Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is situated in the Annapurna Conservation Area and is a popular short trek. The trek is best known for the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views over the panoramic mountain. It is perfect for beginners seeking an easy, short, accessible trekking route. It is an alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek or the Annapurna Circuit trek for the ones who want to capture the Annapurna ranges in the Annapurna region quickly.
Moreover, Poon Hill trek in Nepal gives you an unforgettable trekking experience offering the best views of the mountains, sunrise, vibrant landscapes, charming villages, and many more. The trek offers you breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Himchuli, Dhaulagiri, and many more from the viewpoint. Similarly, trekkers interact with locals and immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Gurung and Magar communities.
The trek is perfect for first-time travelers and enthusiasts with prior experience. You can make your trekking journey memorable with the things you can experience during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. In this article, we will present you the 5 best things to do during the Poon Hill trek, weather conditions, and safety tips required for the trek.
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5 Best Things to Do During Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek offers the best sunrise and sunset view from the viewpoint of Poon Hill. Moreover, the trek provides various experiences, from mountain views to cultural encounters. Let’s discuss about the 5 best things to do during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Watch the Sunrise view from Poon Hill
Watching the Sunrise from Poon Hill is the major thing to do during the trek because it is the major reason for attraction in the Ghorepani trek. You can get the iconic early morning sunrise experience, and Poon Hill is the popular and best destination for sunrise and sunset views in Nepal. It is necessary to hike to Poon Hill before 5 am to catch the first ray of sunlight and experience the golden hour. Moreover, witnessing the surreal golden rays of paint in the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is rewarding.

Explore Traditional Villages
Along the trails, you can explore traditional villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk. These villages add charm to the trek with their rich cultural heritage and traditional houses made of stone. The trek lets you learn about the local Gurung and Magar cultures and traditions in Ghandruk and Ghorepani villages. You can encounter their way of life from close by. Similarly, the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk provides a great place to learn more about the local culture in depth. Along the trekking route, you can also try authentic local foods like Dhindo, Gundruk, Selroti, and many more.
Capture Stunning Mountain Views of the Annapurna ranges
The Poon Hill trek’s major highlight is the magnificent views of the Mountain views of the Annapurna region. You can capture the stunning mountain view from Poon Hill, including Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, and other surrounding peaks. The trek is also the best spot for photography, allowing photographers to capture the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. You can witness the Annapurna ranges throughout the trek.
Take Short Side Hike
You can take short side hikes around the Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages. You can hike to Deurali before or after the Poon Hill sunrise trek. Deurali Pass offers panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Similarly, the trek takes you on a Banthanti hike to explore the rhododendron forest. Also, the old Ghandruk village hike offers an opportunity to explore the ancient traditional stone-paved lane and culture of Ghandruk.
Relaxation at natural hot springs
After a long day of trekking, Poon Hill trek offers to relax at the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda. The hot springs are known for their mineral-rich water, which has natural therapeutic properties. The hot water relaxes your muscles, making your long hours of trekking worth it.
Safety tips during trekking in Nepal
Though the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an easy to moderate trek that does not requires technical climbing skills, you still have to make uphills and downhills. Some trails are steeper and narrower and need a basic fitness level and stamina for trekking all day. It can be difficult for the first-time trekker to cope with the altitude, narrow trails, unpredictable weather, and accommodation during trekking in Poon Hill. Thus, you must take the necessary safety tips for a comfortable and safe journey, whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker.
- Build physical fitness focusing on stamina and strength with cardio exercises
- Gradual ascents and descents to minimize the risk of altitude sickness
- Taking acclimatization and rest days properly when it is necessary
- Pack proper layered clothing like waterproof jackets, thermals, gloves, trekking shoes, etc.
- Carry essential gear, equipment, a sleeping bag, and a lightweight backpack
- Hire a local guide and a porter for easy navigation and carrying stuff, respectively
- Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food to maintain your energy level
- Know the symptoms of Altitude sickness and take action to prevent it in the first sign
- Get updated about the weather and be prepared for weather changes in higher altitude
- Respect local culture, traditions, wildlife, and communities
Weather Conditions on Ghorepani poon hill trek
The weather conditions vary throughout the year on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The weather varies based on the elevation and seasons. However, Poon Hill is the low altitude trek in which the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. In the spring, the temperature is mild and ranges from daytime highs between 10-18°C and nighttime lows to 0-5°C. The weather is pleasant, with warm days, low perception, and clear skies.
Similarly, Summer season has the warmest day, with the highs reaching 15-20°C during the day, and temperature drops to 0-5°C at night. The summer (monsoon) season experiences the highest rainfall in the year, but with proper preparation and gear, it is possible to trek during this time. Likewise, the Autumn season has the most favorable and stable weather with crystal clear skies.

Moderate temperatures range from daytime temperature, reaching 12-18°C, and nighttime temperatures drop to 0-5°C during Autumn. Furthermore, the winter season has the coldest temperature, ranging from 5-10°C in the daytime, and the temperature falls to -5 to -10°C during the night. If anyone can manage the winter weather, they will be rewarded with the best views of the snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna region.
Pokhara to Ghorepani poon hill trek route
The Ghorepani Poon Hill can be completed in 4-6 days based on the itinerary. However, the journey starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara with a scenic drive of 6-7 hours. Then, you drive to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek from Pokhara. After that, you will hike towards the Ulleri(2000m) through the valley of Hile (1495 meters) and Tikhedhunga (1540m). The trek continues to the Ghorepani(2860m) from Ulleri, with sightseeing rhododendrons and oak forest.
The next day, we will hike early morning to the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3210m elevation, taking one and a half hours of climbs. After witnessing the sunrise views from Poon Hill, you will descend to the Deurali and then climb to Tadapani. Later, you will descend steeply to the Ghandruk village through rhododendron trails and stay overnight at Landruk. Then, the trek ends with ascending to Deurali, downhill to Dhampus, and then to Phedi via Pothana. From there, catch a drive to Pokhara and head towards Kathmandu.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the short and easy trekking destinations suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trek offers many things that you can experience during the journey. From witnessing sunrise at poon hill, exploring traditional Gurung Villages, and capturing mountain vista views to taking the short side hike along the trails, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek allows you to create a memorable experience.