Last May, my friend Priti and I went on our first trek of the year to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's most popular trekking spots at the height of 3,210 meters, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Locating in the Annapurna Region, you will see beautiful mountains after day two of our trekking journey.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a journey that passes through the paths between the forest blossomed by Rhododendron flowers. The trek blesses you with the mesmerizing views of Sunrise and Sunsets at the destination. The best time to go on the Poon Hill Trek is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).
We began our journey at the Pokhara bus park, where we bought snacks and water for the trip. We packed comfortable shoes, warm clothes like jackets, a raincoat, a flashlight or headlamp, snacks, water, and trekking sticks for a smooth and enjoyable journey. The bus ride to Tikhedhunga (1540m) took about 5 hours. To get to Tikhedhunga from Pokhara, you can take a bus or a jeep. The bus fare is approximately NPR 1000. While buses are a more affordable option, the roads can be bumpy, making the ride a bit uncomfortable. If you prefer a smoother journey, it's recommended to opt for a jeep, which offers better comfort despite the slightly higher cost.
The bus was filled with other excited trekkers, and the driver played cheerful “Lok Dohori” music, making the trip enjoyable. By the time we reached Tikhedhunga, all our snacks were gone!Local tea houses in Tikhedhunga offer a variety of meals such as noodles, MO: MO,chowmein, rice, and dal bhat. The cost for these meals typically ranges from NPR 500 to 1000, providing an affordable and hearty option for travelers to refuel during their journey.
After getting off the bus, we stopped at a small hotel to eat chow mein, which was delicious. At around noon, we started walking. The weather was nice, and the path was clear. Soon, we arrived at Ulleri (2080m), a village known for its 3200 stone steps. Climbing those steps was tough but worth it because the views of the hills were amazing. We noticed during our journey how safe and welcoming this route is for female travelers.
From Ulleri, the trail became easier as it passed through forests of rhododendrons and oak trees. The blooming rhododendrons in different colors looked stunning, making the walk more enjoyable. The very evening we reached Gorepani and decided to stay there. Ghorepani is a charming village nestled in the Annapurna region, known for its stunning views and vibrant rhododendron forests. We stayed at a hotel in Gorepani with affordable cost hot and cold showers food and breakfast.
We woke up at 4:30 AM and started walking by 5:00 AM. It was dark, so our flashlights were very helpful. The trail from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m) was steep, but it was a short climb. By 5:45 AM, we reached the top, just in time for the sunrise. The sunrise was magical. The sun painted the mountains, including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri, in golden colors. The view was breathtaking. We enjoyed a hot cup of tea from a small tea shop and spent time taking pictures.
The place was full of trekkers, all smiling and amazed by the beauty around them. The Poon Hill trail is moderately difficult. We were easily able to complete the trek to Poon Hill, especially with basic fitness. The trail is manageable, and with proper preparation, we can enjoy the beautiful views along the way. After staying for about an hour and a half, we returned to Ghorepani, had breakfast, and reflected on our incredible journey.
Poon Hill is a perfect trek for beginners. It’s safe, easy to follow, and full of amazing views. For female travelers, it’s especially welcoming, with friendly locals and plenty of other trekkers around. This trek gave us more than we expected: stunning nature, new energy, and a promise to explore more trails in the future. Returning to Pokhara, Priti and I were tired but very happy, knowing this was just the beginning of our adventures.
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