Altitude Profile of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Although the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a low-altitude trek (for Nepal), it is still useful to know the altitudes, particularly if you have children.
Overview
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is located out of Pokhara in the Annapurna Range of the Himalaya mountains. Considered a relatively easy trek, we still recommend you work on your fitness level before you arrive. This trek is particularly famous for its stunning sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It is also possible to either go by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara or fly, depending on your budget and time.
Trip Highlights
- Sunrise over the Annapurnas from atop Poonhill.
- Getting close to the magnificent Annapurna Range.
- Fantastic photography opportunities.
- Getting a feel for trekking.
- A suitable family trek.
- Start and finish your trip in the lakeside town of Pokhara with its vibrant restaurants, bars and cafes.
Altitudes
| Highest point: | 3,210m at Poon Hill |
| Highest overnight stay: | 2,874m at Ghorepani |
| Biggest elevation different in a day: | 1,304m between Tikhe Dhunga and Ghorepani |
The following are elevations by settlements:
| Settlement | Altitude Variation |
| Pokhara: | 820m / 2,690 ft |
| Tikhe Dhunga: | 1,570m / 5,150 ft |
| Ghorepani: | 2,874m / 9,429 ft |
| Poonhill: | 3,210m / 10,531.5 ft |
| Tadapani: | 2,610m /8,563 ft |
| Ghandruk: | 1,940m / 6,364 ft |
See Also: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Distance
Day by Day Altitudes and Trek Difficulty
Day 01: Drive to Naya Pool and Trek to Tikhe Dhunga
| Altitude: | Tikhe Dhunga 1,480m/ 4855 ft Ghorepani 2,840m / 9317 ft |
| Distance: | 12.9km / 8 miles |
| Time: | 6-7 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Hardest day of the trek! |
With 3,767 stone steps to climb many people feel this is the hardest day of the Ghorepani to Poonhill Trek! However, after starting the day with these steps, the path becomes easier and the scenery changes to terraced hillsides and Rhododendron trees. Which are radiant in their colours during the spring season. With more bridges and small streams to cross the trail brings you to the town of Ghorepani where you overnight.
Day 03: Ghorepani to Tadapani with morning hike to Poon Hill
| Altitude: | Ghorepani 2,840m/9317 ft Poon Hill 3,210m/10531 ft Tadapani 2,610m / 8562 ft |
| Distance: | Ghorepani to Tadapani 6.5km / 4 miles |
| Time: | Approximately two hours to hike to Poon Hill. Ghorepani to Tadapani 4 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Rising well before sunrise (around 4am) can hard for many! Then hike around uphill in the dark. Thankfully the views and the hot tea available at the viewing point make you forget about the early morning climb! On the trail pass Tibetan prayer flags, Himalayan rivers, forests and more stone steps to reach Tadapani where you stop for the night.
Day 04: Tadapani to Ghandruk
| Altitude: | Tadapani 2,620m/8595 ft Ghandruk 1,939m/ 6361 ft |
| Distance: | Tadapani to Ghandruk 9.8km / 6 miles |
| Time: | Tadapani to Ghandruk 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Today is an easy day hiking through oak and Rhododendron forests, listening to birdsong on the way. There is plenty of time to explore the Gurung Museum when you arrive at Ghandruk and learn something about the traditional lives of the Gurung people.
Day 05: Ghandruk to Naya Pool and drive to Pokhara
| Altitude: | Ghandruk 1,939m/6361 ft Naya Pool 1,100m/ Pokhara 820m/509 ft |
| Distance: | Ghandruk to Naya Pool 14km/8.6 miles Naya Pool to Pokhara 62km/38.5 miles |
| Time: | Ghandruk to Naya Pool 4-5 hours/ Naya Pool to Pokhara 1.5 hours by vehicle |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This morning trek from Ghandruk to Naya Pool, approximately 4-5 hours and then take a local bus or pre-arranged jeep to Pokhara.
If you have any further questions about the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or any other treks, please get in touch with us at Magical Nepal.
Please check the FAQ below first!
FAQ about Gorepani Poon Hill Altitude
1. What is the highest point in Gorepani Poonhill Trek?
Poonhill is the highest point at 3,210m. However, you will only be at this altitude for a short time to enjoy the view. The highest point you will be sleeping at is 2,874m at Ghorepani.
2. What is the trail condition like on this trek?
Sixty percent of the trail is stairs. Like walking up 10 storeys of a building. No elevator! The hike is, however, suitable for children and older people who are fit (not good for knee problems). The trail is well marked so little chance of getting lost.
3. Is it possible to go to Poon Hill without trekking?
There is no cable car and no road to reach Poonhill. Aside from walking the only option would be to go by helicopter.
4. Is it possible to stay overnight on Poonhill?
There are no tea houses on Poonhill. You can only stay there if you bring tent and mattress. But we recommend to stay in Gorepani and go to Poonhill early in the morning to see sunrise.
5. What is the chance of altitude sickness?
The highest elevation you will be sleeping at is 2,874m. It is very unlikely to get altitude sickness in this trail.
6. What are the options to leave the mountains if we get sick or don’t want to walk further?
The easiest way out of the mountains is by helicopter. Make sure you have good insurance coverage for this. Another way is by horse, which although expensive, is cheaper than a helicopter!
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1 Comment
October 9, 2020 at 3:48 pm
Great post, but you seem to be missing day two.
What’s the total distance of this route?