Short Poon Hill trek from Pokhara is an easy to moderate, beginner friendly trekking holidays in Nepal. The Poon Hill trail has the perfect balance of steep and gentle walks.
We have designed this budget-friendly, short venture in the Annapurna region and the Poon Hill Trekking provides a peek into Nepali culture and lets you taste the adrenaline of trekking in the Himalayas.
Poon Hill is a short trekking in Annapurna region Nepal that starts and ends in Pokhara. Poon hill trek will take you to the famous view point Poon hill above Ghorepani Village.
Embark on a short yet adventurous Poon Hill trekking from Pokhara in the Annapurna Himalayas and spend a night in the picturesque Ghorepani village.
From Pokhara, the trail ascends 3,210 meters to a hilltop called Poon Hill and offers sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and several other snowy mountains. The gentle pace of the trail through lush forests and remote mountain villages has won the hearts of hundreds of backpackers.
Throughout the Short Poon Hill hiking route, you get to witness majestic views of the western Himalayan Mountains. Giant mountains surround the Ghorepani village, and the scenery is tempting, too. Likewise, you see mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Hiuncuhli (6,441 m), Baraha Shikhar, and many others dominating the lush green hills and valleys.
Another great side of the Short Poon Hill trek of 3 days is the lovely villages and the locals. During the holiday, you pass by many settlement areas, including Tikhedhunga (1,480 m), Birethanti (1,263 m), Ulleri (2,070 m), and Ghorepani (2,874 m).
People from numerous communities reside in these villages and you see the daily lifestyle of mountain people and interact with them. Overall, the Short Poon Hill trek is an ultimate short trek and a must-do for everyone. In a matter of time, you can leave behind the chaos of Pokhara and hit the tranquil trail. On top of that, the trail is easygoing, so no preparation is needed at all.
There are so many attractions that make the Short Poon Hill one of the best short treks in the Himalayas. Remember to appreciate this Trek's experience just because of its quick itinerary.
We have mentioned some of the reasons that make the Poon Hill trek a must-do:
You do not have to go on long, expensive, challenging treks to enjoy Nepal's natural beauty. And you certainly do not have to do those things to escape in the Himalayas.
Short Poon Hill hike from Pokhara explores the lower belt of the Annapurna Himalayas, abundant in valleys, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and terraced fields. If you are in Pokhara, you are only an hour-long drive from the trail.
Poon hill is in the Annapurna conservation region. The trail winds through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a protected area and home to a diverse species of flora and fauna.
Short Poon Hill odyssey encompasses forested paths gleaming in a range of vegetation. Similarly, the chirping of birds and the occasional appearance of wildlife while walking intrigues the trail.
Short Poon hill route ascends and descends through lush woodlands. The short Poon Hill trip starts at Nayapul and goes through lush forests up to the highest point of the Trek. Some parts of the trail pass through dense forests, while others move along the foothills of lush green hills.
There are suspension bridges over rushing rivers and old wood bridges over small streams. You get to see stunning waterfalls and walk on long stone staircases. There are also a handful of steep uphill paths.
You pass by many fine rural villages while walking to Poon Hill. The most famous one on this trek is Ghorepani village, surrounded by rhododendron trees and mountains. Every town welcomes you with a different vibe and scenery.
The locals in the lower Annapurna come from many cultural backgrounds. You can see their different practices and lifestyles, living harmoniously with each other.
The locals are friendly, so feel free to interact with them. Our guide will help you break the conversation. Thanks to the frequent tourist visits, most of the locals understand English.
Poon Hill is a famous viewpoint in the Annapurna region, situated over Ghorepani village at 3,210 meters. This viewpoint offers sensational views of the Himalayan Mountains from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and numerous others.
The top of the viewpoint also provides a glorious sunrise along with a breathtaking landscape.
We at Outfitter Himalaya offer group cost for 3-day Short Poon hill Trek and the cost breakdown is as below:
| Number of trekkers | Price in USD per person |
| 1 Pax | 360.00 |
| 2 to 5 Pax | 300.00 |
| 6 to 8 Pax | 250.00 |
| 9 to 12 Pax | 200.00 |
| 13 and above Pax | Inquire |
Find the detailed trip plan for the short Poon Hill trek from Pokhara for 3 days. The 3-day itinerary is the shortest itinerary to complete trip and suitable for active trekkers with limited days who still want to experience trekking in Nepal to the fullest.
Furthermore, there are some other places to trek in the region, such as Tadapani and Ghandruk, we have some different itineraries for those who have more extended time, such as the Ghorepani-Ghandruk Trek from Pokhara or we have 10 days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Kathmandu.
The Short Poon Hill trek begins from Nayapul. It's a one-hour ride from Pokhara to Nayapul. From here, we start trekking towards Tikhedhunga. Once, we start walking, the trail offers a beautiful view of Fishtail. Trekking through valleys and waterfalls, we ascend to Birethanti. The trail continues through lush woodlands to Tikhedhunga.
After having breakfast in Tikhedhunga, we'll continue trekking towards Ghorepani village. The trail is 12.9 kilometers (8 miles) long. From Tikhedhunga, it descends and crosses a bridge over Bhurungdi Khola. From here onwards, you'll walk on long slate stairs to Ulleri. According to locals, there are 3767 of them.
On the way, you can see views of the Annapurna range. From Ulleri, the trail goes through lush forests to Ghorepani village via Nangethati. From Ghorepani village, you can see snow-clustered mountains like Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Gangapurna.
It is your last day of the Trek. You begin trekking towards Poon Hill early in the morning to catch the sunrise. It's an hour-long walk from Ghorepani village to Poon Hill. The trail is rough and steep. From this viewpoint, you can see mountains all around you. After enjoying the views, we descend to Ghorepani village and follow a downhill route to Nayapul.
The trail descends through small settlements and lush forests. From Nayapul, we drive to Pokhara and end the Trek.
We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest to hire a porter in between of two trekkers.
The best way to reach Pokhara is by taking a short flight from Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can take a tourist bus or hire a private vehicle. Please find add-on options if you want to book a flight to Pokhara or return and consult if you want to go by a tourist bus or private vehicle; we can also book these transports.
As you must have read in the above paragraphs, the Short Poon Hill trek is one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas.
We recommend this Trek to our underage and elderly trekkers, too. Anyone can join Short Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara. You only have to be healthy and fit enough to walk.
Talking about the trail, most of it gradually ascends through lush woodlands of rhododendrons, pine, and fir.
Along the way, you cross some thrilling bridges over rivers and streams. There can be some sections that are steep and rugged.
To prepare yourself for the Poon Hill hike, you can go on long walks and do cardio in the gym (if you are already exercising). Even though the Short Poon Hill hike stats in Pokhara is easy, you will have to walk 5 to 6 hours a day for three days. Therefore, you have to be able to walk that much. Your stamina plays a huge role.
Poon Hill Short trek is available throughout the year, but certain seasons offer the best experience. Let's look at the different seasons and their pros and cons.
Spring (March-May)
Spring and Autumn is the best season for the Poon Hill trek. The mild weather and the clear skies offer unobstructed views of the mountains. The rhododendron flower (The national flower of Nepal) blooms in full during this time, which adds a splash of color to your journey. However, spring is also the peak season for trekking in Nepal so that the trails can get crowded, and accommodations may be limited. It's essential to book your Trek in advance during this season.
Summer (June-August)
Summer in Nepal is monsoon season. However, the Short Poon Hill Trip is possible and doable in the summer season. Heavy rainfall can make the trails slippery and dangerous, and clouds and fog may obstruct the views. You must be more prepared when going on a monsoon season trip.
Autumn (September-November) Autumn is another popular season for trekking in Nepal, and for good reason.
The weather is pleasant, and the clear skies offer stunning views of the mountains. The trails are also less crowded than in spring, making it an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid the crowds.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is the least popular season for the Poon Hill trek, but it can still be a great time to visit. The weather is cold, but the skies are clear, offering uninterrupted views of the mountains. The trails are less crowded, and Accommodations may be more readily available. However, the temperatures can drop below freezing in winter, so it's essential to pack warm clothing and gear. The higher altitudes may also experience heavy snowfall, making the Trek more challenging.
Regardless of the season, there are certain items that you should always pack for the Poon Hill Short journey. These include:
It's also essential to pack according to the season. For example, you may need lighter clothing in spring and autumn, while you will require warmer layers in winter.
To make the most out of your Poon Hill trek, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Start Early
The Poon Hill trek offers stunning sunrise views, so it's essential to start your Trek early in the morning, which will also give you enough time to reach your destination before dark.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated during the Trek is crucial, especially at higher altitudes. Drink plenty of water and use bottled or safe water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Take Breaks
The Poon Hill trek can be physically demanding, so it's essential to take breaks and pace yourself, which will allow you to take in stunning views and capture some photos.
Respect the Culture
As you pass through traditional villages throughout the trip, respect the local culture and customs, dress modestly, and ask for permission before taking photos of the locals.
We chose Outfitter Himalaya trekking company after doing our research on trekking companies and we were not disappointed. Arjun was extremely hospitable and patient with our numerous questions.
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