Best Time for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek can be accessed in all seasons however when the views of the mountains are at their peak, the stable weather, pleasant temperature, and good visibility make the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) perfect seasons.

During the Autumn season, the visibility is clear, good sunlight, and stable weather with warm days which makes it the perfect time for trekking. Also, while trekking in the autumn seasons, trekkers are delighted with the greatest festivals like Dashain, Tihar - a festival of light, and Chhat on the trekking trail. The Spring is a flower blooming season, so the trekkers are rewarded with the different species of blooming rhododendrons on the forest along the trail.

Trekking to Ghorepani can be done during the Summer (June to August) and Winter (December to February) seasons. The trekking trails are slippery due to the wet weather in the summer season and sometimes snowfall may occur during the winter season. Due to such circumstances, these seasons are avoided but if you are ready to face the challenges Ghorepani Poonhill trek can be accessed with great preparation (adding more days and packing heavy clothes or rainy and snowy seasons).

Difficulty

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is considered an easy trekking trail especially customized for beginner trekkers. The total distance trekkers will cover is around 22 kilometers/13.67 miles depending on the route chosen. For this Ghorepani Poonhill trek, trekkers will walk around 5 to 6 hours per day on fairly relaxed terrain. The highest altitude you will encounter during this trek is 3,210 meters in Poonhill. 

Since the trek doesn't gain high altitude, the risk of altitude sickness is very low. Though the trek is not physically demanding, some preparations especially uphill climbs and adequate physical fitness of the trekkers are advantageous. 

Extension of Treks

After the completion of the short and easy Ghorepani Poonhill trek, the trek can be extended with another thrilling and adventurous trek in the Annapurna region. We Bold Himalaya offers the flexibility to customize your own itinerary according to your personal preferences. You can extend your trek with Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek. 

Facilities

Electricity and Internet

Access to electricity and Internet along the trekking trail is available at the teahouses and lodges. Charging the electronic devices and getting internet access at teahouses or lodges may come along with some additional charges. 

You can also get cellular connectivity if you use Nepali sims like NTC and Ncell. 

Drinking Water

Drinking Water during the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is available from different sources. Trekkers are advised to use water purification pills or carbon filters before drinking the water from taps or springs. Safe drinking water like mineral water and boiled water are available at teahouses and lodges after purchasing some extra fees.

It is recommended to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day and carry 3 to 4 water bottles for refilling purposes. 

Transportation

For the Ghorepani Poonhill trek, two means of transportation, airplane, and tourist bust or private vehicle are included. To reach Pokhara, we can use either a tourist bus (drive for 6 hours) or an early morning flight (30 minutes). From Pokhara, we take a private vehicle to reach Ulleri from where the trek begins. 

When returning, we take a private jeep from Ghandruk to Pokhara and a tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Packing List

The items that must be included in the Packing List are:

Sunhat or scarf

Headlamp with extra batteries

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Hiking shirts or T-shirts

Fleece Jacket and down jacket

Windproof or waterproof jacket

Hiking shorts or trousers

Woolen socks and Hiking boots

Backpack or day pack

Water bottles and water purifiers

Trekking poles and sleeping bags

Toothbrush and toothpaste

First aid kits

Cameras, Phones, and binoculars

Power banks or portable chargers