Poon Hill Trek: A Perfect Short Trek Experience in Nepal
Poon Hill Trek is one of, if not the most, popular short treks in Nepal. This trek is a perfect alternative for travelers who are seeking a trekking experience that can be completed in a week.
This trek allows you to get up close and personal to the mountains without exerting yourself physically. The trail meanders through rhododendron forests and bamboo groves, leading you through the cobbled steps of the beautiful Ghandruk village. This village is one of the main stops before the Annapurna Trekking, and the views of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and Himchuli range are spectacular from here. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is not only a short trek but undoubtedly one of the most intensely scenic treks there is.
The trek can be completed in three days, but most of the itineraries are designed for you to complete the trek in a total of 5 or 6 days. This gives you enough time to rest and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
Poon Hill Trek Trail Overview
Your trek starts from Nayapul and then you gradually make your ascent up to Ghandruk village. The first day of the trek is slightly challenging, where you walk on a gradual incline for up to 5 or 6 hours till you reach Tikhedhunga. All your fatigue and endeavor will be worth it, though, as you reach the village. You will find many trekkers on their way to mountain treks or fellow short travelers. You can exchange your trekking stories here as you gather around the campfire with the sun dimming past the mountains on the horizon.
The trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghandruk does get easier the following day. This is the day where you get a change of scenery as the landscape changes from terraced fields to magical coniferous forests, with monkey groups passing through and some grazing village horses. The early morning sunlight peeking in through the canopy is simply exhilarating and gives you invigorating energy to start your day. The trail then winds along through dense mossy waterfalls, bamboo groves, rhododendron fields until finally heading westward towards Ghandruk.
Ghandruk Village Highlights
Ghandruk is a picturesque village consisting of around 1,200 individual households, largely occupied by the Gurung people. The Gurungs are the ethnic people of Nepal who largely makeup the members of the world-famous and ferocious Gurkha regiment. Here, you can enjoy the local langur monkey meat, if you want to spice up your palette. While most of the surrounding villages are sparsely populated, owing to large migration to the city or abroad, this village is still bustling alive.
Ghandruk village will make you want to stay longer, but as they say, the show must go on. After a fulfilling rest, you head towards the very heart of the Annapurna range by following the steep path of Modi Khola to altitudes of 3,200m to finally reach Poon Hill.
Poon Hill Sunrise Viewpoint
The view from Poon Hill is the cherry on the cake when it comes to the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The vantage point from here will give you jaw-dropping panoramic views of more than 20 peaks towering above you. The major mountain ranges are the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and Himchuli ranges.
As you make your way to the top of Poon Hill to witness the sunrise, you will know just exactly why this is also called the Annapurna Sunrise Trek. The golden light glistening through the snow-capped peaks makes you realize some form of divinity that only these parts can ignite.
Who is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Suitable For?
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a fairly easy trek, and also because of its relatively short distance, it is suitable for people of all ages. And hence, this makes it the perfect destination for families looking for a getaway. Even experienced trekkers find this route to be a fantastic introduction to the Himalayas. All the features and culture make this a microcosm of stunning natural beauty mixed with an unspoiled ethnic lifestyle.
