Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek

Nepal is implausibly gorgeous with the sheer beauty of diverse landscapes and geographical features. It’s full of unique places that are charming and worth a visit. In fact, the unique landforms of Nepal provide innumerable and pleasant sights where avid hikers can trek and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is naturally exciting and as alluring as it can get. It’s one of the most popular and a few hiking spots where visitors can easily reach. They don’t have to spend days and weeks to get to the viewpoint.

It’s perhaps the reason why so many visitors from all around the world are intrigued by Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk. They flock to Poon Hill as there is no other place that catches the shot of Annapurna massif like this.

This short-distance hike manages to capture the true hillside beauty and stuns visitors with the wonderful glimpses of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Nilgiri Himal, Dhampus Peak, and many more. Walking through Ghandruk village is equally delightful, especially the quiet surrounding and green terrace farm.

Visitors can witness a lot of Gurung and Tamang villages during their stay at the village. They can find a few old monasteries and colorful prayer flags while at Ghandruk. Not to miss the long-wavelength colors of sunset and sunrise view, that can be seen from the hilltop.

Poon Hill is probably the least challenging trek with short hiking paths. This eventually makes it ideal for those who want to sight the mountain but don’t bother going the extra mile or climbing mountains.

The hill station lies 270 km west of Kathmandu at 10,500 ft. Meanwhile, Ghandruk Villages is located 32 km northwest of Pokhara. The village is accessible by both public and private vehicles but trekking is more invigorating.

The gateway to Poon Hill, Ghandruk, also provides a splendid view of glistening mountains such as Mt. Gangapurna, Mt Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. Gurung is the inhabitants of Ghandruk village, and you can find the trace of their culture and heritage in religious shrines and other significant landmarks.

Trekking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk is overwhelming. With easy climbing trails and exquisite views, it has become a favorite trek destination for most visitors. The trek to Ghorepani itself starts from Pokhara.

It takes a steep climb, passes thick forest, and hills to reach the hill station at 3,210 meters. Trekkers spend most of their time applauding the natural and unreal beauty seen from the viewpoint. They also watch the picturesque view of glistening mountains, dramatic landscapes, green ferns, and falling waterfalls.

After the sightseeing, the trail descends the stairs and heads to Tirkhedhunga. The Journey continues further on an uneven path with a few ups and downs to arrive at Ghandruk. It’s a small village with rich local culture and customs of Gurung and Tamang.

Ghandruk also makes a great spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. It offers a lovely view of Mt. Machhapuchhare, Mt. Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. With that, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk trek ends here, and the hikers will be driven back to Kathmandu along with the crew members of Nepal Eco Adventure.

Highlights of Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek

• A pristine view of snow-capped mountains like Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre
• Astonishing sunrise view from Poon Hill
• Encounter varied species of wild animals and birds
• Experience unique Nepalese culture and their history
• Exploration of ancient Tibetan monasteries and mani walls

Altitude Chart

Best time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek

Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghnadruk is a popular trek destination year-round. That said, the best time to visit it is during October and April when the weather is warmer. During these times, the temperatures and climates are moderate. They present jaw-dropping gorgeous views of vibrant valleys, glistening mountains, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls.

Autumn Season

Autumn is the peak season for Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek. The weather is nice and cozy around this time. Mornings are usually bright and sunny while the nights are breezy with gusts of wind.

During this season, temperatures range from 10 to 24 Degree Celsius in the daytime. But, as soon as the sun goes down, the region experiences a gradual decline in temperature. The weather gets a little chilly at night but it's still comfortable.

The change in season also brings vivid fall colors into the woods. Forests in Poon Hill and Ghandruk brims with eye-striking red and gold leaves, which look fabulous. Its skies are glowing red in the evening, providing a spectacular view.

Major holidays including Dashain and Tihar, fall in this season. So visitors traveling during the month of October will get a close insight into the rich culture and traditions of people living in the hills.

Spring Season

Spring is equally fascinating when trekking Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk. It has beautiful mild weather with warmer days. After the blistering cold winter, spring brings a ray of sunshine to the hills. It may experience some cold nights in early March, but the weather becomes mild again as soon as the month gets away.

Cooler temperature makes it easy for hikers to trek the steep trails leading to the hill station. The weather in April is moderate, calm, and soothing but with relatively larger crowds. At Ghorepani, the average temperature in the month is 10 Degree Celsius.

Long days of darkness are broken in Spring, which eventually helps trekkers buy some time. They are also expected to get blown away by the fascinating sight of beautiful spring blooms. Clear skies and clean air improve the visibility and help get better glimpses of towering snow peaks, wide valleys, and clouded forests.

Winter Season

Ghandruk weather isn’t fairly consistent in winter. It easily fluctuates from time to time during the season. Winter is generally cold in the hill station with temperatures dropping up to 0 Degree Celsius. The months of December and January are the coldest with light snowfall occasionally.

The temperature around these months ranges from 2 to 3.5 Degree Celsius. Fortunately, the days are still hot, with temperatures rising up to 9 Degree Celsius. Mornings and nights are usually icy cold in the region so trekkers must prepare themselves accordingly.

Winter views are as magical as they can get, especially on the hilltop. The fluffy snow in the mountains puts a spectacular display for the trekkers climbing Poon Hill. If the sky is clear, trekkers will catch the beautiful sunrise view even in the season.

Summer and Monsoon Season

Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk in summer is balmy with the temperature soaring up to 26 Degree Celsius. The days are swelteringly hot and fiery, causing trekkers to sweat, mostly while ascending hills.

June temperatures are hot and muggy but it also receives heavy rainfall which is limited.

Hikers trekking Ghorepani-Poonhill-Ghandruk in the following month will face more drizzling rain. There’ll be fewer tourists on the trail in the monsoon as the weather becomes unpredictable.

The monsoon rain makes the trail slippery and also causes inconvenience in walking the path. Apparently, the climate is humid and dry in monsoon, so trekkers might want to be a bit careful while hiking uphill and stay hydrated.

The best thing about Monsoon is that once the rain has stopped, trekkers will get clearer views without any blockade. Hikers will also encounter warm mornings and days during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk hike. Unlike other seasons, the nights are quite pleasant in summer with the temperature falling to 7 Degree Celsius.

Why take the Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek

It’s not an overstatement to say that Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is one of the most impressive and fascinating hikes of all. It’s overly popular with magnificent sceneries and diverse geographical features that are beyond belief.

The trek has easy access with all the needed facilities for visitors. Hikers won’t have to put much effort to reach the viewpoint and enjoy the magnificent sceneries. Getting to Poon Hill requires hiking through steep hills and forests, which is not so difficult and even the regular walkers can do it.

1. Moderate trekking trails

Whether it’s the first-time visitors or pro hikers, Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk trek kind of accommodates all level hikers. The moderate walking trail makes it easy for hikers to navigate while enjoying the trip. It may have some steep inclines with rolling hills and a few elevation changes, but the hike is still doable.

Those trekking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk just have to walk 4-5 hours on average, which isn’t much to ask. Apart from a few twists and turns with uneven terrain, the trek is an easy ride.

2. Perfect Weather and Temperature

Weather in Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk isn’t as harsh as it is in the mountain. Its summers are warm, while the winters, cold and breezy. But, the climate isn’t as frigid as it is in the higher altitude.

The average winter temperature is just about 2.4 Degree Celsius, which causes the weather to be slightly warm even in the season. Days are usually sunny and bright in Poon Hill, with some seasonal changes.

Trekkers can even hike the viewpoint in winter as the weather is mildly cold and endurable. It’s comfortable to hike the trail even in the season without any equipment aside from warm clothes.

Autumn and Spring clearly have the best weather, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 Degree Celsius. The weather shines out the most in this season with beautiful sunshine, pleasant sightseeing, and an attractive atmosphere.

Stunning fall foliage can be seen in Autumn while Spring unfurls spectacular rhododendron and wildflower blossoms. The clear sky with fresh air helps trekkers in catching magnificent views of snow peaks and dynamic landscapes.

3. Breathtaking Scenery

Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk is the most fantastic trek destination as it comes with eye-catching views. The view during and at the sightseeing spots is quite appealing and unbelievably attractive.

At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill provides stunning glimpses of lofty snow peaks, including Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre, Dhampus, Annapurna South, and Mt. Nilgiri. The sight of magnificent dales at the bottom with the surrounding forest makes the sight even more heartwarming.

This hilly region also has beautiful villages with verdant meadows and tranquil lakes. The charming little towns with strikingly beautiful valleys and scenic locations also capture the eye of visitors.

There’s greenery everywhere in spring while Autumn has lovely fall colors to offer the visitors. Sunrise view from Poon Hill and Ghandruk is one of the greatest highlights of this exciting trek. Travelers also have a pretty good chance of confronting wild animals.

4. Short Distance

Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is probably one of the shortest and easily reachable hikes in Nepal. It can be done by anyone, even amateur hikers who have no previous trekking experience. The total distance between Kathmandu and Poon Hill is only 177 km, so trekkers can promptly drive to the beautiful Pokhara city and then trek to Poon Hill.

It takes merely five and a half hours to reach Pokhara, from where the journey to Ghorepani starts. The trail passes many small villages, ascends steep hills, and crosses rivers to arrive at Poon Hill. Most of the walk is peaceful, with jaw-dropping views of mountain slopes and lush green hills. The trail from Poon Hill to Ghandruk also covers a distance of 9.8 km, which can be done within 3-4 hours. They don’t have to follow an intense fitness regimen or spend hours and hours in the gym to get in shape. They also don’t have to bring any mountaineering equipment except for the clothes according to season, a couple of pairs of hiking shoes, and a trekking pole.

Preparation of Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek

Much preparation doesn’t go on Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek. Provided its short-distance walking trails and fast access, trekkers don’t have to plan the trip in advance. Similarly, they don’t have to throw themselves in heavy exercise or spend months doing workouts. They can simply lean on regular activities and a healthy diet to finish the hike.

Staying fit is key for any trekkers while hiking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk. Weather and temperature are what visitors must check out before heading up to the hill station. They must also carry all the essential items needed during the trip; otherwise, the journey might be oddly challenging.

Walking a few short trails before the actual trek will do no harm to the hikers. In fact, it’ll more or less help them to tackle the rough terrain of Ghandruk. They might also want to take a few snacks just in case and other personal items for a safe and delightful expedition.

Equipment required for Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek

With a short and easy hiking route, trekking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk may seem like a piece of cake. But, trekkers shouldn’t get fooled by it and make the necessary preparation ahead of the trek. They must especially keep a close watch on the gears required for the hike.

What you’re picking will define how easy and comfortable the excursion will be. So, the items you choose should be based on the trek’s difficulty, weather, duration, and total distance. Carrying unnecessary things will only add to the weight of the backpack, so you must be conscious of the things taken on the trip.

Put some effort into researching and finding out what kind of equipment suits the particular season and its climatic condition. Don’t forget to bring the trekking poles if you’re not used to taking the steep inclines or bouncy path.

To determine what to bring on the trek, you must first decide when to travel. It will be a lot of help to pick the clothes for the trip. Here are some of the most common trekking equipment for Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk.

Clothing & Footwear

• Quick-drying pants or shorts
• Moisture-wicking t-shirt
• Long sleeve shirt to avoid sunburn
• Windproof or lightweight fleece jacket
• Sturdy trekking boots
• Shoes suited for all kinds of terrain
• Gloves or mittens for winter
• Warm hat and jacket to prevent cold wind
• Synthetic or woolen socks
• Hiking backpack

Miscellaneous items

• First-aid supplies
• Personal toiletries, including sanitizers
• Water bottles or reservoir with water purifier
• Extra batteries, power bank, and phone charger
• Sunglasses to escape the heat
• Insect repellent