Poon Hill Trek

Spring (March to May): The weather is mild with clear mornings and excellent visibility. Rhododendrons are in full bloom, and red, pink, and white colors the hills. Daytime temperature can range from 15-20°C at lower elevations and around 10°C in higher elevations. Nights are cool and almost freezing, with afternoons bringing occasional rain showers. The weather is pleasant and the landscapes are colorful, making spring one of the best trekking seasons.

Autumn (September to November): August is the best time for the Poon Hill trek. Skies are crystal clear after the monsoon rain, and visibility is excellent. Temperature ranges from 15-20°C at lower elevations and 5-10°C at higher elevations. Since the weather is stable, many photographers flock to the area this season for the perfect shot. You will also experience local Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

Shoulder Seasons: Opt for shoulder seasons if you want quieter trails with equally pleasant weather. The shoulder seasons are late February, early June, late November, and early December. Early June has some rain and lingering winter chill in late February. Late November and early December are dry and clear with colder days and freezing nights. While trekking in the shoulder seasons, you can enjoy pleasant weather with more teahouse options and fewer crowds.

Monsoon and Winter: Monsoons bring heavy rainfall, making the trail slippery and muddy, and the forests full of leeches. Clouds block the mountain views, and landslide risks are at their peak. Winter is cold with snow in higher villages like Ghorepani and Poon Hill. If you have prior trekking experience, you may finish it with the correct gear, but we don’t recommend it to beginners. Monsoons and Winters have extreme conditions with high risks. Check the local weather forecasts daily and pack accordingly.

Guides: Our Poon Hill Trek package comes with an experienced and licensed guide. They are fluent in English and have training in mountain first aid and altitude sickness observation. They have years of experience and a National Academy of Tourism license. They take care of your logistics and are responsible for your safety. If you feel sick or experience any discomfort, inform your guide immediately so they can take appropriate action. Guides also take care of your permits and set the pace suitable for the entire group. You get to learn the culture of the regions and even a few local words for greetings. Having a guide who knows the trail like the back of their hand and can respond quickly in emergencies is a valuable part of the trek.

Porters:  Carrying a heavy backpack while trekking can drain you quickly; this is where porters come in. Porters carry your main luggage, about 25 kg, so that you can hike with your lighter daypack. Usually, porters are the area’s locals and move with incredible strength and ease. We ensure proper clothing, insurance, a reasonable load limit, and fair wages for them. Most trekkers finish the trek with a newfound companionship with their trekking crews. Even with minimum English-speaking skills, porters are some of the best trekking companions. We encourage tipping at the end of the trek to show your appreciation for their hard work.

Mountain trekking conditions are unpredictable. While we follow our itinerary schedule, conditions on the ground may lead to adjustments. Weather shifts quickly in the mountains, with a sudden storm or heavy rain always possible all year round. Landslides or heavy snow can block the trail, and cloudy mornings can appear even in October.

Your guide might reroute or delay the day in these extreme conditions. Group health and pace can also affect the day. Some groups walk more slowly, while others push ahead and even go on side quests. If a trekker feels unwell or needs evacuation, your guide splits the group or delays the trek altogether. If the group gets separated, an assistant guide will lead the latter group so no one is left behind.

Itinerary customization is especially easy for private treks. You can add extra nights in Ghandruk or extend the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. We arrange custom add-ons if you want to expand your adventure. Flexibility is a part of mountain travel. Unexpected moments can bring some of the best memories of the trek. We encourage a positive mindset so these changes don’t affect your experience.

We offer a few add-ons to the trek if any trekkers want to learn more about Nepal and visit more places. These add-ons are entirely optional and come with an additional price.

Kathmandu Sightseeing: You can go on a guided tour to visit the cultural highlights of Kathmandu Valley. The UNESCO Heritage Sites, like Swayambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple), Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and different Durbar Squares of the Valley, are part of the tour. Spend a day or two sightseeing to learn Nepal’s rich history, art, and religion.

Pokhara Sightseeing: Pokhara is a beautiful lakeside city that serves as the gateway to Poon Hill. Visit the World Peace Pagoda, explore Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and Devi’s Fall here. You can also go boating on a rented wooden boat in Phewa Lake and visit the Pumdikot Hill. Pokhara is also a hub for adventure lovers, offering paragliding, bungee jumping, and even ultralight flights to the Annapurnas.

Chitwan Jungle Safari: Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal offers a different landscape, weather, and views. You can go on a jeep safari with a guide, do jungle walks and canoe rides, and visit Tharu cultural villages. The park is home to many species of wildlife, like one-horned rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, deer, and over 500 species of exotic birds.

Kathmandu-Pokhara Flight: You can save time with a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This short flight offers beautiful Himalayan views and saves 6-7 hours of road trip time. It is ideal for trekkers on a tight schedule.

Kathmandu-Pokhara Tourist Bus: You can take a tourist bus to Pokhara from Kathmandu if you like road travel or are on a tight budget. These buses are more comfortable than local public buses and offer scenic views of Nepal’s mid-hills. The trip is roughly 7 hours long with multiple rest stops.

Additional Trek Days or Extensions: We can add an extra night in villages like Ghandruk or combine the trek with some sections of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. You can communicate with us about your preferences so we can arrange a schedule in advance.

Clothes: Pack breathable t-shirts, trekking pants, a warm fleece or a down jacket, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell. You need to pack and dress in layers to tackle any weather conditions. Bring a rain jacket or poncho and thermal base layers.

Trekking Gear: Your boots should be sturdy, broken-in, and have ankle support. Pack a 20-30L daypack for essentials like water, snacks, a camera, and an outer clothing layer.

Sleeping and other accessories: While teahouses provide blankets, they might not always be enough for the cold nights. Pack a lightweight sleeping bag rated to 0°C and an optional liner for hygiene. Bring a headlamp with extra batteries, a power bank, a trekking pole, and a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder with a purification method.

Health and Toiletries: Bring enough for the trek if you have any personal medications. We advise trekkers to get an individual first aid kit with band-aids, blister care, pain relievers, and electrolyte salt. You also need an SPF 30+ sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, toothbrush, and soap.

Miscellaneous: Carry Nepali rupees in cash in small denominations for snacks and tips. Keep your passport, permits, and travel insurance details securely in a waterproof pouch close to you.

Fitness and Preparation

We consider the Poon Hill Trek to be a moderate trek with only three trekking days. It might be a short trek, but the trail conditions and altitude can make it hard. You can efficiently work on your stamina and leg strength before the trek to tackle long walking days and steep climbs. Build endurance by hiking, jogging, cycling, and swimming.

Go on practice hikes on hills and uneven trails with your full trekking gear to get used to the conditions. Carry a light backpack during your exercise and hiking sessions to adjust your body to trekking with a load.

You can add exercises like squats, lunges, and planks to strengthen your legs and core so your muscles get used to challenging climbs and descents on the trek. You don’t need to be an athlete or have an extreme fit body. Consistent exercises before the trek help the body adjust to difficult walking days. You can walk slowly and take a rest stop where you like when trekking, so it is enjoyable for you. We advise moderate fitness, a steady pace, and a positive attitude to finish the trek comfortably.

Altitude sickness is a huge concern while trekking in Nepal, as most trekking routes are above 3000m. Acclimatization is adjusting the body to lower oxygen levels in high altitudes. While the Poon Hill trek doesn’t reach extreme height, you should still be aware of the symptoms and prevention of altitude sickness. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can attack anyone regardless of fitness level.

The trek’s highest sleeping point is 2,870m at Ghorepani, and the maximum altitude is 3,210m at Poon Hill. These altitude levels are below the threshold where severe altitude sickness begins. We follow the climbing high and sleeping low principle to gradually adjust the body to the increasing altitude.

Mild altitude sickness symptoms like headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping are common and can even occur at moderate elevations. Walk at a steady pace, drink enough fluids, eat nutritious meals, and avoid alcohol or smoking, as they cause dehydration. Your guide will monitor your health and oxygen level daily in case of any health issues. If your symptoms worsen, descend immediately to the nearest village.

We advise drinking about 4 liters of fluid, eating carbohydrate-rich food, and resting well. If you feel sick or notice signs of AMS, communicate with your guide for safety.

Travelers need a valid Nepal Tourist Visa to enter Nepal. Most trekkers can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Your passport should have at least 6 months of validity and a few blank pages left for the visa. Take your passport and a few passport-sized pictures with you to fill out the form at the airport.

Pay the visa fee for the days you plan to stay in the country.  Since this trek is only about 5 days long, you can get a 15-day visa for USD 30. Check the largest visa regulations before your arrival, as rules are subject to change.

You need a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the Poon Hill trek. Local authorities use these permits to fund conservation projects and register trekkers for safety. We arrange both permits for you as part of our package. You must send us a copy of your passport and two passport-size photos to arrange these permits. Keep the permits with you during the trek since checkpoints along the route will ask to see them.

Nepal’s official currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR). It is best to exchange your money into Nepali cash before the trek in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as no ATMs are on the trail. You can exchange your cash in licensed money exchange centers or banks.

The package covers your major expenses like permits, guides, porters, and accommodation with three meals daily. However, you should budget for personal expenses like snacks, bottled water, hot drinks, and crew tipping. We advise tipping about 10% of your total trek cost to your guides/porters at the end of the trek. Lodges charge about NPR 100-500 extra for hot showers, charging devices, and WiFi. You should budget extra for souvenirs or handmade crafts from villages like Ghandruk.

Currently, 1USD~NPR140, but the rate might change, so check before exchanging. You can easily exchange major currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP in Nepal. Budget around NPR 2,000-3,000 in small denominations like 50s and 100s daily so that you can pay any additional costs. Mountains don’t accept credit cards; cities accept them, but you may have to pay a service fee. It’s better to carry cash for your Poon Hill trek.

The route to Poon Hill passes primarily through Gurung and Magar villages. These ethnic groups have their language, culture, attire, and traditions.

Greeting: Put your hands together in a prayer pose and say “Namaste” with a slight bow and a smile to greet people. This friendly gesture helps you bond with the locals. The word “Namaste” literally means “I salute the god within you” and is the most popular way of greeting hello or goodbye in Nepal.

Dress and behavior: Dress modestly in villages and while visiting religious sites. You can wear shorts while trekking, but avoid showing skin out of respect for local customs. Don’t click pictures of people or religious sites without permission. The people might be warm and welcoming, but you must respect their privacy and customs.

Local customs: Walk clockwise when visiting a monastery, temple, or shrine and follow the direction of prayer wheels. You should refrain from touching prayer flags or religious objects without permission. Remove your shoes before entering the living area in teahouses or homes and avoid stepping over anyone’s legs when visiting somebody’s house. The locals believe a person’s head is the most sacred part of their body, so you should avoid touching someone on their head.

Community and Environment: The Gurung and Magar communities of the region heavily rely on tourism for the local economy. You can support the community by buying tea or snacks from local shops. Don’t litter, use water purification methods to reduce plastic bottle use, and stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing and damaging the crops and vegetation. You should be mindful of your environmental footprint.

Trek with a guide: We include a licensed trekking guide. Your guide knows the trail, weather, and local conditions like the back of their hand. If they adjust the trekking schedule, know it’s in your best interest and safety. They may split the group, reroute, or delay the trek in case of any emergencies or weather conditions. Follow their lead for an enjoyable trek.

Stick to the Trail: Walk on the marked trails of the trek. Poon Hill and Ghandruk have well-marked trails that anyone can follow, but you should stay with your group at all times. Avoid shortcuts through forests or farmlands and check for leeches in damp areas during the monsoon.

Hydration and Food Safety: You should only drink boiled or purified water to avoid water-borne diseases. Use purification tablets and filters, or buy boiled water without worrying. Eat freshly cooked meals and avoid raw, unwashed fruits or vegetables. We advise trekkers to eat vegetarian meals throughout the trek, as fresh meat may not be available.

Weather and Gear: Mountain weather is not reliable. You should keep a rain jacket and a warm layer in your daypack to grab them easily in case of a sudden weather shift. Wear trekking boots with a good grip as trails may be slippery.

Listen to your body: You know your body better than anyone. Take breaks when you need to and communicate with your guide if you feel tired or notice any symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s better to prevent the issues than to push through discomfort.

Emergency Preparedness: Our guides carry a basic first-aid kit and have phone/radio access for emergencies. They are in 24/7 contact with our Kathmandu office in case of any emergencies. In severe cases, we arrange a helicopter evacuation from Ghorepani or Ghandruk.

Wildlife and Dogs: Do not feed or approach monkeys or other animals while trekking. Avoid contact with stray dogs and don’t disturb any animals. These animals are usually harmless if left alone, but they may carry diseases, so be careful around them.

Sanitation: Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands before any meals. If you wash your hands mid-trek, avoid soaking them near water resources, and carry a mask if you are sensitive to dust.

We highly recommend insurance for every trekker before joining the Poon Hill trek. While this short trek is generally safe, you’re trekking in remote mountain areas where nothing is specific. A good travel insurance policy protects you from the financial strain that any emergencies can bring. Your policy should cover,

Medical Coverage: Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking up to 4,000 m, including medical care in Nepal in case of any injuries.

Emergency Evacuation: Buy a policy that includes an emergency helicopter evacuation. Most severe altitude sickness or injury requires evacuation to hospitals in Pokhara or Kathmandu. These evacuations can be financially draining without insurance.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Illness, natural disasters, or other emergencies may lead to you canceling your trip. You can get protection from non-refundable expenses in case of trip cancellation or early termination.

Lost or Delayed Baggage: You can claim reimbursement for essential purchases if you lose your luggage or experience travel delays.

General Liability and Adventure Sports: While most policies cover trekking, they may not cover adventure sports like paragliding or safaris. Buy the policy that includes it.

Read the policy details carefully before purchasing so you know your rights and can act accordingly. Some insurers charge extra for trekking above certain altitudes or in remote regions. For quick assistance, carry a printed copy of your insurance certificate and emergency contact info.

How to book?

Visit our website and click the Poon Hill Trek to book the package with us. Select your preferred date, group size, and any optional add-ons or customizations to get started. Fill the form with your details, and we will follow up with other documents.

Pay a small deposit to confirm your spot, or pay the full amount upfront to secure your place. If you pay the deposit first, the rest of the balance is due on arrival in Nepal or before the trek begins. We accept major credit cards to secure payments. We will email you the confirmation with booking details, payment receipt, and preparation tips.

You also have the option to book by contacting us through email or phone. It is especially better for personal assistance, custom requests, or questions. We will guide you through the process and handle the booking for you.

Payment Terms and Conditions

We usually ask for a non-refundable deposit of around 20% of the total trekking cost upfront. You can pay the full balance upfront or the rest about 30 days before the trek. The deposit helps secure permits, guides, and other arrangements.

The package includes permits, guides, porter services, trek accommodations, and transportation from Pokhara to the trek starting point and vice versa. You are responsible for international flights, Nepal visa fees, city meals, travel insurance tips, and personal expenses. The client is responsible for extra costs from delays or extensions due to weather or other factors. We advise having a contingency budget and good insurance.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to make any changes to your plans, please email us as soon as possible. Canceling 30 days before the trek means you get a full refund minus the deposit. You can keep the deposit as credit for up to a year. If you cancel 15-30 days before the trek, we will refund up to 80% of the payment without the deposit. Cancel within 14 days of the trek, we don’t provide any refund, but we may offer limited credit or transfer your booking to another person. No-show on departure day means no refund.

If unforeseen circumstances like political unrest, natural disasters, etc., force us to cancel the trek, we offer an alternative trek of similar value or a full refund.