Poon Hill Trek – A Ultimate Guide for Short Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an easy to moderate level trek that is considered one of the best treks in Nepal. This trek offers striking views of some of the most majestic Himalayan Mountains like Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli. During the trek, you walk amongst lush green forests blazing with beautiful red rhododendron.
You will get a chance to observe the lives of the local Gurung tribe when you stay amidst the beautiful hamlet that you cross on your way. On the way, you will be tracing the ancient trade routes used by Nepalese people. Poon Hill is a place known for its beautiful views of the rising sun. Here you can see the sun dawning on some of the highest Himalayan Mountain ranges. This trek route is famous for its alternating gradient between forests, plain fields, and hills.
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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - Overview
During the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you will pass through charming hamlets and villages and see some of the most magnificent snow-capped mountain peaks. You shall get a chance to see the lifestyle of the native Gurung people in the villages and enjoy the traditional Nepalese hospitality.
This trekking in Pokhara lets you experience the magical sunrise at the Poon Hill viewpoint. Throughout your trek, you shall be able to grasp the view of Himalayan ranges that constitute Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Hima.
Best Route for Poon Hill Trek
Like other trekking routes in the Annapurna Sanctuary park, you have different starting and finishing points for this trek. The most popular way is to start in Nayapul and to finish in Ghandruk (we walked this way as most trekkers do), the total ascent for the route will be 3000 m and total descend 1996 m.
You can do it the other way around; to start in Ghandruk and to finish in Nayapul as you can see on the graph this way you’ll get less ascend and more descend compared to Nayapul – Ghandruk option; about 2000 m up and 3000 m down. There are jeeps and buses to Pokhara from both villages.
Note: If it rains a lot the road from Ghandruk gets very muddy and there might be no buses to Pokhara from there. You can walk to Kimche from Ghandruk then (4 km extra and 300 m more down) or all the way to Kande through Australian Camp (plus 16 km and quite a lot of up and down extra).
There are four different options that you can consider when choosing your perfect Poon Hill Trek. Either of them starts in Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurnas.
Starting in Nayapul – Finishing in Ghandruk
Distance: 40 kilometers
Elevation: 3000 meters
Starting in Ghandruk – Finishing in Nayapul
Distance: 40 kilometers
Elevation: 2000 meters
Starting in Nayapul – Finishing in Kimche
Distance: 44 kilometers
Elevation: 3000 meters
Starting in Kimche – Finishing in Nayapul
Distance: 44 kilometers
Elevation: 2300 meters
Ghorepani Trek Support: Guided Vs Independent Trek
We prefer to hike independently when it’s possible for us it’s more interesting to find the way, arrange accommodation, carry our own backpacks, etc. I understand some people want to spend their holiday in a more relaxing way without doing too much planning or worrying if something goes wrong. To plan the Poon Hill trek is much easier than to plan the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary.
Independent trek
Merits
- The obvious one, it’s much cheaper than a tour.
- It’s more adventurous you do all the logistics and planning yourself.
- You’re more flexible you decide if want to walk further or stay somewhere longer etc.
Demerits
- It might be a bit difficult to plan and to walk on your own if it’s your first hike.
- You’ll have to sort out any issue or problem on the way on your own
Guided trek
Merits
- It’s easy no need to worry about route planning, finding accommodation, packing light because you have to carry your own backpack, etc.
- If you’re lucky to find a knowledgeable guide who speaks good English you can learn a lot about local culture, food, lifestyle, etc.
Demerits
- It’s much more expensive.
- It takes away some part of the adventure.
- You have to stick to the group even if the itinerary doesn’t suit you well.
Third Option – Hiring a Guide or a Porter
This is a good idea if you don’t want to join a group tour but don’t feel confident enough to walk alone, plus you create a working opportunity for local people. We never used a guide on any of the hikes in Nepal but we saw many tourists walking with a guide or a porter.
The best way of finding a good reliable guide is recommendations from other tourists e.g. on the forums or Facebook groups dedicated to hiking in Nepal.
We asked around at the agencies in Pokhara and the average price is US$20/NPR. 2000 per day for a porter and US$25/NPR 2700 per day for a guide. A porter can carry up to 20-25kg you can get one porter for two or three people. Same with a guide you can share one guide between a couple of people or even a group. You can hire both but in my opinion, it’s unnecessary.
Best Season for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
When doing the Poon Hill Trek, you will not be trekking and hiking in the most extreme conditions. After all, this trek does not go higher than an altitude of a little over 3.000 meters. Because of that, you are not so exposed to the elements as you would be on other treks in Nepal.
It is possible to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek throughout the year, but the months from March to May and from October or November are the most popular for trekking this classic. You can read more about the most favorable trekking and hiking seasons in Nepal in this blog post.
Safety Features of Poon Hill Short Trek
Safety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our hikes and trekkings low. If you book Poon Hill Trek with Us,
Our trekking guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude, and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all guided Poon Hill trek and hike.
Trekking Checklist: What to Bring on a Trek?
Your gear is your best friend while being out in the mountains. It, in fact, doesn’t matter where you are going, your equipment is key. In extreme cases, gear can make the difference between life and death. In every case, the right equipment can make the difference between you having a good time and ending up miserable.
You have booked your tickets, your guide in Nepal is waiting and now you rock up with a too-heavy backpack, a jacket that is not thick enough, and shoes that are very likely going to give you blisters. What a waste. Pack the right gear and make more of your trip to Poon Hill. Before we start, note one important thing. We are trekking, not climbing. Hence, you can leave the ropes, the chalk, and the carabiners in your closet.
Below we present you a basic comprehensive packing list suitable for any trek in Nepal including the Poon Hill Trek:
– Duffel Bag
– Rucksack with Rain Cove Daypack
– Hiking Boots
– Sandals or Shoes
– Hiking Socks
– Trekking Poles
– Inner Socks
– Thermal Baselayer
– T-Shirts
– Fleece Pullover or Jacket
– Light Weight Thermal Tops
– Waterproof Jacket
– Sports Bra for Her
– Hiking Shorts
– Hiking Pants
– Waterproof Pants
Obviously, there is more you can pack and bring along. Everyone is different, so everyone has their own needs. If you want the ultimate packing list, you can simply go here. Click Here
TIMS and Permits for the Poon Hill trek
Like for any other trek inside the sanctuary you need to get a permit and a TIMS card. Both can be obtained at the Tourist Information Center in Pokhara, about 1,5 km from Lakeside. The office is open Mon to Sun from 10 am to 5 pm. Total cost NPR 5000/US$43.
Note: The immigration office is located in the same building you can extend your visa there. To get a TIMS card and a permit you need your passport, insurance (nobody asks to show it you just need the details to fill in), and a contact person in Nepal (we usually give our hotel details). No other documents needed.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) :
To get the TIMS card;
First, fill the form that you get at the counter (name, insurance number, passport details, address in Nepal, contact information, etc.)
Second, take a photo. No need to bring your own photos they take it right there at the office and it’s free of charge (4 passport size photos, it’s included in the price of your TIMS card).
Third, give the filled form, two photos, and pay NRP 2000/US$17 pp. paid cash in Nepalese Rupee at the counter.
Forth, get your TIMS.
The TIMS card is valid only for a single entry to the park every time you exit you’ll need a new TIMS card to enter the park again. The same with the permit you need a new one every time you enter the park. If you’re planning to do several hikes inside Annapurna Sanctuary it’s better (cheaper) to stay all the time inside the park than to go back to Pokhara after every hike.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
To get the Annapurna Sanctuary Permit;
First, after getting your TIMS card go to the next-door room and get the form
Second, fill in the form
Third, hand the filled form, passport, two photos, and NRP 3000/US$26 pp. paid cash in Nepalese Rupee at the counter.
Forth, get your permit.
Insurance for the trek
The Poon Hill trek is a moderate altitude hike that involves exhausting long ascents and dangerous steep descents, most of the time the route goes through remote areas having travel insurance is highly recommended. In fact, it’s required for getting your hiking permit. Nobody has ever asked us to show our insurances but when you fill the form they ask you to provide the name and the phone number of your insurance company.
There are many travel insurance companies we’d recommend using one that has experience in covering outdoor activities like World Nomads. Nepal is one of their top hiking destinations with thousands of people buying World Nomads insurance policies for trekking here so they know local specifics. Their insurance is very flexible you can buy one that covers the entire trip or just the period of the trek.
For example, if you have cheaper travel insurance that doesn’t cover high altitude activities you can buy a World Nomads policy covering only the hike. You can get insurance just a day before the planned activity or even the same day, it takes just a couple of minutes, quick and easy.
Cost for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Our total budget breakdown for 4 days, 2 people.
-TIMS card – NPR 4000/US$36 (NPR 2000/US$17 per person)
-Annapurna Sanctuary permit – NPR6000/US$54 (NPR 3000/US$26 per person)
-Accommodation – NPR 800/US$7
-Transport – NPR 1700/US$15
-Food – NPR 8000/US$72
-Total: NPR 20 500/US$186 for two people or NPR 10 250/US$93 per person.
Accommodation on this Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is very cheap between NPR 200/US$2 and NPR 300/US$3 for two people, in the peak season, April and October, prices might go up to NPR 400. If you’re one person they usually charge NPR 200/US$2 per room. At some places, the original price might be higher but you always can negotiate it. Remember to say that you’re going to eat dinner and breakfast at the place.
A meal on the Poon Hill trek costs between NPR 400/US$4 and NPR 600/US$6 per person depending on what you order, meat dishes are more expensive, vegetable and egg dishes are cheaper. A cup of tea is between NPR 60-100/US$1. A cup of hot water 50. A pot of hot water (1l) – NPR 150/US$1,3. A big plate of pasta or rice – NPR 500/US$4,5. The most expensive stuff to buy on the trek is bottled or canned drinks, for a small bottle of Coke or juice you’ll pay NPR 250/US$2,2. In general, food prices are about 30-40% higher than in Pokhara.
Water on the trek. We used our LifeStraw bottle and used tap water for drinking there are water taps along the way where you can refill your bottle. Having some sort of filter or purification pills will save quite a bit of money. One liter of drinking water (bottled or refilled) costs between 50 and 100 depending on the place. You’ll need at least 2l of water per person a day if you buy it every time you can add NPR 150-200/US$2 pp. to your daily budget.
Transport is easy and cheap especially if you take local buses, jeeps are two to three times more expensive but I believe more comfortable and faster. Bus from Pokhara to Nayapul costs NPR 200/US$2 pp., bus from Ghandruk to Pokhara NPR 500/US$4,5, bus from Kande to Pokhara – NPR 150/US$1,2
If you wonder how much money to take on the hike I’d suggest having at least NPR 2000/US$18 per person per day, it’ll be enough to pay for accommodation and three meals. If you’re planning to buy snacks, cool drinks, chocolates, souvenirs, etc. on the way – NPR 2500/US$23 pp. per day.
Extra Charge If you want to Hire a Guide/Porter
If you hire a guide, add to the above budget US$25 per day, for a porter US$20. That price includes guide’s/porter’s accommodation and food you don’t have to pay any extra but they will expect tips at the end of the Poon Hill trek.
Final Words on Cost of a Tour
There are different options as well depending on the services you get, the number of people in the group, food and transport arrangements for an all-inclusive tour you’ll pay between US$50-60 per person per day (usually it includes Annapurna Sanctuary permit and TIMS card). If you decide to join a tour I’d recommend choosing a reputable established company rather than go for a bit cheaper option with someone you don’t know.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary - 5 Days Itinerary
It can be hard to choose a fitting Poon Hill Trek. If you want to do the Poon Hill Trek right, you try to take as much time for it as possible. As transfers from Kathmandu to Pokhara are usually included, you want to spend some time in Pokhara as well.
The town is just too pretty to simply skip it. Besides, you will be traveling quite a bit to get there, so you might as well stretch your leg a little.
Day 01 – Drive to Pokhara
This is the First Day of the Poon Hill Trek Itinerary. The 7-hour drive from Kathmandu, Pokhara included beautiful views of the hills, gorges, rivers, and villages that you find in central Nepal. In Pokhara itself, you are surrounded by views of the mountains while you soak up the local culture. Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02 – Drive to Nayapul (1000m) and trek to Hile (1430m)
This is the Second Day of the Poon Hill Trek Itinerary. Our early drive will take us to Nayapul, the starting point of our trek. After a short hike, we will cross a suspension bridge and follow the bank of the Modi River to Birethanti. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola.
The trail traverses a bamboo forest and passes several water streams and waterfalls. After some steady ascending, we will reach the village of Hile. Here will spend the night.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 03 – Trek from Hile (1430m) to Ghorepani (2840m)
This is the Third Day of the Poon Hill Trek Itinerary. After breakfast, we will trek to Ghorepani, a charming Gurung village amidst the Himalayas. We will cross several small streams and continue ascending the stone staircases until we reach the village of Ulleri. At Ulery, we will be welcomed with stunning mountain views of Annapurna South, Himchuli and Mount Machhapuchhre. We will keep trekking through the oak and rhododendron forest until we reach Ghorepani.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 04 – Hike up Poon Hill for sunrise and trek to Nayapul
This is the Fourth Day of the Poon Hill Trek Itinerary. At dawn, we will ascend to Poon Hill to catch the spectacular sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. The view from Poon Hill is one of the most appreciated of the Himalayas.
Afterward, we will return to Ghorepani for breakfast. We will retrace our way back to Nayapul through the bamboo forest. Our transport will be waiting for us at Nayapul to drive us back to beautiful Pokhara.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Food: Breakfast, lunch
Day 05 – Drive back to Kathmandu
This is the Fifth and Final Day of the Poon Hill Trek Itinerary. It is time to drive back to Kathmandu. Again, you will enjoy the beautiful views along the way. Well done, you have conquered Poon Hill and we can’t wait to have you back for more.
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Final Words
If you’re a traveller or Travel Lover, Feel free to message us to get information about the best trekkking Destination in Nepal, Adventures in Nepal, Kusma Bungee Jump, etc.
We can also arrange Private Two & Four Wheelers for you. Note: All the Information above are written with the Detailed Research. We have also used some of the Web Services. Some of them are: Thrill Ophilia, Kim Kim, The Common Wanderer, Stingy nomads, Book A Trekking, etc.