The Trails of Poonhill - Part 2
I am not a notorious trekker but I cannot help resist experiencing Nepal through its riveting trails. When I decided to trek the Annapurna region, Poonhill trek was the obvious choice for me. The route I choose is as follows:
1. Pokhara to Nayapul
2. Nayapul to Tikhedhunga (Overnight)
3. Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (Overnight)
4. Ghorepani to Ghandruk (Overnight)
5. Ghandruk to Pokhara (Overnight)
The most alluring factor for me was the diverse ecosystem of this trial. It would take me on a mini adventure of the Annapurna region. 5 beautiful nights would be spent inside cosy tea houses, which I always choose over camping. It's not because camping reminds me of the primitive days but, I wouldn't be able to share great memories with the innkeepers and their families. Plus, the added equipment is always a hassle.
The famed sunrise view from Poonhill was like a wanted poster inside of my head. It motivated me during the strenuous inclines, which felt never-ending.
As I was travelling in a group, our driver was kind enough to take us a bit higher than Nayapul. As it was growing dark, he was concerned for our safety, thus ensuring us that he'd take the bus as close to Tikhedhunga as possible.
We thanked him for his help and began our trek to Tikhedunga. As it was already getting dark, visibility was minimal. The power of the Himalayan river could be felt in its thunderous sound. When I arrived in Tikhedunga, the village was already asleep. However, our innkeeper and his family were patiently waiting for our arrival.
They couldn't offer us a traditional welcome because it was very late. The hot water had already been exhausted by my friends, who finished their meal quick and bolted. Tikhedhunga is a lovely village, and I couldn't explore it much. Early morning we had breakfast and began our trek for Ghorepani. This is the longest part of the journey. We left at around 7 in the morning and reached at 5 in the evening. Once our beds were decided, we explored the beautiful village.
The Poonhill and its breathtaking view brought the villagers ample fortune. They talked about how before this route was established, there was nothing much here. But now, it looks similar to a bustling semi-urban community during peak season.
We came back to our lodge and gathered in the commons. We indulged ourselves in the radiation of the boiler. Once dinner was complete, we slept early. As we would be leaving for Poonhill before the break of dawn.
The hike to Poonhill felt a bit difficult because I woke up late. I reached the viewpoint before sunrise and readied by equipment to photograph the moment. With the break of dawn, the grey mountains slowly turned to gold. The view was riveting, and I was in total awe.
We then made a break for the lodge. Breakfast and check-out later, we marched towards Ghandruk. I was the last guy in the pack because I took too many pauses taking pictures of beautiful waterfalls. I then ramped my pace to catch up with the lot. I was hungry and tired. Thus the incline of Tadapani felt like ages.
When I reached the Tadapani viewpoint, I couldn't help but sit on the bench for 5 minutes and marvel at the sheer beauty that laid ahead of me. I wanted to spend the night, but we were already booked at Ghandruk. Post lunch, I began my hike. I reached Ghandruk late because of my photographic stops. Dinner and a warm cup of tea later, I called it a night. Exploring Ghandruk never gets old. A trip to the museum, walking along tight alleys paved with stone and just staring at the beautiful mountains.
The majority of my trip was now over, and given the bus stand is just a few hours walk from Ghandruk, I too it slow. We boarded the bus and made our way to Pokhara.