Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

27th March 2024

Poon Hill Trek is one of the most well-known and enduring hiking routes in Nepal. Poon Hill is exceptional because of its lush greenery, lovely trail, and expansive mountain vistas. Additionally, it is a section of the route to Annapurna Base Camp. One of the most comfortable hikes in Nepal's Annapurna region is the moderately challenging Poonhill Trek. Despite the fact that technical climbing knowledge is not necessary. The difficulty of every journey is determined by a number of factors, including height, geography, weather, the presence of teahouses and lodges along the route, and many others. Poonhill Trek's route includes both uphill and downhill treks, as well as several narrow, high slopes. A Poon Hill trek takes 4 or 5 days, depending on the locations you wish to explore and how much time you have to spend on your walk. The length of your walk can increase if you want to spend some time in Pokhara getting a feel for it as well.

Highlight of poon hill trek

Adorable view of snow capped mountains including Machhapuchhre (6693 meters/22,943 feet), Annapurna I (8,091 meters/26,545 feet), and Annapurna South (7,219 meters/23,684 feet)
Pokhara city of lake
Poon hill ( 3,210m)
Ghandruk ( Gurung village)
Walk through Annapurna sanctuary
Rhododendron frest, different flora and fauna
Suspension bridges, rivers, lakes, waterfalls
Monasteries, prayers flags, prayer wheels, old statues.

The Annapurna Poonhill Trek is rated as being of moderate difficulty because of its challenging terrain, high elevation, and subpar amenities. A basic level of fitness and a strong love of the Highlands are required for this walk. In order to improve their stamina and endurance, trekkers should also have a healthy lifestyle, be moderately active, and engage in regular training at least three months before the journey. The Ghorepani Poon Hill walking trails follow a leisurely path through stunning mountain landscapes, rhododendron woods, cascading waterfalls, and typical Gurung villages. You will forget how challenging the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek was once you catch a spectacular glimpse of the dazzling snow-capped mountains and breathtaking surroundings.

Duration

Poonhill can be trekked in three days from the Nayapul starting point, despite the 4-day recommended route. Before returning to Nayapul through the same route, this 10-day trip passes through the towns of Tikhedunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani.

You'll walk for 4-5 hours each day for the first two days. The final day also involves a 6-7 hour walk. On this trip, plan on walking for a total of 14–15 hours. Walking for 4-5 hours a day is not difficult. The hike is easy because of the excellent pathways. The nine-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara, which includes a stay at Poon Hill, is the better option if you want a longer excursion.

Distance

The Poon Hill Trek is a short climb for travelers to Nepal with limited time. The fact that Pokhara and Kathmandu are close by makes it a fantastic choice. About 272 kilometers separate Poon Hill from Kathmandu. The walk is a circular trekking trail that begins and ends in Nayapul and covers a distance of around 38 kilometers. The trip takes ten days and passes via the villages of Tikhedunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani.

When trekking from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri, you will traverse the famed 3200 stairs, which are part of the section of the trail that entails ascending stairs. The trail often passes through oak and rhododendron trees up until Ghorepani. It takes around an hour of challenging ascent from Ghorepani to reach Poon Hill early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan ranges.

Altitude

Every trek must consider altitude and its effects. On this trek, however, height-related challenges are essentially nonexistent. The highest point of this route is Poonhill, which stands at 3210 meters (10532 feet) tall.

On the day of the ascent to Poon Hill, you take in the sunrise there before descending too quickly, which prevents the issue from getting worse. After reaching 3,000 meters, however, some hikers experience some acute mountain sickness symptoms. On this climb, altitude sickness is rarely an issue. Altitude sickness usually causes symptoms like nausea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and vomiting. On your treks, you'll mostly climb hills while admiring the breathtaking vistas of the beautiful Himalayas from Poon Hill. Although the trail can be difficult, it is not dangerous because of its occasionally steep terrain and low elevation. Altitude won't be a major problem.

Accommodation

On the hike, you frequently stay in teahouses or small lodges, which are rather basic and offer the usual amenities. There will be a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, a table, and two chairs in your shared twin bedroom.

The majority of them have adjacent bathrooms; however, a few at higher elevations do not. The journey will not be comfortable for those who prefer lavish comforts. During the busiest seasons, the teahouses and treks are fully booked. Most teahouses are either fully booked or reserved.In areas like Ulleri and Ghorepani, there are resorts and guesthouses with top-notch amenities. In almost every tea shop or hostel, services like WiFi and hot showers are provided. Overall, the trek is relaxing in terms of lodging. Getting the facilities may be difficult if you are traveling alone because the local guides have already booked the rooms for their groups.

If you intend to hike Poonhill in the winter, you will require additional supplies. A comforter or blanket won't keep you warm if a chilly breeze enters through tiny windows or cracks in the doors. A spare sleeping bag or blanket should be carried when hiking from November to February.

Weather

Poon Hill Trek enjoys pleasant weather all year long. The spring and fall are the best times to take this hike. Excellent vision and a cool, conducive to trekking atmosphere increase delight. During the summer and monsoon, leeches could be found on the walkways. There is a chance for sunny mornings despite the decreased visibility because it usually rains at night.

It doesn't get too cold in the winter. The lowest temperature experienced during the winter is a comfortable -4 degrees due to previous winter expeditions to base camps. If you have the appropriate clothing and equipment, you can complete the walk at any time of year.

Guide or porter

Trekking to Poonhill with a guide and a porter, though, makes the route simpler. Guides can not only point you in the right direction but can also recommend the best lodging and dining options. For evacuation services, they have superior emergency communications. It is suggested that you trek with experienced guides to share your worries and experiences and to make the journey easier.

Flight delay

It's possible that some trekkers have busy schedules. Therefore, you can experience some issues if your domestic flight is delayed. Only a few domestic flights take place every day. Furthermore, as we just mentioned, the weather is still very uncertain. Therefore, before your excursion, you should be prepared for a flight cancellation or possibly a delay.

How to overcome Ghorepani poon hill Trek Difficulties?

Stay hydrated during the trek. Drink plenty of water and carry enough water during the trek.
Do some physical exercise and activities before starting the trek.
Go for uphill walk with backpack or for short hike so your body get usedto the long walk.
Always check the weather forecast before starting your trek, and always choose a favorable season for a clear and spectacular view of the mountains.
Never choose monsoon season because the way during raiy season is very dangerous, slippery and hard to walk.
Pack your bag with essential things which is really important during the trek. Unwanted things make your bag heavier which make difficulty in walking.
Always pack waterproof and windproof jacket because weather is totally unpredictable during the high altitude area.
Dont rush your body to reach your destination faster take proper rest during the trek.
Make sure there is atlelast 1 day acclimatization in the itinerary.
Bring some medicine like cetamol, acetazolamide, Diamox if you face any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Always carry a map where you are trekking.
Wear comfortable hiking boots to protect your leg fom the blisters, steep rocks, or any other sharp object during the walk.

Poon hill trek itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu – to Pokhara byTourist bus (910m/2,986ft) – 5 – 6 hour drive

Day 02: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri via Tikhedhunga (1,495m/4,905ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek

Day 03: Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani (2,850m/9,35ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

Day 04: sunrise at poon Hill (3210M) Then trek to Tadapani 2600m (8528)fit 7-8 hours

Day 05: Trek To Jhinu dada Via chhomroung (1780m ) 5840 fit 5-6 hours

Day 06: shot walk and drive back to pokhara via nayapul 822m

Best time for Poon Hill trek

Poon Hill can be reached by hiking at any time of year. The vista and the weather might not always be more clear-cut, though. The optimum times to hike in this area are from September to November and from March to May.

The most popular time of year to visit Poon Hill is in the fall. During this time, the weather has been consistently mild. With pleasant glimpses of the mountains and landscapes, the sky is largely still clear. The busy trail is the only problem with traveling now, though. Between 10 and 24 degrees Celsius will be the range of temperatures, with Poon Hill itself experiencing freezing temperatures.

Spring is the next-best season for a hike to Poon Hill after autumn. Compared to autumn, the temperature at this time of year becomes a little warmer, and the sky becomes hazier. But it is strongly recommended that you go hiking now. At now, the vegetation is in full flower. Rhododendrons, Nepal's national flower, are a focal point of vibrant color. When people think back on their treks, they invariably mention the rhododendrons in Nepal at this time of year.

The winter, which lasts from December to February, is cold and unpleasant. Winter means icy routes and chilly temperatures when trekking in high elevations. During the winter, the upper reaches, particularly Ghorepani and Poon Hill, are typically blanketed in snow. There won't be as many hikers on the trail, and teahouse accommodations will be easy to come by. Additionally, every tea shop has a cozy fireplace where you may spend the evenings sipping warming beverages. If you plan to go hiking in the winter, be sure to bring warm clothing and a sleeping bag. For those who don't mind a bit cold, this is a fantastic time to hike the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail because the mountain views will be magnificent in the chilly air

In Nepal, monsoon season (June to August) is the least desirable time to go on a hike. The weather is erratic at this time of year, and the heavy rain has made the trails muddy and dangerous. This is not the time to take in the scenery because it is cloudy and hazy outside. Even though it may be a little less cold at the upper elevations of this excursion, temperatures are not all that different from those of spring. Expect a range of temperatures between 9 and 24 oC, with drops during showers. Teahouses are open at this time, and since fewer trekkers are present, finding a place to stay is not an issue. Even better than the mentioned pricing can be made available to you. Leeches are one of the drawbacks of hiking in the monsoon. There are fewer hikers out in force during the monsoon season.

Permit for Poon hill trek

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which was initiated in 1986, is the largest undertaking of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). It is also the largest protected area and the first conservation reserve in Nepal. It has a population of over 100,000, a land area of 7,629 km2, and is home to numerous varied language and cultural minorities. ACAP is home to 105 mammal species, 518 bird species, 40 reptile species, and 23 amphibian species, in addition to 1,226 kinds of flowering plants.

Due to its natural and cultural features, ACAP is the most popular trekking location in the country, attracting the bulk of all hikers. One of the most important sectors of the local economy over time has been tourism.

There are more than 1,000 lodges, teashops, and hundreds of other auxiliary services to accommodate the thousands of trekkers, pilgrims, and the staff who serve them. All of this obviously has an impact on this gorgeous environment. Estimates show that a normal trekking party of 15 people creates around 15 kilos of non-biodegradable and non-burnable rubbish over the course of a 10-day excursion, which equates to tons of waste every year in mountainous regions.

In order to better manage this, protect the environment, respect the local people's traditional livelihoods, and guarantee that wildlife is not harmed, ACAP was founded with the goal of "achieving a sustained balance between nature conservation and socio-economic improvement in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in order to assist the National Trust for Nature Conservation in achieving its goal."

Trekkers Information Management System ( TIMS )

You require a Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) Permit for your own security. By showing your TIMS card at the checkpoints along the trails, you can sign up for the system. This is crucial in the event that you become lost or suffer a hiking accident. A TIMS card is required as the fundamental hiking permit for all hikes in Nepal. A TIMS card is required as the fundamental hiking permit for all hikes in Nepal. TIMS is necessary because all essential data on trekkers and their routes is stored in a computerized database management system for their safety and protection. In the event of crises like natural disasters and other calamities, the Authentic Information Service provides the information required to conduct search and rescue activities. All of the system's data must be used by all parties, including tourism groups, tour operators, research centers, government agencies, diplomatic missions, and others.

Individual trekkers can obtain free TIMS cards at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the TAAN Secretariat in Maligaon, and the TAAN Pokhara Secretariat in Pokhara after completing the TIMS application form