Poon Hill Trek 3 days

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 3 days Guide

The Poon Hill Trek over three days is a well-liked hiking path in Nepal’s Annapurna region. This trek is relatively short and easy, providing stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local communities’ distinctive culture and way of life.

Typically, the three-day Poon Hill trek commences at Nayapul, a small town located around 1.5 hours away by car from Pokhara. Trekkers will journey through verdant forests, picturesque villages, and terraced agricultural lands before reaching the summit at Poon Hill, which stands at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). The trail’s average elevation fluctuates between 2,500 and 3,000 meters (8,200-9,800 feet), making it accessible for most individuals. The gradual slope and well-maintained paths make this trek a suitable choice for novices or those new to trekking in Nepal.

Although the trek is manageable, it’s crucial to acclimate to the higher altitude and take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. It is advisable to stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and ascend slowly to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

However the Poon Hill Trek can typically take between 3 to 5 days to finish, we offer a condensed 3-day package. This shorter itinerary allows trekkers to bask in panoramic mountain views, catch breathtaking sunrises from Poon Hill, and interact with the warm-hearted locals while wandering through traditional Gurung and Magar villages.

Nayapul to Ghorepani:

The trekking path from Nayapul to Ghorepani is well-marked, traversing the enchanting landscapes dominated by Magar and Gurung communities. It meanders through lovely forests, quaint villages, the soothing sounds of flowing rivers, and beautiful scenery. The trek starts on a gentle incline, moving through a small valley and terraced fields before entering a dense rhododendron forest.

As you gain altitude, the trail grows steeper. By the end of the first day, you’ll reach Ulleri, where you can take a moment to relax and have a snack. Continuing, you’ll need to climb a challenging 3,200 stone steps to reach Ulleri, located at an elevation of approximately 2,070 meters (6,791 feet).

From Ulleri, the route ascends through thick forests, passing by the villages of Banthanti and Nangethanti before arriving at Ghorepani. This charming village, situated at around 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), is renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the nearby mountains.

View From Poon Hill

The pinnacle of our 3-day trek reaches an elevation of 3,210 meters. Trekkers adore this spot for its mesmerizing panoramic views encompassing the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The summit of Poon Hill can be reached by navigating a steep flight of stairs from Ghorepani. This ascent generally consumes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level and speed.

At the summit, you can gaze upon awe-inspiring sunrise vistas over the mountains, with prominent peaks such as Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Manaslu (8,163m), and Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) visible in the distance from Poon Hill’s viewing tower. The views are especially striking during autumn and spring when the conditions are clear and pleasant.

Ghorepani village

Flora of Poon Hill:

The lower areas surrounding Ghorepani are rich in subtropical vegetation, featuring lush forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. As you ascend, the environment shifts into temperate forests where fir, hemlock, and maple trees dominate. The oak trees surrounding Ghorepani provide an essential habitat for diverse wildlife. One of the standout attractions is the vibrant display of rhododendron flowers during spring, which adds a burst of color with shades of red, pink, and white. Trekking in the Poon Hill area while the rhododendrons bloom is a remarkable experience that many trekkers specifically seek out, making it one of Nepal’s most breathtaking natural spectacles. Additionally, bamboo thrives at the lower elevations, while juniper trees flourish at higher altitudes. Paper trees are cultivated, and locals utilize them to produce handmade paper products like stationery and greeting cards.

Fauna:

Duration

The trek to Poon Hill begins at Nayapul after a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Pokhara. The trail takes you through beautiful villages, including Tikhe Dhunda, Ulleri, and Ghorepani. The distance from Nayapul to Poon Hill is 13.4 km, typically covered over two days of hiking.

If you have only 3 days from Kathmandu

You can complete the Short Poon Hill trek from Kathmandu in three days by flying directly to Pokhara at 9 am. Your guide will meet you at Pokhara airport, and you’ll drive to Nayapul to start your trek on the same day. At the end of your trek, your guide will also drop you back at Pokhara airport, enabling you to complete the Poon Hill trek within three days.

Guides and porters

The Ghorepani Poon Hill package is led by experienced local guides and porters from the Annapurna region. They possess a deep understanding of the local culture, people, and history. Over the past decade, our guides have led the Poon Hill trek route nine to ten times each season. All our guides and equipment are insured for trekking activities.

Poon hill trek difficulty

This trek is considered moderately challenging and is suited for individuals with a reasonable level of physical fitness. It consists of both uphill climbs and gentle descents, covering a total distance of approximately 30-40 miles (50-65 kilometers), depending on the chosen route.

Generally, the trek spans 3-5 days, with daily hiking durations averaging 5-6 hours. Trekkers will reach altitudes varying from around 900 meters to the maximum elevation of 3,210 meters at Poon Hill.

Though the ascent can be tough, most trekkers with decent fitness can complete the trek without major difficulties if they prepare and acclimatize properly.

To enhance your readiness, engaging in physical training and cardiovascular workouts before the trek is highly recommended. This will help improve your stamina and endurance for a more enjoyable experience.

It’s also wise to acclimatize gradually, take regular breaks, and keep hydrated as you increase altitude. Maintaining a steady and relaxed pace will aid in your comfort. By following these tips and exercising caution, most trekkers can have a fulfilling experience.

In the early morning hours, visitors are encouraged to climb Poon Hill, taking about 45 minutes to reach the summit for sunrise views and stunning mountain vistas. Afterward, trekkers return to their lodge in Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing the hike back to Nayapul, which usually takes 5-6 hours. The journey ends with a return to Pokhara.

Highlights of Poon Hill

• View of the Annapurna range, the Himalayas from Poon hill, 3210 meters high.
• There are three mountains over eight thousand meters high, Dhaulagiri, 8,167m, Manaslu, 8,163m, and Annapurna-I, 8,091m.
• Beautiful villages along the way to Ghorepani Poonhill; Birethanti, Hille, Tikhedhunga, and Ulleri.
• A picturesque waterfall, river, rice terrace, and rhododendron forest
• You can easily trek in the Annapurna region’s Ghorepani Poon Hill for two nights and three days from Pokhara
• There is the option of a two-way flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu and back to Kathmandu.

Options number I:

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 3 Days begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, followed by a walk to Poon Hill. The Poonhill trek finishes with a drive back to Pokhara.

Option number II:

If you’re not accustomed to hiking in the mountains, you may need to add one more day to your itinerary. Alternatively, you can reach the Ghandruk Village Loop via Poon Hill, then drive to Pokhara from Nayapul.

Option II, the itinerary included the classic treks via the other way round a more adventurous anticlockwise trek starting from Australian Camp, Landruk village, chhomrong hill, and Poon Hill, and ending all the way downhill to Pokhara via Ulleri villages.

Poon Hill Trek distance

• Pokhara to Nayapul distance 45 km. 1-hour drive
• Nayapul to poon hill distance is 13.5 km. 2 days hike

Related Treks

• Classic Poon Hill Round Trek
• Poon Hill Trek – 2 Days
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill
• Pokhara to Poon Hill Trek

Mark and Mim, who undertook the Poon Hill trek with our team on August 30, 2019, have produced excellent articles on their blog. These articles offer thorough and detailed insights into the Poon Hill trek and the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.