Poon Hill trek is considered one of the best short treks in Nepal. As this famous trek in Annapurna region is comparatively easy, comfortable and not far from popular town Pokhara, every year it attracts thousands of mountain loving trekkers.
Poon Hill Trek offers a great trekking experience and exposes you to the traditional rural Nepali lifestyle. The viewpoint at Poon Hill offers a delightful panoramic view of over 32 Himalaya peaks like Annapurna, Macchapuchre (also known as Fishtail), Dhaulagiri and many more beautiful Himalayan peaks.
Isn’t it amazing?
The view of the sunrise and sunset from Poon Hill is a remarkable and blissful experience. It is a marvelous feeling to witness the golden rays of the sun hitting the mountains. Another great thing about this trek is that it is considered easy and doable for almost all age groups.
Poon Hill has the right weather conditions, making it possible for a trek throughout the year. However, the rainy and winter season is not the best time for the view and walking over the trail. No matter which season you want to trek, the trail is safe, maintained with the help of locals and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) officials.
Poon Hill Trek is hardly considered as difficult. Here, we have listed some factors you might need to check in case you are worried about Poon Hill trek difficulty.
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Table of Contents
Factors affecting Poon Hill Trek difficulty
Distance
Poon Hill Trek is a short trek suitable for those having limited time in Nepal. It is an ideal option as it is close to Pokhara and not very far from Kathmandu as well. If we could drive all the from Kathmandu to there, its approximately 272 km to Poon Hill.
The distance covered during the trek is about 38 km which is a circuit trekking trail from Nayapul ending at the same place. It is a 3-4 day trek through villages like Tikhedunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk.
The specific part of the trail from Tikhedunga to Ulleri is a steep climb up the stairs, you will be crossing the famous 3200 stairs while trekking from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri. Otherwise, the trail normally passes through rhododendron and oak forests until Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, its a steep ascend for an hour or two to reach Poon Hill early in the morning to view sunrise of Himalayan peaks.
In a short time frame, Poon Hill trek will take you to an excellent viewpoint offering views of 32 mountains and stunning sunrise or sunset.
If you have limited time in Nepal and want to experience natural and breath taking view of Himalayas, this 4-day Poon Hill trek is for you.
Duration
Although recommended itienrary is of 4-day, Poonhill can be done as 3-day trek from the starting point of Nayapul. This 3-day trek through goes through villages like Tikhedunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani and return same way back to Nayapul.
On the first day, you cover the trail up to Tikhedhunga. The second day involves hiking up to Ghorepani, passing villages like Ulleri. Finally, on the third day, a steep early morning climb will take you to Poon Hill’s viewpoint. Later, you trek back to Nayapul on the same day.
The total number of hours you will walk for the first two days is 4-5 hours. And, on the last day, its about 6-7 hours of walk. Altogether, anticipate 14-15 hours of walking for this trek. Walking 4-5 hours each day is quite easy. Also, the trails are lovely, which makes it easy for the hike. If you are looking for longer option, then you should go for Annapurna Base Camp Trek which is 9 days trip from Pokhara that include side trip to Poon Hill as well.
Altitude
Of course, altitude is an essential factor while trekking. However, during this trek, the problems of height are next to zero. The highest point of the trek is the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters.
After the 3,000 meters, some people face problems with altitude sickness. On the day of ascent to Poon Hill, we enjoy the sunrise in Poon Hill and then descend way too low. So, the chances of altitude sickness in this trek are almost non-existent.
Here’s an altitude table of some significant villages.
| Places | Altitude |
| Pokhara | 850 meter / 2789 feet |
| Nayapul | 1047 meter / 3435 feet |
| Tikhedhunga | 1480 meter / 4856 feet |
| Ulleri | 1960 meter / 6430 feet |
| Ghorepani | 2810 meter / 9219 feet |
| Poon Hill | 3210 meter / 10532 feet |
| Tadapani | 2630 meter / 8628 feet |
| Ghandruk | 1939 meter / 6362 feet |
You will mostly trek on the hilly trails and enjoy the fantastic view of the glorious Himalayas from Poon Hill. The trail is steep at times, but the altitude is low, so it might be strenuous but not risky. Altitude won’t be much of a problem on this short trek to Poon Hill.
Weather
Weather in Poon Hill trek is pleasant throughout the year. Spring and Autumn are the best time for this trek. The temperature is cool, which is perfect for a trek, and the excellent visibility enhances the experience.
During summer and monsoon, the trails become slippery and can be covered with leeches. The visibility is less but there are chances of bright mornings as it usually rains at night.
Winters are not too cold. The lowest temperature during winter is -4 degrees, which is reasonable considering other winter treks to base camps. With proper trekking gears and clothing, you can complete the trek any time of year.
Accommodation
Poon Hill Trek is a short, easy and a comfortable trek. There are good hotels, lodges, guesthouses in some places and plenty of teahouses in most of the areas.
Teahouse accommodation is the type where the teahouse owner provides you with food along with a basic twin-sharing bed. You do not need to carry any food or camping gear.
At places like Ulleri and Ghorepani, there are lodges and guesthouses that provide better facilities. At almost every tea house or lodge, there are facilities of Wifi and hot shower. So, all in all, it is a comfortable trek in terms of accommodation.
Condition of Trails
Poon Hill is a top-rated trek in Nepal. Every year thousands of tourists visit the breathtaking viewpoint in Poonhill.
Poon Hill lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP (Annapurna Area Conservation Project) is responsible for maintaining trails within the conservation area. And ACAP does a great job.
During monsoon, the trails get affected at places. But, it is taken good care of by the locals and officials of ACAP.
Conclusion
Poon Hill is famous as a short and easy trek. So, it is not a difficult trail at all. Though, if you have any medical conditions, take a doctor’s advice. This is a trek doable for people of any age group with families as well as friends.
While packing your bags, consider the season though. Decide your purpose of the trek and choose the time wisely. Happy trekking and hope this helps you figure out the Poon Hill Trek Difficulty!
