trekking?
Breakfast and dinner are served in the lodge while lunch will be provided in the restaurant. Along with Dal Bhat, Noodles, soup, and momo are other available food. Soft drinks and beer are also available in Tea Houses.
How many hours will you spend on Poon Hill Trek from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara can take an average of 7 to 8 hours despite being the only 200km apart. That is assuming there are no delays on the road due to an accident or a natural disaster. However, landslides are common in the monsoon.
Note: This is an overall tour package for Poon Hill Trek from Kathmandu. The itinerary can be customized according to your choices and the appropriate timings. Our package also includes tours to Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. For further inquiries, you can email to info@indexadventure.com.
