Poon Hill Trek
Lavished with 8 of the 14 highest peaks of the world, Nepal is indisputably one of the best trekking destinations in the entire planet. Along with long hikes to view some of the highest peaks of the world closely, Nepal offers its visitors with numerous short trekking destinations too.
Travelling to the Himalayas makes you explore and realize the beauty of the country.
Including the sublime view and lifetime memories; the opportunity to travel through the villages with old-world charm, through the thick forests with rivers and to explore diverse culture makes trekking in Nepal unique and popular.
Have a limited time in Nepal but want to view some of the highest peaks? Want to have trekking experiences without much of a hassle? We got you covered here!
Poon-hill trek, one of the best treks in the country, takes you up to a highest altitude of 3,200 m. offering you with a majestic view of the Annapurna range, the trek is sometimes called Annapurna Panorama Circuit. Located in the central part of Nepal, the trek starts from Pokhara which lies about 200 km west of the capital Kathmandu.
A 3-4 days short trek, in order to have a soothing view of some of the highest peaks in the world; offering you with quaint villages and lush green forests on the way, with having to pass through rivers, experiencing the local taste of every stop on your way to the top; speaking well of the Poon Hill Trek is never enough.
TRIP FACTS:
Days: 8 days (flexible)
Highest Altitude: 3200 m.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Permits: Two permits required namely:
- TIMS Card
- ACAP Permit
Guide and Porter: Provided
Accommodation: Hotels and Lodges (arranged)
Why Poon Hill Trek?
Being a microcosm of what a trek in Nepal feels like, Poon Hill Trek is suitable for ones who have limited travel time out of their busy schedule or for the ones who do not want to struggle for long sweaty days in long hikes and for the ones who want to witness the Himalayan vistas with comparatively small efforts.
The Poon Hill trek, in spite of being a short one, does not compromise when it comes to the soothing views of the Himalayan ranges, the nature and local taste of the Nepalese culture. Popular as one of the most accessible and one of the best treks in the country, the rewarding panoramic view of some of the highest peaks attracts a lot of trekkers every year.
Highlights of the Trek:
• Undisturbed view of the Himalayan ranges, including Nilgiri, Macchapuchhare, Annapurna, Lamjung and Dhaulagiri.
• Exploring the classic unchanged culture of the Magar and Gurung communities.
• Pass through the vibrant forests filled with Rhododendron, the national flower, and enjoy the beauty of what the nature has to offer.
• Be prepared for one of the most photogenic places ever.
• A feeling of achievement, of your desires being fulfilled is something that you can expect from this stress-relieving trip.
• Having a calming view of the sunrise among the Himalayan ranges from Poon Hill makes you feel grateful about your decision to choose the Poon Hill Trek.
• One of the major attractions is to have a relaxed trip, soaking up the typical local Nepalese vibes.
Cost for the Entire Tour:
With proper planning by our professionals who have been working in this field for ages, we are here to provide quality services without any hassle at an affordable price. The services covered and uncovered by our costs are:
Costs Include:
• Airport and Hotel - pick and drop service.
• Two nights stay at a luxurious hotel in Kathmandu, before and after your trip to Pokhara.
• Two nights stay at a luxurious hotel in Pokhara, before and after your trek.
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for the entire trekking journey.
• Lodging accommodations for the entire trek.
• Trekking-route Map.
• Professional guide to provide you with necessary guidance.
• Porter to carry your full backpack.
• First aid kit.
• Salary, food, accommodation for guide and porter.
• Required Trekking Permit.
• Rescue Arrangements.
• Government vat and taxes.
Costs Exclude:
• Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Travel Insurance.
• International flight fare.
• Nepal on-arrival visa.
• Personal Trekking Requirements.
• Personal shopping.
• Laundry.
• All kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Note: You may contact the respected authority for a detailed cost of the trek.
How difficult is the Poon Hill Trek?
Considering a 4 days trek with just 5-6 hours of trek a day and the highest altitude of 3200 m, Poon Hill Trek is graded as an easy-moderate one and is one of the easiest treks in Nepal.
No hard training is expected from any of the trekkers and the trek can be easily completed by an averagely fit person. Even if this is your first trekking experience, you shall face no difficulties with a proper assistance and guidance of our professional tour guides. Being an easy trek, Poon Hill Trek attracts a lot of female and family-trekkers.
Best time for the Trek:
Due to the changing weather in the area, pre-research about the weather conditions will definitely be a wise move from your side. The best time for Poon Hill Trek is March to April and October to November. With clear views and a comfortable weather, these months are the most favorable time for the trek.
Having said that, it’s not that you cannot have treks during December to February and May to September; but with the cold icy weather and with pouring rain respectively, not much trekkers plan to have trek in these months. But if you want to avoid the crowd and have the courage to have an icy adventure, you are welcomed.
Food and Accommodation for the Entire Tour:
For Kathmandu and Pokhara:
Accommodation shall be arranged in quality luxurious hotels in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, where you can explore various options for food including western, continental and others. Both of these places make its visitors feel very welcomed. Especially Thamel of both the areas and Lakeside Streets makes you feel special about being in Nepal, and can explore the local taste and pick/buy some Nepalese handicrafts or just simply enjoy the Nepalese vibe.
Except for Kathmandu and Pokhara:
With a clear motive to just stay the night for some rest and meal to get moving the next morning, luxury should not be expected from accommodation during the trek. A place to spend the night, popularly known as lodges is found on our way to the top, where we shall stop by for nights.
• Rooms:
The rooms serve the only purpose of providing the guests a comfortable place to stay. So with simple and comfortable rooms, luxury cannot be expected.
• Bathroom and Shower:
As per our accommodation plan, lodges shall provide you with hot shower and a fine bathroom.
• Food:
Meals shall be provided by the lodge itself, which is lodge-cooked and is supposed to be selected from a menu.
- Breakfast:
• Toasted Bread (provides varieties)
• Eggs (provides varieties)
• Bread and Pancake (provides varieties)
• Porridge (provides varieties)
• Also have breakfast set options for American, Continental etc.
- Lunch:
• Rice Meals (provides varieties)
• Noodles (provides varieties)
• Momo- dumplings (provides varieties)
• Pasta and Macaronis (provides varieties)
• Pizza and Sandwiches (provides varieties)
• Spaghetti (provides varieties)
• Includes other options like potatoes, etc.
- Dinner: Offers the same menu as lunch.
- Drinks:
• Hot lemon
• Hot orange
• Hot water with sliced ginger
• Tea
• Coffee (though caffeine intake is not suggested during a trek)
• Variety of cold drinks is also offered.
- Water: The lodge provides boiled water. If you are not a fan of boiled water, you can carry purification tablets with yourself or can buy mineral water bottles available in every lodge.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival to Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Overnight: Hotel
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Overnight: Hotel
Day 3: The trek starts after from Naya Pool, Pokhara up to Tikhedhunga.
- Covers: 9 km
- Starting Point: 1060 m
- Ending Point: 1540 m
- Overnight: Lodge
Day 4: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
- Covers: 13 km
- Starting Point: 1540 m
- Ending Point: 2800 m
- Overnight: Lodge
Day 5: Ghorepani – Poon Hill for a view – Ghandruk
- Covers: 19.3 km
- Starting Point: 2800 m
- Poon Hill: 3200m
- Ending Point: 2012 m
- Overnight: Lodge
Day 6: Ghandruk to Pokhara
- Covers: 20 km
- Starting Point: 2012 m
- Ending point: 1400 m
- Overnight: Hotel
Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Overnight: Hotel
Day 8: Departure from Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport
Equipment and Clothing Essentials for the Trek:
The minimum essentials for Poon Hill Trek are:
• Footwear:
• Sturdy Trekking Boots: Avoid sneakers or running shoes for hike.
• Flips-flops to walk around the teahouse: This one is extra and if you don’t want to carry a pair, that’s fine too.
• Legs:
• Hiking pants: This is made up of light-weighted quick dry material for a good hike. Better if you carry these with adjustable length (can be converted into shorts). Or else, we recommend a pair or two of shorts too.
• Thermal layers/ Leg Warmers: To stay prepared for the cold.
• Socks
• Upper body:
• T-shirts: The ones that are light weight and dry quickly shall do well.
• Thermal layer: To stay prepared for the cold.
• Sweater/ Jumper: Essential for evenings.
• Down Jacket (Waterproof )
• Headwear:
• Beanie
• Sunglasses: To keep your eyes cool.
• Buff/ Neck Warmer
• Others:
• Sunscreen: This is a must to avoid sunburn.
• Trekking Poles: These are your saviors for the trek.
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Comfortable Day Backpack
• Gloves: Waterproof and the other one, warm.
• Water Purification tablets: This can be of a great help to avoid possible unhygienic water.
• Toiletries: Wipes, tissue papers, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
• Power-bank
Required Trekking Permits:
Two permits are required for the trek, which will be checked in the office on your way:
• Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Costs NRs 2000 per person.
• ACAP Permit: Costs NRs 3000 per person.
Both of these permits can be issued from both Pokhara and Kathmandu. But our tour package gets you covered with that.
Guide and Porter for the Trek:
Our professional guides who are familiar with the trekking route over years shall provide you with all the necessary guidance during the trek and shall put enough efforts to make your trek a successful one.
Porter shall be assigned to carry your backpacks where one porter carries two of the trekkers’ backpacks. Porters are considered as our saviors!
We are here for you!
Proper planning and guidance with affordable price is something that you can expect from us. EncountersNepal, operating since years in this field consisting of professional workforce, is here to tackle even slightest of possible inconvenience during your entire tour.
