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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (Photo feature)

Sushma Malla

June 23, 2019

7 MIN READ

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (Photo feature)

Poon Hill is a magnificent ridge located inside the Annapurna region and is famous for offering the bests sunrise views set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Poon Hill is popularly known as the Photographer’s Paradise, can capture some of the best snaps of impressive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Poon Hill offers you the striking panorama of huge Himalayas including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, and Manaslu ranges among few others. The phenomenal sunrise from Poon Hill is just unmissable. A provocative glimpse of high mountains surrounding you can mesmerize anyone who’s the part of this awesome trek.

A view tower at Poon Hill.

In addition to that, Poon Hill trekking will also let witness terraced slopes, warm villages, beautiful paddy fields, and wonderful culture and lifestyle of ethnic people like Gurungs, and Magars. Ghorepani and Ghandruk are two of the largest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna Region. There’s a unique please of trekking in Annapurna foothills along with the charming settlements of ethnic communities of Nepal.

A tourist performs yoga at Poon Hill.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek passes through culturally rich villages such as Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Tikhedhunga, etc. Along with sunrise view over Annapurna Mountain, Poon Hill also offers panoramic views of several mountains including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains.

Locals at Naya Pul.

Pokhara to Tikhedunga (1540 m) Driving Duration: 1 ½ hour, Hiking Duration: 3/4 hours
From the Pokhara, there is an accessible vehicle service to Nayapul (1,050). You will start walking through the old villages and meandering green hills.

A suspension bridge on the way to Tikhedhunga.

Terraced paddy fields along the neighboring yet distant hills and the wind gushing in your face makes for a pleasant and smooth drive with much time to enjoy the landscape. Travelers should walk through the easy trail which passes along paddy fields to Tikhedhunga.

Tikhedunga to Ghorepani (2,750 m) Hiking Duration: 6/7 hours

Getting back on the trail, you will be rising up at a slow and gentle pace, passing through Ulleri (2070m). There are lots of opportunities to interact with the locals and learn, understand and get pure experience about their lifestyle.

A rest camp on the way to Ghorepani.

Along the way, one can enjoy the majestic view of Machhapuchhre (6997m), Huinchuli (6441m), and Annapurna South (7219m) and the world’s largest rhododendron forest.

Ghorepani to Tadapani (2650 m) via Poon Hill (3210 m) Hiking Duration: 6/7 hours

Today, you will visit Poonhill, a vantage point, and head to Tadapani. You will begin the trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m) in the early morning to catch the first ray of sunlight. The pleasant sunrise at Poon Hill trek passes through culturally rich villages that are set against the background of majestic mountains.

A view of mountains as seen on the way to Tadapani.

Along with sunrise view over Mt. Annapurna, Poon Hill also offers panoramic views of several mountains including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains. You will return and have your breakfast at Ghorepani, and then commence trek to Tadapani (2650 m). The trek will begin through the thick forest of rhododendrons, bamboos, and oaks. One can observe and appreciate nature’s beauty; waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, birds, and green valleys.

Tadapani to Ghandruk (2,000 m) Hiking Duration: 3/4 hours.

Start trekking through jungle areas as you will pass through different villages, jungles, and stream. After continuous walking of 3 to 4 hours, you will see the beautiful Gurung village, which is called Ghandruk.

A view of Ghandruk.

This place will be a stopover for tonight. Use your remaining time to explore, interact with the locals and visit the home of Gurung people (an ethnic group of Nepal with unique culture and traditions).

A view of Mt Annapurna South as seen from Ghandruk.

This place also provides a fantastic view of the mountains like Annapurna south, Hiuchuli, Fishtail and many more.

Ghandruk to Pokhara, Hiking Duration: 3/4 hours, Driving Duration: 2 hours

Today is your last day of trekking. After having breakfast in the lodge, you will commence walking downhill to Nayapul, where you will catch the vehicle and return back to Pokhara.

Porters carrying goods to Ghandruk from Pokhara.

Today, your walking will be quiet easily than that of the previous days. As you reach Nayapul, you will catch the vehicle and drive back to Pokhara and your tour ends here.

A view of Phewa Lake.
A night view of Pokhara city as seen from Sarangkot.
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