Trip Information
Poonhill Short Trek is an exciting trekking package that will let you explore the major attractions of the Annapurna region in just 5-6 days. A short trek to Poon Hill is one of the most popular and scenic treks in Nepal. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Talking about difficulties during the trek, we will start easily from the Starting point of location and moderate to the ending point. Short trekking in Poonhill is especially for those adventure lovers who are bound by their time limits. Also, Poonhill which is located at 3210m altitude is the maximum height that we will reach by participating in the easy Poonhill trek. The short Poonhill trekking route continues through a forest of blooming rhododendrons and bamboo and takes us through villages of Gurung and Magar ethnicities.
Poonhill short hiking begins from Nayapul. One can gain access to Nayapul after taking one hour of ride from Pokhara. Pokhara can be reached either through a 25-minute flight from a domestic airport in Kathmandu or by following the Prithvi Highway for 5 hours. Leaving Nayapul, we will follow the dirt trail through Birethati to Tikhedhunga settlement. You will cross Ghorepani and reach Poonhill. Poonhill 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 which provides a homestay facility. From Ghandruk, the trail drops to Nayapul. Poonhill short trekking can be taken throughout the year but May is considered the best month for a short Poonhill hike.
Highlights Of Short Poon Hill Trek
- Sunrise Views: Poon Hill offers stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri at sunrise.
- Local Culture: identify the customs of Gurung and Magar villages.
- Rhododendron Forests: Walk through vibrant rhododendron forests, especially beautiful in spring.
- Ghandruk Village: Enjoy the picturesque Ghandruk village, which features terraced fields.
- Hot Springs: Relax at the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda.
- Varied Landscapes: Discover diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows.
- Cozy Tea Houses: Stay at warm and pleasant tea houses along the path.
- Wildlife Spotting: Look for Himalayan animals on your journey.
- Accessible Trek: Suitable for trekkers of varying fitness levels.
- Optional Extension: Consider continuing your climb to Annapurna Base Camp.
Best Seasons to Trek to Poon Hill
Autumn (September to November): This is one of the best times to trek to Poon Hill. The weather is usually clear with comfortable temperatures, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It's a great time to catch beautiful sunrises.
Spring (March to May): Another fantastic season for trekking. You'll experience mild weather and vibrant rhododendron blooms. The trails are lined with colorful flowers, making your trek both scenic and enjoyable.
Winter and Summer: Trekking to Poon Hill can be done year-round, but conditions vary. Winter can be cold, while summer brings heat and occasional rain.
Monsoon (June to August): Not recommended for trekking. Visibility of the mountains is poor, and trails can be slippery and challenging. However, if you're an experienced trekker and prepared for rain, you can still consider trekking during this season.
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
Details Itineray
Day 1: Pokhara (822 m) to Tikhedhunga (1577 m)
We will cover a 42km distance from Prithvi Chowk and cross the beautiful Lumle village to Nayapul (1050m). The Poonhill 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 trek and arrive at Tirkhedhunga.
Day 2: Tikhedhunga (1577 m) to Ghorepani (2874 m)
A steep trek for about 2 hrs will take us to Ulleri (2070m). 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 from where we can get soaring views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna, and other mountains.
Day 3: Ghorepani (2874 m) to Poonhill (3210 m) to Tadapani (2630 m)
Poonhill is popular for the best sunrise view in Pokhara. We will rise very early and reach the base of Poonhill. About an hour of the climb will take us to Poonhill viewpoint. We can get 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 (2630 m) to Ghandruk (1940 m)
3hrs of easy walk through a forest of oak, rhododendron, and other alpine flowers will take us to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the large Gurung village. We can get striking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and other Mountains from the viewpoint of Ghandruk. Homestay in Ghandruk is a pleasant experience. We will be welcomed by the locals with Khada and traditional dance will be performed in the evening in our honor.
Day 5: Ghandruk (1940 m) to Pokhara (822 m)
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 Taxi and reach Pokhara in an hour.
