Ghorepani Poon Hill, situated in Nepal's Annapurna region, is renowned for its breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. Trekking from Nayapul or Birethanti, hikers traverse picturesque villages amidst terraced fields and vibrant rhododendron forests. The journey, moderate in difficulty, caters to trekkers of all skill levels. At an altitude of 3,210 meters, Poon Hill offers a mesmerizing sunrise spectacle, illuminating the snow-capped peaks in a kaleidoscope of colors. Overnight stays in Ghorepani village provide a tranquil prelude to the unforgettable sunrise experience. This trek, blending natural beauty and cultural immersion, promises an enduring adventure etched in memory.
Trekking permit for ghorepani poonhill trek:
Annapurna Conservation Permit (ACAP): Nrs3,000 per person
TIMS Trekkers Permit :
Nrs 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency (a permit is blue in color)
Nrs 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without guide or porter) (a permit is green in colour)
The trek normally starts from Pokhara, so we need to fly or take a
bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You will spend the night in Pokhara a day before the trek departure.After a nourishing breakfast the next morning, you will enjoy a short drive from Pokhara through the beautiful landscape to Nayapul / Birethanti and then to Ulleri. From Ulleri, we begin the trek to Ghorepani - the destination for the day.
The trails provide us with astonishing views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. All the while, you will be ascending gently through the rhododendron forest to reach Nanghethani (2460m). We continue forward to Ghorepani. The hillside just below Ghorepani is home to more than eight rhododendron species - Nepal's national flower.
Day 2:Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint
Wake up early to catch the first light painting the Himalayan peaks as you ascend to Poon Hill, a vantage point offering unparalleled views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m), and more. After soaking in the majestic sunrise, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Following breakfast, set out on a scenic trek through lush rhododendron and oak forests, following the trail to Deurali (2960 m), where you'll be greeted by expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape. As you continue your journey, descending through the verdant forests to Banthanti (2606m), take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings before stopping for a well-deserved lunch. Energized and ready to continue, ascend once more, passing through a landscape adorned with cane fields and steep forested paths, until you reach Tadapani (2710m). Here, immerse yourself in the captivating views of the Annapurna ranges that stretch before you, offering a sense of awe and wonder. Conclude your day's adventure by retiring to your lodge in Tadapani, where you can relax and reflect on the beauty of the Himalayas that you've experienced throughout the day.
Day 3:Trek from Tadapani
Continue walking downhill towards Kimron Khola, passing through beautiful forests filled with colorful rhododendron flowers and tall bamboo and oak trees. As we go up again, we reach Chomrong village, surrounded by big mountains. After taking a short break to enjoy the stunning views, we head back down to the peaceful Jhinu Danda. Here, we find natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing and soothing our tired bodies. Soaking in the warm water feels really nice and helps us unwind. Later, we found a place to stay for the night, excited for more adventures tomorrow.
Day 4:Trek from Jhinu Danda
Leaving the relaxing hot springs of Jhinu Danda behind, we walk along the dusty road next to the Modi Khola. It's an easy and peaceful walk, the most relaxed part of our trek. When we reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi, we say goodbye to the trails. Then, we just need to tell everyone to head back to Pokhara through the pretty countryside. That's the end of our trekking adventure!
Day 5: Drive back to Kathmandu
In the early morning, we leave Pokhara and head towards Kathmandu. The 200 km journey follows the Marsyangdi River initially, then the Trishuli River, showcasing stunning natural scenery and farmlands along the way. As we travel, the bus will make one final ascent, bringing us into the Kathmandu Valley.
Best Season for Poon Hill Trek
The best season would be September- November and March – May. In these months, the weather is clearer and the temperature is moderate, only the morning and evenings are a bit chilly leaving the days perfectly clear for splendid views of the mountains.
Photo Credits: Wikipedia, Nepal Trekking Guide, Red Carpet Journey, Linkage Tours and travels
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