Poon Hill
4 Mar 2024 gbltreks
Poon Hill is a hill located at an altitude of 3210m, just above Ghorepani village. It lies in the Myagdi district of western Nepal. Poon Hill offers stunning sunrise views of the Annapurna range including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mount Fishtail, and several other snow-capped peaks.
Poon Hill is a popular trekking destination as it offers a fantastic Himalayan view. The Poon Hill trekking is a perfect option for those who are looking for a 3-4 day hike for a Himalayan experience in Nepal.
Poonhill Trekking in Nepal is one of the most cherished adventure activities. This captivating vantage point nestled in the Myagdi district of western Nepal directly overlooks the mighty Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), surrounded by the picturesque vista of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range mountains. Poonhill trek, more renowned as Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, is undoubtedly for you if you seek a short trek in Nepal that is equally rewarding as other Himalayan journeys.
Hotels in Poonhill are teahouses, mountain lodges, and guesthouses with varied facilities and offerings provided. Most hotels have attached bathrooms, WiFi, hot showers, and horse riding facilities for trekkers. On the flip side, primitive lodges provide basic amenities like rooms, meals, and internet connectivity depending on the location and type.
Table of Contents
- Poon Hill View
- Poonhill Trek Route
- Poon Hill Permits
- Poon Hill Elevation
- Poon Hill Trek Price
Poon Hill View
The surrounding view from the viewpoint of Poon Hill is simply surreal and astounding. Trekkers choose the time before sunrise to hike to Poon Hill from Ghorepani, which takes about 45 minutes. As the sun shines upon the shimmering white mountains, you will witness one of the best natural scenarios of the Himalayan mountains. Some describe this view as heavenly and out of this world. The mountain vista as seen from Poon Hill includes Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,127m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machapuchare (6,993m), Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus peak, and Dhaulagiri II. The morning alpine meadows with mist rising up from the lush green forests are another great sight to behold.
Poonhill Trek Route
The trekking route to Poon Hill is well-paved and marked with proper signage for navigation. This destination has been a prominent trekking spot for decades, and sophisticated infrastructure such as drinking water, tourist information centers, accommodations, and confectioneries are available throughout the trail. From Pokhara, you will take the Pokhara-Baglung highway for 40 kilometers to reach Nayapul and begin your trekking journey to Poon Hill. The starting point of the Poon Hill Trek is at Pokhara. From Nayapul, your traverse will take you through small villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar people headed northbound. The trail is a bit inclined with a few switchback ascents you will encounter.
The total distance of Poonhill trekking is 45 kilometers, which can be completed within 7-9 days depending upon your Poonhill trekking itinerary. You will pass through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, passing through small villages such as Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani to make your final push to Poon Hill. From Poon Hill, you will take another route headed eastward to Tadapani that follows through a series of Gurung villages like Ghandruk and Chomrong before descending to Jhinu for your drive back to Pokhara.
An alternative route for Poonhill Trekking is by taking a Jeep from Pokhara straight to Ulleri. There is a roadway that connects Nayapul with Ulleri. While the roadway is a dirt path that is unpaved and rugged, you can drive till Ulleri and follow the usual itinerary through Ghorepani, Tadapani, Ghandruk, and descend to Jhinu and return to Pokhara.
Itinerary 1 – 3 Days
- Day 1: Pokhara to Ulleri
- Day 2: Trekking Ghorepani
- Day 3: Climb Poon Hill – trek back Nayapul – Drive to Pokhara
Itinerary 2 – 4 Days
- Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri
- Day 2: Trekking to Ghorepani
- Day 3: Hike Poon Hill – trek to Tadapani
- Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk – drive back to Pokhara
Itinerary 3 – 2 Days
- Drive from Pokhara to Banthanti Trekking Ghorepani
- Hike Poon Hill – trek Back Banthanti drive to Pokhara
Poon Hill Permits
As a destination encapsulated under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), you will need to obtain an ACAP permit for trekking to Poon Hill. This permit can be obtained either in Kathmandu or at Pokhara before your departure. Permit costs for Poon Hill trekking are as follows:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Cost:
- For SAARC Nationals: Rs. 1000/ US $10 (Approx)
- For Other Nationals: Rs. 3000/ US$ 30 (Approx)
You will also need to obtain Trekkers Information Management System (TIMs), which can be obtained through your trekking agent for Poon Hill Trek.
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMs) Cost:
- For SAARC Nationals: Rs. 1000/ US $10 (Approx)
- For Other Nationals: Rs. 2000/ US$ 20 (Approx)
As of 2023, a new rule has been put into effect regarding trekking in Nepal. Trekking guides are mandatory for any type of trekking activities. Trekking to Poon Hill without a guide is not entertained in the Himalayas, and authorities will not issue permits if you don’t have a trekking guide accompanying you for your trek.
Poon Hill Elevation
Poon Hill viewpoint stands as the highest point of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek at 3210 meters, and it is one of the low elevated profile trekkings. The lower elevation profile makes this trekking just the right alternative for beginner trekkers in the Himalayan mountains.
The risks associated with high altitude trekking in Nepal such as Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, and High Altitude Cerebral Edema are minimal in Poon Hill Trekking.
As a standard Poon Hill trekking itinerary, your trekking adventure begins at Pokhara, which sits at 800 meters. You can get detailed insight into Poon Hill trek elevation gain with the table and chart below:
| Destination | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Nayapul | 1070m |
| TikheDhunga | 1440m |
| Ulleri | 2050m |
| Ghorepani | 2850m |
| Poon Hill | 3210m |
| Tadapani | 2640m |
| Chomrong | 2210m |
| Jhinu | 1564m |
Poon Hill Trek Price
The cost of Poon Hill Trekking can vary due to several factors, with different companies offering varying prices. Group size and accommodation choices play a crucial role in determining the overall cost of the trek. Smaller groups, with fewer than four people, may incur higher costs compared to larger groups exceeding five individuals. Additionally, ground transportation expenses will fluctuate based on the group size.
Accommodation in Poon Hill trekking is diverse, especially in Kathmandu, the capital city, offering a range from luxurious star-rated hotels to budget-friendly tourist accommodations. The price of accommodation will depend on your preferences and choices.
Adventure Great Himalaya Treks and Expeditions, for example, offers a 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package at a base cost of USD 650. It is recommended to carefully review the inclusion section of the package to thoroughly analyze the costs and understand what is covered in the Poon Hill Trek package.