Although the Poon Hill trek is a popular destination, “Poon Hill Trek Difficulty” is the first common question for any trekker planning a trip. The trek is a short and sweet trek in the Annapurna region. As a sunrise vantage point, Poon Hill is one of the most popular trekking destinations. A comfortable walk on a well-maintained trail leads you to the top of Poon Hill. The trek is commonly known as the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. It welcomes thousands of tourists each year.
Trekkers will have a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture, fantastic mountain views, and rural lifestyle of Nepal along with fantastic hiking. The vantage point of the top of Poon Hill delights visitors with a panoramic view of more than 32 beautiful mountain peaks.
Fantastic View
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
The fantastic sunrise view from the top of Poon Hill is the most remarkable and memorable experience. Trekkers will have a marvelous feeling while witnessing the golden rays of the sun hitting the mountains.
Major difficulty factors that affect trekking to Poon Hill
Is it difficult?
Since the trek is categorized as an easy hiking destination, trekkers won’t have to climb high altitudes. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek includes an elevation of 3,210 m from sea level. The first section of the trail has more than 350 stone stairs. It may give good pressure on your knees however the second section is a natural trail and community trail. The Poon Hil has perfect weather conditions and is doable throughout the year. However, the monsoon season and cold winter are less recommended. The trail is safe throughout the year. The local and Annapurna Conservation Area Project management committee monitor and maintain the trail regularly.
Distance
Travelers having a limited time can easily enjoy the trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill. Whether you start from Kathmandu or Pokhara, the trek is ideal. If you start from Kathmandu, you need to extend the trek duration by further 2 Days. It includes a drive from Kathmandu – to Pokhara – Kathmandu. The 3-4 Days trek to Poon his visits to the beautiful village of Tikhedungha, Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. You will be climbing a steep upstairs from Tikhedunga to Ulleri. However, the extension of the road up to Banthati makes the journeys shorter. Apart from the monsoon season, trekkers can take a 4W drive to Banthati. Later, it passes through rhododendron and oak forests until Ghorepani. The trail from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is a steep ascend for approximately 40 minutes.
Poon Hill trek duration
Travelers can begin the Poon Hill trek either from Dhampus or Nayapul. Both of the trailheads lie at a 2 hours driving distance from Pokhara. Ghorepani Poonhill’s short trek begins at Nayapul and can be completed in 3-5 days. The first night of the trek was spent overnight at Tikedhunga or Ulleri. The second day starts at Ghorepani. Finally, on the third day, a steep early morning climb up to the top of Poon Hill for a wonderful sunrise view. After visiting Poon Hill, you can trek back to Nayapul on the same day or head down to Tadapani.
Altogether, trekkers can anticipate 14-15 hours of hiking for the trek. An average walk of 4-5 hours each day is quite easy. The fantastic mountain views and encounters with local people are more enchanting to feel the charm of this short trekking itinerary.
What altitude will you gain?
The general trekking trails of Nepal mandatorily include climbing up to a higher elevation. In regard to the Poon Hill trek, high elevation and associated risk are almost negligible. Poon Hill, itself being the highest point (3,210 meters) during the trek, we rarely face high-altitude related problems with the travelers. The elevation of different points can sketch the altitude map of the Poon Hill trek, which we can mention below.
Places and Altitude on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Pokhara 850 meter / 2789 feet
Nayapul 1047 meter / 3435 feet
Tikhedhunga 1480 meter / 4856 feet
Ulleri 1960 meter / 6430 feet
Ghorepani 2810 meter / 9219 feet
Poon Hill 3210 meter / 10532 feet
Tadapani 2630 meter / 8628 feet
Ghandruk 1939 meter / 6362 feet
The trail to Poon Hill is well-maintained with stone-paved steps. It owes a fantastic view of the glorious Himalayan range, terraced fields, and observation of the local lifestyle. Hiking on an easy trail at a lower altitude contributes to putting the Poon Hill trail under the category of easy treks in Nepal.
Weather & Temperature
The weather in and around Poon Hill is moderately pleasant throughout the year. However, it is a bit colder during winter with occasional snowfall. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to trek the region. Rhododendron forests in full bloom during March-April are a major attraction. Clear skies and nice visibility are the good factors of the Autumn and Spring seasons. Autumn being a harvesting season in Nepal, is more photogenic and colorful.
Summer is hotter with frequent rainfall. The monsoon brings rain to Nepal affecting the entire region. The village roads become muddy, and the slippery trail makes trekking more adventurous.
Winters are pretty colder only when it snows here. The weather is always charming during other times. The lowest temperature falls up to -4 degrees on some days of the winter. Even the lowest temperature is acceptable relative to other trekking regions at the same time. Hence, Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking is one of the best all-season trekking in Nepa.
Travelers should thoroughly check the gear based on the trekking season to ensure safety.
Poon Hill trek difficulty in finding Lodges & Accommodation
Trekking Lodges, which are also called teahouse lodges are the basic accommodation during Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The entire trekking route has plenty of teahouses. Travelers get accommodation, dinner, and breakfast at the trekking lodge. You should take your dinner and breakfast at the same hotel where you stay. The rooms are warm and have commonly twin sharing beds. Since the trek is a lodge-to-lodge trek, trekkers are not required to take their food and camping gear.
The lodges of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk have better facilities. You will have Wifi and hot shower facilities at the lodges out there. In terms of accommodation, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is comfortable hiking relative to other destinations in Nepal.
Trail Condition
Every year many thousands of tourists visit Poon Hill for a wonderful sunrise view and an easy hiking experience. Trekkers do not face Poon Hill Trek difficulty, particularly while walking. The trail leading to Poon Hill is well-maintained. Annapurna Conservation Area and the local government monitor, and maintain the trekking trails, signage, and food menus throughout the trail to the viewpoint in Poonhill.
The trail might be affected during the monsoon due to flooding, drains, or landslides. The local and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) representatives take an instant initiation to fix the trail immediately.
Final Say
Poon Hill is a popular short and easy trek, people feel less difficult to hike the trail. However, every individual’s body might respond differently to the same condition. It is always better to consult your physician for proper medical advice. Simple exercise, regular Yoga, jogging, and hiking help to complete the Poon Hill Expedition easily.
Consider your traveling season, to pack the essentials. Hike passionately to experience the best.
The high topographical variation presents many easy treks in Nepal. The lowers hilly region has high hill points, presenting themselves as a wonderful vantage point for super views. Many easy treks in Nepal connect the short hiking trails to such points. Thus domestic tourists, as well as foreigners, love to hike those easy trekking trails during their visits to Nepal. The easy treks, commonly have a short itinerary and are better accessible within one or two days of hiking.
Common Features of Easy treks in Nepal
Accessible within a short hiking
Offer the astonishing mountain vistas
Connect the popular viewpoints to observe the sunrise and Sunset
Nepal is rich in natural beauty. The country is home to soaring peaks and is a haven for mountain lovers. It is the abode of some of the highest peaks in the world. Many of them stand over seven thousand and eight thousand meters. The tallest iconic peak of Mt. Everest also lies in the country. Very rare places in Nepal do not offer the scenery that inspires explorers. The beauty and people here are incomparable anywhere in the world. Nepal’s mountains fiercely attract adventure seekers from around the world.
An enthusiast traveler regardless of a hardcore experience can enjoy the country’s stunning heights. Although, as a beginner, you can easily explore the trails connecting the foothills of the majestic high Himalayas. Besides that, you may choose an easy short trek to observe these natural gifts from the nearest vantage points.
The easy treks in Nepal let you discover the regions which are perfect for beginners.
Some Easy treks in Nepal
1. Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking is one of the easy and short treks around Kathmandu valley. The hiking is suitable for hiking for people who have limited time. The Chisapani Nagarkot easy Nepal Hiking tour completes in 4 Days. People of all age groups can choose the trek for a pleasant greenery walk. The trek lets you enjoy the mountain panorama on the northern side of the national park. The trip is advisable for solo travelers, friends and families, and student groups. Being a short and easy trek, it is also better for a family trip. The quiet paths inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park take you through dense forests and quaint villages. Hiking is a better opportunity to view the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. Hikers will enjoy the presence of magnificent Himalayan peaks at the backdrop of the hiking trail.
2. Helambu Trek – 5 days
The Helambu Trek is wonderful in Nepal for beginners. The Helambu area is one of the closest destinations to Kathmandu which has plenty of trails that will allow trekkers to pick a route that suits them. The Hemalbu trek doesn’t require crazy levels of fitness or experience. This is also a great option for those trekking in the winter. The beauty of this trail is it comes from culture courtesy of the Helambu locals and a view of the mountaintops of Langtang Himal in the distance. For accommodation along the trail, look to the local teahouses.
3. Langtang Valley Trek – 7 days
Although Langtang Valley Trek is a seven-day trek, it’s one of the more easy treks in Nepal and while the brave among you might be looking for something more challenging, walking through this stunning valley should be a priority for any mountain lover no matter what their level of experience is. The Langtang valley trek is one of the best options if you want encounters with snowcapped mountain peaks and glaciers. Just 19 km north of Kathmandu, it’s easily accessible as well. Trekkers will experience plenty of wilderness and an ever-changing terrain as the trail cuts across pine forests and runs alongside streams and green pastures. Mt. Langtang Lirung (7246m) will astound you as you wind your way through Langtang valley. As it is one of Nepal’s more popular treks, the trail can get quite busy, but it goes without saying that the views are worth it!
Annapurna region
4. Panchase Trek – 4 days
The 4 Days Panchase Trek trail is an excellent option for trekkers looking to discover a short and easy trek around Pokhara. Pokhara, itself a popular tourist destination, has several extension routes for single and multi-day hiking. The easy treks around Pokhara take you to the most astonishing vantage points to observe the beautiful mountain views. The 4-day Panchase Trek begins with a boat ride across Lake Phewa. Reach the start point at the other side of Phewa Lake. The trail then spirals through the forests and hills opening out to lookout points. You will observe the panoramic view of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Travelers will enjoy exploring the local lifestyle in the villages en route.
5. The Royal Trek – 4 days
Since Prince Charles trekked the route in the 1980s, it was later named the Royal Trek. The serpentine trail passes through the foothills of Annapurna just north of Pokhara valley. The trailhead lies at easy access from Pohara. Despite its proximity, the Royal Trek trail is still considered relatively off the beaten path. The trek is suitable for trekkers who are looking to escape the crowds and are eager to crave a more local experience. Despite its length, the trail delivers a wonderful time on iconic mountain scenery. Enjoy the clear view of the Annapurna mountain range which includes Langtang Mountain and Machapuchhre. You will have a full teahouses option throughout the trial.
6. Annapurna Community Eco-Lodge Trek – 5 days
Many novice trekkers love to choose the 5 Days trek to Poon Hill and Ghorepani. Although a better choice for those without calves of steel is the nearby Annapurna Community Eco-Lodge Trek. Trekkers will still get incredible views, but you can ditch the crowds and the steps. Some of the peaks you’ll see include Machhapuchchhre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. People on the trail usually rest up in homestays or lodges. Mohara Danda Trek is another alternative to the trek on the same route. The trail offers the fantastic mountain panorama of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif.
7. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 4 Days
The 4 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the most popular sunrise view trek of Nepa. The trek is an easy and short hike that is ideal for trekkers with limited time. It offers you a chance to explore scenic and snow-capped mountains in a short time. This is a short and relatively easy trek in the Annapurna region. The trekking trail makes a loop around Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages starting from Nayapul. The trek includes a fantastic teahouse lodge stay. The top of Poon Hill is the climax of the trip. It is famous for the magnificent views of the Annapurna mountain range. Furthermore, you will have a chance to see the delightful villages inhabited by Gurungs and Magars along with beautiful mountain scenery.
8. Australian Camp, Dhampus and Sarangkot Trek
3 Days Australian Camp – Dhampus – Sarangkot Trek is an excellent short hike in the Annapurna region. The hiking is a refreshing short trip in the nature and village experience. It walks through the terraced farmland and cultural village of Kande and reaches Dhampus via the Australian (Austrian) Camp. The trip begins after an hour-smooth drive from Pokhara to Kande. Kande is the starting point of the Australian Camp, Dhampus, and Sarangkot Trek. Includes an easy village walk for a 2-night stay in the local lodge. You should not miss the trip if you have a short holiday and to experience the amazing beauty of the Annapurna region. The Cultural insight of the Gurung community, fantastic mountain views, and easy hikes are the major highlights of the tour.
Nepal Easy Treks to the Lower Everest region
This lower Solukhumbu area is best for some of the Nepal Easy Trek which lets you experience the Buddhist culture and capture the magnificent mountain views.
9. Solu Trek – 6 days
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing Mount Everest in person, and want to learn about the fascinating Sherpa culture, the Solu trail is perfect. While Mount Everest naturally requires climbers to be in peak shape, these trails fall on a much lower elevation so you can enjoy mountain views and explore monasteries without breaking too much of a sweat. To follow this trail you’ll need to fly to Phaplu from Kathmandu. This trail goes through forests, past Sherpa villages where you can observe their way of life, and there are lots of Buddhist monasteries to see along the way as well.
10. Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak Trek is one of the least discovered routes in the Everest Region. A physically fit hiker can complete the entire itinerary within 4 Days. However, a trekker can complete the trek comfortably in 6 days without stress. The trek allows you to visit several Buddhist sites (monasteries, gompas, and stupas). Likewise, this is the best trek to explore the Everest region with limited time. Furthermore, this is the favorable trek of Sir Edmund Hillary as well.
Day hikes close to Kathmandu
If you love walking but the idea of trekking for several days doesn’t appeal to you, then why not visit Nepal and take advantage of the ample opportunities for day hiking? Here are some trails with easy access to Kathmandu.
11. Nagarkot Sunrise Hiking
Nagarkot
About one day trip east of Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of about 1800m you’ll find Nagarkot. It’s a popular place for watching the sunrise and sunset with a view of the mountains. The central Nepalese village offers plenty of ideal trails and the Nagarkot Day Hike is one of the few ways that you can see Mount Everest from within the Kathmandu Valley
12. Hike to Nagarjun Hill
Nagarjun is a hill site close to Kathmandu Valley, part of Shivapuri National Park. Although it is tucked away behind a thick forest, Nagarjuna only takes fifteen minutes to reach by car from the city center. This short and easy day takes two-and-a-half hours and begins at the Gate of Nagarjuna near the Balaju Bypass. The main attractions on this hike are Buddhist stupas, ancient caves, and the beautiful Jamacho Monastery which is situated on the Nagarjun hill, from this viewpoint you will also see panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.
13. Phulchowki Hiking
This is a lovely day hike nearby Kathmandu. Phulchowki means the hill of flowers, and it lives up to its name. It’s dotted with gardens of roses, yellow jasmine, iris, and other indigenous flowers At the top of the hill, you’ll find vistas of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang as well as a Buddhist shrine.
14. Champadevi Day Hiking
The Champadevi Hiking Tour is a short tour nearby Kathmandu valley in Chandragiri hill. It is a magnificent hill located to the south of Kathmandu Valley. This hill is best for a short enjoyable and pleasant hike. Furthermore, this hike is ideal for all people who would strive to do short hiking with enjoyable natural sceneries in a short time.
The tour starts with an hour’s drive from Kathmandu to Pharping village. The village locates on the way to Dakshinkali temple, a well-known goddess of Kali. After leaving Pharping village, the trail directs us through the pine forest. This is a well-developed trail. It goes gradually uphill for about one and a half an hour towards the north ridge. After this, it ascends through the beautiful forest of Champadevi. At the top, visit the Champadevi, a Hindu temple dedicated to the hill goddess.
15. Shivapuri Hill
Shivapuri Hill is the southern border of Kathmandu valley. The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park protects the Shivapuri hill and the surrounding forests as a watershed area. It supplies drinking water to the valley down there. The Shivapur Hill hike is a popular destination for birdwatching tours and short-day hikes.
Level of Fitness for Nepal Easy Trek
The shorter treks in Nepal are generally easy-grade treks with fewer difficulties to complete. However, trekkers have to walk for 5-7 hours a day on the natural or stone stairs. You may not require a higher level of fitness or any advanced level of mountaineering training. Although you will need to be relatively fit to enjoy yourself and make the most of your trip. A simple fitness exercise or jogging in varied inclinations helps to keep yourself fit for these easy treks. You’ll need a simple but consistent training plan before your trip.
Applicable Permits for Nepal Easy Trek
The easy treks in Nepal may take you to the lower section of some National parks of Nepal. Hence you require to issue national park or conservation area entry permits to trek such destinations. Basically, trekkers need to have a Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card to trek any region of Nepal. Besides that, you require the Annapurna conservation area entry permit to hike the Annapurna region. Similarly, Sagarmatha National Park and Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park require entry permits to trek respective trails. Your operators will arrange all the documentation for you before the trek. The permit counters at the premises of the Nepal Tourism Board issue those documents for the trekkers. Alternatively, visit the checkpoint at the national park entry point to issue the National Park entry permit in the respective national parks.
Necessary Gears
Short and Easy Nepal treks do not require heavy and expensive gear as it does for adventure treks. Carry only the necessary equipment and gears to travel light. Further, the operator will help you to choose the necessary gears to carry significantly reducing the number of things you need to bring with you to Nepal. Operators will take care of your accommodation, and meals.
Hiking Gears
The gear shops on the streets of Thamel and Lakeside in Pokhara provide gear hiring and sale service. They have local to famous brand gear available in their store. You can either purchase or hire your necessary hiking gear from those shops. The hiking gears include the Backpack, hiking boots that have been broken in, camp shoes, woolen socks, lightweight trekking pants, trekking shorts, dry-fit t-shirts, and moisture-wicking underwear. Our experts suggest carrying the most essential gear sufficient for only a few days.
Cold weather: Comparatively the winter season demands more warm clothes to ensure extra warmth. Pack your thermal layers, sweater, fleece wear, waterproof layers, heavy down layers (pants and jacket), winter hat, and gloves while hiking in the winter season. Although, the temperature falls as you climb higher.
Accessories
You should carry some water purification tablets, a water bottle, a hat, hiking poles, sunglasses, a headlamp, batteries, reading and writing material, a camera, a daypack, etc…
Toiletries and other supplies
Carry sunscreen to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Facemask, hand sanitizer and follow hygiene protocol. Frequently wash your hand whenever you get the chance and maintain proper physical distancing to avoid probable transmission of COVID-19 or flu-related diseases. Carry your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, face and body wipes, and lip balm to maintain your personal hygiene. Additionally, a first aid kit bag with some emergency medicine is a must.
