Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in October

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking in October

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in October is a dream come true for trekking enthusiasts as the month of October is the best month of the year for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Actually, among the three months of Autumn season, September, October and November, the month October is the finest time of the year for, not only Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking, but also for all kinds of trekking trips in the mountain of Nepal. Imagine walking through lush forests, vibrant rhododendron blooms, and charming villages, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges including alluring Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The clear October skies offer unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks, making it the perfect month to experience this trek's true beauty.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to watch the sunrise paint the Himalayas in hues of pink, orange, and gold? At Poon Hill, you'll experience just that while trekking to Poon Hill in the month of October, most probably may not be in other months of the year, as the weather is simply perfect in October. Reaching this vantage point in the early morning, as the first light touches the peaks, is nothing short of magical. The 360-degree panorama is a sight that will leave you in awe.

One of the best things about Poon Hill trekking in October is the comfortable weather. The days are pleasantly warm, ideal for trekking, while the evenings are cool, perfect for a cozy tea break in a traditional lodge. The trails are lively with fellow trekkers from around the world, adding a sense of adventure and camaraderie to the journey.

This trek isn't just about the views—it's also about the culture. You'll meet friendly locals, experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality, and learn about the Gurung and Magar communities that call this region home. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable trekking experience in October, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek promises a blend of nature, culture, and adventure that will stay with you long after you've returned.

More exciting thing while doing Poon Hill Trek in October will be: one can have the firsthand experience of Dashain festival celebrations, the largest festival celebrations of Nepali Hindus. Trekking in Nepal during Dashain festival will be more fascinating and massive if you choose the month of October for trekking in Nepal as Dashain festival normally falls in the mid of October and Tihar( Dipawali), the second largest festival of Nepali Hindu falls in late October. 

So, if you decide your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from the mid of the October to late October, you can directly involve in both festivals ( Dashain and Tihar) celebrations. 

Why Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek in October? 

Poon Hill Trek in October in October will be the most rewarding time of the year for trekking to Poon Hill as the month of October falls in the mid-Autumn and mid of the autumn is the most exhilarating time of the year with no rainfall and snowfall and with ideal temperature in the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre mountains regions. 

Do you want to know the reality why the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is ideal in October? 

Here, we are with reasons: 

Perfect Weather: October offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and low chances of rain, making it one of the best months for trekking in Nepal. The daytime is pleasant, and the views are stunning. There is no any disturbances of bad weather conditions if you plan and decide doing Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in October.

Stunning Mountain Views: The clear weather in October, with no rain and no snowfall, provides spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, especially from Poon Hill (3210m), where you can enjoy breathtaking sunrise views over the snow-capped peaks. Most probably, no any other month of the year offers you such marvelous mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre(Fishtail) with fabulous sunrise.

Beautiful Autumn Colors: The forests along the trail are filled with colorful autumn foliage, especially rhododendron and oak trees, enhancing the beauty of the landscape and creating a picturesque trekking experience. The woods turn into reddish color as the rain stops and paves the way to pre-winter. The reddish rhododendron and oak forest, the lush trekking trails, local villages and the friendly people and the mountain panoramas are simply breathtaking while doing Ghorepani Trekking in October. 

Festive Season: October is also the time of major festivals in Nepal, such as Dashain and Tihar, which adds a cultural dimension to your trek. You may witness and experience local traditions and celebrations during your journey to Poon Hill in the month of October. If you love participating in the festivals (Dashain and Tihar), you will really adore your Poonhill Trekking in October. 

Convenient Trekking Conditions: The trail conditions are ideal in October, with dry paths and less mud, making the trek more enjoyable and easier to navigate compared to the monsoon season. The rain has already gone and it is not winter yet. It is not monsoon and neither winter, the mid of the autumn, most fascinating time of the year for trekking in Nepal. 

High Visibility: The air is clear and crisp in October, offering excellent visibility of the mountains and surrounding landscapes, perfect for photography and capturing the natural beauty of the region. Your cameras and your eyes will get stunned to witnessing and capturing mesmerizing mountains and landscapes during the month of October while doing Poon Hill Trek. 

Poon Hill Trek Temperature Range in October 

In October, the temperature on the Poon Hill Trek ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the daytime at lower altitudes, creating pleasant trekking conditions. As you ascend to higher elevations, temperatures can drop to 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Nights are significantly colder, with temperatures often falling to around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), especially near Ghorepani and Poon Hill. October is part of the autumn season, known for its clear skies and stable weather, making it an ideal time to enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Warm clothing is recommended.

End of the October and early November can bring some light snowfall during Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. There is possibility of snowfall in Ghorepani and Poon Hill in late October and in early November dropping the temperature from 5 degree Celsius to negative like -2 degree Celsius. 

So the average temperature in the month of October during your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek will be between 2 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius. 

You require preparing accordingly with warm clothing including your personal sleeping bag, warm jacket, warm gloves, good hiking boots and warm head cover.

Maintain the good temperature of your body by having hot drinks like tea, coffee, garlic soup, other hot soups and some rum (not too much if you drink). 

What should I bring while doing Poon Hill Trek in October? 

There are rare cases that the Poon Hill Trek Route receives rainfall and snowfall in the month of October as the month October is the finest time of the Autumn season for Ghorepani Trek. However, in some cases, Ghorepani and Poon Hill may receive light snowfall in the late October and the trekkers needs to prepare accordingly. 

For the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in October, which is one of the best times to trek in Nepal due to the clear skies and moderate temperatures, here’s a list of essential items to bring:

Clothing

Base Layers:

Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long-sleeved)

Thermal base layers (top and bottom) for colder nights

Insulating Layers:

Fleece jacket or warm sweater

Down jacket (lightweight and packable)

Outer Layer:

Waterproof and windproof jacket (rain gear)

Waterproof pants (in case of unexpected showers)

Trekking Pants:

Lightweight trekking pants (convertible ones can be handy)

Comfortable hiking shorts

Headwear and Gloves:

Warm hat/beanie (for early mornings and evenings)

Sun hat or cap (for sun protection)

Lightweight gloves

Footwear

Hiking Boots: Sturdy, comfortable, and well-broken-in hiking boots

Trekking Socks: Moisture-wicking trekking socks (multiple pairs)

Camp Shoes/Sandals: Lightweight sandals for the evenings

Equipment and Gear

Backpack: A 30-40 liter daypack with a rain cover

Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability on steep ascents and descents

Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag rated for at least -5°C (23°F) as nights can get chilly

Water Bottle/Hydration System: A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder

Water Purification Tablets/Filter: For safe drinking water during the trek

Accessories

Sunglasses: UV protection sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and glare

Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection

Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries for early morning hikes to the viewpoint

Trekking Map/Guidebook: For route information and navigation

Camera/Phone: To capture the stunning views

Personal Items

Personal First Aid Kit: Include blister care, painkillers, band-aids, antiseptics, etc.

Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: For hygiene on the trail

Toilet Paper: Not always available on the trail, so carry your own

Snacks and Energy Bars: For quick energy boosts during the trek

Miscellaneous

Cash: Carry enough cash for the trek, at least Rs.20000 for 3 days hiking, as ATMs might not be available in the villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk.

Travel Documents: Passport, trekking permits (like the TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

Book/Journal: Something to pass the time in the evenings or during rest stops.

This list will help ensure that you're well-prepared for the conditions you'll encounter on the Poon Hill trek in October.

Will I encounter rain and snow while doing Poon Hill Trek in October? 

Most probably not as it is very rare to receive rain and snowfall in Ghorepani and Poon Hill during October. However, none can prevent the nature and its cycle. If you are lucky, then, sometimes the temperature declines to negative from 5 degree Celsius at night and Ghorepani and Poon Hill may enjoy first snowfall of the year in the late October or in early November. But rainfall is very hard during October in Poon Hill and Ghorepani and there are no any threats of rainfall if you are doing Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in the month of October. 

However, in order to be safe from Rain and snowfall, carry rain cover, sleeping bag and warm jacket while doing Poon Hill Trekking in October as the prevention is always better than cure. 

Why Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in the month of October, not in the months of September and November? 

Here are five reasons why October is often considered the best month for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek compared to September and November:

Stable Weather Conditions:

October is known as the best time of the year for Poon Hill Trek for its stable and clear weather, offering sunny days and mild temperatures that are ideal for trekking. The monsoon season has just ended, so the trails are dry, and the skies are clear.

In contrast, September can still have some lingering monsoon rains, leading to muddy trails and reduced visibility. November marks the onset of colder weather, especially in the mornings and evenings, which can make the trek less comfortable.

Crisp and Clear Views:

October provides some of the best views in the year of the Himalayan peaks, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The skies are often crystal clear, making it perfect for sunrise views from Poon Hill.

September might still have clouds and haze from the leftover monsoon season, while in November, the increasing chill can sometimes cause fog and mist, obstructing the views.

Ideal Temperature for Trekking:

The temperatures in October are generally moderate, making it neither too hot during the day nor too cold at night. This balance makes it ideal for trekking at higher elevations without requiring heavy winter gear.

September tends to be warmer and more humid due to the receding monsoon, which can make trekking more exhausting. In November, the temperature get colder relatively and the colder temperatures may require extra layers and gear, adding to the trek's difficulty.

Blooming Flora:

The Ghorepani Poon Hill area is known for its rich vegetation, and October is the perfect time to witness the lush greenery and blooming flowers left by the monsoon season. The rain has just stopped in the late September and the autumn flowers and vegetation in Annapurna Conservation Area make your Poon Hill Trek more exciting adding to a new splendor. 

In September, the trails might still be wet and slippery, and the greenery might not be as vibrant. By November, the vegetation begins to dry out, losing some of its beauty.

Festive Atmosphere:

October often coincides with major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar, offering a unique cultural experience along the trekking route. This festive atmosphere allows trekkers to experience local traditions and hospitality.

In September, the festive season hasn't fully started yet, and by November, the major celebrations are usually over, making October the most culturally vibrant time to visit.

What is the second-best month of the year for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek? 

The second best month of the year for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is December. You may have a question, why month of December is the second best month of year for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek? 

There are few reasons and these are: 

- Skies are apparently clear

- Mountain views are spectacular

- Fresh snow in Ghorepani and Poon Hill 

- One can play with wild nature in the snow

- Can enjoy your favorite hot drinks on the Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trail

- No rainfall 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Pre- Winter and Winter 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is still doable in pre-winter and winter months( December, January and February) as the trek is short and easy near Pokhara. Actually, those who love chilling cold, lose their body weight by exposing their body to cold and love playing in snow can find Poon Hill Trek in winter more spectacular than doing Poon Hill trek in other months of the year. Sometimes, the monsoon goes longer and the months of Sept, October and November turn to be bad times of the year for Ghorepani Trek and the trekkers who are planning their Poon Hill Trek in winter can take the advantage of best weather without rainfall and fresh snow on  the trail. If you can resist cold and really fond of playing in the snow, you can set your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in the months of either Dec, Jan or February. 

While doing Poon Hill Trekking in pre-winter or in the winter months, one should bring his/her own reliable sleeping bag, good hiking boots and all required warm clothing as you may encounter heavy snowfall on the trail especially in Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The temperature in Ghorepani and Poon Hill in winter months can drop to negative 5-7 degree Celsius. One of the best winter trekking trips in Nepal is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek as it can be done all round the year without any difficulties and can witness marvelous Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre within a couple of days from Pokhara.

If you are thinking of doing Ghoepani Poon Hill Hike in winter or in pre-winter months( Dec, Jan and Feb), we suggest doing it by following Poon Hill Anti Clock Wise Route via Ghandruk from Pokhara. Actually, Poon Hill Trek route clockwise is via Ulleri, Banthanti, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Thaple Danda, Tadpani and Ghandruk and anti clockwise Poon Hill Trek route is via Ghandruk, Tadapani, Thaple Danda, Ghorepani, Poon Hill and finally Ulleri. 

We suggest you doing anti clockwise Poon Hill Trek via Ghandruk as the trail from Thaple Danda to Tadapani is very steep down, slippery, muddy and with frozen ice. The trails are normally shady and icy all round the winter months and  Many of the people don’t notice and don’t pay serous attention but it’s very serious issue that some of the trekkers every year break their legs on this section of the trail( Thaple Danda to Tadapani) as you are dropping down with your body and backpack. The legs tremble while walking down with steep stone steps and even the stone steps are not solidly fixed on this section. So, for you safety, if you follow the Poon Hill Trek route anticlockwise, you will go all the way up from Tadapani to Thaple Danda without any risks of slippery trails and frozen ice trail and will get Ghorepani and Poon Hill safely. 

While returning, the trail from Ghorepani to Ulleri is neither slippery, muddy, steep nor you will encounter the frozen ice during winter months. You can easily walk down as the trail is safe and more convenient from Ghorepani to Ulleri or Birethanti.  This way you can be safe during your Poon Hill Trek in winter months. 

Does it snow in Poon Hill in winter? 

Yes, both Ghorepani and Poon Hill receive snow in winter months: December, January and February. Sometimes, the snowfall begins in December and sometimes, it only occur in the late winter , it means in the month of February. If you love snow while doing a trekking trip, you co go with Poon Hill Trek in winter and enjoy it. 

Can I get massage and hot shower in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Yes, one can get a good massage and hot shower in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Trekkers can get massage facility only in Ghorepani Village, not in other villages like Ulleri, Banthanti, Nangethanti, Tadapani and Ghandruk. In few cases, if you really order it seriously, you can also get massage in Ghandruk village as well. 

Do you want to enjoy a professional massage in your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek? Order it before you go to Ghorepani village. You just want normal massage with local people? Then, you can have it instantly. The cost of one massage for 45 minutes to 1 hour costs Rs. 1000-1500 in Ghorepani and in Ghandruk Village. Mostly, people enjoy massage in Ghorepani(2880m) after they walk wall the way up from Ulleri or Nayapool. If you want a massage in Poon Hill Trek, tell your guide or trekking partner to organize it for you. 

Every local lodges and hotels in Poon Hill Trek provides the facility of good hot shower for the trekkers. They provide you hot shower either with gas-heated water and solar-heated water. No extra payment is made for hot shower during your Ghorepani Poon Hilll Trek. 

If I cannot walk to Ghorepani, what is the the option? 

 If you cannot walk to Ghorepani from Ulleri or Banthanti, you can take horse. Horse will be available on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking trail for those who really want to go Ghorepani and Poon Hill but cannot. In case you cannot walk to Ghorepani, you can ask your trekking leader/guide to manage horse for you. Hiring horse from Ulleri/Banthanti to Ghorepani Village costs Rs. 10000. You can also do the same while walking back to Ulleri or walking to Tadapani and Ghandruk. Actually, the village is named Ghorepani/Ghodepani as the horse is available instantly. The place where horse is kept is called Ghodepani in Nepali. 

What is the temperature in Poon Hill in October?

The temperature in Poon Hill in October ranges between 2 to 15 degree Celsius. Actually, October is not too cold for Poon Hill Trek, it is mild and very fine with no rain and snow in Poon Hill (3210m) and Ghorepani (2880m). Later in the months of November and December, the temperature drops to even negative like -4 to 10  degree Celsius maximum in the day time. So, the trekkers who are doing Poon Hill Trek in October don’t require brining sleeping bag. The local lodges will provide them warm blankets for the cold nights. 

How cold is Poon Hill Trek?

If you go to Poon Hill in Autumn, it is moderately cold like the temperature ranges between 2- 15 Degree Celsius , in Spring, the temperature of Poon Hill Trek ranges between 7-21 degree Celsius, in winter, the temperature of Poon Hill ranges between -4 to 10 degree Celsius. If you are planning doing Poon Hill Trek in summer days, the temperature rises between 11 to 25 degree Celsius. 

Both poon Hill and Ghorepani receives snowfall during winter months: January and February. Do you love snow? Then, go to Poon Hill in winter months:  either in January or in February. Enjoy being into the wild nature with snow and magnificent Himalayas like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. 

What is the weather like in Ghorepani in October?

The weather in Ghorepani in October is very favorable and fair. One can enjoy Dhaualgiri, Annapurna, Fishtail, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal with fresh and stunning sunrise in the morning. 

The temperature in Ghorepani in October ranges between 2 to 15 degree Celsius. 

There is low possibility of rainfall and snowfall in October in Ghorepani and Poon Hill. 

The afternoon and the evenings my be cloudy sometimes. You may even have some light rainfall in the month of October if the monsoon is prolonged in Nepal. 

Final Words

As the month of October the best time of the year in Autumn for Ghorepani Poon Hill, the trail and the local lodges may be crowded and you should be ready to bear it mentally. Large number of people flock in Ghorepani and Poon Hill Area to capture most stunning mountain views and the awe inspiring landscapes. Therefore, you should prepare accordingly. If you cannot resist the flock of people going to Poon Hill in the month of October, you can switch it to either November or December which will be cool winter months where only few trekkers are found doing Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and you can be yourself all round the trip if you love solitude into the wild nature. But, you are recommended doing Poon Hill trek in winter anticlockwise via Ghandruk which is safer and less slippery.