Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Vs Upper Mustang Trek Comparision
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek | Upper Mustang Trek |
| Spectacular sunrise and sunset views from Poon Hill (3,210m) | Dramatic sunrises and sunsets over high desert landscapes |
| Panoramic vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges | Panoramic Vistas of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Mustang Peaks, etc. |
| Lush Rhododendron Forests, historical terraced fields, and traditional villages | Arid Tibet-like terrain, colorful sunbaked canyons like underneath the ocean |
| Gurung and Magar community with traditional teahouses | Tibetan Buddhist Gurungs and Bistas with Tibetan cultures and teahouses |
| Effortless trail through forests and hills, suitable for beginners and kids as well | High-altitude desert, undulating trails with steep ascents and descents. |
| Attraction - Poon Hill, typical gurung and Magar villages, and panoramic views. | Attraction - Walled city, ancient palaces, monasteries, fortresses and caves. |
| It is easily accessible and doesn't require any special permits. | Restricted Area and Special Restricted Area Permit is mandatory worth USD 500 |
| Classic Himalayan mountain views. | Unique high desert landscapes with snow-capped mountain views. |
Ghorepani Poon Hill and Upper Mustang Trek Overview
If you are looking for a combination trek in Nepal to experience a completely diverse landscape then Ghorepani Poon Hill and Upper Mustang trek is a fantastic choice. Both this trek falls in the Annapurna Conservation Area but the differences in this two areas is utterly diverse.
One would be surprised to have such variation in one region where Ghorepani is lush and green on the other hand Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert. The combination of Ghorepani Poon Hill and Upper Mustang showcases the incredible diversity of landscapes, culture, ecosystem and people.
Both Ghorepani Poon Hill and Upper Mustang trek are the most popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region. One destination tells you about the traditional Hindu and Buddhist Nepali cultures whereas the other tells you about long preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture. They are the areas that represent both modern Nepal as well the most fascinating ancient elements of this beautiful country.
Ghorepani talks about its legends and how it played a crucial role during the Salt Trade Era between Nepal and Tibet. On the other hand, Upper Mustang talks about its legends on the first 8th-century monastery, 14th-century ancient palaces, the Khampas (Tibetan Warriors), etc. Furthermore, Mustang gives you a rich account of Guru Rimpoche also popularly known as Guru Padmasambhava.
About Ghorepani Poon Hill:
Both Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Annapurna region. It is the last section of the iconic Annapurna Circuit Trek that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Every year thousands of trekkers both national and international visit Ghoreapani and hike to Poon Hill for a sunrise view.
Ghorepani is a picturesque settlement at an altitude of around 2,850 meters / 9,350 feet. These days, famous treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek are done via Ghorepani Poon-Hill. The village is surrounded by lush rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung and Magar settlements.
Ghorepani served as a popular junction during the Salt Trade Era between Nepal and Tibet. It was a place where the traders with their horses and mules used to meet and feed them water. Gradually, Ghorepani became an appropriate place for exchanging their barter. This is the reason why this place was named GHODE (horse) and PANI (water). With time Ghode Pani became Ghorepani.
On the other hand, Poon Hill is a stunning vantage point which is located 45 minutes away from Ghorepani. This vantage point is a height of 3,210 meters / 10,530 feet. It offers you a most spectacular view of prominent mountains like the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, and Fishtail including the view of the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki.
Both the sunrise and sunset view from Poon Hill is spectacular that creates a magical and unforgettable experience.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Brief:
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Nayapul (1,070m).
- Continue the trek to Ghorepani (2,850m) the following day.
- Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m) for a breathtaking sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
- Trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani (1,200m) and then drive to Jomsom the next day and further trek to Kagbeni
- Overnight in teahouses or lodges throughout the trek.
- Shortly enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang
About Upper Mustang:
Upper Mustang is a remote and culturally rich region of Nepal. It is often referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" due to its restricted access until 1992. The Upper Mustang offers a unique landscape, ancient Tibetan Buddhist elements, and a preserved Tibetan culture.
Mustang is very different from other trekking destinations in Nepal. Unlike Everest Base Camp or the Langtang region, it is more arid and desert-like terrain. If you imagine a dried-out ocean, that is what Upper Mustang is like with rugged cliffs, mud canyons, and colorful landscape formations.
Trekking in Upper Mustang is certainly a remarkable experience. It is a restricted area, due to its closest proximity to Tibet (China) and was opened to the outside world only in 1992. Being a restricted area, foreigners require a special permit that costs USD 500 for a 10-day limitation. However, you can extend your stay further than 10 days but you cannot reduce the 10-day requirement.
The trek takes you through traditional Tibetan villages, whitewashed houses, and centuries-old monasteries. The walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region, is a major highlight. It showcases an ancient palace, narrow alleys, mud-painted brick houses, and ancient monasteries.
The culture of Upper Mustang is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, and you'll encounter numerous monasteries. People of Upper Mustang are known as the "LO" and have preserved their unique traditions and lifestyle over the centuries. They have a distinct dialect, traditional dress, and unique festivals.
So to say this 18-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill and Upper Mustang trek is indeed very fascinating.
Upper Mustang Trek in Brief:
- Scenic Drive from Tatopani to Jomsom.
- Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,810m), the ancient town and the gateway to the restricted area of the Upper Mustang.
- Trek along the Kali Gandaki gorge to Chele (3,050m), Syangboche (3,800m), and Tsarang (3,560m), passing through the unique landscapes of the Mustang region.
- Reach Lo-Manthang (3,840m), the ancient walled capital of Mustang.
- Explore Lo-Manthang and its surrounding areas, including the ancient monasteries, palaces, and ancient sky caves.
- Trek back via Ghar Gompa, the 8th-century monastery (the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery built by Guru Rimpoche)
- Drive to Marpha, the stone-built ancient town – Explore the beautiful village of Marpha and trek to Jomsom.
- Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara through the world's deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki.
