Brief Description

Located about 270 kilometres (170 miles) west of Kathmandu, the Poon Hill Trek is a popular and scenic trekking route located in Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area.

This trek is perfect for adventure seekers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without committing to a longer and more challenging trek.

The trek starts from the beautiful city of Pokhara and follows a trail through lush forests, traditional villages and terraced farmland.

The highlight of the trek is reaching Poon Hill for sunrise, where you can witness the stunning views over the Himalayas. The trek is relatively easy, and trekkers of all ages and fitness levels can complete it.

The trek typically takes around 4 to 5 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 40 to 50 kilometres (25 to 30 miles).

Along the way, trekkers will stay in cozy tea houses and guesthouses, where they can enjoy traditional Nepalese cuisine and interact with the friendly locals.

Some other popular attractions along the route include the Gurung village of Ghandruk, where trekkers can experience the local culture and traditions, and the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda, where trekkers can soak in the warm waters and relax after a day of trekking.

Quick Facts about the Poon Hill Trek

The Poon Hill trek is known for its diverse range of ethnic communities that inhabit the region. The trail passes through several villages of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali communities, which have their own unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
From the summit of Poon Hill, it is possible to many famous Himalayan peaks, including two 8000ers, six 7000ers and four 6000ers
The Poon Hill trek is also commonly referred to by guiding companies and in travel literature as the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek or the Annapurna Sunrise Trek.

History of the Poon Hill Trek

The Annapurna area was opened to foreign trekkers in 1977 after the resolution of a dispute between Khampa guerrillas, the local populace and the Nepalese army.

Trekking to Poon Hill, following traditional trade routes, quickly became one of the most popular destinations due to the ease of access and stunning views from the summit of the hill.

Experience Required for the Poon Hill Trek

The Poon Hill trek is considered a moderate hike and does not require any previous trekking experience. It is considered one of the easiest multi-day treks in the Annapurna region.

However, it is still a physically demanding trek, especially due to the 3,000-metre (9,800-foot) ascent that needs to be covered over a few days.

Therefore, it is important to have a moderate level of fitness and stamina to complete the trek. Prior hiking or trekking experience is beneficial but not essential.

The trek route is well-marked, and trekkers can expect to walk for 4 to 6 hours each day.

Main Route of the Poon Hill Trek

There are three main routes of the Poon Hill trek: the Nayapul route, Beni route and Paudwar route.

The Nayapul route itinerary includes an easy walk to Birethanti, followed by a climb through several small villages and the infamous 3,280 stone steps to Ulleri. The route passes Banthanti, Nayathanti and Ghorapani, where it is recommended to spend the second night for an early start to see the sunrise from Poon Hill. There are then options to return or extend the trip from the summit of Poon Hill.

The Beni Route is often used as a descent route from Ghorapani to Tatopani and then to Beni. The trail goes through a rhododendron forest and several villages. From Tatopani, follow the Kali Gendaki downriver, passing through small villages, a waterfall, and marijuana fields before reaching Beni. The total descent is 1,700 metres (5,600 feet), and the trail frequently changes due to landslides.

The Paudwar Route is a less popular trekking option that runs parallel to the main track from Ghorapani to Tatopani because the trail is steep and difficult to navigate. The route begins at Sikha and crosses the Ghara Khola river on a suspension bridge before reaching the village of Paudwar. The trail then descends steeply to the confluence of the Ghara Khola and Kali Gendaki and joins the main track at Tatopani.

Poon Hill Trek

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