Poon Hill is located at 3,210 m above sea level just above Ghorepani. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Annapurna region.
It is also known as the photographer’s paradise due to the natural beauty and scenic view from this viewpoint. The 360-degree panoramic view of snow-covered mountain ranges atop Poon Hill is the main highlight.
There are the several ways to reach to Poon Hill from Kathmandu.
From Kathmandu you will be driving or flying to Pokhara. Then from Pokhara you will be driving to Nayapul.
Your trekking journey starts from Nayapul.
Although the Poon Hill trek is the shortest trek, it is actually a great destination to experience an actual trek. There is always more you can add in afterwards.
The Annapurna Mountain range and Dhaulagiri Mountain range can be clearly seen from Poon Hill viewpoint. Other series of mountains that you can view from the top of the Poon Hill are Bahari Shikhar, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Mount Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre and others mountain peaks.
Poon hill weather should not be an issue because it is a short trek. It is always great to trek on a clear day. And peak seasons like spring and autumn will cater a great sightseeing weather.
As per the difficulty level, the trail can be rated as mild to moderate trekking.
Most of the trekking trail is paved with stone steps making it easy and quite comfortable to walk. This trek is appropriate for novice trekker too.
Poon Hill Trek Highlights
- The 360-degree panoramic view of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and other mountains from Poon Hill
- The gradient display of changing sky with the beautiful sunrise view
- Beautiful jungle trek with a lot of vegetation, streams, waterfalls and Modi River
- The cultural and traditional journey of the different parts of the trekking routes
- One of the biggest Gurung village at Ghandruk and Magar village at Ghorepani
- Ghandruk Gurung Museum
- Shortest trek in the Annapurna Region
How to go Pokhara from Kathmandu?
Pokhara is the second largest city of Nepal which is also a famous tourist spot. It has many popular places including Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Devi’s Fall, World Peace Pagoda, and Sarangkot.
Pokhara city is also known as the “Gateway to Annapurna Region” as you need start from Pokhara to trek in Annapurna Region.
It is 204 km far away from Kathmandu.
There are two options to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu.
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Roadway
Most of the people travel by bus, private car, or a taxi to reach Pokhara.
The journey by the road begins from Kathmandu along Tribhuvan Highway up until Muglin and then the track changes following the Prithvi Highway that reaches to Pokhara.
It takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu.
By Local Bus
You will get a local bus from Gongabu New Buspark in Kathmandu. It directly takes you to the Prithvi Chowk bus station in Pokhara.
After you buy a bus ticket, the bus leaves to Pokhara in every one hour. The bus tickets range from USD 3 to 5 per person.
By Local Hiace Microbus
A more convenient and faster method is getting local Hiace microbus. You get the microbus just outside the New Buspark at Gongabu in Kathmandu.
You can buy the ticket and as soon as the seats get full, the microbus will leave Kathmandu and head towards Pokhara. The cost for a ticket will range from USD 6 to 8 per person.
It takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach Pokhara. There is no facility of air condition and the seats are a bit uncomfortable that than a private vehicle.
By Tourists Bus
Traveling via tourist bus is a better option than by a local bus. It is a bit expensive than local bus but will be a lot more comfortable.
Facilities like air conditioner, WiFi, free bottle of water, and frequent stops will give you the luxury ride that you need. It is also safer as the bus does not overload passengers
It will take around 7 to 8 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. The tourist bus usually leaves early in the morning, you will reach Pokhara before the evening and you will get chance to roam around the Pokhara city in the evening.
You will have to pre-book the bus tickets to prevent the last hour rush.
By Private Car
If you are not comfortable travelling in a bus you can hire a private car. You can choose the vehicles available as per your budget and group size.
This is the fastest and easiest means if you are travelling with a group. It avoids unnecessary stops and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
The cost of hiring a private car might range from USD 90 to 100.
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Airways
The best option to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu is by airways. Flying to Pokhara is the easiest and fastest way.
It takes around 30 minutes from the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu to reach Pokhara Domestic Airport.
During peak seasons it is best you pre-book your tickets.
The ticket costs around USD 130 per person (one way).
How to go Poon Hill from Pokhara?
Pokhara to Nayapul
Nayapul has become one of the famous places for the trekkers in the past decades. Most of the trekking to the Annapurna region starts here.
The total distance from Pokhara to Nayapul is around 45.4 km (28.2 miles). It takes around 45 minutes drive to reach Nayapul from Pokhara.
The first option is getting a local bus from Baglung Bus Park. You will find a local bus leaving from the bus park in every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Alternatively, you can also hire a private car, jeep or a taxi to reach Nayapul. It is a lot comfortable and quite faster.
Some of the popular places you will pass by are Phedi, Kande, Naudanda, and Lumla.
Nayapul to Tikhedhunga
Nayapul is at an altitude of 1,480 meters above sea level. The distance from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga is just 9.2 km (5.7 miles). You will hike for about 4 to 5 hours to reach Tikhedhunga from Nayapul.
The trekking trail passes through Nayapul, Birethanti, Sudame, Hile, and ends at Tikhedhunga where you will rest overnight.
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
The route from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani is quite challenging. It takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach Ghorepani from Tikhedhunga. The popular steep stone-paved stairs of Ulleri is equally challenging and adventurous.
Ghorepani is at an altitude of 2,860 meters above sea level. The distance between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani is 12.9 km (8 miles).
Ghorepani to Poon Hill
The main viewpoint of this trekking route is reaching and viewing the sunrise atop Poon Hill.
With vibrant color changing skies you will be able to view the best 360-degree panoramic view from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna mountain peaks.
Poon Hill is at 3,210 meters above sea level.
The distance between Ghorepani to Poon Hill is just 1.5 km (1 mile). It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top.
Different options to go to Poon Hill Trek?
There are several different options available to trek to Poon Hill.
Private trek
If you are not travelling in a group, you can either hire a licensed porter guide or hire a porter and a professional guide separately for your private trek. Licensed porter guide carries your luggage as well as guide you throughout the trek.
Because this is a short trek, it is less likely that you will be carrying a heavy luggage. But if you hope to connect to a different trekking route after the Poon Hill trek, then there are chances you might be carrying a lot. In such case, hiring a porter will be a good and wise option.
Benefit
- You can create your own itinerary and make a destination yourself with the help of your guide.
Group Trek
Trekking with a group has a different kind of experience. You get the chance to meet and know a lot of people with a common interest of trekking.
You need not worry about the costs, accommodation, hiring a good porter, and professional guide. It will be organized by the trekking agency.
If you are a novice trekker, trekking with the help of trekking agency would be the perfect option.
Benefits
- The trekking agency will arrange flight, trekking guide, accommodation, trekking permits and all other necessary arrangements for your trekking.
- No need to worry about pre-booking arrangements. The trekking agency will do it for you.
Solo Trek
In some restricted regions in Nepal, solo trekking is not allowed due to security reasons. But Poon Hill isn’t a restricted area, you are allowed to trek solo here.
You need not worry about finding accommodation. There are number of tea houses available along the trekking route on each rest stop.
If you are thinking of trekking solo in Nepal, you must be aware of all the possible difficulties on the way.
You will need to get the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System ) card.
Benefits
- Budget friendly and less expensive and trek at your own pace
- No worrying about the food queue at rest stops and direct interactions with the locals at places you stay or visit
FAQs
Q1. How many days does it take to trek to Poon Hill?
It depends upon your physical fitness and experience.
If you are an experienced hiker and have done a lot of trekking then you can easily complete it within 3 days. You can choose our poon hill trek 3 days trekking packages and complete it easily.
For a novice hiker, choosing poon hill trek 4 days or poon hill trek 5 days itinerary is a better option. Even for the fit people who do regular exercise, hiking in the high altitude can become a problem. So choosing the longer day’s itinerary will give you enough time to adjust and acclimate with the altitude.
Besides, you can also go through the trek and learn about the village life and wander around the monuments and know about the places in detail.
Every trekking package that we offer has its own advantage and disadvantage. Go through them thoroughly before choosing the right one.
Q2. What is the best time to trek Poon Hill?
The spring and autumn season are best time of the year to trek Poon Hill and also are called as regular trekking season in Nepal.
The weather and climate are suitable and perfect during both seasons. The best time of the year to trek in Poon Hill or any place in Nepal is considered to be in the month of October.
Since it is a short trekking package, you can trek here any season.
The regular seasons, spring and autumn, brings a lot of traffic up in the hills and mountains. A lot of people gather in Nepal in the regular season, with the common goal of trekking. So it is best to pre-book your trekking package early so that you don’t get left out. You can contact us from our webpage if you have any queries.