Pokhara 3-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Review: A Concise Guide

So, you’re looking at the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek near Pokhara, Nepal, right? Very, very popular choice and for very good reasons. It is, like your first taste of proper Himalayan views without signing up for weeks of high-altitude stuff. So, it is a shorter loop that gives you some seriously grand scenery, and cultural glimpses, that, too, are all packed into three days. This review, well, more or less aims to give you the lowdown – things you’ll see, how hard it might be, and stuff you probably want to know. No fluff – promise! It should provide a nice preview if you’re thinking of going and also offer some realistic expectations, I suppose.

Is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Right for You?

Right, before we get too ahead, it is a question to ask, you know? So, the Poon Hill trek, very typically, is considered moderate. What that could mean to you truly depends on your trekking experience, I’d say. So, in some respects, it isn’t something you would do in flip-flops, still, it isn’t K2, I guess! The trails? Well, more or less they’re well-worn. So, there are stone steps, a bit uneven that sometimes can be, and dirt paths, too, you will stumble upon. Actually, there are climbs that can be rather steep. Expect several hours each day walking uphill or downhill.

Now, about that altitude – the highest you’ll get will be Poon Hill, so it is, and it sits around 3,210 meters. That alone sometimes will get to folks. It is slightly difficult, I’d suggest to plan in a couple of acclimatization days around Pokhara if you’re coming from basically sea level and really not sure how your body will handle the jump. It does impact your enjoyment when you are panting for breath after like, say, ten steps!

As a matter of fact, the trek is for you if:

You would want amazing mountain views without going full Everest base camp.
You have reasonable fitness and do not mind walking 4-6 hours per day.
You want to see Nepali village life close up.
You have around three days, plus travel.

But in a way, maybe think twice if:

You have major knee issues – those steps are no joke.
High altitude really messes with you.
You like your treks to be super remote and quiet. This one can get pretty busy.

Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (via Nayapul)

Right then, the adventure starts and, too, you’ll most likely be in Pokhara, where all good treks around here start. So, in the morning, that’s when you get a ride to Nayapul. Usually, that drive is close to one and half hours. In fact, at Nayapul, this is where your actual foot trek part begins.

Then the beginning and the initial walk, that’s pretty gentle. You will more or less follow a dirt road. The trail mostly is close to the Modi River, then you head upwards. After you have Birethanti, it is that; the trail steadily inclines upwards through villages and farmland, and what not. It provides a super good glimpse into the rural existence in Nepal, with all the terraced fields and traditional houses that I like. And, of course, smiling children who enjoy screaming “Namaste!”.

And anyway, eventually you get to Tikhedhunga. That village isn’t huge, I guess, and you’ll find several guest houses here. It is really about four or five hours of walking, and too, it’s fairly manageable. You rest and gear up mentally (a bit!) for the next day that arguably involves a steep climb. What’s great about the evening is how peaceful everything typically gets, except for that occasional donkey braying. You will start sensing that mountain air!

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

Now this day, really, really tests your legs! So, you’re off to Ghorepani, very popularly known, really, for being the gateway to Poon Hill. However, between you and that? Many, many stairs! That initial part to Ulleri basically is, um, a relentless climb. You tackle literally thousands of stone steps – no joke, you feel it. Even folks who find themselves fit feel that burn. Really. And, of course, take lots of breaks, that should probably be your motto!

Right after Ulleri, anyway, the trail fortunately changes, though. The walk goes via a very peaceful rhododendron forest which may be nice for tired knees. That too, is mostly uphill, yes, though the slope kind of evens out to something manageable. It’s shady, with birds tweeting everywhere, it’s absolutely, basically magical when rhododendrons bloom in the spring. Now the time is around mid-afternoon – and I assume you reached Ghorepani. So, the village does sit up on a ridge with lodges galore, so you would be fine. Settle in and try to enjoy that increasing mountain vista as the sunset starts.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Ghandruk to Pokhara

Okay, wakey wakey at basically silly o’clock! So, to catch the sunrise at Poon Hill, and actually you would need to get up super early. It is about a one-hour hike up to Poon Hill from Ghorepani. Therefore, you go to hike up in the dark. And do grab a torch.

Anyway, reaching Poon Hill before sunrise arguably is an event. It can get very crowded, mainly because sunrise watchers want that ultimate view. Find your space, anyway, then get ready. Once the sun finally peeks over the horizon, well, so, it is hard to be cynical. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) – they all turn golden. The sight of the Himalayas catching that early morning light is magnificent and absolutely stunning. Click photos! Be wowed!

Right, you come back down to Ghorepani for your grub, after that breakfast, the trek proceeds to Ghandruk. Now that stretch may be steep downhill – watch your knees! You’re basically going via forests, what’s great is seeing more Nepali local village life as you approach Ghandruk. Which arguably is a big Gurung village and also has nice traditional stone houses.

Finally, in fact, from Ghandruk you’ll drive back to Pokhara, usually, anyway, in a jeep, it’s pretty bumpy yet saves your weary feet. By late afternoon, too, you’re likely back in Pokhara, that can be hot showers are involved and all of a sudden life will feel cushy!

What You’ll See

Alright, you may want a sneak peak on what landscapes you’d experience on this great Himalayan adventure.

Sunrise from Poon Hill: Pretty stunning mountain panorama that is turning gold.
Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges: Towering giants looming all over.
Rhododendron Forests: Flowers during spring, so, it can be green at other times.
Traditional Villages: What Ghandruk or other smaller villages provides are those neat stone homes and a way of life that has seemingly not altered for generations.
Terraced Farmlands: Quite beautiful hillsides of neatly sculpted agricultural plots, like your idyllic countryside picture brought to life.

Tips and Recommendations

Here are some extra ideas to keep in mind to help you maximize your Himalayan experience. You may just learn something!

Best Time To Go: So, for clear skies, aim for October-November or March-April. Just basically try to avoid monsoon season.
What To Pack: Layer up! Nights at Ghorepani get kind of chilly. Strong, really durable hiking boots. Plus, it is better to carry a raincoat.
Permits: Basically, you would want the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) plus TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System). Usually it is easily arranged via any agency at Pokhara.
Guides and Porters: Anyway, guides? Useful. It is your call. Porters can be nice to lug that stuff, in case you intend to bring your brick collection!
Acclimatization: Spend an extra day at Pokhara. If you are usually unused to altitude, that allows the body that slight chance to adjust.
Bargaining: At the lodges, and really everywhere, too, sometimes bargaining is possible and may be appropriate. So, it is smart to at least give it an honest attempt.
Stay Hydrated: Really, seriously! Purchase bottled water; in some of the tea houses you would want to refill with purified H2O.

Enjoy this trek! Hopefully these considerations make that Poon Hill experience all that awesome!