A trek to Pun hill (Poon Hill) is the most spectacular short trek in the Annapurna region. Pun Hill is a perfectly positioned, 3,200 m hill with up-close view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The sweeping view of the Kali Gandaki valley wedged between two 8,000 m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri makes Pun hill the most surreal trek. This short trek is also culturally rich with villages of ‘Pun Magar’ and Gurungs with legends of famous Gorkha warriors. This is the most rewarding short trek in Annapurna with easy access from Pokhara.
Pun Hill trek starts 1 ½ hrs drive to Nayapul from Pokhara. The trail then climbs gradually through the charming villages with terraced farms and finally enters into the Rhododendron forest. Two days of climbing brings us to the mountain pass village of Ghorepani. Poon Hill is the view point reached by one hour walking from Ghorepani. The route of this short trek in Annapurna then follows the scenic ridge to Tadapani and back down to Nayapul.
We had great one week trip to Nepal in November 2021 . The tour guide Rabi took care of all our needs from airport pick up, drop off, stay in Kathmandu, Pokhara, 4 days Poon hill trek. The stay in hotel and in tea houses, food, porter, car/jeep rides, sightseeing everything was well planned and executed. Due to weather, there were changes needed in itinerary and he made necessary timely adjustments.
Rabi is well read and very knowledgeable about the Napal, Tibet and various countries. He gave lot of information to make a very informative trip. We will be surely visiting Nepal again since so much left to see. Surely, Rabi will be our first choice for all future trips. I will highly recommend Rabi and his team for any trek, spiritual trip or sightseeing. - Gayake - US - November 2021 More reviews >
Price : USD 350 Duration : 4 days from Pokahra Season : August - May
Accommodation : Teahouse trek Difficulty : Moderate with continuous climb of about 1,700 m within two days.
Being in the foothills of the Annapurna, this trek could be done throughout the winter.
till 25 Sept 2024
USD 320 350 Includes
Necessary trekking permits.
3 nights 4 days trekking package from Pokhara to Pokhara
Trekking with a guide and a porter.
Teahouse accommodaiton with three meals a day.
Private transportation to and from the trekking trail head - Pokhara.
An alternate route to Pun Hill via Mohare danda and Muldai viewpoint based on community lodges avoids the tourist crowd in the classic trail and follows the beaten path with charming villages. You will also spend more time along the scenic ridges with Himalayan views.
We will drive in a private car to the trekking trail head of Nayapul after breakfast. The scenic drive will take about 1 and half hrs. From Nayapul we will follow upstream Modi Khola for about 30 mints and then cross it at the confluence of Modi and Burungdi River. Follow upstream Burungdi river climbing gradually to Thikedunga at the base of steep 3,000 steps to Ulleri. This 4 hrs walking is a good warm up for the first day or you can even climb 3,000 steps to Ulleri to make the next day easier.
Climbing the steep stone steps would be mild in the morning. The climb will take about 2 hrs. Ulleri is a Magar village dominated by Pun Magars at 2,100 m. From the village we will get the first view of Annapurna south and Mt. Fishtail. From the Ulleri village, the trail climbs gradually into the shed of alpine forest. The forest walk is intermediated by group of teahouses catering trekkers. Ghorepani is a mountain pass below Pun Hill, overlooking at the world's deepest valley (Kaligandaki) wedged between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Sunrise view from the Pun Hill is the highlight of the pun hill trek. The hilltop at 3,190 m is 50 mints climb from Ghoprepani. As the early rays of sun hits snow peaks, its color changes from pink to red. Panaromic view of over 15 peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges appear unreal. From Pun Hill one can see some of the world's highest peaks including Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 7th highest), Annapurna I (8,091 m / 10th highest) and Manaslu (8,157 m / 8th highest)
Climb down to Ghoprepani and prepare for another beautiful day's walk to Tadapani. The trail at first climbs to the ridge top towards east and then follows the ridge dense with Rhododendron to Deurali. Another three hours of walking through the rhododendron forest will take us to Tadapani at 2,500 m. From Tadapani, we have closer view of Annapurna South and Fishtail.
Walk down to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a charming mountain village in the forefront of Annapurna South and Mt. Fishtail. Thatch and slate roofed stone houses dominates the village surrounded by farming terraces. This is bhold of Gurung - tribe that was famous as 'Gurkha Soldiers.' Enjoy the view of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Mt Fishtail while having lunch and trek further down for about 1 hr to catch a ride back to Pokhara.
The Spring months of March, April and May add brilliant colors to the Himalayan vegetation. Walk through Rhododendron forest bedecked with 126 species of Orchids, Mangolia, Bauhinia, Iris, Primrose and hundreds of other wild flowers. Spring comes late at higher altitude making the floral season last throughout summer.
Short Annapurna trek in Autumn
With the crisp sky and moderate temperature, autumn is the best time to do Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Prepare for the temperature ranging from 5 - 24°C during the autumn. The temperature of Poon Hill may reach freezing point before dawn when trekkers climb there for a sunrise view.
Best short trek for winter
Short trek in Annapurna could be done throughout the winter months of December, January and February. The higher reaches will have snow and the minimum temperature may drop to - 5°C. But winter days are sunny and warm.
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