Ghandruk Poonhill trek is an experience of awe-inspiring panoramas of the Himalayas. This short yet spectacular trek makes you fall in love with the Himalayas. Apart from mountain views, this trek provides many cultural aspects in the famous Ghandruk village. Year-round, many trekkers are invited to trek in Ghandruk Poon Hill route by the towering mountains, the high slopes, and the colossal scenes.
Ghandruk to Poonhill is a perfect trek for those who prefer a short hike but aim to embrace the natural beauty and magnificent views of the Himalayas. It takes a moderate fitness level to finish, and the maximum elevation is 3,210 meters (so there’s no real risk of altitude sickness). Thus, anyone with reasonable physical fitness can comfortably complete this trek, and suitable for all ages.
This journey’s main draw has been its minute ascent to 3210-meter-high Poon Hill, where you can see the sunrise. Ghorepani is the place to start the hike. Photography enthusiasts will love the Poon Hill vantage. The Annapurna mountain range, covered in red, orange, and pink tones of the sunrise, offers genuinely magnificent panoramas on this short trip to Poon Hill.
You will pass past friendly villages, picturesque paddy fields, and picturesque terraced slopes up and down from Poonhill. This might be for your incredible experience.
The trip also incorporates a stop in the famous Ghandruk village, which is an exciting addition. The classic homes, beautiful scenery, and incredible culture of this village have gained fame. It gradually increased rise views of Machhapuchre, Himachali, and Annapurna South. In the Annapurna region, Ghandruk serves as the largest Gurung village.
Although you can go for the Ghandruk to Poon Hill Trek any time of the year, the trek will be chilly in the winter. October to November and March through May are the ideal times to visit. Assuring that your Nepal adventure is unlike any other, our experienced guides help you at every step of the road.
The Ghandruk Poonhill walk begins from the picturesque lakeside city of Pokhara, where you take a quick car ride to Nayapul (1100 m) town. Both the commencement and the end of this trek are at Nayapul. Nayapul-Ghandruk-Tadapani-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tikhedhunga-Nayapul is the sequence of the stairs in the trip between Ghandruk to Poon Hill. After completing this delightful trek from Nayapul, you drive back to Pokhara and are transported to Kathmandu.
In conclusion, the Poonhill and Ghandruk Trek is unquestionably the most enjoyable and musical trip appropriate for trekkers of all age groups with average physical endurance.
The trek is well-known for its stunning sunrise views and spectacular view of numerous mountains, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft), Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft), Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft), and Annapurna III (7,555m/24,787ft).
Best Time for EBC Trek
If you are a passionate trekker, seasons will never be an obstacle. However, it is about the preparation you must do according to the seasons.
In Nepal, trekking can be done on all days and seasons of the year, but for the Poonhill and Ghandruk trek, March to May and October to November are ideal.
In the winter season, Poonhill is covered with a thick white layer of snow. So, if you want to play trek in the snow, plan the trip in winter. Otherwise, you can go in spring when the sky is clear, and trekking is comparatively easy.
However, one thing is sure: trekking in Nepal is always something you would be happy with, regardless of your chosen season. So brace yourself up, get ready, and go for this breathtaking trekking experience.
The days are apparent for magnificent views of the mountains during these months because the weather is more transparent and the temperature is reasonable, except for a slight chill in the mornings.
If it starts to rain or snow, the walk can be cut short, or the skies might need to be clearer even for you to see the mesmerizing views. The walk can be done any time of year. You’ll also see the mountains’ perpetually mesmerizing and harsh landscapes if you’re lucky.
How Difficult is the Ghandruk and Poonhill trek?
Due to the Poon Hill journey’s rugged terrain, high height, and inadequate facilities, it is rated as a moderately challenging trek. With great highland passion, this trail requires moderate fitness.
In addition, trekkers need to be somewhat active, maintain a healthy diet, and participate in training sessions at least three months before the path to increase their stamina and endurance.
The easy-to-follow Ghandruk and Poon Hill walking trails meander through beautiful mountain scenery, Rhododendron forests, Cascades waterfalls, and typical Gurung villages.
The Ghandruk and PoonHill hiking is one of the most affordable, accessible, and simple trekking packages in the Annapurna Region Trek. As a result, the Poon Hill Trek is well-known for all first women, solo trekkers, and trekkers traveling with their families.
Do not worry because of the difficulty of the trek. You will feel it easy if you are physically and mentally prepared. Furthermore, remember to keep yourself hydrated and well-nutrition throughout the walk.
In addition, it is also essential to follow every rule that the professional guide says, especially in the winter, as the place is covered with snow. Therefore, there is a high chance that you may sip or hurt yourself if you are well-prepared.
Food and Accommodation during the trek
Fooding options are similar in almost all the treks in Nepal. The best thing you can eat is the traditional Nepali cuisine; dal bhat, tarkari, and achaar. Other than that, there are also several options like momo, chowmein, thukpa, and many more.
Regarding lodging/accommodation, you will get a lot of tea houses and lodges on the way. Besides, Ghandruk is one of the best tourist destinations in Nepal, where you can enjoy the best culture, food, and comfortable accommodation.
The locals in this area are best known for the hospitality they provide to visitors. Therefore, you will not have to worry about your lodging or fooding. You just enjoy the trek and let the locals take care of your requirements.
Outline Itinerary of Poonhill and Ghandruk Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
Day 3: Trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 5: Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani
Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk
Day 7: Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Day 8: Explore Pokhara
Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu