Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is the most spectacular short trekking option in the Annapurna Region. This trip allows trekkers to explore the north-western acreages of Pokhara since it is a dazzling trekking trail, and the allure of its views is completely mind-blogging. You will witness the settlements of the Magar and Gurung people with their several monasteries and temples. You will also experience the pleasing surroundings of blooming rhododendrons, lovely vegetation of pine, birch, oak, and juniper trees. The trip is also known as Annapurna Panorama Trek since it offers trekkers mesmerizing panoramic views of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The most renowned and unmatched part of the route is an amazing view of the rising sun from the summit of Poon hill. The climb to the village of Ghandruk is also the thrilling part of the trek since Ghandruk is a beautiful village where you can see the settlements of the Gurung people.
Day 01: | Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Thikedhunga - Altitude: 1,600M | Drive: 2hr | Trek: 4/5 hr. Meal: LD |
Day 02: | Trek to Ghorepani - Altitude: 2,800 M | Trek: 6 hrs. Meal: BLD |
Day 03: | Short hike to Poon Hill - Altitude: 3,210 m and Trek to Tadapani - Altitude: 2630 m | Trek: 5/6 hr. Meal: BLD |
Day 04: | Short walk to Ghandruk - Altitude:1,940 | Trek: 3 hr. Meal: BLD |
Day 05: | Trek down to Nayapul - Trek: 5 Hrs & Drive back to Pokhara. Meal: BL |
DAY 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Thikedhunga - Altitude: 1,600M | Drive: 2hr | Trek: 4/5 hr. Meal: LD
You will drive in a private vehicle to the trekking trail head of Nayapul after breakfast. The scenic drive will take about 1 and a half hrs. From Nayapul we will follow upstream Modi Khola for about 30 mints and then cross it at the confluence of Modi and Burungdi River. Follow upstream Burungdi river climbing gradually to Thikedunga at the base of steep 3,000 steps to Ulleri. This 4 hrs walking is a good warm-up for the first day or you can even climb 3,000 steps to Ulleri to make the next day easier.
DAY 02: Trek to Ghorepani - Altitude: 2,800 M | Trek: 6 hrs. Meal: BLD
The climb will take about 2 hrs. Ulleri is a Magar village dominated by Pun Magars at 2,100 m. From the village, we will get the first view of Annapurna south and Mt. Fishtail. From the Ulleri village, the trail climbs gradually into the shed of alpine forest. The forest walk is intermediated by a group of teahouses catering trekkers. Ghorepani is a mountain pass below Pun Hill, overlooking at the world's deepest valley (Kaligandaki) wedged between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
DAY 03: Short hike to Poon Hill - Altitude: 3,210 m and Trek to Tadapani - Altitude: 2630 m | Trek: 5/6 hr. Meal: BLD
Sunrise view from the Pun Hill is the highlight of the pun hill trek. The hilltop at 3,190 m is 50 mints climb from Ghorepani. As the early rays of sun hit snow peaks, its color changes from pink to red. Panoramic view of over 15 peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges appear unreal. From Pun Hill one can see some of the world's highest peaks including Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 7th highest), Annapurna I (8,091 m / 10th highest) and Manaslu (8,157 m / 8th highest)
Climb down to Ghorepani and prepare for another beautiful day's walk to Tadapani. The trail at first climbs to the ridge top towards the east and then follows the ridge dense with Rhododendron to Deurali. Another three hours of walking through the rhododendron forest will take us to Tadapani at 2,500 m. From Tadapani, we have a closer view of Annapurna South and Fishtail.
DAY 04: Short walk to Ghandruk - Altitude:1,940 | Trek: 3 hr. Meal: BLD
Walk down to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a charming mountain village in the forefront of Annapurna South and Mt. Fishtail. Thatch and slate roofed stone houses dominate the village surrounded by farming terraces. This is bhold of Gurung - tribe that was famous as 'Gurkha Soldiers.' In the evening go for a village walk or just relax enjoying the view in the comfort of Ghandruk.
DAY 05: Trek down to Nayapul - Trek: 5 Hrs & Drive back to Pokhara. Meal: BL
Climb down the stone steps to the Modi river basin and then follow it downstream to Nayapul from where we started this short trek in Annapurna. A car will come here to pick you and you will reach Pokhara in the late afternoon.