10 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a moderately easy trek and even beginners can join. It does not take much physical toll but you still have to ascend and descend on varied terrain. You will have to climb around 3000 stairs during the trek. The highest altitude you will reach during the trek is 3,210 meters. There is a relatively low chance for altitude sickness but it is always best to take precautions. Compared to other trekking routes in the same region like Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Circuit, etc, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is less challenging.

Our Ghorepani Poonhill Trek package covers all your accommodations during your stay in Nepal. Hotels with breakfast will be arranged for Kathmandu and Pokhara stay. During the trek, your accommodations will be placed in lodges and guesthouses.

The packages vary for individual and group travelers. The package includes accommodations, transportation, and three meals a day throughout your 10-day stay in Nepal. The package also includes government-licensed guide costs, trekking permits, and conservation fees. For further details, you can contact us through our email or WhatsApp/Viber.

Located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, you can expect stunning panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, such as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in Poon Hill Trek. It typically starts from Nayapul and passes through charming villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities. The trek offers opportunities to experience the local culture and hospitality.

You will also witness breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas. You will also see colorful rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, and terraced fields, providing diverse and picturesque landscapes. Overall, you can experience a moderate-level trekking experience with awe-inspiring scenery and cultural immersion.

We provide you with a variety of meals to fuel your journey. Breakfast often includes options like eggs, toast, porridge, pancakes, Tibetian bread, and with tea or coffee. Lunches and dinners consist of hearty Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, vegetables, pickles, momos, noodles, pasta, or rice dishes.

Additionally, you may have access to snacks like energy bars, fruits, and trail mix throughout the trek. Many lodges along the route offer a mix of local and international cuisine, catering to different needs. We should inform our trekking agency or guide about any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance.

The Poon Hill Trek cost can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trek, the level of service, and the trekking agency; on average, the cost can range from $500 to $1500 per person. To book the Poon Hill Tek, you can follow these steps:

• Look for a reputable trekking agency. Read reviews and compare prices.
• Select an itinerary that fits perfectly in terms of duration and fitness level.
• Reach out to your chosen agency and inquire about availability and pricing.
• Make a reservation by paying a deposit.
• After booking, make sure you are adequately prepared for trekking.
• Once arranged, embark on your Poon Hill trekking experience.

Here is an essential list of equipment you might need for the Poon Hill Trek:

• Backpack
• Trekking Boots
• Waterproof clothing
• Hat, gloves, and scarf
• Sleeping bag
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp or Flashlight
• Waterbottle or Hydration System
• Snacks
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Trekking map or guidebook

Travel insurance is necessary for trekking, especially in the Himalayas. It provides financial protection against unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt or affect your trip. Here are some reasons to get travel insurance:

• Trip cancellation or interruption
• Medical coverage
• Emergency evacuation
• Lost or Delayed Baggage

The price of travel insurance can vary depending on factors such as age, destination, duration of the trip, and coverage limit. On average, it costs around $100 to $1500 per person. It is always essential to compare quotes from different insurance providers and carefully read the policies and terms.

If you are trekking to Poon Hill, then it is advisable to carry some local chats with you. You may encounter difficulty in finding the currency exchange facilities on the route. You can exchange your currency upon reaching Nepal in airports or banks outside.

Also, Pokhara is another location where you can find exchange counters. Furthermore, an ATM is also the perfect place for you to exchange Nepali currency. It is always necessary to carry local money for your expenses in accommodation, meals, permits, and any additional purchases.

Wondering what are the prominent attractions for Poon Hill Trek? Here are four significant highlights and attractions of your trek to Poon Hill.

Poon Hill Viewpoint

One of the major attractions of this trek is the viewpoint. Situated at 3210 meters, the viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain peaks. Ascending early morning, you can witness the perfect sunrise view over the Himalayas. It is a mesmerizing sight that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Ghorepani Village

Ghorepani is a traditional Gurung village and a popular stopping point for trekkers on this route. The town offers a glimpse into the local way of life. You will notice traditional stone houses, narrow alleyways, and friendly inhabited. From Ghorepani, there are various trekking routes leading to Poon Hill and onward to other destinations in the Annapurna region.

Ghandruk Village

Located at an altitude of 1940 meters, Ghandruk is a Gurung village renowned for its cultural heritage and stunning mountain vistas. The Gurung Museum in Ghandruk is a great place to learn about the local culture and history. The views of Annapurna and Macchapuchhere are truly mesmerizing, especially during sunset and sunrise.

Dense Rhododendron Forests

This trail takes you through the lush rhododendron forest, particularly between Tadapani and Ghorepani. In spring, red, pink, and white shades cover the hillside. Trekking through these dense rhododendron forests is a serene and enchanting experience, offering birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities.

To get to the starting point of Poon Hill trek and get back, you typically need to arrange transportation from Pokhara. Mainly, the transportation from Pokhara takes to Nayapul, which is the starting point for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. To get to Nayapul, you can use different modes of transportation, such as:

• Private vehicles
• Local Bus
• Shares jeep
• Use transportation provided by the trekking agency

Confirming your transportation arrangements with your trekking agency or making necessary arrangements in advance is essential. It ensures a smooth journey to and from the Poon Hill Trek. Additionally, road conditions in Nepal may be uneven; thus, be flexible with your schedule.

The remote and mountainous terrain limits communication services in Poon Hill. While some villages along the route may have a mobile network, the signal strength can be weak or unreliable. Before starting your trek, purchase a local SIM Card in Pokhara or Kathmandu. But be ready for occasional disruptions in connectivity.

Some lodges provide WIFI facilities, but they may be slow and limited. Also, some trekking agencies provide satellite phones for emergencies. Despite all these limitations, trekkers need to manage expectations and prioritize safety.

Being fit is essential for trekking, as it involves walking uphill and downhill on mountainous terrain. While the trek is moderately complex, you must have some physical and mental strength to complete it.

• Focus on improving your cardiovascular fitness through hiking, walking, or cycling.
• Strength your leg muscles, core, and upper body with squats, lunges, and planks.
• Stretch regularly to improve flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness.
• Practice stair climbing to stimulate the uphill sections of the trek.
• If possible, spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

For the trek, you typically need two permits: the TIMS card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.

TIMS Card

All Nepal trekkers, including those in the Annapurna region, must have the TIMS card. It helps track trekkers and provides essential information for search and rescue operations in case of emergencies. There are two types of TIMS cards issued:

• Blue TIMS Card: For independent trekkers, cost NPR 2000.
• Green TIMS Card: For trekkers traveling with a registered company, it costs NPR 1000.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Trekking in Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, requires this permit. It helps fund conservation and sustainable development projects in the region. The permit fees vary depending on your nationality:

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 300
• For other nationals: NPR 2000

What documents do we need?

To get the permits, you need some documents. Getting permits may be a hazard; thus, if you want a smooth experience, consider booking through a trekking agency. They will manage all the permits required before you trek. However, some documents we need:

• Passport (original and photocopy)
• Two passport-sized photos
• Complete application form
• Nepalese currency

The temperature of the Poon Holl trek varies depending on the altitude and the season. Here is a breakdown:

Pokhara (Starting point)

Pokhara lies at a lower altitude (around 827 meters), so temperatures are generally mild throughout the year. Highs are in the range of 18-25°C (64-77°F), and lows are in the range of 5-12°C (41-54°F).

Mountain Region (Ghorepani/Poon Hill)

The temperature will be more relaxed since you’ll be trekking higher into the mountains. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:

• Spring (March-May): Pleasent weather with daytime highs between 10-18°C (50-64°F) and nighttime lows dipping to 0-5°C (32-41°F).
• Summer (June-August): These are the warmest days, with highs reaching 15-20°C (59-68°F) during the day. However, during the night, the temperature drops unexpectedly to 0-5°C (32-41°F).
• Autumn (September-November): One of Nepal’s most popular trekking seasons; during this time, you can expect clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The daytime temperature reaches 12-18°C (54-64°F), and nighttime drops to 0-5°C (32-50°F).
• Winter (December-Feburary): The coldest season, the daytime temperature is between 5-10°C (41-50°F). The temperature during the night falls to -5 to -10°F. Snowfall is also possible during this time.