Trek Difficulty: Amateur
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 days
Accommodation: Tea Houses, Lodges & Hotels
Best Season: March to May; September to November
Region: Annapurna Conservation Area
Introduction:
Nepal is a famed tourist destination – its enchanting mountains, infinite plains, its friendly people and diverse culture has drawn millions of tourists since the Himalayn nation opened its gates to tourists in the early 1950s.
Located in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Poon Hill has been a favourite trekking destination for many travellers – overlooking the Dhaulagiri Range of the Himalayas, a sunrise view from Poon Hill is said to be a majestic experience.
Ghandruk Village, a picturesque village which lies along the Poon Hill trekking circuit is arguably one of the world’s prettiest villages – in 2019, CNN listed Ghandruk as one of Asia’s thirteen best places.
A trek to Ghandruk is an easy and short, but it is nothing short of the Himalayan experience.
The trekking experience:
For most people, a trek to Poon Hill begins from Pokhara. From Pokhara, we have to reach Birethanti en route Naya Pool – the gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area. From Birethanti, we follow a trail which meanders through yellow paddy fields dotted with an occasional settlement. The pleasant walk offers a beautiful glimpse into the lives of the people of the hilly region. Just ahead of Ulleri, one’s stop for the first day, trekkers are met with a steep set of steps – some 3,200 steps.
Once at Ulleri, we are offered our first peek into the Himalayas – Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, lying behind a hill smile at the traveller.
The second day’s trek is short – a four hour brisk walk along the woods to reach Ghorepani. Enjoying nature’s sound, one immerses themselves into the rhododendron jungle. If travelling in spring, to see the rhododendron jungle bloom is a spectacular treat.
A steady uphill walk leads the traveller to Nange Thanti. Continuing upward one reaches Ghorepani – a large village.
Sunrise from Poon Hill:
One has to rise up early the next day – at 5:00 a.m. and make a 45 minute uphill walk to Poon Hill to catch the sunrise everyone speaks of. The walk itself offers mesmerizing views – far in the east the sun is seen rising casting its magical hues on the valley. The rays scattered over the clouds make everyone pause and watch in awe.
On top of the hill – an unparalleled view greets the traveller. From the west, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Macchapuchhre (Fishtail) are seen glistening. Slowly, the sun beams hit the snowy peaks, and cast an orangish-reddish hue. The scene is indeed spectacular, and we aren’t exaggerating when we say that the view has made many people’s eyes moisten as they revel in nature’s beauty.
Back at Ghorepani, a traveler may opt to spend the night in the mountains, or continue their onward journey.
Continuing onward:
For those who continue, within 15 minutes they find themselves back in the jungle, making a slow walk uphill. Occasionally, the mountains come into view, no matter how many times one sees them, they seem to want more. Soon, we are heading downhill, and joined by another stream – picturesque landscapes in after every bend and corner. After an almost five hour walk in the jungle, a traveler will have arrived at Tadapani.
Continuing along, one arrives at Ghandruk just in time before nightfall.
By this day, as if by routine, a traveler wakes up before sunrise once again. From Ghandruk, one can catch another magical sunrise – this time the sun hitting the grand Macchapuchhre. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast, the mountains beside us. The mood is a little melancholic because it is time to leave the mountains.
One can also spend the day enjoying the picturesque Ghandruk Village, observe the pretty homes, stone cobbled trails, and the friendly faces.
From Ghandruk it is a bumpy ride to Nayapul, and then onward to back to the scenic town of Pokhara to enjoy a leisurely dinner beside the tranquil Phewa Lake.
More Pictures:
