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Poon Hill Trek - 2 days and 3 days
The Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Nowadays, the Poon Hill Trek can be completed in 2 to 3 days after a road was built from Nayapul to Banthati and Ghandruk.
This trek is suitable for those who are short on time and want to do a short Annapurna trek from Pokhara and visit Poon Hill (3,210 m), probably the best viewpoint in the entire Annapurna region.
If you are looking for a family hike with kids (children), this hike is an ideal option, but requires more days for trekking. The most common route for the Poon Hill trek starts in Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside town. From Pokhara, you will take a private vehicle or bus to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek.
But if you want to complete the Poon Hill trek in 2 days or 3 days then you will have to take a jeep from Pokhara to Banthanti (2,210 m), which is just a few minutes' drive after Ulleri (2,020 m). Total driving from Pokhara to Banthanti takes about 3 hours.
After reaching Banthanti your trek starts and on the same day you will reach Ghorepani (2,855 m). The path is inside the forest, see dense rhododendrons and oaks. Next morning, hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views over the mountains including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Bharha Shikhar, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and other snow-capped peaks.
After enjoying the sunrise and panorama views from Poon Hill return back to Ghorepani and have a good breakfast and trek to Banthanti via the same route you used on the first day. Take a jeep from Banthanti to Pokhara. The road till Nayapul is off-road and from Nayapul to Pokhara is blacktop.
If you do not want to go back via the same route, you will have to come back via Ghandruk village, which requires 3 days for trekking. You'll walk through rhododendron forests and enjoy more views of the mountains. The trek ends in Ghandruk, from where you can catch a jeep back to Pokhara.
Ghandruk is a beautiful village inhabited by the Gurung people. It's a popular destination for trekkers, offering stunning views of the Annapurna Mountains, including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
If you want to complete Poon Hill trek in 2 days or 3 days from Kathmandu then you have to take a morning flight from Kathmandu and on the last day you have to take an evening flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
The 2 days and 3 days trek to Poon Hill is generally not undertaken by most trekkers as it requires flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara and a height of 2,855 meters at Ghorepani must be reached in a single day. If you have limited time for trekking, but you have good energy, and you like a challenging journey, then this trek would be the right choice for you.
However, it is always better to start the trek from a lower altitude at Nayapul (1,070 m), Tikhedhunga (1,520 m) or Ulleri (2,020 m) instead of Banthanti (2,210 m) and stay one night before Ghorepani (2,855 m) to avoid altitude problems (rarely happen), but the trek requires more days.
Poon Hill Trek Highlights
- Experience a short trek into the Annapurna region with an off-road drive.
- Visit Poon Hill (3,210 meters), which is known for its breathtaking view of the sunrise. As the sun rises, it bathes the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, in a golden glow.
- It is a relatively short trek, making it suitable for those with limited time.
- Trek through lush rhododendron forests, especially vibrant in the spring, when the hillsides are ablaze with colorful blossoms.
- Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and learn about their unique cultures and traditions.
- Experience the unique atmosphere of trekking teahouses and lodges along the trail. Interact with fellow trekkers and share stories.
Poon Hill Trek Cost
The cost of the Poon Hill trekking package depends on various factors. These include the size of the group (Larger groups might be able to negotiate better rates, while solo trekkers or small groups may pay a premium for personalized services), the level of services included (budget, standard, luxury) and the reputation and standard of the trekking company you choose.
Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
The itinerary below is just a simple route for those looking for a short Poon Hill Trek, but you can customize it to suit your own needs and interests. If you have more days available for trekking, you can start the trek from Nayapul and stay a night at Ulleri. You can do several other things on the Poon Hill Trek, such as visit the village of Ghandruk, hike continues to Dhampus phedi, Australian Camp, or relax in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda.
Safe and reliable flight to Pokhara?
Pokhara flights are safe and reliable, accidents are very rare. Flying is therefore a great way to avoid spending too much time on the road. It’s also a great way to get to the starting points of trekking quickly. However, if you want to avoid the flight from Kathmandu and back, there are daily day and night buses for tourists, so you can travel comfortably by land.
Poon Hill Trek Itinerary 2 Days
Day 01: Kathmandu flight to Pokhara and drive to Banthanti and trek to Ghorepani (2,855 m)
Day 02: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and trek to Banthanti and drive to Pokhara (850 m) and evening flight to Kathmandu
Poon Hill Trek with Ghandruk Itinerary 3 Days
Day 01: Kathmandu flight to Pokhara and drive to Banthanti and trek to Ghorepani (2,855 m)
Day 02: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and trek to Tadapani (2,610 m)
Day 03: Tadapani trek to Ghandruk village and drive to Pokhara (850 m) and evening flight to Kathmandu
