Ghorepani Poon Hill Attraction

Ghorepani Poon Hill Attraction

Ghorepani, one of the largest villages encountered on the Poon Hill Trek, sits at an elevation of 2,880 meters above sea level. This village provides stunning panoramic views of majestic snowy peaks, including the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif. The name Ghorepani (also spelled Ghodepani) derives from the words “Ghode” (horse) and “Pani” (water), as it is said that long ago, horses discovered water in this area, leading to its name.

Ghorepani boasts numerous hotels offering excellent accommodations, many with rooms that feature breathtaking mountain views. The village is divided into two parts: Upper Ghorepani and Lower Ghorepani. While Lower Ghorepani, situated just below, lacks optimal views of the mountain peaks, Upper Ghorepani provides outstanding glimpses of the surrounding mountains.

Poon Hill

Poon Hill is renowned as the best viewpoint for sunrise and sunset during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. It also serves as the premier mountain viewpoint on this trek, located just a 45-minute to 1-hour walk from Ghorepani. Due to its exceptional views, Poon Hill is a popular destination for both local and international tourists.

To visit Poon Hill from Ghorepani, tourists are required to pay an entry fee of 150 rupees for international visitors and 100 rupees for Nepalese visitors. These fees contribute to the development and maintenance of infrastructure necessary for tourists, such as walking trails and toilets.

During peak season, hundreds of visitors flock to Poon Hill each morning. While enjoying the breathtaking sunrise, tourists can also savor hot tea or coffee, although it is slightly more expensive compared to other locations.

Ghandruk Village

Ghandruk is one of Nepal’s most popular travel destinations for local travelers, which means it is often crowded. Its popularity has increased among Nepali tourists due to improved road access, making it easier to reach. Unfortunately, in my experience as a trekking guide, Nepali tourists can sometimes be challenging.

Ghandruk offers stunning mountain vistas, beautiful landscapes, and more. The village is also home to Gurung Museums, where visitors can rent traditional Gurung costumes for photos and learn about the culture and traditions of the Gurung people.

Ghandruk serves as both a starting and ending point for various treks, including the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Khopra Danda Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, due to the large number of local travelers and the sometimes discourteous behavior of Ghandruk hotel owners, many trekking companies avoid scheduling overnight stays there.

Things to do in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Route

Travelers from various countries and continents, each with unique cultural backgrounds, embark on the Poon Hill Trek in Nepal. This region is home to the Magar and Gurung people, two of the oldest ethnic groups in Nepal, each with their own distinct food, culture, costumes, languages, and traditions.

While trekking the Ghorepani Poon Hill route, you should try a traditional dish called Dhedo. Made from flours of corn, buckwheat, or millet, Dhedo varies by region. Another must-try is Kodo ko Raksi, a local wine made from millet, which adds a unique taste to your cultural experience on the trek.

Sunrise or Sunset from Poon Hill

Poon Hill is renowned for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, though most visitors opt for the sunrise experience. However, if the weather is clear, I highly recommend staying for the sunset as well. Watching the sun set over the white, giant peaks is truly spectacular. The hike to Poon Hill takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your walking pace.

For sunrise views, you’ll need to wake up early in the morning, when it tends to be cold and chilly. Expect to see many other visitors at this time, as it’s the most popular period. Despite the crowds, the morning offers incredibly clear views of the surrounding peaks, allowing you to fully appreciate the panoramic vistas.

Ghandruk Village Gurung Museum

Spending a night in Ghandruk is a fantastic way to experience this trek, but the area is often crowded with Nepali tourists. Unfortunately, they can be quite noisy and inconsiderate, similar to Indian and Israeli tourists, and tend to prioritize their enjoyment over respecting others.

Ghandruk is a beautiful, historic Gurung village. It features Gurung museums that you can visit for a fee, where you can also rent traditional clothes from the Gurung and Magar people. This offers a unique opportunity to take memorable photos with the stunning backdrop of Mt. Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. Despite the crowds, Ghandruk’s charm and cultural richness make it a worthwhile stop on your trek.

Gurung Hill

Gurung Hill, located near Deurali on the route between Ghorepani and Tadapani, is often overshadowed by the more popular Poon Hill. Few tourists visit Gurung Hill, despite it offering excellent mountain views. Although the vistas are not quite as spectacular as those from Poon Hill, Gurung Hill is still a worthwhile spot to explore during the Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek. Few trekkers take the time to stop at Deurali to visit this hidden gem, making it a quieter alternative for those seeking a more serene experience.

Take a bath at Jhinu Danda Hot Spring

Taking a hot bath in the natural hot springs at Jhinu requires an extra day when doing the Poon Hill Trek, but it’s well worth the additional time. Enjoying a relaxing soak on the banks of the Modi Khola is a unique experience. Many trekkers on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek also visit Jhinu for its hot springs. If you have the time, extending your trek to include this rejuvenating stop is a wonderful way to enhance your journey in the mountains.