Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 5 Days

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is designed for travelers having limited time but are eager to explore the wonders of the Annapurna region. The trek offers spectacular mountain scenery along charming villages. The maintained and well-marked trails provide the basic too additions needed. One of the easiest routes in the Annapurna region provides great views without traversing at high altitudes. This trek is ideal for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.

Overview:

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu toward the city of lakes Pokhara. The flight offers spectacular scenery of green hills and snowcapped mountains. Upon landing at Pokhara, visit various attractions around. Explore the deep narrow gorge of the roaring Seti River, waterfalls, and cave networks. After exploring Pokhara head on a short drive toward Nayapul. Nayapul is the starting point of various treks of the region.

From, Nayapul head towards Thikhedhunga. Traversing across the deep wilderness, crossing streams, waterfalls, and various settlements. From Thikhedhunga move towards the tiny hamlet of Ghorepani. Ascending on well-maintained stone stairs, traversing across magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. At, Ghorepani head out and explore the culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Next, proceed toward the famous vantage point of Poon Hill. Traversing along well marked and maintained route. From the summit witness grand views of the sunrise. The mountain peaks of Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Tarke  Kang (7193m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) . All standing at its grandeur basking in the morning rays of the sun and changing their colors. After witnessing the gorgeous views head downhill toward the Modi Khola. Traversing across a forested trail reach Birethanti and finally to Nayapul. From, Nayapul move towards Pokhara. The following day catches a flight towards Kathmandu.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek lets to experience the grand views of nature and learn about the culture and traditions of various ethnic groups along this trail. Be a part of this short yet rich trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry and Permits

The following permits are required for trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill:

• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR

TIMS Permit :

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. The local inhabitants run several tea-houses along the trail, offering basic to luxury facilities. These tea-houses provide trekkers with the opportunity to taste various cuisines, a rarity on most Nepali trekking trails.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. Luxury hotels and teahouse are situated along the trail that suits your budgets providing comfortable beds with a pillow, electric blankets, hot and cold shower, free WIFI, and many more.

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best time for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region. The end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given, we highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have absolute authority to change the itinerary, when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.