Mulde View Point and Poon Hill

Best Time to Trek

The most appropriate time to partake in the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek via Mulde View Point is in the spring (March to May) and in the autumn (September to November). The spring season is accompanied by stable weather patterns, and the autumn season brings clear views and pleasant temperatures.

The spring is accompanied by blooming rhododendrons, which provide the forests with hues of red and pink. Autumn also boasts mild temperatures and perfect visibility to see the splendid views. The winter months will provide you with the peace and solitude of winter months because there will be less trekking crowds, however, the temperatures will be much colder.

The Monsoon season will provide you with more greenery, however, trekking is not recommended during June to August because of the heavy rains which make the trails slippery.

Elevation and Trekking Distance

The Mulde View Trek with Poon Hill has an elevation range of 1,070 meters which begins at Nayapul and culminates at an elevation of 3,637 meters at Mulde View Point, the apex of the trek. Poon Hill, the more popular view point, is located at 3,210 meters, which makes both view points accessible without the high altitude risk.

The total distance to be trekked is between 40 and 50 kilometers which will vary with your chosen route and any additional side hikes. The distance increase is gradual which allows trekkers to acclimatize to the elevation as they pass through the various villages, forests, and beautiful ridges.

Walking Duration Per Day

Travelers on the Ghorepani trek typically spend 4-6 hours a day on the trail (this includes time for breaks and photos). The shortest day of the trek consists of 3 hours walking (Ghandruk to Nayapul), and the longest day consists of 6-7 hours of walking, especially the section from Ghorepani to Dobato, or the Mulde View Point. The trails are well documented and pass through diverse landscapes, of stone steps, forest, and ridgelines with exceptional mountain views, which strikes a good balance of challenge and comfort.

Difficulty and Trip Level

Because of the well trodden paths, the altitude being below 3,700 meters, and the daily walking distances being reasonable, the Ghorepani Trek, especially via the Mulde View Point, is generally designated as easy to moderate, and is the perfect trek for beginners and families. That said, there are sections of uphill walking particularly from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri and Ghorepani, which do pose a challenge, though they can be accomplished in a reasonable time. This trek can be done without previous trekking experience, as the scenic views of the Himalayas can be enjoyed with basic fitness and a good level of enthusiasm.

Can a Beginner Join This Trip?

Yes, of course. Muldale Trek with Poon Hill is also one of the greatest short treks in Nepal which first time trekkers are recommended to do. It offers an excellent combination of scenic landscape, cozy accommodations in tea-houses as well as spectacular vistas without having to tackle the most challenging issues. Through the help of professional local guides, novices will be in a position to finish the whole trek without any mishaps. This trek is pleasant and rewarding for families, couples, and older trekkers.

Preparation and Training

Even though the trek is not difficult, a little bit of light preparation is advised for the sake of comfort. Starting around 2-3 weeks before the trek, do some mild exercises like jogging, hiking, or stair climbing to improve your leg strength and endurance. The goal should be stamina as opposed to speed, as it is most important to ease breathing. Balanced meals, proper hydration, and restful sleep will help energy levels during the trek. This trek is a good introduction to trekking in Nepal, as there is no need for any technical climbing skills.

Alternate Routes

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek via Mulde View Point has a few alternatives to choose from. The classic route begins in Nayapul, going through Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. If you’re looking for a more peaceful and picturesque experience, you can take the Mulde route. This route goes from Ghorepani to Dobato, up to Mulde View Point, and then back down to Ghandruk. For those that want to lengthen their trek, you can go from Ghandruk to Landruk, Dhampus, or the Australian Camp, and enjoy even more culture and stunning scenery. Each of these variations portrays a different aspect of the Annapurna region.

Altitude Sickness

To the great advantage of those on the Mulde View Trek with Poon hill, it lies below the risk altitude zone. The highest point of the trek is just under 3,700 meters, so the risk of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) is minimal. This is, however, a risk so it is important to walk with a steady pace, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and dehydration. Some mild aches and fatigue is normal, but can easily be fixed with rest and proper acclimatization. The majority of trekkers walk this route with no issues concerning altitude.

Meals and Drinks

During the trek, you will have an opportunity to share meals with local families in tea houses. Expect a warm serving of Dal Bhat, noodles, pasta, and a few other soups, eggs, and pancakes of your choice. Tea, coffee, porridge, and toast are served for breakfast. Vegetarian meals are provided. The meals are hygienic and wholesome. You will find there is no shortage of drinking water, but for extra measures, water purification tablets or a filter will ensure you have safe drinking water. To warm up during the chilly mornings and evenings, have a cup of hot ginger tea.

Transportation

The scenic 1.5 hours drive to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek, is the beginning of the journey. If you want to go back to Pokhara after the trek, you can do so from Ghandruk or Nayapul by private jeep or local bus. The road journey is quite scenic, with terraced hills, small villages, and mountain rivers. If you want to go to Pokhara directly, private transport will save you a lot of time, and will be more comfortable as during the local transport you will be rubbing shoulders with other passengers. Local jeep transport will be a more exposed experience, but is more authentic.

Gadgets, Charging, and Internet

Every lodge along the Ghorepani and Mulde trekking routes offers charging services for phones and cameras, typically for a small fee (between 1 to 2 USD per device). Wi-Fi can be found most places in the villages of Ghorepani, Ghandruk, and Ulleri, although the connection may be restricted in the upper regions, such as Dobato. Trekkers wanting to buy a local SIM card for reliable communication may do so for around 5 USD at a Nepal Telecom (NTC) or Ncell shop in Pokhara prior to the hike. For early morning shoots at Mulde and Poon Hill, bring a power bank and extra batteries for your camera as the batteries tend to drain quickly in the cold.

Permits Required

There are two official permits you need to acquire for this trek

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – needed for entry into the protected area.
• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – to keep record of your info for safety during the trek.

These can easily be gotten from the Tourism Office in Pkh or KTM. Your trekking agency can get these for you, as the process is quite simple.

Your Additional Expenses

Regardless of meal provisions in your trek package, trekkers should budget for additional personal expenses. Charges for hot showers, bottled or boiled water, snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging electronic devices also should be accounted for. Furthermore, gratuities for guides and porters are customary and left appreciated, usually around 10-15% of the service cost. It is advisable to bring enough cash in Nepali Rupees as there are no ATMs along the trail.

Overview of the Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mulde View Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mulde View Trek are the most appropriate mix of culture, nature and comfort. Stare into the spectacular sights of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains in Poon and Mulde View Point during sunrise with the mountains being covered in snow and appearing golden. Explore the wonderful rhododendron forests and explore traditional Gurung and Magar villages and warm local.

Each leg of the trek is well catered for with teahouses offering warm beds and tasty meals. It is a shorter trek, especially when compared to other treks, and comes with numerous opportunities for photography. It offers peace, beauty, and a profound connection to the profound Himalayas.