Highlights of the Short Trek to Poon Hill Annapurna
- Beautiful view of sun’s golden painting over Himalaya ranges seen from Poon Hill viewpoint
- Rich Cultural experience as you pass through local Gurung and Magar Villages.
- Short and ideal for everyone
- Walk through beautiful agricultural farms, lush woods that turn into a sea of flowers in spring.
- Trek through trail with beautiful Himalaya in the background.
- Magnificent View of grand mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchre (Fishtail).
Best Time to do the Short Trek in Annapurna Poon Hill?
Nepal Annapurna Poon Hill short trek is the trek that can be done any seasons of the year. However, the scenery may be different when you trek in different seasons.
The spring falls during the month of March to May. During the season of spring, the trail becomes is full of fresh green plants, beautiful flowers blooming around, clear skies and ideal weather.
Autumn comes during the period of September to November. It is considered the peak trekking season as the weather is good with fresh air and you can get the clear view of mountains after the monsoon.
Winter & Summer Considerations:
During Winter that falls from December to February, there are more quiet than other time. So, you can enjoy the trail with fewer crowds. Also, the views of mountains covered in white snow will really take your breath away. But you have to be ready for coldness in the morning and night time.
From June to August, during the summer monsoon, you can enjoy the greenery and lush region, but the trail can be muddy.
Short Trekking Itinerary of Annapurna Poon Hill
7 Days Poon Hill Short Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and overnight in the hotel.
Day 2: Drive or flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu and overnight in Pokhara. (25-30 minutes flight and 6-8 hrs. drive by tourist bus)
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul from Pokhara and trek to Ullery.
Day 4: Trekking to Ghorepani from Ulleri.
Day 5: Hike up to Poon Hill from Ghorepani and return to Ghorepani breakfast, and Trekking Banthati, and drive to Pokhara.
Day 6: Pokhara to Kathmandu by drive or by flight.
Day 7: Departure Day, or stay longer.
9 Days Short Itinerary of the Poon Hill Annapurna Trek
Day 1: Kathmandu arrival and overnight hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive or by flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu. (25-30 minutes flight and 6-8 hrs. drive by tourist bus)
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ullery.
Day 4: Trekking from Ulleri to Ghorepani.
Day 5: Early morning hike uphill 50 minutes to Poon Hill and enjoying the view and return to GHorepani breakfast and trekking to Tadapani.
Day 6: Trekking Tadapani to Ghandruk Village.
Day 7: Drive from Ghandruk Village to Pokhara, and free half of the day in Pokhara, overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight, overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 9: Departure day or stay longer.
Trekking Route & Major Stops on the Poon Hill Trek
The trekking routes and major stops for itinerary of 7 days and 9 days differ a little bit.
Nayapul is the starting point of the short trek in Poon Hill
-(1070 m / 3,313 ft.)
Nayapul is the starting point of the poon hill trek. It is where you will be dropped by your vehicle. It is only about 32 km away from Pokhara.
From here, trekkers begin their journey into the hills and villages. There are number of shops and teahouses in Nayapul that provides snacks and refreshments for trekkers to start their journey.
Ullery The first Night of the Annapurna Poon Hill Short Trek
-(2,010 m/ 6,594 ft.)
Ullery is the first village where you will be spending your night. Ullery has a challenging part of long stone stairway, that we have to walking uphill end of the day about 2:30 hrs. to Ullery.
You will also pass through many suspension bridges with beautiful rivers flowing underneath your feet.
It may be challenging for trekkers to hike to Ullery. After all that hike, ullery is the place where you will be resting.
trail to Ullery goes through agricultural farms, green forests, green hill, and side of the river, stream, and local village. We can even see the mountain peaks from Ullery, such as Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchhuli (6441m)
Ghorepani is the Best View Point of the Poon Hill Short Trek
-(2874 m / 9,429 ft.)
Ghorepani village is like a base before the poon hill climb. You stay there for a night and hike up Poon hill early in the morning after the overnight stay.
The village has lots of lodges and teahouses making it a perfect place for trekkers to rest. It also has mist and cool weather especially in morning time and evening time.
You can enjoy the beautiful view of Annapurna peaks sipping tea from the roof of the teahouses.
The origin of the name “Ghorepani” came when the caravan trade was active in the Himalayan mid hills. The meaning of the name is “Horse watering place” as it was a spot where horses, mules and traders used to stop to drink water and rest.
You can see Horses and mules there and also on the trail.
There is also a basketball court in Ghorepani. You can see local people playing basketball in the village. If you are wanting to play and are comfortable, you can also join them.
Annapurna Poon Hill View Point
- (3,210 m / 10,531 ft.)
Poon Hill is a beautiful viewpoint in the Annapurna region while short trek to Annapurna Poon Hill trek. At an altitude of 3,210 meter, this will be the highest point you’ll be in this trek.
Located in the Annapurna region of Nepal above the Ghorepani village, it is one of the most heavenly spot while in the trek. You can see the breathtaking views of the Himalaya range with lots of mountains along with the sunrise.
Ghandruk Village Cultural and the Traditional
- (1,940 m/ 6,364 ft.)
Ghandruk Village is a beautiful village that you will visit while in the trek which is rich in culture and tradition. You can see lots of traditional houses in the village. You can also visit the old museum and even try the traditional dress of Gurung culture.
The village is famous for the culture and traditions of Gurung peoples. The village is highlight for many trekkers. It is very beautiful and full of unique things.
Trekkers can also get beautiful view of Annapurna south, Machhapuchre (fishtail) and Hiunchuli. and other mountain peaks with green hill and forest.
You can walk in small alley surrounded by traditional houses and teahouses and enjoy the fresh air, and greenery of the nature around the village.
Altitude Information
Highest Point of the Short Trek in Annapurna Poon Hill Nepal
The highest point during the period of Annapurna Poon Hill short trek is Poon Hill viewpoint at an elevation of 3,210 meters.
You won’t be staying the night there though; you hike up there just to enjoy the beautiful view of the Annapurna Himalayas.
You stay your night in Ghorepani Village and hike up the Poon Hill viewpoint early in the morning from Ghorepani Annapurna.
Is Altitude Sickness a Concern on this Poon Hill Trek?
The highest point during the trek is 3,210 meters which is below the danger zone for altitude sickness.
Trekkers won’t be affected by serious altitude sickness. However, they can get mild symptoms like shortness of breath, headache, and fatigue.
Even the mild symptoms can be prevented if trekkers hydrate themselves, rest and sleep properly, walk at their easy pace, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
Trek Difficulty About Annapurna Poon Hill
The difficulty level of the Annapurna Poon Hill trek is considered intermediate. You can see variety of trail’s sections like steep stonestairs, Hillrock, flat, uphill, and downhill.
Trekkers have to be ready for 4-7 hours of trekking a day. The trek is not that hard but for easy and comfortable trek, having good cardio can help.
Regular walking, jogging or stair climbing before the trek can make your journey comfortable.
You will also be drinking water, snacks and energy bar which also help you remain energized.
Even beginners can successfully complete the trek. The guides and porters can help you have a comfortable journey as the guide can monitor your activities and suggest you while porters can carry your heavy luggage.
Accommodation & Food During the Trek
Accommodation
There are lots of teahouses along the trail and in the villages. You will be spending your night in the teahouses. Teahouses and lodges provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. They are mostly run by local families.
The rooms are basic with cozy rooms with beds, pillows and blankets. You may also want to carry sleeping bags for extra warmth.
There are hot shower and cold shower both available but it’s best to use hot shower as the weather is cold. It cost you a small fee but it’s worth it.
You can see dining hall place with traditional heater in the center of the hall. Trekkers can meet and have conversation with other trekkers or play cards with your trekking members, in the hall warmth of the heated by a wood fire.
Foods During the Poon Hill Short Trek
Teahouses serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. You can try local Nepali Dal Bhat. Dal Bhat is a Nepalese traditional food (It comes with lentil soup, plain rice, curry, pickle, etc) available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
There is a famous saying in Nepal “ Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour”. You can try Dal bhat and enjoy its power.
There are also a lot to try like noodles, pasta, momos, pizza, fried rice, thukpa, potatoes, vegetable, rosty, more food.
Breakfast includes bread with jam, honey or peanut butter, eggs (boiled, scrambled or omelets), pancakes, porridge, tea, coffee, and lemon honey ginger tea. Pancake, eggs, bread, mosley, set breakfast, chapati, and more about breakfast items.
Lunch and dinner includes dal bhat, fried rice, noodles, momos, pizzas, pasta, and soups etc. And at last you can finish with desserts like apple pie, rice pudding, etc.
Connect with Local and enjoy with them on your Short Trek in Nepal
There are lots of places where local people play games like Volleyball and Basketball. Volleyball is a famous game among locals in Nepal.
You can see field in almost every stops like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. Even the porters are seen playing Volleyball at stops after carrying the luggage all day.
Basketball is not famous as Volleyball but there is a court in Ghorepani where you can see locals playing Basketball.
Bonus Tips About Nepal Short Trek in Annapurna Poon Hill
There are lots of streams, rivers and waterfalls that you can see while trekking on the trail. Some trekkers enjoy their time with water dipping themselves and even swimming. You can also enjoy yourselves dipping your feet in the water after continuous trek.
It will relax your feet tensed by wearing shoes. The water while trekking in nature is surely relaxing.
But it is strictly prohibited to go near rivers and waterfalls during the monsoon season, as it is very dangerous, which may lead to severe accidents.
Conclusion about the Trekking
The Nepal Annapurna Poon Hill trek is a short but very worthy trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
Trekkers can enjoy magnificent views of grand Himalaya, cultures of local peoples, and a beautiful trekking experience in a short period of time.
It is ideal for everyone. Beginners and families can enjoy the Annapurna experience without hassling too much. The trek is not hard and has very little risk of altitude sickness.
You can try the local dish and experience local accommodation with traditional houses and the history of the local people.
Magnificent Himalaya and beautiful places like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poonhill, Tadapani, and Ghandruk are always ready to welcome trekkers and offer a beautiful experience with peaceful nature, warm hospitality, and rich culture.
Poon Hill is the perfect place to create memories and to have a wonderful adventure without the difficulty of longer treks. Enjoy your trek in Nepal, Annapurna Poon Hill is waiting for you. Cheers
