Pokhara Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking

Pokhara Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking‘ on world’s largest natural rhododendron garden with stunning sunrise over Himalayan peaks’

Trekking Highlights:

• Sweeping panorama of world’s 3 high mountains Annapurna-Dhaulagiri and Manaslu in world’s largest natural garden filled with enchanting rhododendron and magnolia tree lines
• High and scenic Poon Hill with stunning sunrise over 360 degree wide views of mountains
• From low warm paddy fields to cool alpine woodland with daily views of snow capped peaks
• Explore local Gurung-Poon / Magar people traditional hill villages of great interest and culture

Trip at Glance:

• Trip Mode: On Hotels – Lodge on treks.
• Trek Grade: Moderate with Ups and Downhill walks
• Activities: Tour of world heritage sites-exciting drives and scenic walks
• Areas of Trekking: Nepal North Mid West around massive Annapurna Himalaya.
• People & Culture: Gurung-Magar / Poon people of high hills of Annapurna with Hindu Buddhist religion & culture
• Trekking duration: 04 Nights & 05 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara).
• Highest Altitude gain: 3,210 m / 10,593 ft high on top scenic Poon Hill
• Average Walks per day: 4 hrs to 6 hrs or more as per our standard itinerary days.
• Overall duration in Nepal: 09 Nights & 10 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
• Best Season: All months of the year (except June to August monsoon wet
  months) March to May wild flowers in full bloom.

Introduction:

Ghorepani and Poon Hill Sunrise Panorama, a scenic destination on high hills of Annapurna Himalaya a magnificent trek of short duration where you can have the most of mountain scenery and soak in local culture around hill villages in the comfort of nice and lovely lodge with views.

People with limited time in Nepal can join in this beautiful walks to Ghorepani & Poon Hill Sunrise Panorama, a trek of less than a week overlooking superb panorama of world three highest mountains at one glance from scenic Poon Hill at above 3,210 m and 10, 593 ft high.

From Poon Hill offers stunning sunrise views over great chain of Himalayan peaks from Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m (world’s 7^th highest), Mt. Annapurna 8,091 m (world’s 10^th highest) to Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m (world’s 8^th highest) with range of lesser peaks with majestic Machhapuchare Himal known as Fish Tail due to its twin summits.

Besides mountain views leads you within enchanting woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia and pines tree lines, the area around Ghorepani regarded as world’s largest natural rhododendron garden, which is also country’s national flower.

In spring time the hills are alive when wild flowers are in bloom in the shade of mighty Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range.

Ghorepani and Poon Hill Sunrise Panorama starts and ends at beautiful Pokhara city located on a scenic valley on the laps of Annapurna Himalaya which reflects on its serene Phewa and Begnas Lakes.

A great country walk for all types of people to enjoy the views of mountain with dramatic landscapes scenery in the harmony of local Gurung and Poon / Magar hill people villages with constant views on this picturesque journey on Ghorepani & Poon Hill Sunrise Panorama trekking.

Guideline Itinerary of Pokhara Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking: 

Day 01:            Reach Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to your Hotels.
Day 02:            In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest and trek preparation.
Day 03:            Drive / Fly to Pokhara 860 m – 06 hrs journey (30 mins via air)
Day 04:            Drive to Hille 1,420 m and trek to Ulleri village 1,730 m – 04 hrs and 3 hrs ride.
Day 05:            Trek to Ghorepani 2,874 m – 04 hrs.
Day 06:            Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, mountain views trek to Tadapani 2, 721 m- 05 hrs
Day 07:            Trek to Tolka 1.645 m via Ghandruk 1,950 and Landruk village 1,460 m – 06 hrs
Day 08:            Trek to Dhampus 1,540 m and drive back to Pokhara 4 hrs walks an hour drive.
Day 09:            Drive / Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
Day 10:            International departure for homeward bound.

Best tours in Himalaya Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour , Bhutan culture tour and Everest base camp trekking.  Special Nepal Tibet and tour package.

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to your Hotels.

On arrival at Kathmandu International airport, received by our guide and staff for transfer to your hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city, after checking in to your rooms and getting refreshed our guide / group leader will brief regarding Ghorepani & Poon Hill Panorama Trekking. Evening welcome dinner in a nice and authentic Nepalese restaurant includes local folk dance program entertainment while you have delightful meals.

Day 2

In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest and trek preparation.

With free day in Kathmandu an options joining in our interesting tour which leads you around Kathmandu beautiful historical sites, as Kathmandu city with Patan and Bhaktapur steeped with religious monuments of temples-monasteries and stupas listed most as World Heritage Sites. After a pleasant and exciting guided tour return back to your hotel with rest of the afternoon free, preparation for Ghorepani & Poon Hill Panorama trekking next early morning.

Day 3

Drive / Fly to Pokhara 860 m - 06 hrs journey and 30 mins on flights.

Depending on size of a group for this scenic Ghorepani & Poon Hill Panorama trekking, either on tourist coach or in private chartered vehicles for exciting overland journey to Pokhara an interesting drive of six hours within scenic country side of farm villages and towns. On reaching beautiful Pokhara, transfer to your hotels by the lake side of Phewa with grand views of Annapurna Himalaya and Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’. (Options by flights 30 minutes from Kathmandu to Pokhara)

Day 4

Drive to Hille 1,420 m and trek to Ulleri village 1,730 m - 04 hrs and 3 hrs ride.

After a refreshing overnight in beautiful, scenic Pokhara, morning starts with exciting drive of few hours to commence our walks, where drives leads with views of Annapurna Himalaya including majestic Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail” as the ride reaches Nayapul (new bridge) situated on Pokhara-Baglung / Beni highway. From here on dirt road for an hour to a farm village at Hille to start our first day walk with climb past Tirkhedhunga with beautiful waterfalls, then continue walk up hill on stone paved steps all the way to reach a high ridge top at Ulleri village for overnight stop in comfort of local nice and cozy lodge after good walk of few hours. Ulleri a large Gurung and Magar village facing views of rolling hills and snow capped peaks of Annapurna Sout, Huin Chuli and top of Machhapuchare Himal.

Day 5

Trek to Ghorepani 2,874m - 04 hrs walk.

After Ulleri village morning walks leads on winding gradual path into oaks-pines and rhododendron forest, and then slowly gaining altitude to reach at Ghorepani village. Ghorepani offers fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar also called Annapurna Fang, village with blue painted houses serving as good lodges located at the base of Poon Hill, populated with Poon people of Magar ethnic tribe.v

Day 6

Morning hike to Poon-Hill trek to Tadapani 2,721m - 05 hrs.

Starting early morning for one hour hike up to Poon-Hill, located at the height of 3,210 m offering stunning sunrise views over range of mountains from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna and as far to Ganesh Himal including Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”. After enjoying wide angle panorama views of mountains with sunrise walk back to Ghorepani and then continue trek to Tadapani, our route leads to a climb into enchanting rhododendron forest all the way to Tadapani for the overnight stop. Tadapani situated in the middle of rhododendron, magnolia and oaks forest with fabulous views of Mt. Machhapuchare and Annapurna South.

Day 7

Trek to Tolka 1.645 m via Ghandruk 1,950 and Landruk village 1,460 m - 06 hrs

Morning with grand views as our walk leads downhill into dense forest to reach a large Gurung village at Ghandruk, with time here to visit its local museum and then carry on walks downhill to Modi River and then up for a while to Landruk village. From Landruk a pleasant walk on winding trails brings you at Tolka village for overnight stop with magnificent views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli peaks.

Day 8

Trek to Dhampus 1,540 m and drive back to Pokhara 4 hrs walks an hour drive.

After a pleasant stop at Tolka village, last day walk of this fabulous trip leads on winding gradual path, and then with one hour climb through forest to Deurali, a hill top with views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Huinchuli, and Mt. Machhapuchare and of Ghandruk village. From Deurali onward walks leads to a long descend into forested area to reach Potana village and then continue downhill walk on a high ridge to reach Dhampus village, offering with superb panorama of Annapurna-Manaslu-Lamjung with Machhapuchare Himal. After a nice break here with views short drive takes you back at Pokhara after a great and wonderful time up in the high mountains.

Day 9

Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to your respective hotels.

From Pokhara with awesome time on high hills in the shadow of Annapurna Himalaya, morning starts with an exciting and pleasant drive of six hours past beautiful scenery of farm villages and towns to reach at Kathmandu, with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities.

Day 10

International departure for homeward bound.

As per your international flight time homeward bound or to other respective destination, transfer to Kathmandu airport with an adventure of a lifetime on Ghorepani & Poon Hill

Weather & Climate on Ghorepani & Poon Hill Trekking: Weather depends upon season of trekking around mid hills of Annapurna or other higher Himalayan belts, where’s on Ghorepani & Poon Hill trekking can be visited all year round except monsoon period (wet rainy months of July to August). The best time will be from March to May when wild flowers are in full bloom above 1,700 m to 3,000 m high, temperature will be 15 to 20 degree Celsius during day time with sunlight, morning and evening can be much cooler with minimum of -0 to 05 degree Celsius not counting the wind chill factors. Mid September to January will be clear with short day minimum of -05 to -10 degree Celsius in the morning and night time with maximum of 15-20 degree during the day in full sunlight, also depends upon the altitude and areas of trekking. November to January will be cold with chances of snows with minimum temperatures of -05 degree Celsius with maximum 15 to 18 degree Celsius not counting wind chill factor, however most of the day time will be clear with fine blue sky. Trekking Equipment List to Bring from home or rent and purchase in Kathmandu: Equipment & Clothing: Well fitting, comfortable boots / shoes are to be preferred over training shoes and clothing will be required, for strong hot sun on drive through the lower foothills to freezing temperatures at night in the higher region. Shorts, skirt or lightweight trousers are ideal in the heat of the day along with T-shirt, long sleeved cotton shirts and sun hat. During evening and at higher altitudes warmers clothing required.

• FIBER PILE JACKETS
• SHORTS OR SKIRTS (for ladies)
• LIGHT COTTON TROUSERS
• BREECHES /TRACK SUIT BOTTOMS /ULTRA FLEECE TROUSERS
• DUVET / DOWN JACKETS: (Down feathers or synthetic (required  in autumn / winter and early spring time)
• WOOL BALACLAVA, WOOL MITTS: (required  in autumn / winter and early spring time)
• WATERPROOFS: Jacket and trousers
• SUN HATS
• SCARF : Silk/Nylon, useful for keeping the sun and dust
• SUNGLASSES / GOGGLES: Essential to get a pair which cuts out 100% UV rays
• SUN SCREEN CREAM : High protection factor [20 or higher] or high altitude glacier cream due to thin air the U/V is stronger in the sun.
• LIP SLAVE/ LABISAN: Protection for the lips with a sunscreen
• WATER BOTTLE: 1 litre metal to keep warm while at night time and for drinking purpose.
• TOILET ITEMS
• HEAD TORCHES: Petzel (recommended) -spare batteries and bulbs
• SEWING KIT
• SMALL KNIFE : Swiss army style – has many uses
• NOTEBOOK/DIARY/PENS
• SMALL PADLOCK : Useful for locking your kit / duffel bag
• MONEY BELTS
• SLEEPING BAGS / DOWN JACKETS (which can be hired and purchase in Kathmandu at reasonable cost, if it is too much to carry from home.

OPTIONAL

• THERMAREST: Or similar self-inflating mattress, gives decadent luxury
• CAMERA GEAR
• WALKING STICKS / POLES:  Useful crossing rivers and in snow and ice areas.

Important Notes for Ghorepani & Poon Hill Trekking around Annapurna mid hills and other Himalaya region: Main flow of foreign visitors in Nepal is for trekking from moderate to adventurous or challenging treks, the most important is choosing the right trip as per your duration of holiday and fitness, for Ghorepani & Poon Hill treks and other Himalayan trekking adventure one needs to be in sound health and physically fit to cope with ups and downhill. On booking with us preparation of fitness required like walking-jogging-Jumba-aerobic at least a month before your departure from home country, and all clients should be prepared with Travel and Medical Insurance (in case for sudden accidents and immediate evacuation by any means of transport available for quick relief to nearest hospitals. Please send us your dietary list and medical history report so that we can arrange well in advance respectively. Book the ticket from home for Kathmandu-Nepal to reach at least a day ahead or earlier from trek departure with much space in Kathmandu after the trek, this allows you with more time in Nepal to enjoy the culture and heritage life of Nepalese people.  

Q.1

How do I book your trips?

Can be done easily just give us a call and let us know through our E-Mail and other useful method at you own convenience, select the trips for our wide range of listed programs. Booking should be made within minimum of 4 weeks before treks departure dates. For private family-school / collage groups or individual groups seeking special tailor made programs can be done in short frame of time minimum 2 week ahead.

Q.2

Which time of the season best for Himalayan this treks?

Around Nepal Himalaya we run and organize treks and tours nearly all seasons depends upon the areas of trekking destination from soft-moderate to adventurous treks. Nepal has 4 main seasons ‘ spring, summer includes monsoon (wet months) with autumn or fall & winter. For major treks best from March to June and September to November for moderate short treks all season except July to mid September (wet monsoon months)

Q.3

How hard to Ghorepani and Poon Hills and what to expect?

Ghorepani & Poon Hill trek can be done with some variations and options the shortest way is taking a flight to Pokhara and start trekking with few hour drive to starting point of walks and then ending back at Nayapul or at Dhampus village. On this trek people with more time can add Annapurna base camp also where trail splits from Tadapani onward to ABC and sanctuary. Walk of moderate grade with ups and down hills trails with grand views of peaks on daily walks. Encountering many Gurung-Magar people of Mongolian features and origin within high hills with farm villages encountering interesting places as walk leads around nice farm terraces and fields, a great place to be as walk leads into lovely forested areas, with chances of spotting some mountain wild-life as well. It all depends upon the trek that you choose, on Ghorepani & Poon Hill trekking of moderate walks, any normal and fit people can join on this trek, as long you take it slow and steady with rest in between. Walking minimum 4 hours and with some days of more than 6 hours leading you ups and down with some gradual path.

Q.4

What are the measures and arrangement if a person gets very sick on trekking?

On every trek we carry full stocked medical kits, most visitors are unaware of some medical problem in developing countries with hygiene and sanitation. Our guide and staff are well and fully trained with several Medical Course and First Aid, If some serious medical problem arises, our guides has full capacity to deal with the situation acting immediately and evacuating sick victims to a nearest health post or hospitals. On serious cases and accident of emergency where evacuation requires we transport the victims on helicopter to Kathmandu or to nearest towns and cities having good medical facilities.

Q.5

Are there any telephone and other good communication on treks including cell phones?

Since last few decades of time where most of the rural villages do have proper communication wither by cell- phone (mobile) or STD / ISTD, our guides will be in touch with the head office through his cell-phone. Sometimes Cell-Phone and Sat Phone do works and don’ts as Nepal a hilly and mountainous country with deep gorge and valley, where cell phone works on high hills, and might not when in deep gorge hidden by hills and mountains. Chances of working cell-phone are most positive you can try using local popular SiM card.

Q.6

On Ghorepani trek how cold can it gets?

April- May – June to September are much warm even above 2,500 m the temperature drop up to below minimum minus -0 to -05 degree Celsius without wind chill factor, however mid morning and afternoon are pleasant with some sunshine.

Q.7

How long is the walk each day?

Depending on the trekking itinerary chosen with average hours of 4 to 5 hours normally, but on longer adventure treks, can extend 7 to 8 hrs specially on crossing high passes.

Q.8

What are the limits in age-group on this short trek?

No limit on age groups in most of our leisure and moderate, where any people with sound physical / medical health can join in our treks and tours. Joining in this trip maximum of 70 years of age should book and one must be physical fit and in sound medical health. We need medical reports from your doctors mentioning that one is fit for longer hard adventurous treks. On treks less than a week to 10 days child of minimum 4 to 5 yrs can join with proper guidance of parents where extra porters / staff will be needed to take care of the infants.

Q.9

Will I be safe from theft and robbery on trekking?

Nepal, a friendly country with warm hospitality of Nepalese where all world-wide travelers received with warm cheerful smile. Most of your valuables and items are safe to carry, as Nepal has few theft and robbery cases within local towns and cities only, not a major crime like in other parts of the world. As always where you travel, especially backpackers traveling alone without guides have encountered this situation rarely. Using good companies with expert and good guides where you will be always safe from such situations, facing very minimum regarding this type of cases theft and robbery.

Q.10

Are there any medical facilities and hospitals on Annapurna areas?

On treks which involves walking in remote areas, where hospitals and medical care is very minimum, but some villages has health post with simple and basic medical treatment. Towns and cities do have good medical facilities on trek for severe and emergency situations our guide will contact the head office for immediate medical evacuation by other means of transport with helicopter service for quick recovery. For quick and immediate evacuation one should obtain medical insurance policy to cover all medical, travel and Heli evacuation when required in such situations.