When is the Best Time for the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek?
Autumn and Spring are the two most favorable seasons for trekking in Nepal. These seasons are the best time for the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek as well. You will get stable weather with less precipitation in these seasons.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn provides sharp views of the mountains and moderate temperatures that are ideal for trekking. The cloudless skies and the snow-capped mountains are the highlights of the trek in Autumn. You will get an opportunity for the full cultural exploration of the region. Autumn is a festive period with a joyful atmosphere all around the trail.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is the next best time to trek in the region. The wildflowers bloom all over the green hills and turn them pink and red in this season. There is a scenic environment all-around with stable weather. You can also spot rare flora and fauna as they come out after their winter hibernation.
In the summer monsoon season, the trails get slippery and leech-infested due to heavy rainfall. Winters, on the other hand, bring freezing temperatures and an occasional snowfall. However, with proper packing and preparation, the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk trek is possible with ease all around the year.
How Difficult is the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek?
The Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek is relatively easy as compared to other treks in the region. It is also an excellent preparation trek for more demanding treks of the region including Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek.
You will have to trek for around 4-5 hours in this spectacular trek. The stony steps in the Ulleri village might pose some challenges for the first time trekkers. Besides that, the natural, rough terrains of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) are challenging as well.
Moreover, this beautiful adventure in the Annapurna region is a low altitude trek. But you should take necessary preventive measures to tackle altitude sickness. Hence, proper acclimatization with regular hydration is essential during the trek. Besides that, you should maintain a gentle pace and not rush during the trek.
Furthermore, you should pack well for the trek, including trekking gears, warm clothes, sturdy boots, first aid, and others. Overall, this short trek in the Annapurna region is relatively comfortable. Hence, with a basic level of fitness and mental preparation, you can complete this trek efficiently.
Food and Accommodations Along the Trek
The food and accommodation facilities along the trail are quite basic. You will stay in the local community-run lodges, teahouses, and homestays in the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk trek. The food and accommodation services are nothing fancy but served with incredible care.
A basic room consists of twin beds, clean sheets, and warm blankets. However, you need to carry your own toiletries including soap, toilet papers, towels, shampoo, and others. You will have an opportunity to stay at the homestays of the local people in Ghandruk. You will stay in the best hotels in the cities of Pokhara.
Moreover, you will get served the basic Nepali dish of Dal Bhat along the trail. Dal Bhat contains rice, dal (pulses), lentils, spinach, Gundruk, pickles, meat, and others. A limited variety of western dishes like pizza, burger, momo, Chowmein, is available along the trail as well. You can gorge on delicious western and international cuisine in the hotels of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Furthermore, hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, lemon water, alcoholic beverages, and others are available too. One pro tip is to book all the food and accommodation facilities before the start of the trek. Overall, the incredible hospitality of the local people will enthrall you.
Why to Take the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek?
A short and comfortable trek
The Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk is a short and comfortable trek in the Annapurna region. Many trekkers also use this trek as a practice or training for the more demanding Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Everest Base Camp treks.
Moreover, the trek is of short duration and has relatively more accessible trails. Also, this is a low altitude trek, so you do not have to worry much about the altitude sickness. However, a basic acclimatization process is essential during the trek.
Incredible mountain views
The breathtaking mountain views are one of the significant advantages of the trek. You can observe the awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains including Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and others.
Moreover, the silver mountains look incredibly beautiful on the backdrop of the vast green hills. Besides that, the pleasant aroma of the various vegetation along the trail is also enticing.
A complete cultural exploration
You also have an opportunity to explore the culture, lifestyle, and tradition of the community. The beautiful Tamang settlement scattered along the trails transports you back in time.
Moreover, you also have an opportunity to stay at the Gurung Homestays in the village of Ghandruk. The traditional lifestyle, and architecture will make you fall in love with the place.
Spectacular sunrise from Poon hill
The highlight of the trek is the spectacular sunrise from the Poon Hill viewpoint. The Poon Hill viewpoint is one of the best viewpoints to observe the glorious Himalayan sunrise.
Moreover, you can observe the golden rays of the sun falling over the silver mountains. The incredible trek to the Poon Hill viewpoint will provide you with an experience of a lifetime.
Essential Tips for the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek
- Hire a guide and a porter for the trek
- Start your trek early
- Walk gently at a slow and steady pace
- Carry anti-nausea tablets like Diamox
- Acclimatize and hydrate regularly during the trek
- Pre-book your food and accommodations during the trek
- Carry snacks like a protein bar, chocolate bar, granola bars, to munch on during the trek
- Get yourself a proper travel insurance
- Carry water purification tablet for the trek
Packing List of the Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek
Clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Full sleeve shirts
- Half sleeve shirts
- Trekking trousers
- Comfortable shoes
- Down jacket
- Sweaters
- Woollen caps
- Raincoats
First aid
- Band-aids
- Sanitary pads/ Tampons
- Anti-nausea tablets
- Water purification tablets
- Insect repellent creams
- Hand Sanitizer
Accessories
- Camera
- Solar Chargers
- Power Banks
- Extra Batteries
- Sleeping Bags
- Moisturizer
Important documents
