Preparing for Poon Hill Trekking
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
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.