Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill trek is short, yet best trek in the Annapurna region. This 3 nights and four days trek presents to you the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views. The stunning views of the majestic Annapurna ranges are astonishing from Poon Hill.
The trek is famous for the cultural diversity as well. The trek exhibits the ancient way of living of diverse ethnic communities. Trekking through the impressive traditional villages is an amazing experience. Ghorepani is the home of Gurung and Magar communities.
Poon Hill, the highest point on the trek is also called as a photographic paradise. The splendid rhododendron forests, distant green hills and the most beautiful chains of the snow-capped peaks are astounding.
You will see the captivating views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You will also see the intoxicating view of Annapurna I, II, III and IV along with Dhaulagiri ranges, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Manaslu, and many more.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The short ABC trek is one of the lifetime experiences! It is the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. The trek offers the stunning views of the most scenic mountain vistas.
Experiencing the typical Nepali village, and local ethnicities, you will walk into the heart of Himalayas. The trek route passes through rugged landscapes and impressive Gurung and Magar communities.
The peaceful and tranquil rivers, streams and waterfalls are amongst the major attractions of the trek. You will see diverse forests including Rhododendron, Bamboo and High Alpine forests.
The Annapurna Base Camp, 4130m is the major attraction point. From there, you will see the Annapurna Mountain so close. Moreover, walking over the steep and sloped trails is a thrilling experience.
Witnessing the beautiful paddy meadows, you will feel intimacy with nature on this trek. The trek is a blend of nature, serenity, and beauty.
Are you planning to trek in Annapurna Region? Don't hesitate to contact us. Tell us your requirements, we can help you to make your trip memorable.
Hiring a Guide and/or a Porter
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek:
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a short trek. The trekking trail is very well maintained than in the ABC trek.
Hiring a guide is always advantageous. However, this trek turns out to be relatively easier and safer even without a guide. You can carry a clear map of the trek and see it when you're confused.
You won't have much heavier trekking gears during short treks. If you are thinking of camp trekking, this may add weight to your backpacks. Otherwise, you can easily accomplish the Poon Hill trek even without a porter to carry your luggage.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base camp trek is a longer trek than the Poon Hill trek. The number of trekking hours per day can be more if you lower the number of days on the trek. The trail is well maintained. However, the directions of the trek can be confusing sometimes.
Hiring a guide, you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Also, you shouldn’t be watching the map frequently. You might encounter unpredictable risks while trekking in the Himalayas. A guide will always be with you. They will help you out in any difficult situations.
Well, it’s debatable whether you need a porter for your ABC trek. If you think that you can have a comfortable trek while carrying your luggage, you can drop the idea of hiring a porter. Else, hiring a porter is advantageous, Even though it will charge you extra costs. You can walk freely, not having to worry about your luggage and its safety.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a 4 to 5 days hike in the Annapurna region. The trek is a level 1 in trek difficulty. This means the trek is easy.
The trek involves some portions of steep terrains. Though the trek is not as remote as the ABC trek, the trek demands moderate physical fitness. The trek can be difficult for those who have pre-existing health problems. So, consult your doctor before you go.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate graded trek in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. The trek takes you into remote places with variable and rugged landscapes. The trekkers must have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours per day.
Walking in the higher Himalayas is physically demanding. The trail is not similar. Sometimes, it’s the stone steps that you walk over, and sometimes the rugged trails. Some portions of the trek have sharp steeps too. There are places with avalanche risks where you have to boost your speed.
The ABC trek is more physically demanding than the Poon Hill trek. But with excellent health conditions and average physical fitness, the trek is easily achievable. Build a positive attitude, boost your confidence and your trek is successful.
Maximum Elevation
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek takes you to the maximum altitude of 3,210 meters. The place displays the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views. The view when the first rays of the sun strike the amazing Annapurna Himalayan range is mesmerizing!
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a walk to the doorsteps of the amazing Annapurna Himal. The maximum altitude that the trek takes us to is 4,130 meters from the sea level. Seeing the Himalayas so close, literally almost in the face is an indelible memory!
Food on the Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The price of food on the trek will be costlier than in the towns. But you can enjoy hot and deliciously cooked local foods.
Dal Bhat, the Nepali food is delicious and filling. When you ask for Daal- Vaat they offer you boiled rice, bean soup, vegetables, and pickle. It is undoubtedly an energy packed meal for trekking.
The restaurants and tea houses offer spaghetti, bread, omelet, Tibetan bread, porridge, fried noodles, fried rice, and many other items too.
For Snacks, you can get packaged chips, cookies, and candies at some restaurants. They cost more. So, better you buy them at Pokhara and carry them while trekking.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The most common meal during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is authentic Nepalese food, Dal- Bhat. The tea houses and lodges serve common international cuisine like pizza, steamed dumplings, noodle soups, etc.
You can choose anything to eat from the food menu. However, the food menu has lesser items to choose from. The menus are almost the same at every place.
The cost of food increases as you ascend to a higher altitude. It is difficult to trade the food and essential materials at higher altitudes. You will feel the prices are still less when you see the mules and porters carrying heavy loads on their back.
You will require to eat three meals per day to keep you energized. You can have breakfast and dinner at the tea houses where you stay. For lunch, check into any tea houses or lodges on the way to the next destination.
Bring some snacks like peanuts, chocolates, instant noodles, and cans of fish. You can eat them while resting at the beautiful meadows.
Accommodation on the Trek
Both the treks are popular for tea house trekking. This means you will have tea houses along the route to accommodate. However, if you are thinking of doing camp trekking, bring your tents and sleeping supplies.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
This trek is a hike from village to village. There are local homestays where you can stay during the trek. You can stay at the lodges where they will serve you freshly cooked hot meals.
They offer comfortable and clean rooms. You will have individual beds. However, during busy seasons, they provide a room in twin shared basis. The price of accommodation can change depending on the time you trek.
They provide discounts during off seasons. During off-seasons, the lodges are quieter.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
During the ABC trek, you will find a lesser number of tea houses as you trek to higher elevations. There are only 3-4 teahouses at the Annapurna Base Camp.
The tea houses offer rooms on a twin share basis. Some of the trekkers shared their experiences with us. As per them, they even had to sleep over dining tables at the base camp while trekking in autumn.
The owners of the tea houses are obliging. They are kind and friendly. They will get you warm waters to drink and even for hot showers when you charge more.
During peak seasons, you might have difficulty in finding rooms to stay. So, early booking is mandatory while trekking in peak seasons.
Are you planning to trek in Annapurna Region? Don't hesitate to contact us. Tell us your requirements, we can help you to make your trip memorable.
Weather and Temperature
The Annapurna region experiences four different seasons. The temperature and weather during these seasons are uniquely variable.
The weather can rapidly change in the Himalayas and higher altitudes. The weather pattern is unpredictable. So, get some information about the prevailing weather conditions before you go.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Poonhill receives maximum rainfall in the entire country. The weather there is usually unpredictable.
Winter, December to February, is the coldest time of the year. The temperature drops below freezing at the high altitudes. It can reach to -5 degrees at extreme nights.
Spring, the season of colorful flowers prevails from March to May. This is the second busiest time of the year for poon hill trek. Days are sunny and bright. The daytime temperature ranges from 20 ˚C to 30˚C. Nights are cold, yet bearable.
June to August is a time when Poon Hill sees summer. Summer means the daytime is very hot. The evenings are cold and pleasing. Temperature lies in between 20˚C to 35˚C in the summer season.
Annapurna Base Camp
The Annapurna Base Camp sees the lowest of - 10-degree Celsius during mid-winter. It is the coldest time when the higher altitude trails are covered with snow and iced rocky steps.
Spring is a beautiful time to trek. You will see the entire region blooming in colorful flowers. The area is covered in alluring aroma of wildflowers. The mean temperature during daytime varies in between -8 to 0-degree Celsius.
A hot summer day sees a temperature of around 25 to 35-degree Celsius on average. Wear light cotton and breathable clothes. We also advise you to wear in layers while trekking in summer.
During autumn, the weather is very clear. During the daytime, the region is warm, bright and sunny. The nights can be cold. Bring appropriate gears for that.
Natural Experiences
No doubt that the Annapurna region exhibits the best sceneries in Nepal. The region is famous for its diverse and unique nature.
Trek to Annapurna region is not just walks over the trails. The trek unveils numerous natural treasures. Uncountable cascading waterfalls and the hot spring are lovely.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The Ghorepani for Poon Hill trek is popular for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Also, the panoramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna Range, and Mt. Machhapuchhre is beyond your imagination.
The glorious sunrise views at the Poon Hill rely totally on the season that you trek in. During clear weather, you will see the sun shedding its golden rays from behind the majestic peaks.
You will witness the gigantic peaks gleaming in the first rays of the sun. The sunset views are fantastic too. You can bid a farewell to the sun that slowly disappears behind the mountains.
Annapurna Base Camp trek
The trek is blessed with amazingly diverse natural vistas. The trek takes you close to the snowy Himalayas. You will have wonderful experiences while walking into the wild forests.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is enriched with natural assets. You will see lush jungles, rugged mountains, and wildlife. The diverse flora and fauna on the trail are amazingly beautiful.
Trekking to the land where the great Annapurna Himal sits is a remarkable experience.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can be seen while ascending to altitudes greater than 2,500 meters. The basic symptoms of altitude sickness include a headache and vomiting.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a trek to an altitude of 3210 meters. The risk of altitude sickness during this trek is less. However, the Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you to an altitude of 4130 meters.
You are more prone to altitude sickness during the ABC trek than during the Poon Hill trek. You must get proper rest & acclimatization in order to prevent the altitude sickness.
Lastly,
Trekking in the Annapurna Region is an experience that imprints in your heart and memory. Both the treks are amazingly beautiful.
You cannot miss the marvelous sunrise view from the Poon Hill. How can you miss the chance of knocking on the doorsteps of great mountain Annapurna?
You must go on these treks if you are an enthusiastic trekker. If you want to trek both at once, we have Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill package for you. We are looking forward to seeing you soon. Do not forget to hit us a mail.
