Poon Hill Tourism, Nepal: How To Reach, Best Time and Tips.

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There are two routes to get on top of this famous viewpoint. One route is shorter while the other is a bit of a long climb. The route that starts from the north is steep, and many suffer from breathing difficulty.

The other option is called Ghorepani poon hill trekking. If you start walking from Ghorepani, you can reach Poon Hill viewpoint within 45minutes. It is much easier of the two and very popular. As this is a short trek, you need to be moderately physically fit to make this journey. Because of more people using this route, it usually is crowded.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking

Ghorepani is a village in Nepal that falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). The meaning of the name is water for horses (Ghore means horses and Pani mean water). The saying goes like that tradesman with their riding horses used to rest here and their horses also.

It is wise to travel light because there are many guest house or lodges on this route. Mountain trekkers can easily stay, eat local food and enjoy a good night’s sleep before their trip to sunrise. This homestay gives the opportunity to get close to the local people.

The traveling trail is beautiful and natural surroundings. You get to see the evergreen forest full of flora and fauna. The forest is full of rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal. Sometimes you get to see animals like musk deer, mountain goat (Himalayan Thar), languor monkey and black bears.

You will cross the Gandaki river and pass through villages where belonging to Gurung and Magar ethnicity. These Nepalese nationalities have interesting and different cultures. They are very hospitable, and homestay with them is another reason you should extend your stay.

The Journey

To reach poon hill nepal. First, you arrive at Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. From Kathmandu, you need to reach Pokhara city which is the base of trekking in the Annapurna region. Tourists choose from the variety of mode of transportation available to come to Pokhara.

Bus, car or plane, any of them can be taken. You don’t need to book your flight earlier because it may so happen that the flight is delayed or canceled due to bad weather condition. If you are flying, it is wise to take the decision when you have seen the weather.

Poon Hill Weather

Usually, Poon Hill enjoys four different weather in a year. They are namely winter, spring, summer and autumn. December to February is the winter season, from March until May it is spring, summer season continues from June to August and September to November is time for Autumn. March to April as well as October to November the weather here is pretty good. So, these periods can be considered as

the best season for trekking. After the monsoon the sky remains clear, that makes October is the best season for trekking.

Trekking Gears

You should pack lightly but wisely. The day is warm and the night is cold. Proper clothing is necessary. In the backpack, pack personal toiletries, camera, extra clothing keeping in mind the weight remains within 2-5 kg.

Most important of all are hiking boots- they should be comfortable, worn in and lightweight. Some essential things to bring along are clothing like down and another warm jacket, two sets of windbreaker trousers, two sets of windproof pants, wool/cotton socks, raincoat and rucksack sleeping bag.

Also carry a hat, head light, gloves, sun cream/lip balm and sunglasses, metal water bottle, spare batteries of camera and charger, Flip flops, It is wise to carry general medicine, emergency first aid kit. In case you have forgotten to bring staff, no need to worry. There are local rental stores ready to rent essentials like sleeping bags (80 Rupees per day), two down jackets (100 Rupees per day), etc.

Trekking Packages

There are many trekking agencies available who are offering excellent trekking service. They are more or less similar in service, but it is wise to ask around or get information beforehand. You can hire a guide to go yourself if thinking of saving money.

Advantages of having a guide are- they know the route better so more time for you to enjoy rather than worrying about the right direction, accommodation and eating facilities.Typically, the Poon hill trekking takes between 5-7 days to complete.

Usually, the trekking starts from Naya Pul. You can get to by taxi from Pokhara. That will cost around USD 8 and an hour. The trail starts from Naipaul village. Along the trail, you will enjoy the natural surrounding with its natural habitats.

Once we reach the river bank, usually the first night is spent here. Nest morning, starting very early ascending starts. The main goal of the next day’s journey is to reach the summit by dawn. From this viewpoint get an uninterrupted, panoramic and spectacular show of sunrise on dozens of Great Himalaya range.

Then you will trek east to Tadapani (2590m) and continue from Annapurna Base Camp to Chhomrong for a whole day and rest overnight. Following day cross village of Gandruk, and reach Gorkha and stay there for a night.

On the final day of you may trek through Dhampus village, trek down to Phedi after having lunch there and finally will be transported back to Pokhara. Highlights of this trip are excellent views of Dhawalagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Sunrise at Poon Hill nepal, Explore Gurung culture in Ghaundrung and Visit Annapurna conservation office.

Another trekking route goes from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani, then either to Tadapani and Ghandruk or Jhinu. After that back to Nayapul where you drive back to Pokhara. The first day is easy and consists of uphill journey.

There is a restaurant that serves food, better to have lunch here. After continuing for another few hours village of Tikhedunga arrives. You can check in the guest house and have good nights rest after dinner. Next day you start for Ghorepani which will take about 7-8 hours of trekking.

You can spend the day appreciating the view of the mountain range. Next day, very early morning make the ascend to poon hill for the sunrise that takes about 45 minutes. This remarkable short trek will make you fall in love with the Nepal Himalayan Mountains. Then head back to Gandruk after downhill hiking. This quite but large village offers outstanding views of the Annapurna.

Where To Eat, And Stay During Trekking

The good news is that this trek is also called tea house trek. This particular Trek is not at all like typical surviving in the wild type of trek. So, during the trek, you stop at villages and stay at houses offering lodging and food. Here is the opportunity to enjoy hot and deliciously home cooked food all along the trek.

Dal bhat is the principal food of the Nepalese people. It consists of rice, dal soup, vegetables, and with a taste of achar chili sauce this meal provides much-needed energy for the trekking.You need to pay normally from 300-400 rupees for Dal baht.

Some other options are Tibetan bread, porridge, fried noodles, and fried rice. You can enjoy good tea as desserts. All meals were about 300 Rupees. The price of food may seem a bit high here, but the reason behind that is that all the ingredients are brought up on mules back.

But if you are worried about adjusting to the food, do bring packaged food like canned foods, noodles in a cup, cereals in sachets. Drinking water is not available everywhere.So, options are to buy a new bottle every day or refill empty bottles.

Per bottle costs around 100 rupees, but the price goes high depending on higher you have climbed. What one needs to remember is to purify the water after refilling from the local sources. There is water purifying tablet available. Make sure to buy and carry plenty.

Costs Of Trek

A rough estimation of the costs can be made keeping in mind that they may change according to the person’s arrangement. For a single person on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, a total cost may come as approximately close to 25000-29500 rupees or $250-300.

The expense can be broken down into details as $20/day for five days trekking (includes accommodation and food) =$100, Taxi to starting point =$15, taxi back to Pokhara =$6, guide ($20 per day) =$100, trek permit =$30.

Tips For The Tourist

Poon hill trek is also suitable as the most popular family vacation because it is short and easy. The very romantic sunrise and sunset view along with cozy environment are ideal for newlyweds to plan their honeymoon. Kids can enjoy the attractive landscape and different types of birds and animals in its natural surroundings, not even possible in a city zoo.

You just need to pack your essentials and get on board a plane to fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Fly for another 20 minutes or ride a bus for 6 hours 200 km west, and now you are in the city of Pokhara, the gateway to the Ghorepani Poon hill trek. You are all set to make the journey of your lifetime.

You should show respect to local traditions. Their Customs, values, and sentiments to help protect local culture and maintain local pride. Be respectful of holy places. There are plenty of Police checkpoints which can not be avoided. Moreover, the park officers can check your permits at any time.

If you do not have the proper trekking permits, they can charge you with a fine that is going to cost you a lot of money.