Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

Nepal is a serene country in the southern part of the great Himalayan Range and as we go on traveling from south to north, the land gradually changes into high mountains. Nepal holds a population of nearly 29 million, all of these with numerous traditions and festivals being the heritage of the country's varied ethic groups. Despite being small in area, this country has the pride to have eight of the ten highest mountains in the world. These wonderful features make Nepal an all-abuzz tourist spot for people from all around the globe, be it to gaze at the mountains, meet the locals, or just have a calm retreat.

Among all the Nepalese treks, Poon Hill Trekis probably the most famous expedition in the Annapurna Region. The complete distance covered is 40-45 km and takes somewhere between 3 and 5 days, depending on your speed. Commencing from Nayapul, the trek proceeds along some beautiful villages such as Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk.. Every village somehow feels special and unique to itself. Blue-roofed houses are found up on hills in Ghorepani, while Ghandruk is where the Gurung people have lived in stone houses for a long time.

This Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is all about the breathtaking mountains. At Poon Hill, you will find yourself in front of a stunning line of white mountains. Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Hiunchuli are the well-known ones among the 19 countable peaks found there. In the morning light, these mountains have an orange and pink color. With somebody constantly terrain knitting alongside varying geographies, first, as you move east, you will witness rice fields climbing up the hills, one rising above the other. The next thing you will find in the springtime is blossoming rhododendrons in the forest with white, red and pink flowers.

And the best part is that it is an easy trek that is suitable for beginners or families with kids due to its well-managed trails with plenty of teahouses and short durations. At Poon Hill viewpoint at 3210 meters, the risk is altitude sickness is mostly out of question.

In this blog, we will explores what makes Poon Hill the ideal first Himalayan trek and what challenges you should prepare for to fully enjoy the magical mountain views that await at the top.

Is Poon Hill Trek Challenging?

If you look up for easy treks in Nepal Poon Hill Trekking route is among the top results as it is regarded as an easy trek. However, there are some basic challenges and one of the major difficulties encountered here is the uphill pathway. There are sections where you must climb many stone steps. Tikhedhunga and Ulleri are known for their difficult walk, as you have to climb more than 3,000 stone steps there! You will notice your legs becoming sore, and your breath will be a little heavier. Still, you can move forward as quickly or slowly as you like. Nobody is rushing you.

Climbing to the top of Poon Hill is the most difficult part of the trek as you get up super early then start the hike using headlamps in total darkness. The steep climb lasts for 45 minutes to one hour and as you approach the top, you can feel the air getting thinner. Even though you get as high as 3,210 meters, altitude sickness is unlikely so there is not much to worry about when you take it easy and stop often. Watching the sunrise over those huge mountains makes you feel it was all worthwhile!

Poon Hill View Point

Most people who exercise regularly can complete the Poon Hill Trek without much difficulty. You don’t have to be very fit, but walking for several hours, stopping as needed, helps a lot. You should expect the hike to take 3 to 5 days and to walk about 45 to 50 kilometers each day, taking 4-6 hours each manageable day. If you can climb stairs for more than 20 minutes straight, you should handle this trek just fine.

As a result, although the trail sometimes feels hard, most people do not find it very difficult due to the well-organized routes and rest shelters. If you spend some time preparing, it’s something anyone can do.

Factors Influencing The Difficulty Of Poon Hill Trek

Steep And Rugged Terrain

The Poon Hill Trekking routehas lots of hills to climb, which can make it tough at times. Many parts of the trail have lots of stairs made of stones, and there are so many of them. The most difficult climb comes between Ulleri and Ghorepani, where there is a climb of around 3,000 steps. Oh, the weary legs would certainly feel it, but it is worth pushing through for a bit. Even though the route is safe and clearly marked, it does become hard to keep going up and down hills for those who are not used to walking in the mountains.

Walking on the paths should be really easy, for the most part, but you might encounter a bump or two or rough terrain on the trail. Normally, in the rain, they would be slippery and full of mud, so it becomes hard work to walk through them. One has to watch their steps carefully on those, especially since they tend to get slippery. Thankfully, many times the trails are wide enough so walking along the edge is the last thing to worry about. Even though some parts are steep, there are also a lot of areas where it’s easier to walk. The difficult parts usually don't last long, and you can rest whenever you feel like it. The beautiful views along the way make you forget that your legs are working really hard!

view from poon hill

Long Duration Hike

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking is a short duration trek that can be completed in 3 to 5 days. However, every day, you may have around 4-7 hours of walking! You may find it uncomfortable at first and your feet can tire out and the weight of the backpack may wear on the shoulders.

The trail from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani is distinguished as the longest distance and usually requires 6-7 hours to walk.. Your feet and body get tired and every little thing, such as a small stone or damp sock, can be troublesome. At least, you have the freedom to walk as slowly or quickly as you want. If fatigue sets in, try to take some additional breaks. You have the option to extend the number of days to make the walks shorter and less challenging.

Altitude

Even though the Poon Hill Trek is high, it is not as high as some other treks in Nepal, so the danger of altitude sickness is almost nonexistent. The height isn’t a big challenge for most trekkers. Poon Hill marks the highest point on the trek with an elevation of 3,210 meters above sea level. Across here, such amount of oxygen in the air is not quite what you would be used to at sea level. When an oxygen deficit occurs, your body uses up more energy to work. You could be noticing your breathing being deeper or quicker. Dizziness or headaches might be felt and this is termed altitude sickness. Luckily, the Poon Hill Trek picks up altitude slowly enough to give your system time to adjust. A handful of people do get serious altitude sickness here. Even though altitude seldom causes real trouble, it is still worth thinking about.

Weather Season

Poon Hill Trek can be either an easy trip or a difficult one, based on the weather. And we all know that the best time to go for any trek is in spring and autumn when the weather is mild with sunny days and clear views of the mountains. This means while looking at the mountains, you will stroll on dry trails that are easy to navigate.

Winter trekking is cold, especially at night. You have to carry warm clothes, making your bag a little more bulky than usual. During winter, the snow covering the trails makes walking a bit difficult and slippery. From July to September in the monsoon season, it rains almost every single day. The trails become muddy and slippery, besides being infested with many bugs and leeches! Also, clouds usually cover the views of the mountains. Walking in rain or snow requires you to put more effort and focus your attention. Bad weather can take the fun out of hiking and also make it much tougher on your body.

Accommodation Facilities

Your overall trekking experience can be improved by choosing the right sleeping and eating places. Poon Hill Trek passes by many villages with tea houses managed by the community.

Despite being simple, these tea houses are definitely comfortable. The rooms are usually simple, including twin beds and a shared bathroom. During the spring and autumn, tea houses may be filled, and you might need to spend the night somewhere less convenient. The facilities become simpler as you move up in altitude. Sometimes, there might not be any hot water in the higher villages, or you might have to pay more to use it.

While simple, the dishes at tea houses keep you supplied with the energy you need for a hike. Not all places will have many options, but they definitely won’t serve fancy dishes. It’s best to check with places you visit whether they sell clean water, and carry water purifying tablets as backup. Resting well and eating well each day allows your body to do better on the next hike. If you are sleepless and running out of food, then the trek can be harder.

How To Prevent Altitude Sickness During The Trek?

Do not treat the trek like a race, and take time to enjoy it. Don't rush up the trail. Your body needs to adjust slowly so increase your sleeping elevation in daily steps of 300-500 meters.
You need to consume 3-4 liters of water each day, whether or not you feel thirsty. The dry mountain environment takes away moisture from your body at an increased rate.
Garlic or ginger soup can warm you up from the inside while giving you the needed energy. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as rice, pasta and potatoes deliver energy to your body, helping it adapt better to high elevations.
Report any headache, dizziness or stomach sickness immediately because these are warning signs of altitude sickness. Inform your guide or companions immediately to assist you.
Stop at every location to monitor your oxygen level with an oximeter and notify your guide about discomfort and any oxygen readings below average.
Descend if symptoms worsen. Moving to a lower altitude serves as the most effective treatment for altitude sickness. Stop your ascent if your physical condition worsens significantly.
Talk to your doctor about taking Diamox as a prevention method before heading to high altitudes.
Tobacco and alcohol might disturb your body's ability to breathe in and take in oxygen. Because oxygen in the air diminishes with an increase in altitude, drinking or smoking will only make the altitude feel stronger..
If you still are worried about altitude sickness and shorter duration of the Poon Hill trek, then an extra day in Ghorepani can be your safest bet so that your body readjusts to the altitude before you go up any higher.

Physical Fitness Requirements For The Trek To Poon Hill

You must be able to walk for four to six hours daily without feeling excessively tired. Try long walks before your trip. Start with thirty minutes and slowly increase your time until you are comfortable walking for three to four hours with short breaks.
There will be thousands of stone steps on Poon Hill Trek, especially between Ulleri and Ghorepani. So, this stair climbing can recreate that, and you could practice a few times a week. Climb for 5 to 10 minutes, and gradually make it to 20 to 30 minutes.
Downhill walking should be included in your training. Search for hills in your area and practice walking down them with control. Exercises to strengthen your knees and techniques for walking downhill might help avoid pain on the trek.
Your core muscles (stomach and lower back) help maintain your balance on uneven trails. Join the world of planks, side planks, and bird-dogs to strengthen your core. Then practice walking with your actual trekking backpack.
Good cardiovascular work improves your body's efficiency in putting oxygen to work. Jogging, swimming, or cycling for 20 to 30 minutes four times weekly should serve that purpose well for your heart and lungs.
Developing mental strength will come from a gradual pushing of your limits during training. Set small goals for yourself and stick to them: Go a little farther than you feel comfortable or take on a hill steeper than usual.

Tips To Manage Difficulty And Prepare For The Trek

You should maintain a controlled and relaxed walking pace instead of hurrying to let your body acclimate better while preserving energy for the day.
The most crucial packing item is sturdy hiking boots which feature ankle support. The boots need to be waterproof and start wearing your boots at home for two or three weeks in advance so they break in properly.
Layers of clothing instead of one thick jacket. The mountain climate presents rapid fluctuations in weather conditions. Your hiking attire should contain a sweat-wicking base layer followed by warmth from fleece and finished off with a waterproof outer layer. Your outfit layers will be more versatile since they can be added or taken away as required.
You will need either water purification tablets or a filter bottle to clean up stream water for drinking purposes. Buying water in bottles can become very costly because it creates excessive plastic waste.
First aid kit with blister bandages, pain medicine, stomach medicine, and altitude sickness pills. The trail environment often brings forth basic health issues since the mountains do not offer medical assistance.
The first step of your meals should be garlic soup as an altitude remedy, followed by carb-heavy choices such as dal bhat for energy. Snack on nuts and chocolate.
Keep drinking water throughout the day, regardless of any feelings of thirst. Electrolyte tablets help protect against both fatigue and headaches. Stay hydrated
Fresh mornings allow better weather conditions while offering longer rest time at tea houses during your journey.

Can I do Poon Hill Trek with Kids?

The Poon Hill Trek is definitely something kids can join you on as it is a popular choice for families each year. A lot of families choose this trek in Nepal because the route is shorter and easier, and clean and pleasant tea houses are available. Children as young as six or seven have managed to complete the trek, but those aged ten or older will find it easier.

The trails on the Trek to Poon Hill are secure and well-maintained. There are no parts of the trail where children can be hurt. You can adjust the walking to meet the needs and stamina of your children. If your children get exhausted, you can shorten the day with additional breaks and end the lesson a bit early. In tea houses, kids can interact with children from other countries as well as with locals. Being lower than most other Himalayan treks, it gives you fewer chances of developing altitude sickness.

ghorepani poon hill

The hardest part for them is going up the steep stairs that have a lot of steps. You should try going step by step and stop to rest as often as possible. A few families decide to go the other way, which helps the children because the climb becomes smoother and slower. If your children are extremely young or if they feel tired quickly, you can ask a porter to assist you in carrying them along the course. This hike can create memories for your children that will last a lifetime!

Is Poon Hill Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Poon Hill Trek is a perfect place to experience your first mountain trek if you haven’t done one before. It is considered the “beginner’s trek” in Nepal since you still get to see the Himalayas with less difficulty. All you really need is a good pair of shoes, some warm layers, and a positive mindset.

It is great for new trekkers because the tea houses on the way give you a place to stay and eat hot meals. Each walking day is typically 4 to 7 hours and you can go at whatever speed feels comfortable for you. While the steps made from stones can make it tough, you just need to go slowly and rest several times along the way to manage it. Because altitude sickness is rare, beginners find it much safer. With patience and a focus on how you feel, beginners often finish this trek without any issues and are very happy with their achievement afterward.

Can I Do The Poon Hill Trek Without A Guide?

It is possible to undertake the Poon Hill Trek without a guide! However, there are certain considerations when going out alone. First, you would have to acquire the right permits for your journey on your own. Second, you should take care of traveling arrangements to and from the start of the trek. And, he will not be there to assist you if you get sick or injured somewhere along the trail. For safety reasons, one should never trek alone; more so when you are a newbie in Nepal. Crowned with the knowledge of the guides, you will learn about local culture, including the Gurung and Magar communities and they will also assist with finding food and accommodation. Also, a guide can share cultural and mountain-related stories that you might miss on your own. In any case, since the Poon Hill trail is well-marked and quite easy to follow, your trekking experience will still be improved with a guide who helps you with pace, acclimatization, and logistics.

Comparing Poon Hill Trek Difficulty With Other Annapurna Treks

In the Annapurna Region, many more wonderful treks offer different challenges and rewards. Let's look at the comparison of Poon Hill Trek with another five popular Annapurna region treks.

Khopra Ridge Trek

The Khopra Ridge Trek is an easy-to-moderate trek that should take between 6 to 7 days. The standout? Peace and tranquility. Some portions of the trail are quite steep and verge on tiring, but an average person is capable of handling it. You will go up to about 3,660 meters at Khopra Danda, which is higher than Poon Hill, and hence you need to have a laying period for your body to acclimatize to the thin air. Mostly walking 5-7 hours a day for the trek. What we all enjoy about this trek is the silence. You visit less-visited villages where tourists are a major attraction. So if you feel a little strength to throw at a challenge, somewhere beyond the boundaries of Poon Hill, then this is ideal for you.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the difficult treks in the region, taking perhaps 12 to 18 days for completion. With an elevation of 5,416 m at Thorong La Pass, altitude sickness is a major concern. From 6 to 8 hours of walking every day across all sorts of terrain, some days uphill, really steep, and some other days downhill equally steep. A lot tougher than the one from Poon Hill and needs good fitness. The challenge is great, but the reward is even bigger. Once you wrap up this trek, you will never be short of tales with which to compete! In contrast to Poon Hill, which is more of a pleasant day hike, the Annapurna Circuit is all about big mountains.

Mardi Himal Trek

During 5 to 7 days, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a moderate challenge and is less crowded. The climb is steady with some very steep sections that just go on working your legs. The upper parts have some basic tea houses with simpler food and accommodations. The highest point is at 4,500 meters and in close view are Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and the Fishtail Mountain. Mardi Himal is best for those who seek more of a challenge than Poon Hill but cannot afford those longer treks.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek lasts between 7 to 12 days and is considered moderate in difficulty with an elevation of 4,130 meters at base camp. There are ups and downs with steep stone staircases at Ulleri and Chhomrong. Since walking is 5 to 7 hours per day, it should be manageable. The ABC trek promises spectacular views of the mountains and the opportunity to be right in the heart of the Annapurna range. More difficult than Poon Hill, it marks its place as an easier trek in the scale of Annapurna Circuit.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

The 12 to 14 day Nar Phu Valley trek is a challenging and remote trek. It ascends to an elevation higher than 4,900 meters and crosses rugged terrain that hardly receives any trekkers. It passes through isolated villages and high mountain passes, offering long walking days of about six to eight hours. This trek demands good fitness, some experience, and proper acclimatization. It is much harder than Poon Hill and truly offers an off-the-beaten-path experience for die-hard trekkers.

Treks in Annapurna Region	Duration in Days	Difficulty	Walking Hours each day
Poon Hill Trek	4–5	Easy	4–6
Khopra Ridge Trek	6–7	Moderate	5–7
Annapurna Circuit Trek	12–18	Moderate to Challenging	6–8
Mardi Himal Trek	5–7	Moderate	5–7
Annapurna Base Camp	7–12	Moderate	5–7
Nar Phu Valley Trek	12–14	Challenging	6–8

Conclusion

The Poon Hill Trek is the perfect opportunity for anyone seeking explore the Himalayan trekking without any extreme challanges. The trek is easy in difficulty, has some awe-inspiring sights, and has proper trails and teahouses that make it suitable for a family trek or for first-timers or any person lacking the time to spend trekking. Within a short time and easy challenge, anyone can easily complete this trek which provides the full mountain experience, beautiful scenery and rich cultural encounters. adventure seekers who love to push their limits and attain to this and other destination by merging at the same time should definitely opt for combined packages for Poon Hill with Mardi Trek and Mardi himal with ABC Trek.

Do you think you that the Hike to Poon Hill is fit for you? If yes, Contact Us right now for your perfect trekking in Nepal!