Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek Highlights:
- Arrive in Kathmandu, the Capital city of Nepal, also very popularly known as the city of temples.
- Overnight stay at Thamel Bazaar, a colorful, vibrant town, once a dwelling place of the hippies.
- Scenic Mountain flight to the Lake City of Pokhara.
- Explore Pokhara (822m) and Phewa Lake, the land of beauty and natural wonders.
- The captivating view of the pristine holy Fishtail (Machhapuchchhre) and the Annapurna Range.
- Scenic Drive to Jhinu Danda, the natural hot spring.
- Overnight at the ancient town of Chhomrong with the view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail, and extensive, vibrant green hills.
- Walk to Ghorepani, the world’s largest rhododendron-growing forest area.
- Morning hike to Poon Hill, the vantage point for the exceptional sunrise and mountain view.
- 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).
- Another scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with gorgeous mountain views.
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 people in the West, popularly known as GURUNG.
Despite being a short 4-day trek, it certainly has so much to offer. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't fancy walking on this most exquisite trail, which is unique in its own right.
More to the point, this short 4-day 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 best-selling and the highlight of the Annapurna region.
This short trek is in reality the finishing point of the great Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is a finishing line that brings trekkers back to civilization after their epic journey around the iconic Annapurna massif.
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 Rings 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 will witness a spectacular display of vibrant rhododendron flowers in various colors, including red, pink, and white. This creates a magical ambiance throughout the trail.
It is said that the trek delivers a beautiful, magical moment as you walk the unique forest trail. You will 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.
This small circuit trek certainly delivers anyone a very beautiful trekking experience. The highlight of the trek is an overnight stay in the town of Ghorepani. Certainly, the town of Ghorepani, with all the blue-roofed teahouses, is a wonderland.
It is amazingly wonderful with all the woodlands, wildlife, and soaring snowcapped mountains as the backdrop. Now it is one of the popular trips in the Annapurna trekking category.
Ancient History of Ghorepani:
The ancient settlement of Ghorpani is situated at a height of 2,874 m / 9,429 feet. During the departed years, this spectacular ridge of Ghorepani served as a crucial meeting 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' means HORSE and 'PANI' means 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-tribes. 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 continue to be a favorite destination for all. If you are seeking 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.
Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,530 feet):
The most significant highlight of this trip is the 45-minute early morning excursion to the ridge of POON HILL. Poon Hill is situated at a height of 3,210 meters / 10,530 feet. This stunning vantage point in the Annapurna region is a fashionable spot for spectacular sunrise and sunset views.
Besides, it 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: A 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 GORGE, the world’s deepest gorge, which is phenomenal. The prominence of the Poon Hill Ghorepani trek is such 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 the Poon Hill Trek?
Poon-Hill Ghorepani Trek can be done throughout the year. Spring and Autumn are considered the best trekking seasons in Nepal. However, there are a few treks in Nepal, including Ghorepani, that can be done in the winter as well. Trekkers from around the world trek to Poon Hill even during the time of Monsoon (June to Early September).
Due to Climate Change, the traditional Spring and Autumn seasons are no longer as favorable as they used to be. Winter is extending further into the Spring season, making it very dry and hazy. Similarly, the Monsoon is extending further till October, making the autumn season wet and cloudy.
All this is making the Winter Season more favorable to do the Poon Hill trek due to the certainty of crystal clear weather. During winter Poon Hill trek is best illustrated as a 'Christmas Trip Destination'. The advantages of trekking in winter are unobstructed views, clear weather, and fewer crowds. You can enjoy serenity and solitude.
However, during the winter months, the trails may be slippery due to snow and ice. Also, note that the temperatures can drop significantly. So it is important to be prepared for cold weather.
When Roads Replace Trekking Trails: The Changing Face of Ghorepani
This stunning short trek, the finishing point of the great Annapurna Circuit Trek, is evolving in a good or bad way. Trekkers from around the world earned it walking ancient mountain trails, where every view was a hard-earned reward.
However, local authorities have now constructed a jeepable road all the way to Ghorepani starting from Birethanti village. Many are of the thought that this development has drastically changed the classic Ghorepani trekking experience.
The construction of this new road may bring benefits to local communities, but it also introduces challenges. Though you may enjoy incredible off-road driving to Ghorepani but it is turning pristine mountain air into a dusty experience. Significantly, the overcrowded local buses and jeeps have limited safety standards on these narrow mountain roads.
Truly, the road has quietly stolen the magic of the Ghorepani experience. What was once a peaceful journey through pristine rhododendron forests is now a big road interrupted by buses, jeeps, and loud horns.
So the billion-dollar question is - would you choose wheels over feet in the sacred mountains?
