Nepal is a famous country for its trekking adventures. And if you are short on time and looking for a short escape to the Himalayas, then a 4-day Poonhill trek might just be the right pick for you. Ghorepani Poonhill trek is the most popular Annapurna trekking region. This amazing trek takes you to the highest point at Poon Hill which lies just at 3210m. This trek is suitable for anyone with average physical fitness. Also, it is absolutely safe for children with the least risk of altitude sickness.
The scene and the landscape are spectacular and captivating. It changes from lowland terraced fields to magnificent pine, oak, and rhododendron. As you climb higher, the mountain views get better. Moreover, the early morning sunrise view from Poon Hill is a cherry on top of a cake. The best thing about the trek is that it is doable any time of the year. Also, it is easily accessible from the lake city Pokhara. On this trek, you will walk on the trails of Annapurna Base Camp trek, however, you not follow the trail after Tadapani. It is amongst short and simple treks. It offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the Himalayan lifestyle and culture closely.
Highlights of Poonhill Trek 4 Days
- Spectacular sunrise view from Poon Hill at 3210m.
- Magnificent view of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, and the other Himalayas
- Witness one of the biggest villages of Ghandruk and Ulleri village
- Cultural monasteries, temples and the Gurung museum
- Rice terrace and waterfall
- Pokhara lake city
How Difficult is the Trek?
Poonhill trek is an easy trek compared to other higher altitude trek in Nepal. However, you cannot take the steep climb up to the stone staircase (3381 steps in total) from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani lightly. There is various duration ranging from 4 to 7 days for poon hill trek. This depends on one’s preference and also on one’s physical fitness level. It varies on how much you like to stop to take rest and also to enjoy the views. Generally, 4 days trek is perfect. But if you do not acclimatize well to the altitude or if you have a physical limitation, taking longer duration trek is a smarter bet.
What to Carry?
Packing wise has a lot to do in making your trekking experience smooth and comfortable. Since Poonhill 4-day trek is a short trek you do not have to pack a lot. However, make sure you carry a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes for a long hours walk. Do not forget to carry a pair of flip-flops that you can slip into at tea houses. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to the temperature from lower to a higher region. Trekking poles can come in handy for support while climbing and descending. It is wise to carry a sleeping bag with a liner. For monsoon season make sure to carry insect repellent for mosquitoes and leeches that you may encounter on the trails. Also, do not skip on sunscreen. You burn faster at high altitudes. Hence carry a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin.
Trekking Map
Day 01: Pokhara to Nayapul (1070 m / 3510 ft) and Trek to Ulleri. (1520m /4985 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani (2880 m/ 9446 ft) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 03: Hike to Poonhill (3210 m / 10529) and trek to Ghandruk (1950 m / 6396) 7-8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 04: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Pokhara to Nayapul (1070 m / 3510 ft) and Trek to Ulleri. (1520m /4985 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani (2880 m/ 9446 ft) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 03: Hike to Poonhill (3210 m / 10529) and trek to Ghandruk (1950 m / 6396) 7-8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Day 04: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Pokhara to Nayapul (1070 m / 3510 ft) and Trek to Ulleri. (1520m /4985 ft) 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Today, there will be a mixture of a bus drive and a trek. First, you will head out to Nayapul (1070 meters). This ride is quite pleasant and lasts 2 hours only. Nayapul is also where many trekkers gather to trek. This is the entry point to many other treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Khopra Danda Trek, Mardi Himal trek and plenty other in this region. After that, you will go to Ulleri on a 4-5 hours trek.
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani (2880 m/ 9446 ft) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
You will head out to the place with the largest rhododendron forests today. This place is called Ghorepani. It will take about 6-7 hours, for you to reach Ghorepani(2860 meters). The first part of your trek will take you along an uphill ride to Ulleri. The walk up to Ulleri is around 2 hours long and exclusively uphill. From Ulleri, you will walk around 4 hours or so to get to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is set beautifully amidst the mountains of the Annapurna region. It also has close access to Poon Hill, which is an awesome hill station in the Annapurna region.
Day 03: Hike to Poonhill (3210 m / 10529) and trek to Ghandruk (1950 m / 6396) 7-8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
Today, you will wake up early in the morning, This is because you will head out to Poon Hill before the sun is up. You will trek around 1 hour or so before you reach Poon Hill(3210 meters). The trail to Poon Hill is almost elusively full of stairs. After you reach there, you will get to see glorious views of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre etc. You will also get to see some staggering sunrise views from there.
Day 04: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. 5-6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.
On your way to Naya Pul from Ghandruk, we get to enjoy the amazing hilly landscape of ACAP region. You will hike along the side of Modi Khola for 4-5 hours before reaching Birethanti. This will be one of the most pleasant walks of the trip. This day’s trek will be mostly flat. After trekking for an hour to 90 minutes from Birethanti, you will get to Nayapul. A one hour 30 minutes drive from Nayapul will take you to Pokhara, where you will stay overnight.
Cost Included
- Pick up from airport and transfer to hotel
- Accommodation in kathmandu as your Budget.
- Kathmandu valley sight seeing and prepare for trek
- An professional Sherpa Guide with Government License
- Sherpa porter who will carry your baggage(2 person 1 sherpa porter)
- Food in Trekking(Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner )
- All Accommodation during Trekking(Tea House/ Camping)
- Necessary Trekking permits
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management system card)
- Necessary Equipment( sleeping bag and Down Jacket)
- All programme as per Itinerary
- Necessary flight Ticket/ Land Transport(Domestic only )
- Food , salary Transport, clothing for Guide and Porter
- Insurance for Guide and Porter
- Rescue Help
Cost Excluded
- Lunch and dinner in kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any kinds of Drinks( soft and Hard Drinks)
- Visa, international flight ticket
- Personal Nature expenses
- Tips for Staffs
- Rescue and Evacuation cost
