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Discover the detailed insights shared by Như Hà about the short trek from Pokhara to Poon Hill, spanning approximately 4 to 5 days.
Detailed Itinerary for Independent 4-Day Poon Hill Trek in Nepal
This trail is rated as very easy, optimistically suggesting that if you can climb stairs, you can do it. As an office worker myself, I only did light exercises for about a month before the trip, and it went smoothly. Poon Hill has a moderate altitude, standing at 3,210m, so the symptoms due to altitude difference are negligible.
The scenery in this area is enchanting, with good weather allowing you to see the highest snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and admire the rich flora of the Annapurna eco-region. The ideal time to trek is from September to April, but from October to March, there may be snow on Poon Hill, so prepare appropriate clothing. The period from May to August is the monsoon season, with slippery paths and fewer tourists.
Small Note:
For those in a hurry, conquering Poon Hill in 3 days is feasible, but most prefer a 4 to 5-day trek. A longer itinerary ensures more time to relish and immerse in the breathtaking beauty of Nepal's mountainous forests.
Most guesthouses allow complimentary luggage storage during treks, but it's advisable to bring a padlock for added security.
Trekking in Nepal typically involves moving from one village to another, with affordable guesthouses at each stop, offering double rooms for as low as $4. Some places may even negotiate providing free room accommodation if you dine at their establishment for breakfast and dinner.
Dining in guesthouses costs between $4 to $5 per meal, featuring a variety of dishes like fried rice, noodles, and the traditional Nepali dish, dal bhat (comprising rice, lentil soup, sautéed vegetables, providing excellent energy). You can ask for seconds for free, and if you're still hungry, they might offer more until you're satisfied—quite a deal, isn't it?
Due to the impact of tourism, children might approach you asking for chocolate or money, especially after you take their pictures. Politely decline their requests.
If you opt for the self-guided trek without a tour guide, make sure to purchase a detailed map of the Annapurna region (readily available in Pokhara). If you ever feel uncertain during your journey, don't hesitate to ask locals for directions—they will gladly assist you.
Detailed Itinerary for the Poon Hill Trek
Day 1: Pokhara - Nayapul - Tirkedhunga - Ulleri
From the bus station in Pokhara, purchase tickets for a ride to Nayapul (remind the driver to drop you off at Nayapul—write it down on a piece of paper if necessary). The journey takes around 1-2 hours, with a ticket cost of approximately 150 Nepalese rupees ($1.5). Upon reaching Nayapul, a 30-minute walk leads to the first mountain village, Bileri.
Continuing across an iron bridge, you'll encounter the first checkpoint. Remember to stop and present your passport, TIMS card, and Permits card for verification.
From here, the official journey to conquer Poon Hill begins, with the first destination being the village of Tikhedhunga.
On this stretch, follow the established trail, encountering numerous backpackers from around the world. Even if you're trekking solo, there's no need to worry about feeling lonely or getting lost.
The initial stretch from Bileri to Tikhedhunga is quite gentle, mostly on flat terrain, taking approximately 2.5 hours.
Upon reaching Tikhedhunga, you can choose to stay overnight if you started your journey in the late morning. However, if you have the energy and time, following the advice of experienced trekkers I met on the trail, push on to Ulleri for the night. The scenery in Ulleri is much more captivating, offering views of a section of Annapurna South. Additionally, it conserves energy for the following day.
The journey from Tirkedhunga to Ulleri takes around 3-4 hours, with this segment primarily uphill, making it more challenging compared to the initial leg.
Along the way, you'll encounter locals from Nepal using mules to transport goods and food for the villages above. Horses and mules are the main modes of transportation for the people here.
After about 3 hours of ascent, I reached the picturesque village of Ulleri.
After days of anticipation, finally, the first glimpse of a snow-capped peak – Annapurna South – unfolded, visible from the charming village of Ulleri.
By now, it's 6:00 PM, and I rested, had dinner in the village of Ulleri, preparing for tomorrow's adventure.
Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani
After breakfast, around 7:00 AM, bid farewell to Ulleri and continued the journey, following the existing trail. Today's route is less steep than yesterday, allowing more leisurely appreciation of the scenery. Luckily, the weather is favorable, revealing enchanting mountain forest views, reminiscent of a fairy tale.
The breathtaking lush greenery often captivates, making it hard to move on, as senses stretch to absorb all the incredible emotions nature provides.
I took a break for lunch at Nangethanti after 4 hours of trekking, which is quite close to Ghorepani.
Continuing the journey, the sense of nearing the destination lightens the steps, no longer in a rush.
The flora here is incredibly diverse. I admire how the people of Nepal approach tourism, displaying a strong consciousness for nature conservation. Despite the long paths and numerous people, litter is rarely seen.
After an hour of gentle uphill from Nangethani, I reached Ghorepani. Surprisingly, it only took 3 hours, quicker than expected. Here, there's an additional TIMS checkpoint and Permits card inspection.
Feasted my eyes on more snow-capped peaks. For someone seeing snow for the first time, the feeling is immensely thrilling.
While most come to Poon Hill for sunrise, a lesser-known fact is that witnessing the sunset is equally beautiful. Fewer people choose this time, providing more space for photography. Unfortunately, during my visit, the weather was unfavorable, with dense fog obscuring the clear view of the snowy mountains.
From Ghorepani, it takes about another hour to ascend to the summit of Poon Hill. Despite the early hour, I couldn't resist the excitement and went up to explore, even though the sunset wasn't visible due to my impatience.
Afterward, as the mist rolled in heavily, I descended, rested, and had dinner to recharge for the next day. In Ghorepani, if you visit between October and March, be prepared for snow. During my May trip, the snow had melted, but the weather remained quite chilly, around ten degrees Celsius, a stark contrast for someone used to the warmth of the Southern sun.
Day 3: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghorepani – Tadapani – Ghandrunk
Woke up at 4:00 AM to prepare for the ascent to Poon Hill for the sunrise. Headlamp in use and 50 Nepalese rupees in hand for the entrance fee, applicable only for sunrise viewing. Make sure to carry some small bills for hot tea on the summit, costing around 80-150 Nepalese rupees per cup.
At the summit, crowded with eager individuals, all here for the same purpose—to witness the sunrise casting its glow on the majestic Annapurna South snow-capped range.
The awaited moment arrived, the sunrise painting the landscape in radiant splendor. As the sun emerged, applause filled the air, a rewarding sensation as if one's efforts were duly acknowledged.
Around 7:00 AM, as the sun ascended higher, regretfully, I had to return to Ghorepani for breakfast and pack up. Departing for the return journey, I took a different route for variation, though sticking to the old path is also an option.
The initial section of the return journey involved a challenging uphill climb. The scenery remained breathtaking with verdant meadows, azure skies, fluffy clouds, and the towering snow-capped peaks, inviting a desire to immerse oneself in nature.
Only through experience do you truly grasp why Nepal is renowned for its enchanting trekking routes.
Approaching Ghandruk, this segment requires another ascent. At the mountain's peak lies Tadapani village, where you can have lunch. Descending for about 2 more hours, you'll reach the village of Ghandruk.
Stacked stone cairns adorn the trekking route, a distinctive feature of Nepal. Each trekker contributes by placing a stone on the cairns—symbols of peace, luck, or simply adding to the existing stone towers.
Along the way, you might encounter Yaks, similar to our buffalo. These creatures provide essential agricultural support, and their wool is used to create the famous thin yet incredibly warm blankets and shawls of the Nepalese mountain region.
Arrived at Ghandruk after an 8-hour trek from Ghorepani. Ghandruk is known for the Gurung people, but for me, it's the most picturesque and romantic village I've ever seen. I chose this place to rest, concluding the journey of the third day.
Day 4: Ghandruk – Nayapul – Pokhara
Greeted by the melodious chirping of birds, Ghandruk welcomed me with a splendid sunrise over the majestic snow-capped peaks. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Annapurna South and the Fishtail mountain. The scenery is truly breathtaking and vibrant.
Life feels profoundly serene here, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle. People live harmoniously, at peace with nature.
Despite the reluctance, it's time to bid farewell to the enchanting and romantic village of Ghandruk to continue the journey back.
Continuing the path towards Birethani (Nayapul), the endpoint of the journey.
The route from Ghandruk is mostly downhill today, making it a leisurely stroll.
Everything is built with stone, and the branches of trees reaching up create a lush green ambiance along the path and walls. The return is much gentler, mainly on flat terrain and descending, occasionally encountering playful goats on the way.
Returning from Ghandruk to the final TIMS and Permit card checkpoint at Bileri takes about 3-4 hours.
From this point, a short walk leads to the bus station, where you can catch a bus back to the Pokhara bus terminal. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to your hotel in Pokhara.
My journey lasted 4 days, but you can follow the suggested 5-day itinerary outlined here.
Day 1: Pokhara – Nayapul – Tikhedhunga
Day 2: Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani
Day 3: Ghorepani – Sunrise at Poon Hill – Tadapani
Day 4: Tadapani – Ghandruk
Day 5: Ghandruk – Nayapul – Pokhara
By Như Hà
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourOctober 6, 2017
