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Annapurna Poon Hill Budget Trek is a short circular trek that offers a little more of trekking in Nepal to you and introduces you to the famed 50km Annapurna region and its peoples: for families or trekkers with moderate fitness and limited time. From Poonhill, the panorama of Annapurna (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8157m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m) among other peaks glistening golden in the morning sun is an unforgettable sight.
Annapurna Poon Hill Budget Trek begins from your hotel in Pokhara with a drive over the middle hills to the trailhead at Nayapul. Trek through a mix of terraced farmlands and glorious rhododendron, oak and bamboo forests. From ridges there are spectacular views of the 6 000m/19 600ft snow clad peaks of the range.
A highlight is the early morning walk from Ghorepani to Nepal’s most visited physical landmark: the grassy summit of Poon Hill (3 210m/10 530ft). It offers magnificent sunrise views that include Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, the fish-tailed peak of sacred Machhapuchhare and Manaslu.
The return trail heads east to Tadapani for a night. It then swings southeast to the interesting Gurung village of Ghandruk (visit the traditional artefact museums if time permits) before dropping south to Nayapul. Great mountain views from high ridges continue, with Machhapuchhare dominant in the northeast.
If you are looking for a more challenging/lengthier and rewarding experience in the Annapurna region, take a look at our popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek packages!
The best times of the year to perform the Annapurna Poon Hill Budget Trek are during spring (March to May) and autumn (last week in September to mid-December) seasons. During these periods, the weather remains stable and the mountain views are good leading to the best experience. Rhododendrons in full bloom on the hills with clear skies and crystalline mountains in the back drop is classic sight. In monsoon, the weather can be unpredictable and the rain can make the trails slippery and perilous.
This 4 Days Annapurna Poonhill Budget Trek is a moderate difficulty trek that takes you up to altitudes of 3210m (Poon Hill). You will be trekking for 5-6 hours on average every day, over steep hilly terrain, for most of the trek. Prior trekking experience is not a necessity for this trek. While the trails require no more than minimal fitness and stamina, being fit will certainly make the trek easier.
From your hotel, we drive north through farmland and forest to the trail head at Nayapul. Trek to the prosperous riverside village of Birethanti (1 000m) at the meeting point of the Modi and Bhurungdi Kholas. Then follow the Bhurungdi Khola to Sudame (1 340m) before climbing regularly up the side of the valley, to Tikhedhunga(1 510m), After that a long and step and steep climb on rock staircases to the village of Ulleri (2 080m).where we spent overnight.
The day starts early in the morning with an amazing landscape and marvelous views of Annapurna South (7 219m) and Hiunchuli (6 441m). The ascent continues through lush and ancient rhododendron and oak forests for several hours, with rest breaks, to the large village of Ghorepani. From here there are nice views of Dhaulagiri I 8 172m and the Annapurna Himal. Overnight in Ghorepani.
An early, ¾ hr, steep trek leads to Poon Hill’s grassy knoll. This landmark viewpoint offers unobstructed vistas of the high Himalaya from Dhaulagiri I (8 172m) and Upper Dolpo in the west, across the Annapurnas (Annapurna I, 8 019m), to Machhapuchhare (6 997m, Fish Tail) and east to Manaslu (8 156m). Behind: an ocean of Sal forests stretch to lowland India.
After breakfast, the eastward trail to Tadapani crosses ridges through thick pine and rhododendron forest with occasional flat sections and wonderful views of the snow peaks to the north from high ground. Overnight in Tadapani.
Today’s trail descends to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk (~2,5hrs). If time, visit the Gurung Traditional Museums. Traverse south, high above the Modi Khola as the trail gradually descends to the villages of Kimche (1 640m) and 500m lower, Syauli Bazaar. The trail is then relatively flat to Birethanti beyond which it drops down a rocky defile to Nayapul – and the road for our transport to your hotel in Pokhara.
Highly appreciate the efforts of Prem and Badri in making our trip unforgettable. They made sure to arrange our trek, rafting and day tours within our limited time on a very affordable and budget friendly as it could be. They made sure everything went as planned in the itinerary as well as making sure that we are comfortable with the trip, food recommendations, travel tips and enjoyable. They were also flexible at the best timings we can maximise our holidays. It was a tiring trip but with our limited time, they were also was able to adjust that we have relaxations in between. Highly recommended if you want your trip personalised and served according to your own needs. Theyeven gave a wonderful send off dinner too. Thank you for going an extra mile with us, surely one of our challenging yet best trip. Keep it up.
Annapurna Poon Hill Budget Trek - 4 Days
25th Apr, 2022
Prem was extremely helpful and responsive before we arrived in Nepal. He met us at the airport, checked us into our hotel and sourced all of our hiking equipment. He tailor made an itinerary to suit our needs which included white water rafting on the way to Pokhara (lots of fun) and a 5 day Poon Hill trek.;
Our guide Ganesh was amazing. So knowledgeable, thoughtful and fun to travel with. We will always remember the times spent playing cards in the tea houses before dinner as well as mittosyeow! Ganesh always got us a comfortable room with hot showers and excellent views. Our porter, Ram, was super human and allowed us to enjoy the view without struggling under a huge load.
We have done a lot of solo travel in SE Asia but really enjoyed having Ganesh to take care of the logistics while we enjoyed a very relaxed introduction to Nepalese hiking.
See you soon for EBC!
Chris and Briege
Ps for first timers we recommend flying back from Pokhara to avoid an 8 to 12 hr bus trip.
Chris and Briege
25th Apr, 2022
This is a relatively short and easy trekking trip if you don't have much time to spend in Nepal. Views from Poon Hill is breathtaking, definitely worth waking up at 5am to climb up for the sunrise. I went with a friend in mid Dec and was able to appreciate the snow mountain, the sunrise, the forest, the water and much more all in one.
Service provided was great. Our guide has his way to push us out of our comfort zone while trekking but at the same time taking care of our safety and other needs such as hot shower. He paced and planned everything for us so we didn't really need to worry about anything. Most importantly, he and our potter were very motivated to provide good services to us.
_yoyojamie
25th Apr, 2022
I chose Landmark Discovery and it wasn't disappointing!
I trekked to Poon Hill and it was without a doubt the best experience I have ever had. I can't thank enough the team that made it all possible: Prem, Badri and Ganesh. They provided impeccable service throughout the trek.
I highly recommend engaging Landmark Discovery for any organized treks.
Miss you Badri and Ganesh, hope to see you again in Nepal!
nxykn
25th Apr, 2022
Good experience
Nice experience for trekking in Poon Hill, Prem nicely arranged all necessary stuff for the trip.
Kwan hon N
25th Apr, 2022
