Trip Overview

HIGH PASS TREKS leads you to the most beautiful area in and around North Mid-West Nepal known as Ghorepani Poon hill trekking.

This trek around the Annapurna area offers great views of Mt. Annapurna  itself, Mt. Dhaulagiri  and Mt. Manasulu as well, where you will be fascinated with its rich culture, traditions, and custom of the mid-hill people, the Gurung   and Pun tribes.

Poon Hill Trekking starts from one of the most happening and popular tourist spots in the whole Himalaya. Pokhara is located in the laps of Annapurna Himalaya with its pristine Lake Phewa.

The trek begins within the warm area and then entering the mid-hills, alpine country through the tranquil forest of rhododendron, oaks, trees and magnolia trees surrounded by high snow-capped mountains.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a 4-5 days hike in the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. It takes a moderate level of fitness to complete the trek. Thus it is also a perfect destination for you to enjoy a fun and adventurous time along with your family members in the midst of the hills surrounded by mountains from all sides.

You get to witness panoramic views of the magnificent mountains in this trek. They are Annapurna-I 8,091 meters (worlds 10th highest), 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 meters and its massive mountain also World’s 8th Mt. Manaslu 8,163 meters. The other mountain ranges are Barah Shikar, Gangapurna, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli and majestic Machhapuchhre-The Fish Tail Peak.

Ghorepani Trekking offers travelers charming mountain views and galactic landscapes with traditional villages and enchanting forests and then completing this wonderful adventure in Pokhara boating in Lake Phewa and many other lakes and various scenic views.

The vantage Poon Hill viewpoint offers you a surreal view of the landscape of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks from[3190m] above Ghorepani. They are the most incredible mountain escapes on earth. The Hill point mesmerizes with a heavenly view of sunrise from between the mount massifs and golden coloration perspectives of Annapurna ranges.

Best Time

We recommend January to June and September to December as the best times to join the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

The weather from January to February is cool and crispy with cold but clear weather. While the temperatures can be quite low, the crisp air and clear skies provide some of the best views of the snow-capped peaks. The trails are less crowded, offering a more tranquil trekking experience and you will feel warmer as your body temperature rises, without feeling sweaty and tired like the summer seasons.

Trekkers can enjoy the beautiful snow-covered Himalayas and the cool weather which is perfect without the blistering heat or the blinding rain. March and May will be the in-spring season and is one of the best times to trek to Poon hill. The temperatures are milder, ranging from cool in the mornings and evenings to warm during the day.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/

And you’ll get to see the beautiful blooming rhododendron forests that carpet the trail in vibrant shades of red, pink, and white. The lush greenery and colorful blooming flowers create a picturesque setting on our beautiful trekking route.

The weather is usually stable, and the mornings start with clear skies, along with the occasional afternoon cloud floating above, making it ideal for capturing amazing photographs of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

January to June and September to December will have generally stable weather with minimal rainfall and clear skies, ensuring spectacular unobstructed mountain views and comfortable trekking conditions. Secondly, these periods avoid the monsoon season (June to August), which brings heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and the risk of landslides, making trekking more challenging and less enjoyable.

The September to November season will be full of festivities and post-monsoon clarity. After the monsoon period of July-August. After the rainy season ends late-August, we’ll have autumn season again from September to November. The post-monsoon skies will be clear with no rainy clouds blocking the view of the grand summit.

The trails will be lush green from the recent rains and the weather will be comfortably cool. Not too hot, not too cold. It will also be the time for major festivals in Nepal like the Dashain Tihar, so the atmosphere will be even more joyous.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/

The local villages will be full of lively colors and decorations and the locals will be in a cheery and generous mood, ready to welcome guests and indulge them in their cuisine, traditions and stories. You’ll even get to see and get into the festivities and make tons of new memories.

This is an excellent time for the Ghorepani trek with clear skies, bright colors, pleasant weather and unique cultural experiences. Winter officially begins in December. So, the air will be cooler, the days shorter and the trek will be smoother. But the weather will still be consistent and clear, giving you an unobstructed of the stunning Himalayan peaks.

Compared to autumn, the paths will be less busy and the hike will be more serene. While the higher altitudes can be quite cold, the lower sections of the trek remain relatively mild, making it a viable option for those prepared for cooler conditions.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek can be one of the adventurous treks you experience. It is a short duration trek but offers you a complete package of opportunities to explore the distinct tradition and heritages, excellent Nepalese lifestyle, views of Himalaya, rewarding nature.

Your stays in the mountain lodges referred to as the tea houses for our feedings and accommodation during our journey will add more feeling of being immersed in the local culture. You may feel startling natural grandeur, resulting in this journey to be a lifetime memory.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: an idyllic trek in the Annapurna area that offers unique cultural experiences and stunning mountain views. The trek begins in Nayapul and travels past terraced fields, quaint Gurung villages, and rhododendron woods before arriving at the famous Poon Hill viewpoint. This journey delivers a fulfilling Himalayan experience by perfectly combining the splendor of the natural world with the warmth of traditional hospitality.

Highlights: See the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in all their splendor as you watch the dawn from Poon Hill. Take in the customs and traditions of Ghandruk, a town renowned for its friendly locals and traditional stone homes. For those looking for a shorter walk that nevertheless offers a flavor of the Annapurna area without the difficulties of higher-altitude trekking, consider the Ghorepani Poon Hill walk.

Permits 

The Ghorepani Poon Hill area will require two main permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits are to maintain and conserve the natural environment and infrastructors, and keep it clean and tidy for the locals and visitors.

1)  Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The TIMS card is required for all trekkers in Nepal to ensure proper security and safety of the visitors and the locals. Having this permit helps officials find out how many trekkers are in the area and their identity- making it easier to locate and identify them in the case of emergency.

For foreign nationals, the permit cost is NPR 2,000 (approximately USD $18) and for trekkers with guides, the cost is NPR 1,000 (approximately USD $9).

You can get your TIMS and ACAP card from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Pokhara or Kathmandu.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/

2)The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna permit is for all trekkers that enter or pass through the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit is for the maintenance and conservation of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. For foreign nationals, the cost is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 25) and for SAARC nationals, the cost is NPR 200 (approximately USD 2).

You can get it from the Nepal Tourism Board Office a week before the trek in Pokhara or Kathmandu. If you are trekking with a guide, the Trekking Agencies will often handle the permit arrangements for you after you give them the required documents.

The required documents include a your passport’s photocopy and an updated passport-sized photo with a recent picture of you.

For documents, you will require a photocopy of your passport and a recent passport-sized photo for your TIMS card, as well as a brief outline of your trek itinerary.

For the application process for your ACAP and TIMS, you will have to visit the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can find the counters for trek permits at the board office. There, you can fill out the forms for both the ACAP and TIMS card. The forms will ask for basic information like your name, passport number and trek itinerary and they are easy to fill.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/

Then, you can submit the forms along with the required documents (passport copy and passport-sized photos, pay the respective fees for the ACAP and TIMS card. (The fees are non-refundable and can be paid in Nepalese Rupees.) And after processing, you will receive your ACAP and TIMS card. You must keep these permits safely with you throughout  the trek, as you will need to show them at the checkpoints.

The checkpoints are at entry and exits of the Annapurna Conservation Area, and along the trekking route. So, make sure you keep your permits safe. Like a bag pocket with a zipper instead of keeping them in your pocket as it might slip out unknowingly during the trek.

We also recommend getting your permits in advance (especially during peak trekking seasons) to avoid any delays. Also, make sure to carry extra passport-sized photos in case you need it for permit applications or other trekking-documents.

You can enjoy a safe and responsible trekking experience of the beautiful Ghorepani trek route by getting the permits and by following the regulations.

Difficulty and Altitude Sickness 

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is considered moderate in difficulty. This trek is for those who seek beautiful views and a thrilling experience. While it does involve some steep ascents, especially on the way to Ulleri, it is manageable for most trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The trek’s maximum elevation can go up to 3,210m, which does not usually cause severe altitude sickness. However, it’s important to rest well, stay hydrated and take your time to acclimatize properly.

Alternative Routes

The Ghorepani trek is already a beautifully breathtaking adventure but for those seeking a longer trek, thetrek can be extended to include the Annapurna Base Camp trek as the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek from Pokhara is in the Annapurna region and is considered a less intense version of the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek will have both mountain views and beautiful landscapes whereas the Annapurna Base Camp trek will have an even closer and even wider view of the mountains as it will be at a higher elevation.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/

This adds an additional 4-5 days to the itinerary and takes you deeper into the heart of the Annapurna region. You can see our Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary here: (link)

The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek usually takes around 10-12 days (1 week 5 days). And this extended trek has all the diverse landscapes from rich rhododendron forests and uniqueterrace-style farming fields that look like stairs for a giant, to high-altitude mountains.

It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself deeper into the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Annapurna region. The Ghorepani-Annapurna Base Camp will be slightly more difficult and requires good fitness, stamina experience and altitude acclimatization.

The maximum walk per day for this trek would be 8-9 hours and the minimum walk per day would be 4-5 hours with the highest altitude being 4,131m/ 13,553 feet.

Can Beginners Join This Trip?

Yes, beginners can join this trek. It’s a great start to trekking in Nepal with beautiful sceneries, cultural experiences, a memorable adventure and fulfilling challenges thanks to its moderate difficulty, well-marked trails, and lots of accommodation options.

But we do recommend good physical fitness, plenty of rest and hydration and a strong determination to make the most of the trek.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a relatively short trek, and normally takes 4-5 days to complete. It has everything- beautiful villages, lush forests, terraced fields, all the way up to the viewpoint of the Poon Hill.

The highest point of the trek (Poon Hill) stands at an elevation of 3,210 meters and offers a spectacular sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. The altitude will be at a gradual elevation which makes it easy to acclimatize to and doesn’t induce severe altitude sickness.

It is a great option for beginners who want a fun, beautiful and moderately challenging and unforgettable trekking experience. But it also needs good physical fitness and preparation to take on the journey.

The maximum walking in a day is 6-7 hours and the mimimum waling in a day is 3-4 hours with enough time and rest to enjoy the view which makes it a fun and doable trek for beginners compared to longer and more intense treks at higher elevations. Plus, there are both uphill trekking plains as well as downhill ones which makes it easier for beginners.

Preparation and Fitness  

Proper preparation is key to a successful trek, so we recommend building your cardiovascular fitness and leg strength through regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, or hiking a week or more before the trek starts, but without over-exhausting yourself.

We also recommend checking all your trekking equipment to make sure you have all the essentials you need, and that they are in good condition and easy to carry, store and maintain during your trek.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/

If you buy new trekking boots, it’s important to “break in” your trekking boots before the trip to avoid blisters. Essential gear includes comfortable trekking clothing, a warm jacket, a waterproof layer, a hat, gloves, and a good-quality sleeping bag. Trekking poles can also be helpful for managing the steep areas of the trekking trail.

Practice hiking with a backpack packed with the items you will take with you on the trek to simulate carrying your gear on the trek.

We also recommend carrying a basic first-aid kit, including medications for common ailments like headaches and upset stomachs, the medication you take, and some band aids and a small antiseptic dressing for any scrapes you might have, just in case. Travel insurance that covers trekking activities is also recommended.

What to Expect from the Trip

This five-day tour has breathtaking mountain views, a rich cultural experience, and a physically active schedule that will make you feel incredibly accomplished. It provides a rare chance to take in the unique cultures, scenery and lifestyle of the Annapurna region in a matter of 5 days. For beginners, this journey will be shorter and simpler than the other Annapurna trek options, but it will still be amazing adventure.https://highpasstreks.com/trekkings/poon-hill-trek/