Nepal is a Himalayan country, there are many adventure walking sports in the countryside with the best Mountain and sunrise. Today we’re going to discuss the classic top Mountain View trek in Nepal, Easy Trek, best for beginner hikers, located near Pokhara city. The hiking route doesn’t require a long holiday but this adventure offers you the best Annapurna panorama view with beautiful sunrise called Annapurna Poon Hill Sunrise Trekking. The following information will be caring you before planning this trip to Poon Hill hiking also we’re doing our best for providing the best information about Poon Hill Sunrise Trek’s information, weather, and why poon hill sunrise trek? The weather conditions, the best month to visit, food, and lodge accommodation.
Poon Hill Sunrise Trek
The Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is one of the most popular and iconic trekking routes in Nepal, known for its stunning views, relatively easy difficulty level, and accessibility for trekkers of all levels. It is a short trek, ideal for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without the rigorous challenges of longer treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp.
Why Choose the Poon Hill Trek?
Trekking porter resting: The photo taken from Ghorepani Deurali
1. Unbeatable Sunrise Views: Poon Hill is famous for its spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas, including peaks like Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Machapuchare (6,993 meters), Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna South, and Himalchuli.
2. Accessibility: The trek is relatively short and doesn't require advanced mountaineering skills. This makes it a great option for trekkers with limited time or those who are new to trekking in the Himalayas.
3. Scenic Beauty: The route takes you through dense forests, charming Gurung villages, terraced fields, and rhodendron groves (especially in spring). The views along the way are as impressive as the summit.
4. Cultural Experience: You will pass through Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani, where you can experience the local lifestyle, culture, and cuisine of the Gurung and Magar communities.
Key Details of the Trek
The trekkers walking to Ghorepani/Poon Hill through Ulleri, Banthati
1. Duration:
- Typical Duration: 4-5 days.
- The trek can be completed in 4 days if you're in good shape and start early each day. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can stretch it out to 5 days.
2.Trek Difficulty:
- Easy to Moderate: The trek is considered easy to moderate.
- The trail is well-defined and doesn't require technical climbing skills. However, you will need to walk for 4-7 hours per day on some uphill and downhill sections, so a basic level of fitness is required.
3. Accommodation:
- Teahouses/Lodges: The route has plenty of teahouses (small guesthouses) offering basic accommodation along the way. These teahouses offer a warm bed, shared bathrooms, and sometimes hot showers (depending on the location). Rooms are simple with basic bedding. Note: Rooms typically have a single bed, a mattress, and a blanket. You may need to pay extra for hot showers or Wi-Fi.
- Ghorepani and Ghandruk are popular places with good teahouse accommodations
4. Food:
- The teahouses along the Poon Hill trek offer a variety of local and international dishes: Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice): A staple in Nepali trekking, often served with vegetables or chicken. Momo (dumplings): A popular snack.
- Tibetan bread, pasta, fried rice, noodles, and French fries are commonly available.
- Chocolates, snacks, and tea/coffee are available at every stop.
- The food is typically hearty, but some trekkers may find it repetitive.
5. Season:
The best seasons for the Poon Hill sunrise trek are:
- Spring (March to May): This is the peak season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is warm, and the rhododendron forests are in full bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
- Autumn (September to November): This is another ideal time for trekking, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and beautiful views. Autumn is also a peak trekking season in Nepal due to the stable weather.
- Winter (December to February): While it’s still possible to do the trek in winter, it can get quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Some higher-altitude areas may experience snowfall.
- Summer/Monsoon (June to August): It is less popular during the monsoon season because of heavy rains, which can make the trails slippery and muddy. There is also a higher chance of landslides.
6. Best Time to Trek:
The best time for the Poon Hill trek is either spring or autumn when the weather is clear, and the views are at their best. During these seasons, the trails are also relatively dry, making it easier to trek.
How easy to get transportation from Pokhara?
Private taxis and local bus transportation are available:
- For the local bus, you need to go to the bus station. Each way travel ticket costs USD 2-$3 per person but the local bus will not pick up you from your location and need a taxi ride to the bus park in Pokhara.
- Private taxis easily you can get near your hotel, it costs each way (Pokhara to Nayapul) $30-35$
The popularity of the Poon Hill Trek
Yes, Poon Hill is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, especially for first-time trekkers or those looking for a short, rewarding trek. It is located in the Annapurna Region, which is famous for trekking and offers various routes, including the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek. Poon Hill is often seen as a gateway trek to the Annapurna region, giving trekkers a taste of the Himalayas without committing to a longer trek.
Trekking Itinerary (Example of 4 Days)
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul – Trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri (approx. 4-5 hours)
From Pokhara, take a drive to Nayapul (around 1-2 hours) and begin the trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri (about 3-4 hours). Ulleri is a popular stop for its views and teahouses.
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri/Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (approx. 5-6 hours)
This day involves a steady uphill climb through rhododendron forests. Ghorepani is a busy village and is the base for the sunrise trek to Poon Hill.
Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill – Trek to Tadapani (approx. 5-6 hours)
Early morning, hike to Poon Hill (about 45 minutes) for the breathtaking sunrise view. Afterward, continue your trek to Tadapani.
Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk – Return to Pokhara (approx. 4-5 hours)
The trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk is a pleasant descent. After a short rest, take a jeep or walk back to Nayapul and return to Pokhara by vehicle.
Conclusion
The Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is a perfect choice for those seeking a short, beautiful trek with breathtaking mountain views. It's a relatively easy trek, accessible to most people with basic fitness, and offers the opportunity to experience Nepal’s stunning nature and culture. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a beginner, it offers a rewarding experience that shouldn't be missed! Deal your holiday with Nepal Spirit Adventure for the best service and quality service.