Low Altitude Trek in Nepal comprises especially tailored packages that end up at pretty low heights. Nepal is a mountainous country. So, we all think of backbreaking climbs and knee-jarring descents when we think of trekking in Nepal.
Nepal is a country with diverse geographical variations. It consists of flat, plain lands called the Terai, the Hilly Region, and the Mountainous Region. Thus, Nepal offers all types of trekking, whether it is a high-altitude trek, a low-altitude trek, or an easy trek.
Low-altitude trekking in Nepal is a risk-free trek that eliminates the chances of altitude sickness. The temperature is moderate, and these types of treks follow the easier route. Low-altitude treks are normally of short duration and offer the experience of Himalayan trekking at low altitudes. The Annapurna Region is perfect when it comes to easy trekking where you can enjoy the wildlife views and mountain scenery in relatively few days.
Poon Hill Trek is one of the best low-altitude treks in Annapurna. By joining Poonhill trekking, you will have 5 days of action-packed trekking whereby you will cross forests and rivers, enter Gurung villages, and enjoy mountain views. The Poon Hill trek begins from Nayapul, which is an hour of driving distance away from Pokhara. Leaving Nayapul, we will follow the dirt trail through Birethati to Tikhedhunga settlement. You will cross Ghorepani and reach Poonhill. Poon Hill offers panoramic views of several snow-clad mountains and peaks like Gangapurna Mountain, Annapurna South Mountain, Annapurna I Mountain, Dhaulagiri Mountain, and Hiunchuli Mountain. After getting the engrossing views of the mountains, you will take the downward trail and reach Ghandruk, where we will enjoy a homestay in Ghandruk. From Ghandruk, the trail drops to Nayapul.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga
Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Day 3: Ghorepani to Poonhill to Tadapani
Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk
Day 5: Ghandruk to Pokhara
Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga
We will cover a 42 km distance from Prithvi Chowk and cross the beautiful Lumle village to Nayapul (1050 m). The Poon Hill sunrise trek starts from Nayapul. Following Modi River, we will walk past a forest of blooming rhododendrons and cross a small stream. We will cross Birethanti after about half an hour of trekking and arrive at Tirkhedhunga.
Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
A steep trek for about 2 hrs will take us to Ulleri (2070 m). We will cross the Magar village of Banthanti, from where we can get spectacular views of Machhapuchhre Mountain (6997m), Hiunchuli Mountain (6441m), and Annapurna South Mountain (7219m). We will cross the small river and climb to Nangethanti. We will arrive at Ghorepani, where we can get soaring views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, and other mountains.
Day 3: Ghorepani to Poonhill to Tadapani
Poon Hill is popular for the best sunrise view in Pokhara. We will rise very early and reach the base of Poon Hill. About an hour of the climb will take us to the Poon Hill viewpoint. We can get a sunrise view over Dhaulagiri Mountain (8167m), Annapurna I Mountain (8091m), Annapurna II Mountain (7937m), Annapurna III Mountain (7855m), Annapurna IV Mountain (7525m), Annapurna South Mountain (729m), Nilgiri Mountain (6940m), Tukuche Mountain (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Lamjung Himal (6931m), and other mountains. We will return to the hotel in Ghorepani for breakfast and then take the descending trail to Tadapani village, from where we can get views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail, and other mountains.
Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk
Three hours of easy walking through the forest of oaks, rhododendrons, and other alpine flowers will take us to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the large Gurung village. From the viewpoint of Ghandruk, we can get striking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and other mountains. Homestay in Ghandruk is a pleasant experience. The locals with Khada will welcome us, and traditional dance will be performed in the evening in our honor.
Day 5: Ghandruk to Pokhara
From Ghandruk, we will lower down through the scenic route with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Gangapurna Mountains. We will cross the forest of blooming rhododendron and reach Birethanti, from where we will take the downhill walk and follow Modi Khola till we reach Nayapul, from where we will take a taxi and reach Pokhara in an hour.
