Ghorepani/Poonhill Trek

Overview of Ghorepani/Poonhill Trek

Nepal’s topography ranges from the southern plain of Terai that begins from an elevation of 59 metres from sea level to the northern highlands of Himalayan belt which rises up to staggering 8849 metres. In between these two extreme landscapes lies the Mahabharat hills which acts a vantage point to gaze at both of these enigmatic geographical variation. One of such vantage point which bestows trekkers with it picturesque views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif is Poonhill. Stationed to the north of Pokhara metropolis in western Nepal, Poonhill has been one of the most favoured destination for nature admirers.

Your Poonhill Trek begins from the submissive city of Pokhara. The route head westward following Pokhara-Muktinath Highway or Baglung highway up till Nayapul, which is a crossroad point for Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and Upper Mustang Trek. While there is a roadway leading to Tikhedhunga from Nayapul, we take the conventional foot trail to reach Tikhedhunga which is our stopover for the day. It is 9 kms in distance from Nayapul and passes through small settlements of Birethanti, Lamdawali, Sudame and Hile. Tikhedhunga resembles a typical Nepalese village with Vernacular architecture houses settled densely. Our route heads further north from Tikhedhunga and we cross a small waterfall as we reach Bhurung Khola. The climb from Tikhedhunga is challenging as we take on the foot trail which takes an steep ascent from Ulleri. The trail passes through village of Banthanti and Naagthanti till you reach your destination, Ghorepani. The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs appear before you during this stretch of the trek and the view is simple alluring. Ghorepani village stands as a final stopover for Poonhill Trek.

Your main course of the trek, Poonhill, is only an hour walk from Ghorepani. We take a small hike early morning to gaze at the sunrise spreading across the mountains from Poonhill. As a standard practice, this is what the trekkers usually do. Stationed at 3210 Poonhill portrays spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek then turn westward from Ghorepani and heads towards another section of Gurung settlement Ghandruk. We make a stopover at Tadapani which resembles a typical Gurung village. Gurungs are the native to this region and they build houses that are made up of stacked himalayan rocks that cut into flat pieces. There is a porch space in front of Gurung house that we call ‘Pidhi”.

Another attraction of this trek is Ghandruk Trek from Tadapani which is a 4-5 hrs stretch taking you to the heart of Gurung village. Ghandruk sits atop a huge hill that overlooks Annapurna South(7219m/ 23684 ft). Ghandruk is a dense settlement of Gurung people with homestay accommodation alternative if you opt for it. You will be served with their native dishes and will observe their cultural dances by local performers if you want. The final stretch of the trek will start from Ghandruk phedi where our vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to Pokhara.

Trek to Poonhill is considered beginner trek for the highest elevation rises slightly more than 3000 metres. This makes it easy going trek with distant view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. To add icing to the cake, it also provides you with an opportunity to immerse in the typical Gurung lifestyle and culture. The best time to for Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trek is during Autumn(Sept- Nov) and Spring (March- May) when the weather is clear providing alluring views of the Himalayan mountains.

The accommodation during Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is in teahouse. A teahouse is wooden built structure in the mountains for accommodation facilities. Similar to the mountain lodges in the European Alps, teahouses provide with private room and meals for travellers in trekking regions. These teahouses provide a limited food and beverage options. In this trek, your food and beverage options are limited to mostly Nepali and Tibetan dishes. Dal Bhaat Set( Rice, Lentil Soup, Curry and other sides) is usually preferred by most trekkers as it great value for money. You have other western dishes options to choose from too.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek requires a you to have TIMS ( Trekkers Informations Management System) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits. You will need these two documents for your Ghorepani Poonhill Trek:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP): 3000 Nepalese Rupees (About $30)
• Trekkers Informations Management System (TIMS): 2000 Nepalese Rupees ( About $20)