Pokhara 3 Day Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Review: A Short Adventure

So, thinking of doing the Ghorepani Poonhill trek, are you? Maybe you don’t have weeks, like your friend did, for a longer Himalayan adventure. Maybe three days, in that case, sounds about right? Well, this is your complete review of the shorter, three-day version that starts from the easy to reach town of Pokhara, like the other starting points, but you don’t have to spend weeks getting ready for the trek itself, right?

What to Expect on the Poonhill Trek

Okay, picture this: you set out from Pokhara, that lovely lakeside spot. Very soon, you’re walking through rhododendron forests. By the way, during the blooming season, those are truly lovely, isn’t it so? It’s almost like a tunnel of red and pink. Very, very quickly you’re climbing stone steps – lots of them, by the way. Very quickly you’re going through villages where you will come across people offering you the finest tea in Nepal and offering some helpful insight, and if you are lucky, and you bring cash, they will let you sleep indoors instead of outside, almost for free. This short trek packs a lot in, such as cultural experiences and unbelievable mountain views, to be precise, so be ready to go!

Is your goal a reasonable workout? After all, this isn’t Everest Base Camp, or is it? Well, it’s demanding in its own way. The altitude can affect some, actually, but the good news is that you gain altitude slowly enough that you are given some time to acclimate, or get used to the new challenges presented. And that final climb to Poon Hill before sunrise? Is it something else entirely? Trust me.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga

Alright, your first day likely begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or, if you’re especially keen, straight to Tikhedhunga. You know, that drive’s pretty important because it takes you away from all of Pokhara, which is just swarming with tourists, in a way. The hike, actually, from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga is somewhat easy; just a warm-up. If you start from Tikhedhunga? Well, you skip some of the trail, sure, but then you also skip those terraced farms. And, actually, crossing that suspension bridge – a picture in its own right. Expect about 3-4 hours of walking on this day, to be honest. Once in Tikhedhunga, like most people, you relax after arriving to the first tea house with tea, after an exciting first leg.

Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

Okay, day two. Well, get ready, to be honest. Today is step day. Those famous, or depending on your mood, infamous, stone steps up to Ulleri is the highlight, or the lowlight. They just. Keep. Coming. It will take a little time, but afterwards you’ll be getting into a wonderful rhododendron forest – isn’t that pretty, I am pretty sure? From Ulleri onwards, the trail will usually be kinder, like walking in the sky almost, as it is rather gentle, towards Ghorepani. You can usually estimate about 6-7 hours of effort.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Nayapul/Pokhara

Okay, now it’s all about that sunrise view. The walk to Poon Hill will be done very early – typically around 4 or 5 AM, I believe, before sunrise. Is the view truly something? Well, you will see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges just light up with the sun, isn’t it special in that sense? After soaking that in, it is time to head back down to Ghorepani, then down to Nayapul for your ride back to Pokhara. You might be tired but it is probably tired and exhilarated!

What to Pack for a 3-Day Trek

Alright, packing light will be a good idea here. Are the essentials that important, do you think? You might need good hiking boots that are already worn in, layering clothing, just to deal with temperature changes, some rain gear (always possible), a water bottle with a way to filter your water (there’s definitely water, you just need to have a way to filter your own water), and perhaps a headlamp, because those pre-dawn treks happen! Is the list limited to that only, do you ask? Of course not, you can pack additional items based on preferences, very specific health needs, and perhaps more dry socks because having comfortable dry feet, isn’t something that can be replaced?

Oh, and sunscreen. Do not underestimate the sun. It will probably get you in the mountainous regions more quickly due to the closer distance and thinner ozone layer. Don’t underestimate that one!

Is a Guide Necessary?

Okay, can you do this trek alone? Definitely possible, right? Are you the independent type, in other words? Well, then go for it! Anyway, a guide offers support, knows the trails like the back of their hand, and brings along some cultural background knowledge, too. Going solo just provides quiet solitude. In some respects it’s up to your personal choice.

Best Time to Go on This Trek

Alright, seasons make a difference, don’t you think? Well, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer lovely temperatures, isn’t it lovely? Those clear skies during the autumn are prime time for mountain views! It can get crowded, in other words, but there’s a good reason, too, I imagine. The monsoons are difficult because of landslides, as I recall, which is no fun for almost anyone!

The winter season would bring snow. Make certain you’re prepared.

Permits Required for Ghorepani Poonhill

So, what about those permits? Well, you can’t get away without these, too. You’re going to need a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), obviously. It would seem fairly easy to obtain them in Pokhara.

Costs of the 3-Day Poonhill Trek

Okay, what about the price tag? Is a short trek that budget-friendly? A little. Guides, porters, lodging, and food contribute. When you want to cut your costs it really depends if you trek alone and make fewer stops and pay less for fancy foods, for example, than what others might do, isn’t that quite a decision to make. Prepare accordingly!