Quick facts:
- Location: Histan Mandali 33200
- Altitude: 3,210 m
- Length:40 km/25 mi.
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to November
- Available Transport: The most popular mode of transport is the bus.
Escape to the Himalayas with the Poon Hill Trek, a gentle circular trail that offers stunning panoramic views of Nepal’s iconic mountain range, including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhare. This 6-day trek is perfect if you want to experience Nepal’s breathtaking natural beauty without going to very high altitudes. You’ll pass through vibrant rhododendron forests, terraced slopes, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages. Along the way, you will experience warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine. From Poon Hill, you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Himalayas.
The trek can be done any time from April to June or September to November, with May being the best month for seeing rhododendrons in full bloom. With well-marked routes, plenty of guesthouses and restaurants, and a manageable duration of 3-4 days, the Poon Hill Trek is the perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal.
Tourism Attractions on Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a popular trekking destination in Nepal’s Annapurna region, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. It’s best to visit in the early morning for sunrise views. Although it can be challenging for beginners, it’s worth it. The Buen Mountain small ring line is a good option for entry-level hikers and takes three days to walk. You don’t need to bring much luggage, and the rest can be stored in the hotel.
Visitors can also experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the local Gurung and Magar communities. With its natural beauty and cultural richness. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an easy route suitable for novice trekkers and families, taking you to the foothills of the Annapurna mountains. You’ll pass through traditional villages, and forests, and stay in local teahouses. Poon Hill can be very crowded during peak trekking seasons in Spring and Autumn. You may have to share the stunning views with many other trekkers, and there’s even a coffee stand at the top. However, if you want a quieter trek, you can take the backside route via Poon Danda.
How to get there
By Bus: The most popular mode of transportation to Pokhara and Nayapul is by bus. From Kathmandu, it takes around 5 to 7 hours by road to reach Pokhara, and then from Pokhara, it takes another 2 hours to reach Nayapul.
By Plane: Flying to Pokhara is the easiest and fastest way to reach there. It takes around 30 minutes from the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu to reach Pokhara Domestic Airport. However, during peak seasons, it is advisable to pre-book your tickets.
By Motorcycle: You can also choose to ride a motorcycle from Pokhara to Poon Hill, which is approximately 115 km away.
By Minibus: The minibus will take around 2-3 hours to reach Nayapul and is a popular and cost-effective option for many trekkers.
Things to know before visiting Poon Hill
- Poon Hill is a popular destination for trekkers in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering stunning views of Himalayan giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from a relatively modest altitude of 3210m.
- The trek is perfect for families and first-time trekkers who want to experience the Himalayan views without going to very high altitudes.
- The best time to do the trek is from April to June and September to November, with May being considered the best month when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
- Trekkers will have a deep impression of the region as the trail travels through rhododendron forest, terraced slopes, paddy fields, and lush vegetation, with warm welcomes from local Gurung and Magar villages.
- The trek can be done in 3 or 4 days, and the route is well-marked with many guesthouses and restaurants on the way.
- Poon Hill is a great trail to do as an acclimatization trek before attempting one of the more challenging routes like the Annapurna Circuit trek or the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
- The Poon Hill trek starts from the town of Pokhara, which can be reached by plane or bus from Kathmandu.
Image Source: Google Photos
