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.
A Personalized and Safe Journey with Highland Expeditions: A Trek to Remember
A Personalized and Safe Journey with Highland Expeditions: A Trek to Remember
From the very start, Highland Expeditions set a high bar for excellence that they consistently lived up to throughout our entire journey. We started our communication with the company one year prior to embarking on our journey. Passang’s communication was nothing short of impeccable. Before we even began our trip, he provided timely and detailed responses to every inquiry I had—and there were many! Every question was met with clarity and enthusiasm, making the entire planning process a breeze. I had over 100 email exchanges with Passang and I could not thank him enough for his timely, detailed, and thoughtfulness responses. Passang was able efficiently handle changes to our original schedule prior to the start of our trip due to airline flight cancellations, timing changes, etc. We never felt stressed, nervous, or anxious throughout the entire planning process, and we cannot thank Passang enough for this.
Once the trip commenced, their exceptional service didn’t skip a beat. We felt immensely safe and cared for from the moment we were picked up from the airport. The level of professionalism and attention to detail ensured that we could relax and immerse ourselves in the adventure without a single worry. We had an orientation during the first day where we met our main trek guide Aakash. Aakash went over the details of the journey, what to expect, and answered all our questions.
Our trek was expertly guided by Aakash and Kumar (our second trek guide), who handled every aspect of our journey with exceptional care and professionalism. Trekking with my 60-year-old mother meant that we sometimes moved at a slower pace and took more breaks than usual. Both Aakash and Kumar were incredibly understanding and supportive throughout. They ensured that one of them was always by her side, guaranteeing her safety, maintaining a comfortable pace, and providing both laughter and excellent company along the way.
Their attention to detail was unparalleled. Aakash and Kumar made certain that we not only had fun but also took the time to appreciate the breathtaking mountain ranges around us. They answered all our questions and provided invaluable tips and recommendations on how to stay warm as we ascended to higher altitudes.
Over the nine days of our trek, Aakash and Kumar became like family. Aakash often joined us for card games after long days of hiking, ensuring we were well-fed at all our rest stops and consistently checking in on our well-being. On one occasion, when my mother experienced some difficulty breathing, Aakash’s response was immediate and comforting. He stayed closely by her side, helping her through the day with utmost care. Kumar was kind enough to carry my mom’s day pack throughout that day of the trek.
The experience provided by this tour company, especially through the incredible dedication of Aakash and Kumar, was truly beyond expectations. They made every step of our journey feel safe, enjoyable, and memorable. I cannot recommend them highly enough for anyone looking to undertake a trekking adventure with a team that goes above and beyond.
We would also like to thank our two porters during the trek that ensured our duffel bags reached our teahouse/lodges well before we arrived as well. The porters worked extremely hard and we would not have been able to properly enjoy the trip without their hard work of carrying our bags throughout the journey. It’s inspirational to see their hard work. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate our needs, ensuring that each day was smooth and enjoyable.
It’s not just a tour company; it’s a comprehensive service that caters to all your needs with a personal touch. I couldn’t recommend them more for anyone looking for a hassle-free, enriching travel experience. They truly understand the essence of great customer service. Kudos to the entire team for making our trip so memorable!
We hope to come back to Nepal and complete the Annapurna trek, and we can’t wait to be reunited with our friends, and now family, at Highland!! Thank you for being the absolute best and we cannot thank you enough!
Amazing support and communication
Amazing support and communication
The managing director, Passang, has perfect English and is a true Sherpa by heritage and experience. This business is a family affair and his father, Kunga, who has guided 8000m 40 times!!! Lead our expedition. We all succeeded on making Everest base camp and kalapatthar despite living at sea level our whole life. The experience of Kunga and Passang got us to the top. We had all the best accommodation which made the trip enjoyable and comfortable. Highland expeditions did their very best to make our trip amazing. Honesty and value. We paid the best price compared to all the people I’ve spoken to since and we had a helicopter descent. 10/10 would recommend and will use highland expeditions again soon for the Annapurna circuit.
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.
