This trek is the best opportunity for trekkers with a very tight time schedule but having the Himalayan trek on their bucket list. It is the shortest trek, offering epic Himalayan views in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Poonhill is especially popular for the amazing sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. It is one of the Himalayan treks in lower elevations, giving a life-changing experience.
However, ensure yourself that you are physically and mentally fit as it is the faster trek, and you do not have enough time for acclimatization. You can begin the trip from Pokhara or take the morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive up to Nayapool, from where your actual trek begins.
3 days Poon Hill Trek Highlights
• Close panoramic Himalayas views from Poon Hill Peak
• Amalgamate with trekkers around the world
Distance and Altitude
Pokhara – Nayapool (62 km/drive) 2hrs. Pokhara altitude: 1400 m
Nayapool – Ulleri (trek) 5hrs. Nayapool altitude: 1070 m
Lunch – Thikhedhunga Ulleri altitude: 1960 m
Overnight – Ulleri Tikhedhunga altitude: 1480 m
Accommodation – Teahouse Poon Hill altitude: 3210 m
Ulleri – Ghorepani (2840 m) 4 hours hiking Ghorepani altitude: 2840 m Lunch – Nangethati
3 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Naya pool from Pokhara and trek to Ulleri
There are two options to begin the trip. If you are already in Pokhara, it’s easy to drive for Nayapool after taking breakfast in the hotel. But if you have an extremely short time, take the early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive straight to Nayapool.
It’s a 1.5 to 2-hour drive on a fine country road with stunning views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains from some of the places on the way. Depending on the season and the availability of the vehicles, you can take a bus, car, taxi, van, or jeep. Nayapool is a pretty big town with some banks and enough shops to buy some snacks, water, and tissue paper you might need on the trail. This is the point where your actual trek begins.
It is an approximately 5-hour trek for Day 1. I am sure you are so excited now! After a short trek from Nayapool, you will reach the beautiful village of Birethanthi, where the tourists’ permits are checked at the tourist check post. Be careful! You won’t get entry unless you have permits. After the entry of your permits at Birethanthi, you begin your trek to Ulleri.
The panoramic views of numerous peaks, snow-capped mountains, suspension bridges, highly photogenic waterfalls; the traditional houses of the locals give you extreme pleasure until you reach Tikhedhunga, your LUNCH Station! The trail from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri is comparatively tough because, for the most part, it is uphill.
Enjoy Nepali, Indian, Chinese, or Western food at Thikhedhunga and relax for a few minutes before you resume your trek to Ulleri, the final destination of Day 1. It’s nearly a two-hour trek from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri.
Day 2: During Poon Hill Trek
Trek to Ghorepani from Ulleri
Taking breakfast in the teahouse, the second day’s hike for Ghorepani begins with enjoying the amazing views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli if the weather is in your favour. Do not forget to observe the beautiful Ulleri village that lies at the top of the hill. Traditionally it was the Magar settlements but in recent days it is the common land for many others.
The church in the village shows it is also a Christian settlement. The 45-minute hike uphill makes you reach Banthanti village. It takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the next village, Nangethati. Almost all the way between these two villages is occupied by a rhododendron forest.
If you are lucky enough to manage your trek in the months of March to April, you will be overjoyed with the blooming of rhododendrons. You can see just four houses and three restaurants in Nangethati. It is the lunch station for most of the trekkers on this trail. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Ghorepani from there.
The trail between Nangethati and Ghorepani is almost equal up and downhill. Lots of waterfalls on the trail add extra charm to your trip. The village you reach first is Lower Ghorepani, where you can see a large entrance gate and a police checkpost. Get your permits checked at the post and head towards Upper Ghorepani which is nearly 10 minutes distance. Ghorepani is one of the most beautiful villages you see on the Himalayan treks.
Day 3: Poon Hill Trek Last Day
Trek to Naya pool and drive Back to Pokhara
Ghorepani- Poonhill 1-hour hike and return back to Ghorepani This is the special day of your trek. You need to get up early in the morning and get prepared for a 45-minute hike through the stone stairway up to Poonhill at an altitude of 3210 m. It is the best viewpoint in the Himalayas. It is also one of the most popular destinations for trekkers in the Annapurna region of Nepal due to the breathtaking sunrise views on the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The mountains like Annapurna South, Annapurna First, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchre, Campus, etc. can be beautifully viewed from Poon Hill. The two of them (Dhaulagiri and Annapurna First) are above 8000 meters of mountains. You are highly recommended not to carry unnecessary stuff on this hike.
It is steeply uphill, and you might be troubled. Thus, leave all your stuff in the guest house and get them when you will be back from Poon Hill. But remember to carry the water, headlamps, camera, and Rs. 100 as the entrance fee to Poon Hill. However, you are strictly prohibited from carrying a thermos with hot drinks.
You can buy them in the top 2 to 3 times more expensive than in Ghorepani. After experiencing the heavenly pleasure of the panoramic views from Poon Hill, you will be trekking down to Ghorepani and take breakfast. Then start trekking to Nayapool. There are a lot of teahouses on the way.
Choose one of them to have lunch. If you feel exhausted, you can catch a jeep, van, or bus to Nayapool or continue the trek up to Nayapool. A short drive takes you to Pokhara from Nayapool.
Why 3 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
3 Days Poon Hill trek is only the option to have epic views of the great mountains including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II, and many others just in three days trip. It is a great opportunity for those who are eager to see the popular Himalayas and experience the mountain culture at an affordable price. The package cost of Ghorepani poon hill trek $240 including car fare, accommodations, and permits.
