Ice Lake Trek
10 Days
2 Days
Pokhara
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn't require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoy mountain views and village life are essential.
These treks are suitable for walkers looking for something more challenging and energetic. Hill-walking experience is desirable, with longer days and higher elevations.
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers should be in good physical condition and have previous mountain walking experience. High passes and extended trekking days may be involved.
Lodge
March-April- May, June, and Sep-Oct-Nov-Dec
3210
1-15 Pax
Jeep
Trek on the popular and enjoyable Poon Hill trek, a two-day adventure in the mesmerizing Annapurna region of Nepal. The Poon Hill trek is relatively short, which immerses you in natural beauty. The trek can be comfortably completed in just one night and two days. However, many trekkers choose a more leisurely three-day itinerary beginning from Birethanti.
Starting from the picturesque Ulleri village, this trek meanders through charming hamlets, lush forests, and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the sunrise spectacle at Poon Hill, offering a sweeping vista of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
On the first day, you’ll embark on a roughly 4-hour trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani. The trail is mostly uphill, passing through quaint villages and terraced fields adorned with Banthanti and Nange Thanti.
The second day begins with an early start as you ascend to Poon Hill to witness the sunrise. The hike lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, but the breathtaking view at the summit is well worth the early wake-up call. After soaking in the vista, you’ll descend to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue your trek to Hille, where you can catch a taxi or jeep back to Pokhara.
The best times to experience the magic of Poon Hill are from March to June and from September to December, when the skies are usually clear, and the weather is pleasant. During peak trekking seasons, the trails and teahouses can get crowded, so it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance.
Ghorepani serves as a key hub for several treks in the Annapurna region, including the Classic Jomsom trek, the relatively new Khopra Danda trek, the less-crowded Mohare Danda trek, and the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Overall, the Poon Hill trek is a fantastic choice for those seeking to tap the splendor of the Annapurna region while working with a tight schedule. It’s a moderately easy trek suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
If you’re interested in joining a trekking group for the Poon Hill adventure, Nepal Wilderness Trekking Pvt. is the top local agency that organizes group excursions from Pokhara. Renowned for our flawless trekking services, we can provide comprehensive information about available group treks and arrange all the necessary logistics for your journey.
8:00 AM pick up from the hotel: Start your expedition from Pokhara to Ulleri by jeep, covering a distance of approximately 48 kilometers. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
9:30 AM: Arrive at Ulleri and begin your trek to Ghorepani. This segment spans approximately 10 kilometers and takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Ghorepani. The trail weaves through enchanting forests, alongside captivating waterfalls, while offering breathtaking glimpses of the Himalayan panorama.
3:00 PM: Reach Ghorepani and check into a guesthouse. Take some time to explore the town and enjoy the surrounding mountain vistas.
5:30 AM: Rise early and hike to Poon Hill to witness the glorious sunrise over the Himalayan expanse. The journey from Ghorepani to Ponn Hill takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7:00 AM: Return to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast before starting your descent towards Hille.
11:30 AM: Arrive at Hille and catch a jeep back to Pokhara.
3:30 PM: Return to Pokhara, concluding your unforgettable expedition.
The trail from Banthanti to Ghorepani is one of the most beautiful forest walks in the Annapurna Region. This section of the trek leads you through a peaceful mountain forest with rich biodiversity and fresh Himalayan air, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
As you gradually climb the stone steps and winding paths, the trail passes through dense forests of oak, bamboo, and magnificent rhododendron trees. During spring, the rhododendron forests burst into brilliant colors, with red, pink, and white blossoms covering the hillsides. This seasonal bloom transforms the forest into a vibrant natural garden and is one of the highlights of trekking in this region.
Along the trail, trekkers often notice a variety of wild plants and flowers growing along the forest floor. Ferns, mosses, and lichens decorate the trees and rocks, while wildflowers such as orchids, daisies, and roses occasionally appear beside the path. The environment feels alive with nature, creating a calm and refreshing atmosphere for hikers.
This forest is also home to a range of wildlife and bird species. You may see playful monkeys and gray langurs moving through the trees, while colorful Himalayan birds add sound and movement to the forest. With a bit of luck, trekkers might even spot deer or other shy mountain animals that inhabit these forests.
Overall, the walk from Banthanti to Ghorepani is far more than just a connection between villages. It is a scenic journey through one of the most enchanting forest landscapes in the Himalayas, offering trekkers a memorable experience of nature before reaching the famous viewpoints around Ghorepani.
The Poon Magar people are a prominent ethnic group inhabiting the Ghorepani area within the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. They are renowned for their distinct culture, language, and traditional way of life.
The Poon Magar community speaks its own language, known as the Magar language, which is the part of the Tibeto-Burman language family. Their traditional attire is equally distinctive, characterized by vibrant, colorful garments and hats adorned with feathers and ornamental embellishments.
Their cultural tapestry is deeply interwoven with their agricultural lifestyle, showcasing a rich heritage of farming, animal husbandry, and weaving. Music and dance also hold a significant place in their culture, with lively folk songs and dance performances being a cherished tradition.
Religion plays a pivotal role in the Poon Magar culture. They practice a unique fusion of animism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, believing in a multitude of spirits and deities. Their traditions involve performing rituals and offering prayers to these spiritual entities.
The Poon Magar community is renowned for its warm hospitality and friendly manner, fostering a strong sense of community and cooperation among themselves. They have a long history of harmonious coexistence with their natural surroundings and have passed down generations of sustainable farming and land management practices.
Tourism has emerged as a vital component of the Ghorepani region’s economy, providing employment opportunities in the hospitality sector for many Poon Magar residents. However, their commitment to preserving their cherished traditions and way of life remains unwavering. They have actively worked towards ensuring that tourism is managed sustainably and responsibly, thus safeguarding both their cultural heritage and natural environment.
Note: All our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don’t match your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for, and we will help you reach your dream destination.
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Morning (08:00 AM): Depart from Pokhara by private jeep toward Ulleri, passing through Nayapul, Birethanti, and lush river valleys. The drive offers beautiful rural scenery of terraced hills and traditional villages.
Midday (09:30 AM): Arrive in Ulleri and begin the trek toward Ghorepani. The trail climbs steadily through stone steps, rhododendron forests, and waterfalls, with occasional views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
The forest section becomes especially scenic in spring when rhododendrons bloom in full color.
Afternoon (03:00 PM): Arrive in Ghorepani, a charming Magar settlement located on a ridge with stunning mountain views.
Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying sunset views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Walking Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Ghorepani
Early Morning (05:30 AM): Start an early hike to Poon Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal. The climb takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
From the summit, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other Himalayan peaks.
Morning (07:00 AM): Descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast.
After breakfast, begin the trek down to Hille, passing through forests and villages.
Midday (11:30 AM): Arrive at Hille and drive back to Pokhara by jeep.
Afternoon (03:30 PM): Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to your hotel, marking the end of your short Himalayan adventure.
Trip Ends in Pokhara
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