Five best highlights of Poon Hill and Ghorepani Trek

It would not be wrong to say that Poon Hill and Ghorepani trek is the most popular trek of the recent times. With magnificent treks leading to the heart of Everest and Annapurna region, it might be hard to believe that this short trek in the Myagdi district of Nepal tops the popularity chart. But that very easy accessibility has made it the number one trek destination for both Nepalese and foreigners.

Precisely, the trek can be completed in three days if you are short of time. But most pre-designed itineraries will stretch the trek up to five or six days so that you can get ample rest and make the most out of your experience. Here, we have mentioned the five best highlights of Poon Hill and Ghorepani Trek so that you would know what to seek and expect during your journey.

1. Enjoying the views from Poon Hill

Well, it is the main highlight of the whole trek, of course.  At 3,201 meters, Poon Hill is the most giving viewpoint in the entire Annapurna region. From here, you can have an amphitheater-like views of more than 20 peaks towering on all side. Sounds surreal, right? The major mountains from the Annapura and Dhaulagiri Massif including few eight-thousanders and many seven-thousanders will be there right in front of your eyes.

On top of that, the Poon Hill sunrise view where the sunrays paint the rugged Annapurna tangerine makes every grueling step in too to get there worth it. 

2. Indulging in rich Gurung culture

If you know anything about the diverse Nepalese culture, you would know that the Gurung culture is one of the most famous, unique and celebrated culture in Nepal. The famous Gurkha regiment mainly consists of the fearless Gurung people. Ghorepani is one of the most popular Gurung villages in Nepal. While most villages in the region are now empty except for few teahouses, this one is still lively as ever.

Here, you will be staying in one of the homestays ran by very warm and hospitable people, enjoy their delicious cuisine and listen to their tales of life in Himalayan foothill. If you want to, you can even rent their lovely ethnic dress and pose for photographs in front of a picture-perfect tradition house. 

3. Relaxing in Pokhara

Pokhara is definitely the most glamorous yet calmest Nepalese city. It is a place where the cityscape seems to seamlessly blend with the nature. Be it sipping on your latte in a quaint café at lakeside or showing off your dancing skills in a dazzling disco, Pokhara offers it all. Thus, there is no doubt that this city can play the perfect host for you. Now, what better city to end and celebrate your Poon Hill and Ghorepani Trek than Pokhara?

Anyway, the takeaway point is that the trek commences and ends in Pokhara, the top tourist city, and thus, you can explore and experience a lot in the city.

4. Anyone can go at anytime

Unlike other hard, long, and strenuous treks, this one can be undertaken by anyone. The trek is short, of course, and easy. Even though there are a couple of steep sections and stairs to cross, the perils of altitude sickness don’t really exist. Even if any casualty occurs, you can be quickly transferred to Pokhara. Due to shorter length, elevation, and easy accessibility, you can even see young children and elderlies undertaking this trek.

Also, once again, due to shorter elevation, it is even possible to trek during the winter months. Since the trek doesn’t involve crossing high passes, it is still trekkable up to early-December. However, from late December, the temperature begins to drop drastically and continue to until January and February.

5. Best accommodation

While comfortable and best accommodation may not seem like a “highlight”, try sleeping on a hard mattress of a cranky bed, and you will know. Due to the immense popularity of the region, the trekking trail leading to Poon Hill and Ghorepani is dotted with comfortable and cozy guesthouses and homestays ran by experienced people. Even in such faraway and remote places, you can rely to have a hot shower before you get in your warm bed and a good internet connection to talk with your family among other things.

In short, to sum up, we can say that you could be crossing jungles and climbing cliffs in the morning, enjoying splendid mountain views in the evening, and still be back to your hotel by evening for a warm tea and a slice of apple pie.