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Poon Hill Trek is one of the most famous trekking destination in Nepal. It is popular for its dramatic location, enchanting cultures, Himalayan peaks and green rice terrace carved out of the mountain by the ethnic minorities. It’s the place where every nature lover wish to visit. The marvel of Poon Hill have always managed to enthrall people all over the world. The legendary peaks including Annapurna I (8,097) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) are truly a magnificent site to the eyes. Trekking in Poon Hill will leave you enthralled at the marvelous beauty of nature. Every twist and turn unique and sight-worthy picture perfect scenery. Likewise, the tempting grandeur of the mountain teeming the white cloud will be a life-changing experience. This Himalaya jewel is blessed with lush green carpeted pathways, streams, magical forest and idyllic villages. Also know as Annapurna Poon Hill Sunrise Trek, it mesmerizes you with its fascinating sunrise over the Himalayan horizon. As the first ray of sun emits and strikes the White Mountain, the scenery is something magical to witness. For someone Poon Hill Trekking is simply a quest of peace and tranquility and for others, it’s all about making an adventure dream come true. If you are unsure of take challenging Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek, then this trek might be the best answer for you. To be frank, it’s never easy task to get to the Poon Hill on your own, especially on your first visit. Therefore, we have provided you the detail information about Poon Hill Trek:
If you love traveling by bus, we recommend you to take a luxury bus/car from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The highways between these two cities are safe and convenient. Plus you get the view of countryside scenery. It takes 6 – 7 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. However, a quick way for you would be taking a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Pokhara. Once you have reached Pokhara, you need to take a car to Nayapul and start your hike to Poon Hill.
Poon Hill Trekking requires a lot of ascend and descend on a hill, therefore you need to be well prepared to avoid getting too exhausted. You have to walk about 10 – 12 km a day and it often lasts 5 – 7 hours. However these difficulties are nothing when compared to other treks in Nepal. A physically sound trekkers can make it through without taking too much challenge. If you are traveling via trekking company, do notify your special health condition so that they can customize the trekking route accordingly. To add more, engage in physical training like running, cardio, swimming and weight training to gain some physical endurance and capabilities.
If you are novice trekker, then yes, you do need a guided tour to Poon Hill. An experienced guide have vast knowledge about the place – all the route, shortcuts, viewpoints, challenges and more. Plus they can identify your body limitation and do not allow you to proceed further until your body is fully prepared. You will feel more secure, comfortable and satisfied if someone knowledgeable accompanies throughout the trip. He will help you make all the arrangement – from a place to stay, a place to east or best place to make a side trip. Moreover, he knows well about the place and can body limitation. If you want a solo trip, you make sure to do some research on the route you are going to trek. Grab a trekking route map, inform your friends or relatives about the trip and explore on your own. Needless to say, hire a local porter to carry your stuffs. Don't forget to tip your guide and porter.
These are many trekking routes that connects you to Poon Hill, however the famous one is via Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani route. This routes presented here are relatively convenient and to entice you, many trekker’s friendly tea houses are available on the way. Here are the suggested Poon Hill Trek Route
Day 01: Pokhara – Nayapul (1 070m) – Hile (1 510m/4 952ft), 1 hrs 15 min drive, 2-3 hrs trek From your hotel, we drive north through farmland and forest to the trail head at Nayapul. And start your trek to the prosperous riverside village of Birethanti (1 000m) at the confluence of the Modi and Bhurungdi Kholas. Then follow the Bhurungdi Khola to Sudame (1 340m) before climbing gradually up the side of the valley, to Hile (1 510m) and pushing on to Tikhedhunga. Overnight in Tikhedhunga. Day 02: Hile – Ghorepani (2 870m/9 420ft), 5-6 hrs The day begins with a long ascent on stone staircases to the village of Ulleri (2 080m) – and an amazing landscape with great views of Annapurna South (7 219m) and Hiunchuli (6 441m). The ascent continues through ancient rhododendron and oak forests for several hours, with rest breaks, to the large village of Ghorepani. From here there are fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himal. Overnight in Ghorepani. Day 03: Ghorepani – Poon hill (3 210m/10 528ft) – Hile (1 510m/4 950ft) – Pokhara (880m/2 900ft), 6-7 hrs trek, 75 min drive An early, ¾ hr, steep trek leads to Poon Hill’s grassy knoll. This landmark viewpoint offers unobstructed vistas of the high Himalaya from Dhaulagiri I (8 172m) and Upper Dolpo in the west, across the Annapurnas (Annapurna I, 8 019m), to Machhapuchhare (6 997m, Fish Tail) and east to Manaslu (8 156m). Behind: an ocean of Sal forests stretch to lowland India. Moreover, enjoy the dramatic sunrise view of Himalayan horizon. Return to your hotel for breakfast and then begin the long return trek, to Hile for lunch, before descending to Nayapul and our transport back to your hotel in Pokhara.
Day01: Pokhara – Nayapul and trek to Ulleri (1,950m/6,395ft) via Tikhedhunga (1,495m/4,905ft) – 1 ½ hour drive (45 km), 5 – 6 hours treks, 10km Day02: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) – 5 – 6 hours/ 11km Day03: Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,528ft) and trek down to Tadapani (2,520m/8,268ft) – 7 – 8 hours/ 12 km Day04: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk and drive back to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft) – 3 – 4 hour trek/ 6km/ 2 ½ hour drive (53km) Day05: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu Note: Above Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Distance and walking hours are calculated on rough basis; as no actual measurement is done yet.
The quick answer is anywhere between USD 800 – USD 2,500 The cost of this trek is subject to change according to facilities and services used during the trip. Below are the major things that determines the trip cost: • Transportation Mode • Accommodation Type • Meals type • Duration • Permits • Numbers of guides and porters • Equipment used during the trip Moreover, the cost of Poon Hill Trek varies according to the season. The cost of airfare is subject to rise by 3 - 5 % in peak season while the accommodation cost rises by 5 - 10 %.
Trekking requires transportation to/from hotel to the starting/ending point of your trek. There are couple of transportation choices – from flight way to road way – which will determine your cost. You need to travel Pokhara from Kathmandu to begin your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The transportation cost via different mode are described below: Overland Drive: Kathmandu – Pokhara: NRS 350 – 500 (USD 3.5 – 5) Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara: USD 120 per person (One way ticket) The cost depends on the type of transportation: Bus, micro-bus, jeep. Another option is to travel via Jeep or Car which is charge bit more than normal transport. Kathmandu – Pokhara: USD 4,000 – 6,000 (USD 40 – 60). It depends on the season you travel. Pokhara – Nayapul: NRS 2,000 (USD 20)
For Pokhara to Poon Hill Trek, you need to purchase two trekking permits: TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System): NRS 2,000 per person. You can purchase TIMS in Nepal Tourism Board. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit): USD 28 per person You can purchase ACAP in Nepal Tourism Board. You need to be above 10 years to be liable to obtain ACAP.
The cost of accommodation varies along the trekking route and season. There array of teahouse choices that can accommodate the need of budgeted to average to luxurious trekkers. The teahouse along the trekking route twin-shared room and showers are available in standard lodges. The average accommodation might cost USD 3 – USD 5 per person per night. The cost of accommodation is subject to rise as you gain elevation. Likewise, there are many lodges and hotels choices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The average hotel charges you USD 8 – USD 15 per person per night.
You have variety of meal choices during your trek to Poon Hill. Most of the tea houses along the trekking route offers authentic Nepal cuisine (Daal Bhaat Tarkari) and common international dishes. Daal Bhaat Tarkari are staple food full of good calories which helps you remain filly. Additional it gives you enough fuel so that you can push yourself up and beyond. Great news is that all the foods served here are grown organically on the farmland right next to you. The cost of food ranges from USD 2 – USD 5 depending on where and what you eat. In the same way, the bottled water might costs you USD 0.4 – USD 1.
Packing too much or too little might spoil your trip but how much is too much or too little. A proper research is the must before starting the trip. On one hand proper gear keeps you safe and on the other hand it ensures your comfortability throughout the trek. Here are the list must-to pack gears for the trek:
Needless to say, you need a valid passport and Nepal entry visa to start any kind of trip in Nepal. But it is not applicable to Indian citizen (they can enter Nepal without a visa and there some special reservation for SAARC nationals).
Poon Hill Trek is possible to conduct throughout the year; however autumn (September – November) and spring (March – May) are considered as the best time to trek. The weather is clear and the temperature is moderate with excellent views around. Autumn brings joy and happiness in Nepal. You can discover people following their festivals. Similarly, spring is the month of greenery and flowers. Apart from mountain vistas, you can enjoy the blooming wild-flowers all over the hill. Although it is cold at night, days tend to remain warm with clear blue sky. Monsoon receives heavy downpour and invites the possible threats of landslide and flood. Plus, the trail is slippery and leeches on the forest trial are encroaching. But monsoon might be perfect time for keen botanist. Winter is too cold in Poon Hill which might perfect for everyone. But if you wish to enjoy solitude trek, you can opt the trek in winter.
This trek is not simply a walk and cultural experience. Once you reach Jhinu Danda, you can enjoy a natural hot spring to relax your tired muscles. The hot spring at 1,745m is believed to be the natural medicine of skin related diseases. Besides hot spring, you can explore the exotic culture and lifestyle of local people.
At 3,210m, Poon Hill viewpoint is the highest point of the trek.
The highest sleeping point of poon hill trek is Ghorepani nestled at an elevation of 2,874m. And the lowest sleeping point is at Pokhara (800m)
The Poon Hill Trek Distance is about 70km but actual measurement is not done yet. Trekkers have to walk for about 35 hours to complete the 5 days trek.
The trek offers the majestic view of both Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. The view of sunrise from the Poon is dramatic and probably the best view after Kalapatthar and Annapurna Base Camp. Apart from mountain vistas, you can witness magical glaciers, streams, lush forest and high valleys.
It is very easy to obtain VISA to enter Nepal. You can either process from a consulate office of your home country or simply get the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. All you need is valid passport, 2 passport sized photo and the visa fee. How much does Nepal Visa Cost? 15 Days: USD 25 30 Days: USD 40 90 Days: USD 100 The VISA fee is not imposed to Indian citizen as the two countries have open border policy.
Poon Hill Trek is one of short and easiest mountain treks in Nepal. But it do test your physical limits and endurance as tons of stone stairs to cover. To add more, you must be able to negotiate numbers of ups and downs along with narrow and sometime slippery trail.
To answer quick - Yes! Since, the Annapurna region is not restricted for trekking; any trekkers from any country can trek Poon Hill independently.
Yes! Poon Hill Short is budgeted tour package who takes you to the view point in short time and relatively less cost.
Though easy in nature, don’t underestimate it. As Poon Hill Trek takes you to the elevation of 3,120m, you need to gain a significant height walking on rough mountain terrain. This is quite arduous task. You need to be physically fit and have positive attitude to complete the trek conveniently and successfully. Physical training like leg exercise, cardio, swimming and running few weeks prior the trip might be the best way to enhance your strength and endurance capabilities.
Both are possible! It depends on how experience you are. If you are beginner, consider hiring a guide. You can hire a guide in Kathmandu without being engaged to any expensive travel agencies. A good guide will help you arrange all: from accommodation to eating spot and also takes you to some of best viewpoint. Travelling with a guide is like listening a lecturer but practically. He will explain you the local culture and tradition and allows you to get the insight of floral and faunal species. If you are one of those who love unplanned trip, travel and explore on your own. There are risks expect the possibility not getting accommodation in high season. Do book the accommodation and transportation in advance and carry a reliable Poon Hill Trekking Map.
Altitude sickness is a physical condition occurred when your body cannot adopt the thin atmosphere of high altitude. The symptoms starts with a loss of sleep & appetite, headache, stomachache and if ignored it might get worse. To be precise, you might get into a coma or even die.But it does not happen at an altitude less than 4,500m. Poon Hill Trekking Route allows you a gradual gain in an altitude. So if you walk along a command of your guide, we assure you that there is zero risk of altitude sickness in Poon Hill Trek or even in Poon Hill Short Trek.
