Nepal is a famous country for its trekking adventures. And if you are short on time and looking for a short escape to the Himalayas, then a 4-day Poonhill trek might just be the right pick for you.
Ghorepani Poonhill trek is the most popular Annapurna trekking region. This amazing trek takes you to the highest point at Poon Hill which lies just at 3210m.
This trek is suitable for anyone with average physical fitness. Also, it is absolutely safe for children with the least risk of altitude sickness.
The scene and the landscape are spectacular and captivating. It changes from lowland terraced fields to magnificent pine, oak, and rhododendron.
As you climb higher, the mountain views get better. Moreover, the early morning sunrise view from Poon Hill is a cherry on top of a cake.
The best thing about the trek is that it is doable any time of the year. Also, it is easily accessible from the lake city Pokhara. On this trek, you will walk on the trails of Annapurna Base Camp trek, however, you not follow the trail after Tadapani.
It is amongst short and simple treks. It offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the Himalayan lifestyle and culture closely.
Highlights of Poonhill Trek 4 Days
- Spectacular sunrise view from Poon Hill at 3210m.
- Magnificent view of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, and the other Himalayas
- Witness one of the biggest villages of Ghandruk and Ulleri village
- Cultural monasteries, temples and the Gurung museum
- Rice terrace and waterfall
- Pokhara lake city
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Itinerary of Poonhill Trek 4 Days
Day 01: Kathmandu or Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Hile
Elevation:1570 m, Hile
Trekking hours: 4 hours
After Breakfast at your Hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara, you will take a drive to Nayapul. If you start trek from Kathmandu, you will take a 25-minute early flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Then you will take a 42km’s drive to Nayapul via Lumley village. From there you will walk for about 20 minutes and will proceed further to Birethanti.
From here the trail will pass through bamboo forest and large waterfall taking you to Ramghat. Here you will stop for a while for lunch.
After having some relaxing time, you will take a gradual climb along the trail up till the side of the valley where you will reach Hile.
Overnight at a lodge in Hile.
Day 02: Hile to Ghorepani
Elevation: 2750 m, Ghorepani
Trekking hours: 4-5 hrs
After breakfast, you will walk from Hile crossing a stream on a suspension bridge near a campsite. You will then ascend a steep stone staircase of about 3381 steps to a large Magar village of Ulleri at 2080m.
The trail then climbs above the village and passes gently through the pastures and cultivated fields. You will reach a campsite where you will rest after an hour’s walk.
After the rest, you will proceed your hike further as the trail crosses two sparkling streams. Then you will make a short final climb to Nangethati where you will stop for the lunch.
From here you will climb to Ghorepani at 2750m. Here you will get a picturesque view of Mt.Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Tarke Kang etc.
Day 03: Ghorepani to Tadapani with a Visit to Poon Hill
Elevation: 2600 meters, Tadapani
Trekking hours: 6-7 hrs
Today, you will take an early morning climb along the steep trail up to the viewpoint in Poon Hill at 3210m. Here you will witness the beautiful sun rays glistening over the magnificent mountains.
Poon Hill trek is the most popular trekking destinations of Annapurna region. This trek offers astonishing views of Mustang, Pokhara and up-close view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
This is a perfect place to capture the amazing sunrise over the high mountains which serves a wonderful experience to all.
As you follow the trail back to Ghorepani, breakfast awaits. You will then head east climbing a nearby ridge. And you will descend through the rhododendron forests and the spectacular waterfall.
You then arrive at Tadapani. Overnight stay at a lodge in Tadapani.
Day 04: Tadapani to Nayapul- Pokhara or Kathmandu
Elevation:1070 m, Nayapul
Trekking duration: 7 hrs
Today after breakfast you will take a steep descent through the dense, shady forest of rhododendron trees. About 7 hours trek from here, you will reach the entrance of Ghandruk village. Ghandruk village is a slope settlement with stone houses inhabited by Gurung people.
This village is an ideal place to witness and experience the cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum. From here you can also view the backdrop of Fishtail, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli mountains.
The descend from Ghandruk to Nayapul begins after breakfast. The downhill trek to Birethanti is spectacular with mountain views at the backdrop. And with green hills and forests at the foreground.
The stone slabs staircase curving in and out of the village will take you to the terraced farms till you reach Modi Khola river valley.
After half an hour walk from Birethanti to Nayapul, you will take an hour-long drive to Pokhara.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Option: If you want to end this trek in Kathmandu, you will drive to Pokhara airport and fly back to Kathmandu on the same day. And transfer to your Hotel in Kathmandu.
Additional Information
Altitude
Trekking to the mountains means there is always one factor at play and i.e the altitude. Trekking to high altitude can be risky for anyone and can fall a victim to altitude sickness.
But do not worry. This risk of altitude sickness in the Poon hill is quite low.Because you will ascend to the maximum height up to 2750 meters only.
Down below we have a table that you will give you an idea of the altitude of places you will go
| Places | Altitude |
| Pokhara | 1400m |
| Nayapul | 1070m |
| Tikhedhunga | 1480m |
| Ulleri | 1960m |
| Ghorepani | 2750m |
| Tadapani | 2600m |
| Ghandruk | 1939m |
Hence with such low altitude along the treks, there is a rare chance that the altitude will make your Poon Hill trek difficult.
Weather
Trekking in Annapurna region is the best in spring (End of February, March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November). The days are sunny and warm but the nights are a bit cold and can fall to freezing at higher elevations.
Poon Hill trek is doable all the year round. The trail gets busier in the spring and autumn but monsoon and winter are a bit quieter. Annapurna, Ghorepani, Poon Hill is an ideal trek for all seasons.
The climatic condition of PoonHill is pleasant throughout the year. Only in some winter months the temperature of Ghorepani drop to below zero degrees. The minimum temperature of Poon hill gets to -4 degrees in January. Poon Hill has quite pleasant and suitable weather.
If you want to trek during the monsoon season, make sure you watch the weather forecast. And pack accordingly in order to make your trekking experience smooth and comfortable.
Guide and Porter
Trekkers who want to take the poon hill trek alone can do it with prior trekking experience. However, if you are a beginner, a guide is a must-have.
A guide will constantly direct you to the safest and right trails ensuring your safety. Besides, hiring a guide in Poon hill is not difficult. You can hire them for around USD 20- 25 per day.
With a guide, you can ask a question when you have a curiosity about the villages, customs, altitude and more.
As for porter, you can hire them for around USD 15-20 per day. Having a porter will allow you to enjoy the trekking without having to carry the burden of the baggage.
Also by hiring them you will be helping with the local economy and supporting their livelihood.
Food and Water
During the trek, you can enjoy the authentic Nepalese food. Also, you will get the common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian etc).
You have to purchase new bottles of water on the trek route to stay hydrated. You will get a 1-liter bottle for Nrs 80- 100, depending on height in the mountains you are.
Another option you have is you can refill the empty bottles in most lodges and restaurant for Nrs 60.
You can also use water purification tablets, known as Aquatabs. All you have to do is add a tablet to a liter of water, let it sit for a while and it’s safe to drink. Moreover, it is also budget friendly.
Accommodation
Tea houses are the basic lodges during the trek. The rooms are on twin sharing basis with the basic facilities that cost around USD 2-4 per person per night. Hot showers are available for USD 1 – 2.
The tea house will serve the breakfast and dinner from the lodge menu where you will spend the night. Meals cost range from USD 3 to 5 depending on what you eat and where you are. The higher you go, the more expensive it gets.
What are the Necessary Trekking Permits?
To trek to Poon hill, you need the following permits.
- Annapurna Conservation Permit – USD 10 , Nrs 1000 per person
- TIMS card – approx USD 20 Nrs 1825 per person
How Difficult is the Trek?
Poonhill trek is an easy trek compared to other higher altitude trek in Nepal. However, you cannot take the steep climb up to the stone staircase (3381 steps in total) from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani lightly.
There is various duration ranging from 4 to 7 days for poon hill trek. This depends on one’s preference and also on one’s physical fitness level. It varies on how much you like to stop to take rest and also to enjoy the views.
Generally, 4 days trek is perfect. But if you do not acclimatize well to the altitude or if you have a physical limitation, taking longer duration trek is a smarter bet.
What to Carry?
Packing wise has a lot to do in making your trekking experience smooth and comfortable.
Since Poonhill 4-day trek is a short trek you do not have to pack a lot. However, make sure you carry a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes for a long hours walk.
Do not forget to carry a pair of flip-flops that you can slip into at teahouses. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to the temperature from lower to a higher region.
Trekking poles can come in handy for support while climbing and descending. It is wise to carry a sleeping bag with a liner.
For monsoon season make sure to carry insect repellent for mosquitoes and leeches that you may encounter on the trails. Also, do not skip on sunscreen. You burn faster at high altitudes. Hence carry a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin.
Some Useful Tips for the Trek
- Check the weather and pack accordingly
- Dress in layers
- Walk in your own pace and take regular breaks
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Hire a guide and porter for a smooth and comfortable experience
- Carry enough cash because there are no ATMs on the way
Last Say,
Poonhill 4 days trek is an easy grade short trek that you can take all year round. This trek takes you to the alluring beauty of the Annapurna ranges.
It is a perfect getaway to rejuvenate and spend some peaceful time with nature away from the city life.
This trek does not need a lot of pre-planning. However, during the peak season, you will witness a lot of tourists.
Moreover, you can add or reduce the duration of the trek that fits into your time and preference.
For that, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you in making sure that you have a successful trip.
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