The Short Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s easiest and most popular outdoor expeditions, which takes you to a spectacular vantage point that showcases the majestic peaks of the Annapurna region. This trek can also be customized according to your preference. This enables you to complete the expedition in three days or extend it to four or five days. Besides, despite its short itinerary, the 3-day Poon Hill trek does not fall behind in mesmerizing travelers with the combined experience of cultural diversity and natural beauty. This allows you to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the Magar and Gurung communities of the region. In addition, the warm hospitality from the local people will make your journey even more memorable.
The 3 - 4 days Short Poon Hill journey will begin in a small town named Nayapul. It is located 1-5 hours away from the glorious lake city of Pokhara. After your arrival, you will make your way through terraced farmland, charming villages, and lush forests until you reach Ulleri, where you spend the night. On the second day of the trek, you will leave the village of Ulleri and head toward the beautiful village of Ghorepani. The Gurung village's clean and magnificent will offer you majestic views of the surrounding Annapurna massif and other mountain peaks. The final day of the expedition is the most exciting as you’ll walk the majestic trail with stunning views of the surrounding region's snow-covered mountains and green landscapes.
You’ll also be able to enjoy the main highlights of the trek on this day, such as the glorious sunrise view of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchui. Hundreds of travelers and photography enthusiasts gather at the vantage point to witness and capture beautiful images of the sunrise from Poon Hill. After enjoying your exploration of the area, we will retrace our trail, make our way towards Hile, and drive to Pokhara. Besides, if you want to extend your stay, you can also trek to Mardi Himal or the Annapurna Base camp trek, which are some of the best expeditions in the Annapurna region.
Highlights of the 3 Days Poon Hill Trek
- Encounter a wide range of flora and fauna.
- Explore and immerse yourself in the vibrant tradition and culture of the Magar and Gurung community.
- Hike inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a habitat of exotic animals, birds, and plants.
- Catch breathtaking views of mountains like Niligiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Varaha Shikhar.
- Explore beautiful villages like Ulleri, Birethanti, Ghorepani, and Banthanti.
- Poon Hill, the vantage point with a 360° panoramic view of the region.
The Magnificent Poon Hill: A Surreal Reality of the Himalayas
Poon Hill, the final destination of the trek, is renowned for its exquisite rhododendron forests, which range in color from pink to vivid red and yellow and cover the slopes of the Poon Hill region during the Spring season. As a result, it enhances the scenery of the Annapurna region and adds an enchanting aesthetic to the surrounding areas. Apart from the lush vegetation and plant life, Poon Hill also offers you exclusive vantage points to witness majestic mountain peaks. This gives you a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty and landscape.
Why is the 3 daya Poon Hill Trek suitable for you?
The Short Poon Hill Trek is one of the best and easy trek in Annapurna region, Nepal, and you can complete the trek in just three days. This expedition is perfect for individuals who want a peaceful retreat to experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan region of Nepal. Besides, unlike other treks in Nepal, the Poon Hill trek does not pose any threat of altitude sickness. Moreover, the expedition has no age restriction, which means people of all age groups can commence and enjoy the journey. On the other hand, if you have health concerns, you must communicate with a doctor regarding your condition so they can offer your permission to start the trek.
4 Days Poon Hill Trek Route
The 3 - 4 days Poon Hill trek starts from Pokhara. However, travelers who are willing to start the trek but are in Kathmandu can also take a domestic flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Pokhara. The flight between the two cities takes around 25 to 30 minutes to complete. On the other hand, if you are in Pokahra, our staff member will pick you from your hotel, from where the drive will begin to Nayapul. After your arrival in Nayapul, the trek to Ulleri will begin shortly after unpacking and making arrangement for the journey ahead. On the first day, you will be hiking for around 4-5 hours and spend the night in Ulleri. After resting in a local tea house, you will continue the trek tomorrow towards Ghorepani, which takes around 7 hours to complete. Finally, on the last day of the expedition, we will hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint. At the destination we will enjoy scenic views of the snow-capped mountain peaks and surrounding landscape. Besides, after the completion of the trek, you can head back to Kathmandu either through private transport or flight.
3/4 Days Poon Hill Trek Elevation
The maximum elevation gain during the trek is 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), which is at the summit of Poon Hill. This makes it relatively accessible and easy for travelers without prior trekking experience to complete the expedition. The well-defined trail and the gradual ascent and descent in the landscape make it a good option for travelers to hike the trek easily. However, if you feel any signs of being unwell during the journey, it is important to acclimatize and take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. It includes taking rest breaks, medications, and drinking plenty of water.
3 Days Poon Hill Trek Distance
During your journey the trail will pass through numerous beautiful villages of the Annapurna region and cover a total distance of 51km / 31 miles. However, the distance could vary according to the route you take and the type of itinerary you follow. Overall, any individual with proper preparation and adequate fitness level could hike the distance in the given days without significant difficulties.
3 Days Poon Hill Trek Difficulty
The difficulty of the 3-day Poon Hill trek is classified as a moderate grade, suitable for travelers with reasonable fitness levels. The expedition will require a combination of gentle descents and an uphill climb on the unique landscape of the Annapurna region. During the trek, you will start your journey in the foothills and make your way up to the Poon Hill. The expedition lasts for three days, and you will be hiking an average of around 5-6 hours daily. Further, some portions of the trek can be demanding and could pose a challenge to the experienced traveler. Nonetheless, you will be able to complete the journey with the expert guidance of the trek leader and your own sheer motivation and dedication.
Get Physically Prepared for the 3 Days Poon Hill Trek in Nepal
If you are unsure about your physical fitness, you must not worry because, with proper preparation, any individual with no prior experience is able to complete the trek. Here are some suggested training exercises we at OutFitter Nepal recommend you follow before the expedition:
- Strength training: Building core muscles and strength in your legs will make it easier for you to ascend and descend difficult portions of the expedition. Try exercises like calf raises, lunges, and squats to strengthen your lower body. Additionally, you can try sit-ups, planks, and push-ups as well to strengthen your core muscles.
- Cardiovascular Exercise: Apart from strengthening your body, you must also engage in activities that improve your lung and lung functions. This will significantly increase your stamina and endurance. We suggest you indulge in exercises such as swimming, cycling, or running for 30 minutes three times a week.
- Yoga and Stretching: It is also essential for you to have a healthy mind during the trek. So, to balance your body and mind, incorporate stretching and yoga in your routine to increase your balance and flexibility.
You Can Start the Trek from Both Kathmandu And Pokhara
The 3 days Poon Hill trek can be commenced from both Pokhara and Kathmandu. Follow through the options listed below:
Option 1(From Pokhara): If you are in Pokhara, and looking forward to trek with OutFitters Nepal, then our staff members will pick you up from your hotel after the booking has been confirmed. The next day, you will begin your journey with our guide from Pokhara with a short drive to Nayapul
Option 2(From Kathmandu): If you are looking forward to commencing the 3 Days Poon Hill trek from Kathmandu, then please visit our office for a short briefing of the journey ahead. After the booking confirmation, a guide will escort you from your hotel and you will be traveling to Pokhara by flight or private vehicle.
Note: If you have spare days then you can take your time to explore heritage sites and cultural attractions in Kathmandu and Pokhara.