Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 7 Days

Best Time For Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is good to go all year for trekkers, but the best months are from March to May and September to November. The weather is moderate during these months, and the views are usually clear. However, if you're trekking during the monsoon season (June to August), be prepared for slippery trails and possible rain showers, which could increase the trek's difficulty.

Poonhill Trek in Spring (March to May): Optimum time for Clear Views and Rhododendron Blooms

• Spring is the most preferred season for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Spring is quite chilly and sunny with warm weather that remains between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day.
• Clear blue skies during this time offer the best opportunities to get those fantastic photos of the grand Annapurna range.
• Furthermore, during spring months there's a burst of color with flowers of rhododendrons in bloom, leading to a kaleidoscopic landscape on the trail.
• If you enjoy the beauty of nature and would love to see the trails covered in flowers, then spring is your season.

Ghorepani Trek in Fall (September through November): Ideal Trekking Conditions

• Fall too is an ideal time to trek this trail.
• With cool mornings and clear days, the sun shining brightly in the sky, the weather conditions are ideal to make a delightful trek.
• You'll have some of the best mountain views, especially at sunrise from Poon Hill, where the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains look their best.
• The treks are dry and easy to walk and the weather is perfect for trekking.
• This is the best trekking time in Nepal, so you will see other trekkers, but it's still worth visiting if you prefer to see the trail in top condition.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Winter (December to February): Quiet, Scenic, but Cold

• If you’re looking for a quieter experience, winter could be your time to visit for Poonhill trek.
• While the temperatures drop significantly at higher altitudes (often below freezing at night), the weather during the day is still crisp and sunny, making for clear mountain views.
• The trails are less crowded, so you’ll have a peaceful trek. The white peaks of the Annapurnas during winter are simply breathtaking, particularly from Poon Hill.
• But be ready for the cold weather, particularly at higher altitudes, and some of the tea houses are closed during this season.

Poonhill Trek in Summer/Monsoon (June to August): Not the Best Option

• Monsoon, June and August, is not a good time to trek the Ghorepani Poon Hill area.
• Rain causes the path to be wet and slippery, and a lot of rain leads to landslides. 
• The path becomes totally wet, and leeches are bothersome. You can still make the trek but surely not the most favorable time if you don't like the trouble of wet weather and unpredictable path conditions.

So, if you’re aiming for the best weather and views, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to plan your trek. These seasons bring clear skies, great trekking conditions, and unforgettable mountain scenery. However, if you’re okay with cold weather and fewer people, winter can offer a magical, quieter experience. Just be sure to pack accordingly!

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty 

The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is considered a easy to moderate trek. While it doesn't require technical climbing skills, it does involve some uphill and downhill walking, with steep sections, especially as you approach Poonhill. The Poonhill trek is well-established with well-maintained trails and teahouses along the way, making it suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.

Terrain and Trail Conditions in Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is not technical, meaning you won't need any specialized climbing gear. The trails are well-marked and, for the most part, consist of stone steps, dirt paths, and some forested sections. While it is relatively easy to walk on, the steep stone steps-especially as you ascend towards Ghorepani and Poon Hill-can be a little harsh on the knees, primarily if you're not used to trekking.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Permits

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Cost:

• Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
• SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,000 (~USD 8)

Where to Get It:

• Nepal Tourism Board Office (Kathmandu or Pokhara)
• Trekker’s Checkpoint in Nayapul (if not obtained earlier)

2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Cost:

• Individual Trekker: NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
• Group Trekker (through Tidy Himalaya): NPR 1,000 (~USD 8)
• SAARC Nationals: NPR 600 (~USD 5)

Where to Get It:

• Nepal Tourism Board Office (Kathmandu or Pokhara)
• Through travel agencies such as Tidy Himalaya

Important Notes:

✅ Carry Passport Copies – Required for permit registration.
✅ Permits are Non-Refundable & Non-Transferable.
✅ Checkpoints – You’ll need to show permits at various checkpoints along the route.

Make sure you get your permits before starting the trek to avoid delays!

The View From Poon Hill: Which Mountains Do You See from Poonhill ?

From the summit of Poon Hill, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing panorama of some of the most majestic peaks in the Himalayas. Here are the stunning mountains you can see and a bit about each one:

Dhaulagiri (8,167 m): Standing tall and proud, Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world. Its name means “White Mountain,” and it’s known for its massive, snow-covered slopes that shine brightly under the morning sun.

Annapurna I (8,091 m): The tenth-highest mountain globally, Annapurna I, is famous for its challenging climbing routes. It’s a breathtaking sight from Poon Hill, showcasing its towering presence and rugged beauty.

Annapurna South (7,219 m): With its sharp peaks and steep slopes, Annapurna South adds to the dramatic skyline. It’s a favorite among trekkers for its striking appearance and ability to capture the sunrise light.

Annapurna II (7,937 m): This peak is the eastern anchor of the Annapurna range. Annapurna II is known for its impressive height and the intricate patterns of snow and ice that decorate its slopes.

Annapurna III (7,555 m): A bit shorter than its siblings, Annapurna III still commands attention with its size and beauty. It stands proudly, contributing to the grandeur of the Annapurna massif.

Gangapurna (7,455 m): Gangapurna is known for its uniquely shaped peak and the glacier that descends from its northwestern slopes. It’s a stunning addition to the mountain vista from Poon Hill.

Machapuchare (6,993 m): The “Fishtail Mountain” Machapuchare is sacred to the locals and remains unclimbed. Its distinct shape, resembling a fish’s tail, makes it one of the region’s most recognizable and beautiful peaks.

Tukuche Peak (6,920 m): Tukuche Peak is renowned for its rugged terrain and dramatic icefalls. It stands as a sentinel in the Dhaulagiri range, offering a picturesque view that adds to the Poon Hill experience.