Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek Highlights:
- Being in Kathmandu, the Capital city of Nepal also very popularly known as the city of temples.
- Your overnight stay at Thamel Bazaar, once a dwelling place of the hippy and you still feel their presence with its intact hippy setting.
- The early drive to Pokhara through the slender highway is special. This drive delivers picturesque views, beautiful landscapes, gorges, and farming terraces along with a glimpse of snow-clad mountains in the backdrop.
- Being at Pokhara (820 m), the second biggest city also very popularly known as the second home of the tourists is the land of extravagant beauty that triggers excitement despite its 6 hours drive.
- The beautiful Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the Himalayas mounting at the backdrop create an atmosphere of peace and delight.
- The view of the holy Fishtail (Machhapuchchhre), and the range of Annapurna from Pokhara is phenomenal.
- The next day’s drive and trek to Ghandruk are adventurous. Ghandruk is the biggest cultured Gurung village with a grand view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail along with extensive vibrant green hills.
- Walk to Ghorepani, the world’s largest rhododendron-growing forest area.
- The morning excursion to Poonhill for the exceptional sunrise view is one cherishing moment.
- Poon Hill is endowed with a spectacular panoramic mountain view. The highlight is the scenic view of Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
- View of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche (6920m), Dhampus (6012m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna Fang (7647m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Gangapurna (7454m), and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6993m).
- Eventually, a short flight to Kathmandu with gorgeous mountain views and the landscape is interestingly incredible.
Poon Hill Ghorepani Trip Overview:
Poon Hill Ghorepani trek is a small circuit trek giving you ample opportunity to witness the majestic Annapurna range. Dissolve yourself in the spectacular landscape and understand the culture of the Western people popularly known as GURUNG. Despite being a short 5 days trek it certainly has so much to offer. There isn't one who doesn’t fancy walking on this most exquisite trail which is unique on its own.
More to the point, this short 4 days teahouse Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is as popular as any trekking destination in Nepal. Every year thousands of people pick it as their spot of vacation including trekkers, biologists, and naturalists. It's one of the bestselling and the highlight of the Annapurna region. This short trek is in reality the finishing point of the great Annapurna Circuit Trek. This small circuit trek certainly delivers anyone with a very beautiful trekking experience.
“Go on an Adventure to find yourself where you truly belong”
Ancient History of Ghorepani:
During departed years Ghorepani served as a crucial meetup junction for the salt traders. The history of Ghorepani village thus, is deeply intertwined with the traditional trade routes that once connected various parts of Nepal and Tibet. It was significantly one of the most convenient sites for traders' reunions during the Salt Trade Era.
This beautiful settlement is aptly named "Ghorepani". Ghorepani was indeed Ghode-Pani. The name Ghorepani originates from two-syllable Nepali words: "Ghode" meaning horse, and "Pani" meaning water. Over time, the name evolved from the original Ghode-Pani to the smoother, more easily pronounced Ghorepani that we know today. Simple interpretation: 'Ghore or Ghode' - Horse and 'Pani' - Water - so literally Ghorepani means Horse - Water.
Ghorepani assumes such a unique name because it served as a place for traders to feed their animals (horses, mules, and donkeys) with fresh water. This beautiful ridge was an important stopover point. The traders from Nepal and Tibet and their mule caravans traveling between the lower and the trans-Himalayan region met at this point.
Legends speak of Ghorepani being a perfect terminal for the Barter System during ancient times. Ghorepani or Ghodepani then certainly served as an appropriate meeting point or junction where traders from both regions exchanged their merchandise.
Historically, this part of the region was said to have been inhabited by the indigenous people of GURUNG and MAGAR. This is the reason why we have Poon Hill which in reality is Pun Hill where PUN is one of the Magar sub-tribe. Both the Gurungs and Magars have a rich cultural history. They are very well known across the globe for their bravery as soldiers in the British and Indian armies as GORKHAS or GURKHAS. Even today, the traditions and cultural practices of this particular ethnic group are an integral part of life in the Ghorepani region.
However, in the mid-20th century, with the introduction of tourism in the Annapurna region Ghorepani became a highlight. It began to attract trekkers and adventurers from around the world.
Today thousands of international and domestic tourists visit Ghorepani and continues to be a favorite destination for all. If you are seeking for a short hike or short drive to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna, Ghorepani is the best choice. This stunning ridge offers stunning mountain vistas with opportunities to witness the local way of life.
The Beauty of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Certainly, this beautiful hill with all the blue-roofed teahouses is a wonderland. Ghorepani is amazingly wonderful with all the woodlands, wildlife, and soaring snowcapped mountains at the backdrop. Now it is one of the popular trips in the Annapurna trekking category.
Poon Hill Ghorepani trek takes you into the lush woodland of rhododendron, maple, bamboo, and oak. Most of the forest setting along the trail is very dramatic and assumes the name of 'Lord of the Ring Trail'. During the Spring season, especially in April, the trail in this region looks very magical. Due to all the fall-off flowers on the trail, it literally makes it more like a 'wedding trail' which is outstanding.
This Annapurna Panorama Trek certainly has one of the most beautiful forest settings. Depending on the time of year, you'll witness a spectacular display of vibrant rhododendron flowers in various colors, including red, pink, and white. This creates a magical ambiance throughout the trail.
One of the highlights of the trek is the magical impression as you walk this unique forest trail. As you ascend the trail, you'll encounter diverse landscapes ranging from lush green forests to alpine meadows. The ever-changing scenery keeps the trek engaging and visually stunning. Similarly, during the trek, you can relish breathtaking sunset views from various vantage points.
Poon Hill (3193m / 10,475 feet):
The most significant highlight of this trip is the 45 minutes early morning excursion to the ridge of POON HILL. Poon Hill is a fashionable spot for spectacular sunrise and sunset view. Besides, it also offers a grandiose view of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche (6920m), Dhampus (6012m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna Fang (7647m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Gangapurna (7454m), and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6993m).
As you reach the summit of Poon Hill you will witness abundant travelers both local and international. Everyone is there to witness this miraculous sunrise view which is simply magical. There is a view tower where you can climb further for a better shot. Furthermore, it is always wise to get away from the maddening crowd that usually comes before your camera. Usually, it's pretty chilly up in the Hill so you may buy yourself hot drinks in a small tea shop that is run by the Ghorepani Community.
NOTE: Minimal entrance fee of NPR 200 is charged to everyone to get to Poon Hill - it's just a small amount.
Moreover, it presents you with the most sensational view of KALI GANDAKI, the world’s deepest gorge which is phenomenal. The prominence of the Poon Hill Ghorepani trek is so much that it is flooded with local and international tourists all through the year.
Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek can be done all through the year:
When is the best time to do Poon Hill Trek?
Poon-Hill Ghorepani Trek can be done all through the year. Spring and Autumn are considered the best trekking season in Nepal. However, there are a few treks in Nepal including Ghorepani that can be done all through the winter. Trekkers from around the world trek to Poon Hill even during the time of Monsoon (June to Early September).
Winter is also best for the Poon Hill trek due to the sureness of crystal clear weather. During winter Poon Hill trek is best illustrated as a 'Christmas Trip Destination'. However, during the winter months, the trails may be slippery due to snow and ice. It is also important to note that the temperatures can drop significantly. So it is important to be prepared for cold weather.
