Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Distance

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek distance is around 50-60 kilometers both ways. If you’re interested in trekking to Poon Hill, this blog will provide you with all the valuable insights that you need to know before you trek in that region. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular spots for trekking in Nepal. It is one of the most accessible trekking trials in the Annapurna sanctuary. It is best suited for beginners. This trek generally takes 5-7 days but can be completed in 4-5 days, depending on stamina and sprinting skills.

Poon Hill is the highest point on this trek, which sits at an altitude of 3200 meters from sea level. It is a popular vantage point, allowing panoramic views of the Annapurna mountains. While trekking through this region, you will traverse the lush forests and charming villages. If you’re a beginner planning to trek, this Ghorepani Poonhill trek should be on your bucket list. Additionally, it is one of the budget-friendly treks. If you’re in Pokhara, you should trek to Poon Hill from Pokhara.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Visit Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal. 
• Trek through charming villages and lush forests, witnessing the mountains of the Annapurna range of Nepal.
• Visit the charming Ghorepani Village.
• Experience the warm hospitality and unique culture of the local Gurung people.
• Observe the lifestyle of people in the Himalayas.
• Take a relaxing bath in the hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
• Witness the stunning sunrise views of the snowcapped peaks of Annapurna mountains from Poon Hill.
• Embark on a relatively easy trek in the Annapurna range of Nepal. 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Distance

The total trek distance from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is around 50-60 kilometers. The trek begins at Nayapul. It will take around 1.5 hours to reach Nayapul from Pokhara. Your actual hike starts from Nayapul, where you will hike for around  5-6 hours to reach Ulleri. Your next destination on the trek will be a hike towards Ghorepani. It will take around 6-7 hours to reach Ghorepani, which sits at an elevation of 2,860 meters. 

On day 3 of the Poon Hill trek, you will finally hike towards Poon Hill. Your hike begins early in the morning, and you will hike around 4 am for an hour to reach the highest point of the trek, Poon Hill. This vantage point will allow you to witness the Sunrise effect on the Snowcapped peaks. After seeing the breathtaking mountain views, you will hike toward Tadapani for your stay. It will take around 7-8 hours to reach Tadapani. 

The next day, you’ll hike to reach the charming village of Ghandruk. The hike from Tadapani to Ghandruk takes around 4 hours. Ghandruk is another popular scenic spot allowing you to see the majestic views of the Annapurna region mountains. Finally, you will hike back to Nayapul from Ghandruk. It takes around 5-6 hours. 

The Average Hike Hours Per Day From Ghorepani to Poon Hill

The average hiking hours in Ghorepani to Poon Hill trek is around 6-7 hours. It depends on the total distance to be covered in a day. Your day on the trek begins with breakfast at the place where you will stay. After breakfast, you will have a short briefing session about today’s hike. Now, you will pack your stuff and leave for the hike. After hiking for around 3-4 hours, you will stop at a Tea House or a guesthouse for lunch. You can rest briefly after lunch, depending on the remaining distance covered. 

After lunch, you will now hike toward the day’s final destination. It will be generally a 2-3 hour hike. Your dinner will be at your accommodation. You will hike around 6-7 hours and cover around 6-12 km daily. You will have a short period before your dinner to sit and communicate with the local people and learn about their culture, traditions, etc. You can rest after walking for these periods. 

Terrain and difficulty level along the route

The trek to Poon Hill is considered an easy trek. You will be hiking in the lower parts of the Annapurna region. However, there are a few uphill climbs which are pretty challenging. You will reach an altitude of 3200 meters, where altitude sickness might be a concern. Hiking for over 3-4 days can be challenging for beginners. If you’re trekking during monsoon season, landslides might block the trails, making trek in the Himalayas challenging. 

Moreover, There are around 3000 stairs to reach Ulleri. Your initial hike might make you feel demotivated. You can efficiently complete this trek with decent fitness and strong willpower. It offers one of the most accessible trekking trails in Nepal. It attracts many beginners from Pokhara city, such as Nayapul, where the starting point of the trek is just 1.5 to 2 hours from Pokhara. 

The best season to visit Ghorepani to Poon Hill

Like other trekking trails in Nepal, the months of Spring and Autumn are best for Poon Hill Trek. Nepal’s national flower, Rhododendron, blooms in spring, making the whole forest look colorful. Moderate temperature, stable weather, clear skies, scenic views of the Himalayas, etc., makes it the perfect season for Poon Hill Trek. Spring is also the peak season for trekking in Nepal. Even if you’re trekking solo, you will encounter many fellow trekkers while you hike in the Himalayas. 

Autumn offers conditions similar to those in the spring season. The temperature is stable throughout the season. You can witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayas during the autumn months. The clear skies, lush forests, charming villages, and ripened paddy fields add the beauty of the trekking trails. Moreover, Autumn is the festive season in Nepal. During this season, you can experience festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, etc..

Despite Autumn and Spring being the best seasons for Poon Hill Trek, you can trek to this region any time of the year. Monsoon offers another ideal temperature for hiking in the Himalayas. However, it rains heavily during this season, increasing the chances of natural calamities like landslides, floods, etc. Likewise, the winter months are cold, and it may receive snowfall. This makes the trails slippery and unsafe to trek during winter. 

Acclimatization and altitude sickness prevention

 The maximum elevation in this Poon Hill Trek is around 3200 meters from sea Level. The concern of altitude sickness arises for anyone above 2500 meters. So, Altitude sickness might be a concern while trekking to Poon Hill. However, the chances of suffering from altitude sickness are meager. This hike is in the lower parts of the Annapurna region, where you will generally hike around 2000-2500 meters.

Unless there’s any other illness, the chances of altitude sickness are less. Add an acclimatization day to your itinerary if you don’t want to risk yourself in these altitudes. This will help you to adapt to the conditions. Moreover, if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, we recommend that you quickly descend to the lower elevation. 

Food and accommodation

The food and accommodation options are pretty better than those of other trekking trails in Nepal. Since it is the nearest trekking trail to Pokhara, you will have options for food and accommodation. The poon Hill trek route offers you with a tiny Tea Houses or Guest Houses for your accommodation. The locals often run these places. They provide you with decent rooms with basic amenities. You will also have the option of a hot shower, but it will cost you a few extra dollars. 

You might not have the options for continental dishes while you trek in this region. You will have basic high-calorie food options where your breakfast options include items like Tea, Coffee, Cereals, pancakes, cornflakes, Tibetan Bread, Cookies, Potato and Chickpea gravy, Boiled eggs, etc. Your options for lunch and dinner are almost similar. These include dishes like Daal Bhaat, Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Pizza, Momo, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Tibetan Bread, Chapati, fried rice, Potato wedges, etc. 

Recommended gear and equipment

You will always need proper gear and equipment to trek in Nepal. There are certain gears which you will need for this Poon Hill Trek. You can buy or rent it from any service provider in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Some of the essential gear you will need for this trek are listed below. 

• Base layers (Thermals) 
• Middle Layers( Sweater, Sweatshirts, Hoodie, etc.)
• Outer Layer(Fleece jackets, down jackets, Waterproof jackets, etc.)
• Trekking pants or trousers
• Half pants
• Pair of gloves
• Hats and mufflers
• Socks
• Towel and hankies
• Trekking boot
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Raincoat and umbrella
• Toiletries
• Torchlight
• Water  bottles and purifying tablets
• Trekking poles
• First aid kit
• camera
• Batteries and charger

Conclusion

In short, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. This short trek is a beginner-friendly trek that can be completed in 3 or 4 days. The Poon Hill trails are one of the most accessible trekking trails in Nepal. This low-altitude trek will leave you awe-struck by the breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. The colorful Rhododendron forests, paddy fields, charming villages, and hospitable local people add extra beauty to this trek. While trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you can also encounter different Himalayan animals, like Leopards, Yak, etc. 

Suppose you’re planning to trek in the Annapurna region but are short of time. This Poon Hill trek is one of the best options for you. It might not take you toward the base of the Annapurna mountains like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Still, this trek guarantees breathtaking views of the mountains of the Annapurna range. The top of Poon Hill, which is the highest point on this trek, is one of the best sunrise viewpoints in the Himalayas. 

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