Trek To Poonhill

Before I share my experience of trekking to Poonhill, let me explain why I enjoy treks and hikes. I have always had a deep appreciation for nature. Being surrounded by nature and admiring its beauty brings me joy. The blue sky, green trees, and the calming sound of the river have always captivated me. Treks and hikes provide me with the chance to immerse myself in nature and fully appreciate its beauty.

The view of Macchapuchhre from Ulleri

Somewhere at Ulleri

One of the most valuable lessons this trek has imparted is the significance of NAMASTE. Every tourist passing by greeted us with NAMASTE. My friends and I felt a sense of pride and joy when they used our language to greet us. We had almost forgotten the existence of the word NAMASTE, as we have replaced it with hello in recent times. This experience made me realize that we are gradually losing touch with our culture. If people from other countries can easily say NAMASTE, why can't we?

Believe me, you haven't truly experienced the beauty of Nepal until you've ventured into the forests and walked beneath the stunning sky. The journey to Poonhill is incredibly beautiful. Let me describe the trail starting from the remarkable city of Pokhara. After a half-hour drive from Pokhara, we reach a place called Birenthati, where we can begin our trek.

This is my second visit to Poonhill. The first time, we started our journey from Birenthati. However, this time we took advantage of the jeep service available today. The convenience of transportation spoiled us a bit, as the jeep took us all the way to a place called Ulleri. The ride was enjoyable because we could still admire the view of Machhapuchhre Mountain, the rivers, green trees, jungles, and the bumpy road, which kept us from dozing off. Upon reaching Ulleri, we had lunch at a restaurant run by a loving elderly couple. They were very kind, providing us with directions and valuable information. A memorable moment was when Aama mentioned how she was seeking employees for her restaurant, but no one was willing to work in a remote place like Ulleri. Even with a salary offer of about 25,000, there was little interest due to the limited facilities in Ulleri. Despite the remoteness, the couple cherished their birthplace and were determined to spend the rest of their lives in Ulleri, serving visitors like us who come by occasionally.

Lunch at Ulleri

After walking for about four and a half hours, we arrived in Ghorepani. The highlight of Ghorepani was the snow. Before we reached the area, it had rained. People we encountered along the way mentioned that we were fortunate to arrive just in time, as further rain would have increased the snow, making the path very slippery and impassable. Ghorepani was so cold that I kept my head, neck, and hands covered. The snow was beautiful, and the lodges in Ghorepani had formed various shapes and structures with it. Although I wanted to touch and play with the snow, I feared my hands would freeze in the cold, so I refrained from touching it except to take a necessary photo.

The lower Ghorepani

The following day at 5:30, we were prepared to watch the sunrise. However, I couldn't join due to health problems. I wasn't upset since it was my second visit. The only moment of slight disappointment was realizing there was snow in Poonhill, thicker than in Ghorepani. I even imagined taking pictures with the sunrise, the mountains, and the snow in my mind.

During our journey, we encountered an intriguing aspect of nature: the animals. It was amusing to see people hesitant to pass by these creatures. Along the way, we spotted buffalo, goats, dogs, and mules. The trek was incredibly enjoyable because, after a long time, I was able to engage in my favorite activity. Long rides are always exhausting and tiring for me. Instead of spending hours on a bus doing nothing, I prefer walking long distances and appreciating the beauty of nature. Remember that although walking can be tiring, it provides countless memories and moments to cherish in the future, even if you become extremely fatigued.

Tips and Trick

1. Avoid taking deep breaths while walking, as it can increase your fatigue.

2. When taking a break, avoid sitting down. Resting while standing will reduce fatigue and prevent laziness when you resume walking.

3. Consume only a small amount of water to quench your thirst.

4. By taking small steps, you won't tire quickly.

5. Remember to bring walking sticks, particularly for steep uphill climbs, as they help reduce the strain on your knees, offer additional support, and enhance balance.

Trek to Poonhill.