“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
John Burroughs
As a lover of nature and solitude, the Annapurna Mountains in Nepal had always been on my bucket list. However, with limited time in hand, I had to choose a trek that would give me the best of both worlds – the opportunity to explore Nepal and to immerse myself in nature. That’s how I ended up choosing the Solo Poon Hill trek, a moderate trek that can be completed in 4-5 days.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Woohoo! I finally arrived in Kathmandu, feeling pumped to start my epic trek. After wolfing down a quick breakfast, I hopped on a scenic flight to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Mountains. And holy smokes, the view from the plane was out of this world! I got to see the Himalayan range, including the mighty Mount Everest, in all its breathtaking glory.
Once I landed in Pokhara, I headed straight to my hotel to rest up for the day and prepare for the trek that awaited me tomorrow. I spent the day getting my gear together and making sure I had everything I needed for my adventure. I also took some time to explore the city of Pokhara, which was totally rad! The city’s lakes and stunning scenery had me feeling super stoked for what was to come.
As I wandered around the city, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventure ahead. I mean, trekking through the Annapurna Mountains, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet?! Talk about living the dream!
Overall, my first day in Nepal was an awesome start to my adventure. I’d already seen some of the most incredible sights in the world, and I was totally amped to take on the challenge of the trek ahead. With each step, I knew I was getting closer to the heart of the mountains and the experience of a lifetime. Bring it on!
Day 2: The Trek Begins
I woke up early and headed to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. I had decided to do the trek solo. As I wanted to challenge myself and to have complete control over my itinerary. The trek started with a steep climb. But I was immediately rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As I walked along the winding trails, I could feel the stresses of everyday life slowly melting away. The beauty of nature has a way of putting things into perspective.
Day 3: Reaching Ghorepani
On the third day, I reached Ghorepani, a small village situated at an altitude of 2,850 meters. The trek to Ghorepani was challenging, with steep climbs and descents, but the stunning views kept me motivated. I was greeted by friendly locals who offered me a warm cup of tea after I reached the village. The hospitality of the Nepalese people is truly heartwarming.
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Day 4: Sunrise at Poon Hill
The highlight of the trek was the sunrise at Poon Hill, a popular viewpoint situated at an altitude of 3,210 meters. I woke up at 4 am and started the climb to Poon Hill in complete darkness. As I reached the top, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range bathed in golden sunlight. The feeling of watching the sunrise from the top of the world is truly indescribable.
Day 5: The Trek Ends
On the final day of the trek, I made my way back to Nayapul. The trek back was easier, as it was mostly downhill. As I reached Nayapul, I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the experience. The Solo Poon Hill trek had not only allowed me to connect with nature but had also given me the opportunity to connect with myself.
Conclusion
The Solo Poon Hill trek was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish forever. Nepal is a country of contrasts – a land of ancient traditions and modern advancements, of bustling cities and serene mountains. The trek taught me that true happiness lies in the simple things – a warm cup of tea, a breathtaking view, and the kindness of strangers. As I left Nepal, I knew that I had gained much more than just memories – I had gained a new perspective on life.