The Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek is considered by many as the best short trek in Nepal and with good reason. It offers a memorable week of trekking in the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range with breathtaking views along the way, culminating in the spectacular panoramas at Poon Hill (3210 m).
The trek commences with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul then heads out on a trail that courses through captivating Gurung villages and communities and lush landscapes. The first port of call is Ghorepani and nearby Poon Hill, with its superb outlook towards Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Nilgiri (7061 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), and Annapurna South (7219 m). The entire trail in fact serves up picture postcard views of the Himalayas over the length of the trek and throws in the soothing delights of the Ghandruk village as a welcome bonus before we head back to Pokhara.
The Ghorepani/Poon Hill trek is rated as an easy to moderate outing, a relatively easy challenge that suits the needs of trekkers of all ages and experience levels. It’s a great experience in its own right and the perfect taster for those who might want to test the waters before committing to a more challenging journey through the Himalayas. Needless to say, it’s perfectly suited to large groups and families looking for a reasonably leisurely hike, yet also suits the needs of solo hikers simply wanting to hit the mountains for a few relaxing days.