Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the shortest trekking trails in the Annapurna Region of Nepal and is closest to Pokhara, the largest city after Kathmandu. If you want to experience trekking in Nepal but don’t have time for a longer trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is perfect. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Starting from the lowlands of Pokhara, the trek reaches its highest point at 3,210 meters at Poon Hill. In this blog, We will discuss about Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Distance.
During the trek, you can explore the rural life of people from different communities like Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakali, Magar, and Gurung. The trek also takes you through fascinating vegetation and dense rhododendron forests, over suspension bridges, and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Even though the trail is short and easy, you can see the giant Himalayas, including Mount Annapurna (8,091 meters) and Mount Dhaulagiri, along with the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Highlights of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Panoramic Views: Spectacular sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges from Poon Hill.
- Cultural Experience: Traditional Gurung and Magar villages, showcasing local culture and hospitality.
- Rhododendron Forests: Lush rhododendron forests are incredibly vibrant during the spring season.
- Accessible and Short Duration: A relatively short trek (4-5 days), making it ideal for beginners and those with limited time.
- Charming Villages: Stops at beautiful villages like Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk.
- Diverse Landscapes: Various landscapes, terraced fields, dense forests, and high mountain views.
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot various bird species and occasional wildlife in the forested areas.
- Cultural sites: Visits to local temples and monasteries along the trekking route.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Distance
| From / To | Distance in KM |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | 200km |
| Pokhara to Nayapul | 62km |
| Nayapul to Tikhedhunga | 9km |
| Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani | 13km |
| Ghorepani to Poon Hill | 1.5km |
| Poon Hill to Tadapani | 6.5km |
| Tadapani to Ghandruk | 9.8km |
| Ghandruk to Nayapul | 14km |
| Nayapul to Pokhara | 62km |
Starting Point of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The easiest way to start the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is from Pokhara, which is also the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. To get to Pokhara, you must drive or fly to Kathmandu. Pokhara is a lovely city, but it doesn’t have international flights. You can only get there by driving or flying from Kathmandu. Once you’re in Pokhara, you need to go to Nayapul to begin the trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill.
Distance and Travel Time from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara is 200 kilometers from Kathmandu. The trip takes about 7-8 hours by bus, with scenic views of hills, villages, rivers, and markets. The road is winding and slow, with frequent stops so that the journey might take longer. If you prefer more comfort, you can hire a private car or jeep, which will take 6-7 hours. The travel time can vary due to road conditions, weather, and traffic, especially during the monsoon season when landslides might occur.
The quickest way to reach Pokhara is by flying, which takes 30 minutes. There are several flights each day, and taking an early morning flight can help you start your trek to Ghorepani the same day, saving you an extra day in Pokhara. However, be aware that flights might be delayed during the monsoon season.
Distance and Travel Time from Pokhara to Nayapul
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek starts in Pokhara, which is also the gateway to the Annapurna region. First, you need to drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, which is 62 kilometers away and takes about 1.5 hours. The drive to Nayapul is scenic, with lovely views of the hills and Himalayas. The road is better shaped and wider than the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Once you reach Nayapul, you can begin your trek and adventure.
Distance and Travel Time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be completed in different durations, ranging from 3 to 5 days. The length of the trek depends on your fitness level and the trail you choose to follow. Each day, you’ll walk for about 4 to 6 hours.
Benefits of Knowing the Distance
Knowing the distance of a Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek helps in several ways. To reach Nepal’s best trekking spots, you must warm up, practice, discipline, plan, and follow good advice. It also helps with better travel planning, as you can estimate how many days you’ll need and make arrangements accordingly. You can pack the right amount of gear and supplies. While anyone can join the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, it does require good health, fitness, and motivation. Knowing how far you’ll be walking daily helps you set a realistic pace, preventing exhaustion and ensuring a more enjoyable experience.
When is the Best Recommended Time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Hike
The best time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is spring and autumn, but you can also trek in winter. The region, being close to Pokhara, receives substantial rainfall during the monsoon season, leading to frequent landslides, slippery trails, and a high presence of insects. June, July, and August are not ideal for this trek due to the heavy rainfall and limited views of the Himalayas.
For stunning views, December, January, and February are highly recommended. During these months, you might encounter snowfall at Ghorepani and Poon Hill, and temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celcius at night. The winter months offer breathtaking Himalayan vistas. If you prefer to avoid snowfall, the best times to trek are March, April, May (spring), September, October, and November (autumn.)
Tips for Trekking
- Pack Light: Bring only essential gear. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, good hiking boots, a rain jacket, and warm layers are crucial.
- Acclimatization: Although the trek is at a lower altitude, ensure proper acclimatization by following a gradual pace and staying hydrated.
- Permits: Before starting your trek, obtain necessary licenses like the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).
- Weather: Check weather forecasts regularly. Prepare for sudden weather changes, especially if trekking in winter.
- Safety: Be cautious of slippery trails, especially during or after rain. Use trekking poles for better stability.
- Health: Carry a basic medical kit, including medications for common headaches or stomach problems.
- Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced meals. Bring water purification tablets or a filter to ensure safe drinking water.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience and to navigate the trails safely.
Conclusion
The Ghorepani Poon Hill is a popular and low-altitude trek in Nepal known for its beautiful mountain views and scenic trails. The total distance of the trek is about 32 to 35 kilometers round trip. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek typically takes 3 to 5 days to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the sights.
The trek starts from Nayapul and goes through charming villages, lush forests, and terraced fields. You’ll reach Ghorepani, a key stop on the trek, where you’ll get a chance to see stunning views from Poon Hill. The distance from Nayapul to Ghorepani is 12.9 kilometers, and the hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is a short but steep climb.
FAQs
How far is it from Ghorepani to Poon Hill?
The trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is relatively short. It’s about a 30 to 45-minute hike, covering a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers. It’s a popular trek, especially for sunrise views, so it’s well-marked and easy to follow.
How far is Nayapul from Poon Hill trek?
Nayapul is quite a bit farther from Poon Hill. The distance between Nayapul and Poon Hill is approximately 23.5 kilometers. However, on the trek, the journey involves a trek from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga, then up to Ghorepani, and finally to Poon Hill. The trek from Nayapul to Poon Hill is usually covered in 3 to 4 days, depending on your pace and acclimatization.
What is Ghorepani Poon Hill trek difficulty level?
The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is classified as moderate in difficulty and suitable for trekkers with a basic fitness level. The difficulty also depends on the route you choose. The route has some uphill and downhill sections with stone steps. Still, it is generally well-maintained and manageable, making it accessible to beginners and those seeking a scenic, shorter trek with stunning mountain views.
Is Everest visible from Poon Hill?
No, Mount Everest is not visible from Poon Hill. Poon Hill offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, but Everest is located much farther east, beyond the reach of this vintage point. Poon Hill lies on the border of Myagdi District and Kaski District in Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Do you need a trekking permit for Poon Hill?
Yes, you must have a Poon Hill trek permit. Specifically, you need an Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS ) Card. These permits help manage and preserve the trekking areas and ensure the safety of trekkers. They can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara or through registered trekking agencies.
