Poon Hill trek Nepal

Poon Hill Trek Nepal, is a relatively easy walk meandering through villages and rhododendron forests. This invigorating trek reveals some of the best views of the Himalayas especially from the Poon Hill which is considered as the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region by many trekkers and perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints that exist on this earth. Reaching a maximum altitude of 3210m, anyone with a normal level of fitness would easily undertake this trek comfortably. Test your stamina at the Ulleri Hill with more than 3,000 stone steps, one of the world’s largest numbers of stone steps on a hill of this kind. Just imagine the magnificence of the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas that you will witness during this trek, illuminating the peaks of the entire range and leaving you spellbound!

The Poon Hill trek Nepal begins with a guided sightseeing program in Kathmandu. After we take a flight to reach serene lakeside city of Pokhara, the real walking begins from Nayapul. While trekking along to Ulleri and Ghorepani, we marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders – Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Reaching the final destination of Poon Hill (3210m) is a reward in itself, perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth. The added presence of rice terraces completes the picture making it a photographer’s paradise. Then trek to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk and enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Gurung Museum. Trekking through the Rhododendron forest that bloom with red flowers during the springtime, descend down to Birethanti, passing by waterfalls and few small villages & settlements. Walk to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara which announces the end of this marvellous trek.
Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring(March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Sunrise Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sunrise Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature.

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport, after completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and be transferred to Hotel Shanker or a similar category hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest, hang around in the city, visit our office; it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal: Dinner (D)

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast, we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Glacier Trekking briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. You might shop around the city if you need any gears for the trek during the evening time. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meal: Breakfast (B)

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 03: Fly to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft] and Trek to Ulleri [2050 m/6725 ft]: 30 min flight and 6 hrs trek
Early morning flight to Pokhara. Be sure to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Numerous lakes of Pokhara, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali, offer fishing, boating and swimming. After taking rest for some time, drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. We pass through sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. After lunch, cross the Modi Khola river via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of your stamina. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon. (B, L, D)

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 04: Ulleri to Ghorepani [2750 m/ 9020 ft]: 4-5 hrs trek
We make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means horse-water owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker’s stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. The town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings. (B, L, D)

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 05: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani [2700m/8,860 ft]: 6-7 hrs

To catch the magnificent splendor of sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3200mtrs). Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft) is a great viewpoint from where we will be able to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys including the closest views of more than 20 highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photos and having some coffee, tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, head east and climb a nearby ridge. Descend through rhododendron forest, pass by small mountain villages and spectacular waterfalls along the way to Tadapani.(B, L, D)

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 06: Tadapani to Ghandruk [1940m/6360 ft]: 3-4 hrs
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek is through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into gardens of dazzlingly beautiful flowers, mostly red, when seen from the air or from far. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we will be pleasantly surprised by the sight of some cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking some more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annaurna South, and Hiuchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. (B, L, D)

Poon Hill trek Nepal Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 07: Ghandruk to Pokhara: 4 hrs trek and 1 hr drive
Today, we trek from Ghandruk to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara. The trek is downhill all the way to Birethanti. We step onto a staircase paved with stone slabs, curving in and out of the village and then terraced farms. It keeps going down almost without breaks from Ghandruk until Modi Khola river valley. By the time we arrive at Birethanti, some of us would feel like having made a downhill marathon. But our marathon is not over yet. From Birethanti, a half-an-hour’s walk takes us to Naya Pul. The journey on foot comes to an end at Nayapul. Then we drive from Nayapul to Pokhara. (B, L)

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 08: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 30 min flight
We choose afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Till some hours before flight, you may take an optional sightseeing tour in and around Pokhara or enjoy adventure activities such as boat riding, paragliding, etc. While returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara, be sure to catch the left side of airplane for the best views of Himalayas. In Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel; the day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. In the evening, celebration dinner together. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. (B, D)

Poon Hill trek Nepal DAY 09: Farewell Friend
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)

Poon Hill trek Nepal: Pricing due to currency fluctuations and seasonal changes please inquire for the best possible price.

Poon Hill trek Nepal: What’s Included:
All airport/hotel transfers
3 nights in 4-star hotel in Kathmandu ( Hotel Shanker or similar standard) and 1 night in 2-3 star hotel in Pokhara (both on B.B basis)
Welcome and farewell dinner
All accommodation and meals during the trek
A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Himalayan Glacier Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)

All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, TIMS )
A comprehensive medical kit
All government and local taxes

Poon Hill trek Nepal: What’s NOT Included:
Bring 2 passport size photographs
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Excess baggage charges
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara(and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips for guides and porters