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Poon Hill trek is one of the short treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal, which is perfect for those who would love to see the beauty of the Himalayas. Located at an elevation of 3,210meters, Poon Hill is a viewpoint where trekkers can witness appealing views of sunrise and sunset over the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trek normally starts from Nayapul, a village close to Pokhara, and then the route passes through beautiful Gurung and Magar ethnic villages, beautiful forests, and many terraced fields. These specific villages, coupled with the stunning backdrop, add to the cultural abundance of the region known as the Poon Hill Trek.
The trek to Poon Hill is not very strenuous hence can be done by everybody regardless of age, or physical ability. The trail is fairly easy and can be followed easily; the forests of rhododendrons or the fair flowering trees are particularly beautiful in the spring months. The major attraction of the trek is Poon Hill, which can be reached after spending the night at a village called Ghorepani. The distance from Ghorepani to the viewpoint is covered in one hour by climbing up the steep trail. This means that trekkers will begin the march early in the morning to capture the early morning rays of light on the snow-capped mountains, leaving most spellbound.
On the way, there is also a possibility of interacting with the local population by staying at homesteads with friendly people. Common eating facilities found in these lodges provide social forums where trekkers have an opportunity to meet and interact with people from various parts of the world. Providing an extra social aspect to the trekking experience. These tea houses are rather old fashioned, and set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty, the experience offered here is very authentic.
Besides, it is not only a trek like Poon Hill Trek, but also a trek that brings the spiritual and the reestablishing adventure. The soothing locales of the lower Himalayas, the pure air up there, and beautiful sightseeing are the treats that have, time and again, helped cure the stress and tensions of a busy life. Every square kilometer on this trail combines a feeling of accomplishment and an understanding of the environment around us. Categorically, it can be said that the Poon Hill Trek is a rewarding experience that will be fulfilling for both even the most novice of trekkers and the most experienced of tourists seeking a challenge as they traverse across some of the world's most stunning landscapes.
Length and terrain of the Poon Hill Trek
The Poon Hill Trek is short compared to the other trekking destinations. But it is very insightful and enjoyable if done in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Usually, the trek takes four or five days with a total distance of approximately 250-310 kilometers (or 155-185 miles). The journey: It starts at Nayapul, which is half an hour away from Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal, and passes through several Nepalese villages, forests, and terraced fields before leading you to Poon Hill, which stands at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet).
The hiking trails at the Poon Hill Trek vary from gentle inclination to steep as one approaches the viewpoint. Which features mostly ascending and slightly declining trekking at different locations on the trek. The upward trek starts through the Modi Khola River as the trail first passes through the forest of Rhododendron flowers that bloom in the spring. Trek lovers have to go through the stone-paved trails and cross three different suspension bridges and a few locally developed towns of Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk.
The final part of the trek, which is the climb to Ulleri, is one of the most demanding trekking exercises due to the approximately 3,000 steps they make of stones. However, the difficulty level of the Poon Hill Trek is considered moderate, and hence there is an opportunity for everyone to participate, whether you are formally trekking or hiking for the first time or you have the experience of trekking several times before. The routes are clear, with many attractive tea places and stopovers along the hillside to help trekkers stay calm.
The last climb to Poon Hill involves a two hours climb from Ghorepani early in the morning, which is steep for about 45 minutes to one hour. This part may be tiring as the trek starts early and entails considerable ascending. However, the view of the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is one sunrise view worth climbing. This is also a bonus as one is assured a fulfilling hiking experience without having to do extensive hiking. With the diverse topography in the region, Poon Hill Trek is ideal for hikers of all dint.
Poon Hill Trek Route
The trekking starts at Kathmandu; the trekkers either fly or drive to poon hill headquarters, which is Pokhara, a beautiful city known as the City of Lakes. It is a 25 km drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, and this is the place where the caption of the trek starts. Some of the villages one gets to see along the beautiful are Tikedhunga and Ghorepani, where the highest climbing of 3000 stone steps is involved in getting to the place. The best view of the sunrise along the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges can be obtained from atop Poon Hill if you undertake the exercise very early in the morning. The trek from Brumtar continues through thick rhododendron forests to another pretty village of Tadapani, with beautiful scenery and sociocultural interaction.
Continuing from Tadapani to the Gurung village of Ghandruk, on this leg of the trek, users get to see a lot of the traditional life of the people and magnificent views of mountains. On the last day, it drops down to Nayapul and takes you back to Pokhara on the drive for relaxation. In the end, the trek culminates back at Kathmandu, offering visitors a chance to visit sites of historical and cultural significance before reminiscing about their incredible trekking experience. This trail is relatively easy but still engaging enough, which, coupled with an appreciation of the local people and stunning views, makes it a very rewarding trek.
