All foreign hikers must employ a certified guide beginning on April 1st 2023 in order to hike in Nepal. Independent hiking is now essentially prohibited. The only choices left are to hire a guide or sign up for a tour. Once you are in Nepal, you can try to find a guide, but make sure they are reputable and licensed. Alternately, you might pre-book the tour with a business. In this scenario, they'll organize a guide and plan your complete trip, including transportation. I can't speak from personal experience because we have never used a trekking firm in Nepal, but I've identified a few that have had positive reviews and would be worth considering.
The Poon Hill walk is one of the more accessible treks in the Annapurna Sanctuary, which explains its increasing popularity. It's an excellent route for beginning hikers and those looking to get a taste of trekking in Nepal. The hike can be completed in three or four days. The path is clearly defined, and there are numerous guesthouses and eateries along the way. Poon Hill is an excellent acclimatization trip before trying one of the more difficult treks such as the Annapurna Circuit trek or the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
This trek includes a round trek on one of Nepal's gentler pathways, making it ideal for families and first-time trekkers looking to experience Himalayan views of famous landmark mountains while staying in nice accommodation and eating well along the way. The Poon Hill trip is best done in May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, although it may be done at any time throughout the trekking seasons of April to June and September to November.
In the lower Annapurna Range, there is a circuit known as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The highlight is climbing to Poon Hill's summit viewpoint at sunrise and taking in the expansive views of the renowned Annapurna region, which include Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu.
As the walk passes through a rhododendron woodland, terraced hills, paddy fields, and lush foliage, hikers will get a strong impression of this area. Equally delightful is the friendly welcome from the nearby Gurung and Magar villages. At a height of roughly 2874 meters (9429 feet), Ghorepani is a village in central Nepal that is a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The famed obstacle at Ulleri, where there are more than 3000 stone stairs to ascend, is part of this journey, which is also referred to as the Annapurna Sunrise journey. After a day of hiking and time spent in the colorful, energetic town of Pokhara, which is only five hours away from Kathmandu by road, there are also the hot springs at Jhinu to enjoy.
Poon hill
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview
Distance: 25 miles (40 km).
Three to four days
Permits - Annapurna Sanctuary permit and TIMS card required
It is required to use a licensed guide.
Nayapul, the starting location, is two hours by bus from Pokhara.
Point of completion: Ghandruk
Poon Hill peak (3131 m) is the highest point.
3000 m in total ascent
1996 meters of total descent.
US$25–$30 per person, per day, on average
Hotels and guesthouses
Food: Western, Chinese, and Nepali cuisine
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
Day 1:Kathmandu to Pokhara-Nayapul / Trek to Ulleri (2,070m)
Day 2:Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,750m/9,020 ft)
Day 3:Ghorepani - Poon Hill (3,210m) - Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft)
Day 4:Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,360 ft)
Day 5:Ghandruk to Pokhara
POON HILL GHOREPANI TREK ROUTE MAP
We take a car or air trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara before continuing on a road to Nayapul, where the hike begins. The Poonhill sunrise hike is followed by a trek through Tikhedunga and Ghorepani, before continuing on to Tadapani, Ghandrunk, and finally returning to Nayapul.
How Long Is The Poon Hill Trek?
This hike is only 45 kilometers long and ends at Poon Hill, which is located at an elevation of 3250 meters. The hike provides breathtaking views of vast valleys and majestic mountains and is the ideal introduction to trekking in Nepal.
The walk may see a range of weather conditions, but they are often not too severe, and with the right gear, you can keep warm and dry. There shouldn't be a problem with altitude since the walk is on known trails and is not too high.
From passing through picturesque villages, walking through the subtropical jungle, to experiencing calm days trekking, the trek offers landscape and cultural diversity of people and land.
Place Where The Trek Begins
The most well-liked route for the Poon Hill hike is to begin in Nayapul and end in Ghandruk (this is the route we took). The course has a 3000 m total ascent and a 1996 m total descent.
You can also do it in reverse, beginning in Ghandruk and ending in Nayapul. If you choose this path as opposed to the Nayapul-Ghandruk route, you will get more downhill (3,000 m) and less ascend (2,000 m). Both settlements have buses and jeeps that travel to and from Pokhara. The road from Ghandruk becomes extremely muddy after heavy rain, and buses from there to Pokhara may not run.
From Ghandruk, you can continue walking to Kimche (4 km farther and 300 m lower) or all the way to Kande through Australian Camp (16 km farther and a significant amount of additional up and down)
Different Route Options For Poon Hill Trek
Starting in Nayapul, finishing in Ghandruk
Staring in Ghandruk, finishing in Nayapul
Staring in Nayapul, finishing in Kimche
Starting in Kimche, finishing in Nayapul
Accommodation On Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek
We were taken aback by the guesthouse amenities because they were virtually luxurious in comparison to those we had on the Everest Base Camp climb. Wi-fi, a hot shower, and electricity are amenities found in almost every guesthouse along the road. In contrast to several other trekking routes, they typically don't charge you extra to use any of these amenities. You won't have to stress about going offline, taking a shower, or charging your electronics. In a few of the places along the road, you can even obtain actual espresso.
If you eat breakfast and supper at your guesthouse, you spend very little for lodging, just like on the majority of Nepalese trekking routes. For the people that reside along the Poon Hill hike, food is their primary source of income. You'll spend two or three times as much for your room if you don't eat there. A double room with a shared bathroom costs about NPR 500/US$4 on average.
Cost Of The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
It will be less expensive the more people there are. In general, the Poon Hill trip is far less expensive than the Everest Base Camp journey.
Permits & TIMS For The Poon Hill Trek
You need to obtain a permission and a TIMS card, just like for any other excursion inside the sanctuary. Both are available from the Pokhara or Kathmandu tourist information offices. Mon through Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday. Saturdays are closed. It costs NPR 5000 ($38) each item.
You will need your passport, insurance, four pictures, and a contact person in Nepal (we typically provide the contact information for our accommodation) in order to obtain the TIMS card and the Annapurna Sanctuary permit.
Obtaining a TIMS card;
First, complete the form that you are given at the counter (name, insurance number, passport information, Nepalese address, etc.).
Next, snap a picture. You don't need to bring your own images to the Pokhra Office because there are free photos available. four passport-size pictures.
Third, hand over the completed form, two pictures, and NRP 2000 ($15 USD) each person, which must be paid at the counter in Nepalese Rupee only.
Get your TIMS now, please.
To obtain a permit for the Annapurna Sanctuary;
Get a new form first, then your TIMS card.
Second, complete the form. Third, present it to the counter together with your passport, two pictures, and NRP 3000 (US$23) per person, all of which must be paid in cash in Nepalese Rupee.
Get your license next.
Only one registration per TIMS card and permit is permitted into Annapurna Sanctuary Park. A fresh TIMS card and a fresh permit are required each time you leave it in order to re-enter the park. It is less expensive to stay inside the park if you intend to take multiple hikes inside the sanctuary.
Packing List For The Poon Hill Trek
Try to pack lightly to make the hike simpler, especially if you're not expecting to utilize a porter because the trek takes four days and involves resting in tea houses. Our Poon Hill trek packing list was based on the Everest Base Camp packing list.
The main goal is to keep you warm, dry, sheltered from the sun, able to walk easily in the mountains, and at ease in the evenings and at night. For more detailed information about what to pack on a trek to Nepal, read our Nepal Trekking List Guide. The following are the key points to cover:-
A porter will carry a rucksack or duffle bag, and you will carry a daypack.
Waterproof outerwear to ward off wind and rain (optional waterproof bottoms)
LAYERS include shirts, shorts, pants, T-shirts, jackets, jumpers, hats, and gloves.
BASELAYER - Wearing thin layers on chilly mornings to wick away any sweat.
FEET - Comfy boots with a sturdy sole and supportive ankles. lighter shoes to replace
SLEEPING - Bring a warm sleeping bag (3 seasons) and a blanket to the lodges for a restful night's sleep.
DRINKING - Hard plastic water bottles like Nalgene should be used instead of disposable ones.
A wash kit, a towel, and a tiny first aid kit are provided.
SUN CARE: hat, sunglasses
Trekking poles, an umbrella, and dry bags
PHYSICAL RESOURCES: cameras, books, and music
Please be aware that the lodges have easy access to power outlets for charging your electronics, but we still advise taking a power bank. Although the service is fee-based, there are several locations in the lodges with phone and wifi service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
What Level Of Fiitness Is Required For The Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek ?
The Poon Hill trip is a well-worn trail the entire way, however it can be rocky and uneven in some places, and there are a lot of steps to climb and descend throughout the week. There are no steep slopes or activities like "mountaineering" that call for specialized gear.
Where is Poon Hill located?
The trek begins in Nayapul, a tiny settlement 40 kilometers from Pokhara. Buses to Nayapul leave from the Pokhara bus station all day long. The trip takes two to three hours. The cost is NPR 300/US$2 per person. You can take a taxi from Lakeside to the bus terminal. Taxis are NPR 300 ($2) each.
How Challenging is The Poon Hill Trek ?
There is no prior mountaineering knowledge need for the Poon Hill trip because it is a moderate hike. One of the simpler multi-day treks in the Annapurna region can be found there. Poon Hill is still a strenuous hike due to the two-day, 3000 meter elevation that you must complete. It's a good path to take as a warming-up hike before undertaking one of the area's more difficult hikes.
Which Place The Trek Begins?
The most well-liked route for the Poon Hill hike is to begin in Nayapul and end in Ghandruk (this is the route we took). The course has a 3000 m total ascent and a 1996 m total descent.
You can also do it in reverse, beginning in Ghandruk and ending in Nayapul. If you choose this path as opposed to the Nayapul-Ghandruk route, you will get more downhill (3,000 m) and less ascend (2,000 m). Both settlements have buses and jeeps that travel to and from Pokhara. The road from Ghandruk becomes extremely muddy after heavy rain, and buses from there to Pokhara may not run.
From Ghandruk, you can continue walking to Kimche (4 km farther and 300 m lower) or all the way to Kande through Australian Camp (16 km farther and a significant amount of additional up and down).
What Time Of Year Is Ideal For Visiting Poon Hill?
The finest months to visit Poon Hill are the spring months of March and April and the fall months of October and November. These are mostly warm, dry months. The significant risk of landslides and floods during the monsoon season, which lasts from May to September, makes hiking during that time unwise. The driest and coldest months of the year are December, January, and February in the winter. Because of the Poon Hill trek's low elevation, even during the winter months, you probably won't see much snow.
Where Should One Stay in Pokhara?
Compared to Kathmandu, Pokhara is a much better place to stay. We strive to leave Kathmandu as soon as possible and never stay more than one or two days there. In Pokhara, there are many of wonderful things to do.
The primary tourist area in Pokhara is lakeside, which is crowded with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, and other lodging options. Here, you may locate lodging for any price range, from inexpensive homestays to opulent spa hotels.
Do I Require A Guide For The Hike Up Poon Hill?
Yes, starting on April 1, 2023, all foreign trekkers will be required to pay a guide in order to hike the majority of the routes in Nepal. One of the trekking companies in Pokhara or Kathmandu is the ideal place to look for a trustworthy guide. A porter often costs $20 per day, and a guide typically costs $25 per day. One guide or porter might be shared by two people.
Do I Require Insurance To Go Up Poon Hill?
The Poon Hill walk is a moderately difficult climb that, for the most part, travels over inaccessible terrain. It includes exhaustingly long ascents and perilous precipitous descents. It can be quite expensive to get hurt or to be evacuated from far-off places. There is a requirement for insurance when requesting a hiking permit. The name and contact information for your insurance provider are requested on the application forms you fill out to obtain permits.
Travelers created World Nomads travel insurance, which includes coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency care, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
How Should I Handle Drinking Water While Hiking?
We utilized tap water and carried our LifeStraw bottles with us. Water faucets are located throughout the path. You'll save a lot of money on the Poon Hill trek if you have some form of water filtration device. Additionally, it's environmentally friendly. Depending on the location, one liter of drinking water costs about NPR 100 or US$1. If you buy water every time, you'll need at least 2 liters per person per day, which will cost you NPR 200 or $2 per person per day.
What About The Transport Cost ?
In Nepal, transportation is inexpensive, especially if you take the local bus. Jeeps cost two to three times as much yet are faster and more comfortable. Bus fares range from NPR 400 ($3) per person from Pokhara to Nayapul to NPR 600 ($4,5) from Ghandruk to Pokhara to NPR 250 ($2) from Kande to Pokhara.
How Much Cash Should I Carry For The Trek?
Spend money traveling to Poon Hill. Having NPR 3000/US$25 per person per day is what I'd advise. It should be sufficient to cover costs for lodging, food, and transportation as well as for on-the-go purchases of snacks, cold beverages, chocolates, and mementos. It is preferable to bring enough money. There are a few ATMs along the route, however they frequently don't function or are empty of cash.
Are The Meals Expensive During The Poon Hill Trek?
Depending on what you choose, a supper on the Poon Hill hike can cost anywhere from NPR 400 (about $3) and NPR 600 (about $5) per person. The cost of meals with meat is higher. Eggs and vegetables are less expensive. A cup of tea costs around $1 (100). One liter of hot water costs NPR 150 or US$1. Large meal of rice or pasta costs NPR 600 ($4,5). Cool drinks are the most expensive item to purchase while on the hike. You'll spend NPR 400/US$3 for a small bottle of juice or Coke. Compared to Pokhara, food costs are roughly 30–40% more expensive. Overall, the cuisine at Poon Hill is comparable to that at Everest Base Camp.
What Is The Weather Like On Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The finest months to hike up Poon Hill are April through May and early December. The weather is perfect right now, the sky is clear, and the temperature is just right. Expect warm bright days about 18 degrees Celsius and cool, near-freezing nights. Early in the morning, it will be about 5 degrees Celsius at the trek's greatest altitude.
Plan to dress in shorts and a T-shirt during the hiking season and long-sleeved jumpers and a fleece jacket in the early morning and evening. When a fire is lit in the evening, the lodges are warm, and the bedrooms are not heated but have a reliable sleeping bag It won't be chilly. You can always borrow a blanket.
Around The Ghorepani Poon Hill, What is The local Support?
The porters will take care of all the group's needs, including helping you if you need to return down the valley, while carrying your main bag up to a weight limit of 12.5 kg. All of the lodges and teahouses are cozy, convivial, and extremely well furnished.
Please read through our many blogs about Nepali treks as well as the 'Travel Information' section, all of which are accessible by tabs on this website and will address any queries you might have..
