Volunteering and Annapurna Poonhill Trek

Trek Details

Our 13-day program will allow you to experience local culture and enjoy a scenic trek. In this volunteer tour, we will spend four days doing community service and the rest trekking in the Annapurna region. Like the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, the Annapurna Sunrise Trek will also need a brief introduction.

This trail is known as one of Nepal’s most beautiful scenic treks. Located northwest of Pokhara, this trek will be perfect for those with limited time who want to see the Annapurna mountains and other peaks in the Annapurna range up close. The trip will offer fantastic scenery and a chance to learn about the lifestyle of the Magar people and see rural Nepal.

Also known as the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Ghorepani will be a Magar village and the last stop of our trek. Poon Hill will be a nearby viewpoint where we will go to see the sunrise the next day. After having the perfect 10-day trip and four days of volunteering, we will start to descend towards our next destination, Pokhara. We will take a short flight back to Kathmandu upon reaching there, waving the final goodbye to our trek.

Day to Day Itinerary

Our 13-day volunteering tour begins in Kathmandu. From the second day of your arrival, we will start four volunteer programs on the outskirts of Kathmandu. On the fifth day, we will drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is a lake city and a popular tourist spot. On clear days, you can see beautiful views of the Himalayas from the city. You can also visit the lakeside area, where many restaurants and pubs, and enjoy your evening there.

The next day, after breakfast, we will drive for 2 hours to Nayapul, where our trek starts. After arriving, we will hike to Ulleri, a Magar settlement. Ulleri is famous for its stone steps. You will walk up 3,000 stone steps, which is both challenging and rewarding. These stone staircases are a key feature of Ulleri. The next day, we will continue our trek to Ghorepani village, a Magar and Gurung settlement at 2,874 meters. The trail climbs through Rhododendron forests to Banthanti.

On the following day, we will wake up before dawn to see the first light on the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill. After enjoying the sunrise, we will return to Ghorepani for breakfast. We will then hike through rhododendron and pine forests to Deurali and continue to Tadapani. The trail will then descend to the Gurung settlement of Ghandruk (2,012 meters). From here, we will retrace our steps back to Pokhara for the night. You will have free time to enjoy the Phewa Lake area in the evening. Our trip will end with a drive back to Kathmandu. If you want a more detailed adventure, you can consider the Annapurna Sanctuary trek.

Annapurna Poon Hill Trek difficulty

The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is considered moderate in difficulty. The trek involves several days of hiking through varying terrain, including steep stone steps and forest paths. The altitude is not excessively high, with the maximum point being Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness. However, trekkers should be prepared for uphill climbs and some long days on foot.

The trek suits those with a reasonable fitness level and previous hiking experience. While the path is well-trodden and supported by local teahouses, the challenge lies in the continuous ascents and descents, which can be demanding. Proper preparation, including physical conditioning and acclimatization, will help ensure a successful and enjoyable trek.

Best time for Poonhill Sunrise Volunteer Trek

The best time to undertake the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is Autumn and Spring. However, unlike other treks with high elevations, this trek can also be done in different seasons. Here is a brief info about the seasons

Autumn (September to November)

This is the best time for trekking in any of the Himalayan regions of Nepal. The temperature is perfect, with green vegetation all around as the monsoon will have just passed. The sky will be clear, and views of the hills and mountains will be as vibrant as ever. Remember, as this is one of the best times to trek, you will come across many trekkers on your way. This is also the biggest festive season in Nepal, and you will get to see the festive environment from the get-go.

Monsoon (June to August)

Although there are better times to trek in any of the regions in Nepal, trekking in monsoon has its charm. There will be lush green vegetation and very few trekkers, making the trail all yours. There will be times when clouds cover the mountains, but that only makes it unique when the mountains open up. However, please remember that the trail will be slippery, with many leeches on the way. Also, there will be landslides, so it’s only recommended to trek in the monsoon season if the weather is right.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the dry time of the year, but it is also possible to do the Poonhill trek in winter. Daytime temperatures will be acceptable, but temperatures during nighttime and mornings can drop to freezing temperatures. Could you make sure to carry adequate clothing to beat the cold? There won’t be a lot of snow as we won’t be able to go to higher elevations. Some snow in the forests could make the trail a bit slippery. This time of year is also ideal for those looking for less busy trails.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a very favorable time of the year to trek, and this season, too, attracts many trekkers. The weather is perfect, with a clear sky. The winter has brought snow to the mountains, making the views even more impressive. Also, the forests will be colorful, with the rhododendrons in full bloom.