5 major benefits of the Poon Hill trek (4 minute read)

(Last Updated On: May 13, 2021)

The classic image that’s conjured to mind when one thinks of Nepal is the mighty Mount Everest. Little is it discussed, that the Annapurna region is regarded by locals as the most sacred mountains in Nepal. The Annapurna mountains come with their own set of myths and legends with some being forbidden to climbers.

The Poon Hill trek is a hidden gem amongst other hikes within the region. Unlike base camp itineraries that are completely goal orientated, this routing delivers something new and brilliant every day! Find out below why the Poon Hill trek is so much more than just a bucket list item to tick off, it’s an adventure of a lifetime!

A feast for the eyes!

The Annapurna region is most scenic area of Nepal and the Poon Hill trek delivers the best of what’s on offer! Want a feast of high Himalayan mountain views for breakfast? You got it! Want stunning Lord of the Ring-esk forests for lunch? No worries! Want uninterrupted night skies filled with the milky way and all the constellations you can see for dinner! Consider it done! Perhaps also enjoy a side accompaniment of rare native alpine flowers, waterfalls, glacial streams, monkeys, and bright vibrant birdlife!

The local way of life

Each night of the Poon Hill trek takes you to a tea house located within the heart of a mountaintop town. Walking into the villages after a long day, to be met with the uplifting Nepalese hospitality (always with tea on offer), small market stalls, and children running around gives this trip an incredible feel. Some days you will walk past workers in the field completing harvest, some days you will walk past schools where children learn outside. Approaching some villages, the air is filled with the sound of music that is played in the afternoons from the schools and monasteries.  The Poon Hill itinerary gives you a whole new multileveled perspective.

Traditional, home cooked meals

Arguably one of the best parts of travelling is trying the cuisine. Even better yet, is when you get to experience a meal that has been passed down through generations to the point of perfection. Nightly on the Poon Hill trek a menu of local cuisine is presented. Although each town offers variations of the same dish, each village has a different take and brings something new each time! The most popular dishes are Momo’s (Nepalese dumplings) and Dahl Baht (a lentil-based dish). As the hiking saying goes “Dahl Baht Power: 24 Hour”.

A summit to hike for

 Imagine yourself for a moment: training for weeks, trekking up staircases for days on end, waking up in the cold in the dark to hike up a staircase under the cloak of darkness. You get to the end, you raise your head, and before you lies the open sky and panoramic view of 12 of the most stunning Himalayan peaks. Welcome to the Poon Hill summit!

The stunning mountains inclusive of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the monster Dhaulgiri awaken for the day as the sun rises before your eyes. Watch as they turn from a sleepy blue to a vibrant orange. What a way to start the day!

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