Poon Hill Short Trek

Choosing the Poon Hill Short Trek offers several benefits, as it provides a well-rounded trekking experience that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a short and easy hiking adventure. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as trekkers of all ages, including young and elderly travelers. It also offers a flexible and customizable itinerary, a manageable trekking duration, and easy accessibility from Pokhara city.

The Poon Hill Short Trek is well known as a short and easy Himalayan trek. Within a limited timeframe, you can witness spectacular sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and enjoy close-up views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri. In addition to the mountain scenery, you can experience the local culture and warm hospitality while trekking through traditional villages.

The route is easily accessible from Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations, and can be completed within 3 days, making it an ideal choice for travelers with limited time. Along the route, you can stay in comfortable teahouses and enjoy fresh and delicious meals.

All of these factors make the Poon Hill Short Trek a wonderful and memorable experience, allowing you to truly appreciate the value and beauty of this trek.

Best Time for Poon Hill Short Trek

Generally, the best time for the Poon Hill Short Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Winter is also a recommended time due to its not very high elevation. During winter, it is not very cold, and the mountains are covered in snow, providing some of the best views.

Even though the beginning of September to the end of May is a very good time for the Poon Hill Short Trek, it is possible to do the trek throughout the whole year. However, it requires proper preparation, suitable gear, and flexibility to handle the cold weather and shorter daylight hours.

Spring (March to May):

• Weather: Mild and pleasant temperatures.
• Scenery: Rhododendron forests are in full bloom, adding vibrant colors to the trek.
• Visibility: Clear skies provide excellent mountain views.

Autumn (September to November):

• Weather: Stable weather with mild temperatures.
• Scenery: Post-monsoon freshness makes the landscapes green and vibrant.
• Visibility: Crystal-clear mountain views.

While these two seasons are the most popular, the Poon Hill Short Trek, also be done in winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August), though these times come with certain challenges.

Winter (December to February):

• Weather: Cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
• Scenery: Snow-capped peaks and a tranquil environment.
• Visibility: Generally clear skies, but colder and shorter days.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August):

• Weather: Warm temperatures with high humidity and frequent rainfall.
• Scenery: Lush green landscapes, but trails can be muddy and slippery.
• Visibility: Occasional cloud cover may obscure mountain views.

Each season has its unique advantages, but for the best overall experience, spring and autumn are highly recommended. You can choose the best time for the Poon Hill Short Trek based on your vacation schedule. 

How to get Poon Hill?

To get to Poon Hill from Kathmandu, there are many different starting and ending points for the trek, and the trekking itineraries are always flexible. It may take a little more or less time than the following itinerary. Generally, the regular starting and ending point of the trek is Nayapul, after reaching Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the fancy, popular tourist cities in Nepal. It is easily accessible from Kathmandu by air or land. Located in the west and 200 km from Kathmandu, Pokhara is the gateway to the Poon Hill Trek and it takes approximately 2-3 days to reach Poon Hill.

Normally, you can take a private or public vehicle along the Pokhara-Baglung road for one and a half hours to Nayapul from Pokhara. From there, you will trek to Ulleri, which is the best place for accommodation and to spend the first night of the trek. The next day, you will reach Ghorepani through the green forests of rhododendron, pine, oak, bamboo, etc. The following morning, you will hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for a sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The hiking trail to Poon Hill takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers a distance of about 2 km. After an incredible time at Poon Hill, you will return to Ghorepani for breakfast and then head to your next destination.

Poon Hill Short Trek Difficulty 

The Poon Hill Short Trek is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. The walking distances are manageable, taking you through farmland, local villages, and lush rainforests, with a gradual increase in altitude. The trek starts at 1,025 meters in Nayapul or Birethanti, and the highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters. While the trekking trail can be narrow and includes some steep slopes, particularly before and after Poon Hill, it is generally not too strenuous. You will need to walk 5 to 8 hours a day.

The risk of altitude sickness is low on this trek due to the abundance of oxygen and greenery. A strong mindset and determination are key to successfully completing the trek. The Poon Hill Trek is physically possible for all levels of travelers, but some short hiking training beforehand is beneficial.

If you plan to trek during peak season, it is advisable to book accommodations in advance, as there may not be enough available, making it difficult to find good lodging. If you trek in winter, be prepared with warm clothes as the weather can be extremely cold. During the monsoon season, the trail can become slippery and tough due to the rainforest terrain.

It is recommended to book this trip with a reputable trekking agency. They will provide experienced guides and accurate information, enhancing your trekking experience and making it more enjoyable, hassle-free, and memorable.

 Poon Hill Short Trek Permit and Cost 

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek situated in Annapurna Conversation Area, so you need to buy entrance fee of ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permits and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. Both of these permits are compulsory for your trek to Annapurna Region except Nar Phu Valley Trek and Upper Mustang Trek. Those two permits can buy ether from registered trekking company or Tourism Board (Bhrikuti Mandap). Those two permits, you have to take yourself during the whole trek and have to show on the every check post along the Ghorepani PoonHill Trek. If you are going there without these 2 permits, you have to buy from there with double charge (penalty) or you may have turn back.

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) is compulsory for everyone to trek in Annapurna Region.

•  Cost US$ 20 per person/ per Trek

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permits 

• It cost US$ 30 only per person/ per trek

Our government has instilling these two permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Accommodation during the Poon Hill Short Trek is provided in teahouses and lodges. These accommodations are comfortable and suitable for all travelers. However, during the main trekking seasons, it is highly recommended to book accommodations in advance. Without prior booking, it may be difficult to find the best available rooms.

There are clean and comfortable accommodations at each stop along the trekking route, including rooms with attached bathrooms and hot shower facilities in some places. Therefore, finding comfortable accommodation during the Poon Hill Trek is generally easy.

Almost all teahouses and lodges strive to provide the best possible service to trekkers. Normally, lodges offer private twin-sharing rooms with two beds in each room. The rooms usually include comfortable mattresses, clean bed covers, pillows, and basic facilities to ensure a pleasant stay during the trek.

Meals during the Poon Hill Short Trek are provided by teahouses, lodges, and local restaurants along the trekking route. Every lodge has a food menu, and the food items are quite similar at most places, offering both local and international dishes.

We strongly recommend that trekkers try the traditional Nepali dish “Dal Bhat” (boiled rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles), as it is fresh, nutritious, and provides enough energy for trekking. However, if you prefer other options, you can choose from a variety of foods available on the menu, including pasta, noodles, pizza, momo, meat dishes, potato items, egg dishes, bread items, fried foods, and many more.

Most lodges grow fresh vegetables in their own gardens and serve them to customers. The cooks are generally well-trained, although the taste of the food may be slightly different from Western cuisine.

Overall, the meals during the Poon Hill Short Trek are fresh, delicious, and satisfying because the trekking route is located at lower elevations and is easily accessible for food supplies and transportation.

Poon Hill Short Trek – Internet Service

Internet service is available throughout the Poon Hill Short Trek and is generally provided by teahouses and lodges for an additional charge, usually around NPR 100 to 200 per night. In some places, Wi-Fi may be available free of charge; however, it often works only in the dining hall or in rooms located near the dining area.

Sometimes, the internet connection can be unreliable due to heavy usage by trekkers, electricity outages, limited bandwidth, and weather conditions.

There is also 4G mobile network coverage along most of the trekking route. To use mobile data, you will need to purchase a Nepali SIM card, such as Ncell or Nepal Telecom. These SIM cards support 4G service and allow you to stay in contact with your family and friends during the trek.

Electricity is available in most teahouses along the Poon Hill Short Trek for charging electronic devices. In many places, charging points are located only in the dining hall and not in the rooms. However, some rooms may also have power sockets available. In most cases, charging is free of cost.

Occasionally, electricity may be interrupted due to weather conditions or damage to power lines. During such times, it can be difficult to charge your devices. In addition, since many trekkers try to charge their devices at the same time, it may be hard to find available charging points in the dining area.

Therefore, we highly recommend bringing a power bank or a small solar charger to ensure you can charge your electronic devices, such as phones and cameras, and stay connected throughout the trek.

Tipping guides and porters is customary and expected during any Nepal trek, including the Poon Hill Short Trek. Guides and porters play a vital role in helping you successfully complete the trek, and tipping is a way for travelers to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek. As a general guideline, travelers often tip around 10% to 15% of the total trip cost, but you may give more depending on the quality of service provided. Guides and porters accept USD, Euro, Pound Sterling, or Nepalese Rupees. If you are traveling in a group, you can collect the tips from all trekkers and distribute them equally among the staff.

Travel insurance is essential for all trekking routes in Nepal, including the Poon Hill Short Trek, because you will be traveling far from your home country in remote, hilly regions where facilities are limited, especially in case of serious illness or medical emergencies.

Unexpected situations such as bad weather, accidents, health problems, travel delays, or other emergencies can occur during the trek. In such cases, emergency evacuation and medical treatment may be necessary. Therefore, your travel insurance must cover these related risks. Traveling without insurance can be very costly if any problems arise and you need to pay directly for emergency services.

If needed, we can recommend reputable travel insurance companies to ensure you are fully covered and safe during your Poon Hill Short Trek.

The Poon Hill Short Trek is typically 3 days from Pokhara to Pokhara. If you have additional time, you can extend your trek to explore further destinations. For example, you may continue the journey to Ghandruk or even the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

To visit Ghandruk, you can extend your trek by 2 more days. For the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can extend it by approximately 5 more days. We are always flexible to add extra trekking days at a reasonable cost.

If trekkers choose to extend their itinerary, the overall cost becomes more economical, as the same guide, porter, and transportation arrangements can be continued without major additional expenses.

Trekking Gear List for Poon Hill Short Trek

Travel equipment are necessary to pack before you travel.  We hope it is too much to carry from your home to others country but some are the necessary equipment can be hired or buy in Kathmandu around Thamel. 

These general equipment are for all seasons while on trekking in Nepal, but may be different as per the different season and duration of trekking routes on your chosen trip.

Documents: 

• Passport and 4 passport size photos 
• Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)
• Boarding passes for flights
• Driver’s license (if needed)
• Cash USD
• Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card incase an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)

Sleeping:

• Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)
• Sleeping bag liner (Optional)

Footwear:

• Trekking boots: one pair  lightweight
• Sandals for city and tea house footwear 
• Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)
• Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
• Thin, lightweight inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks

Clothing for body: 

Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking.

• Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)
• Fleece/Windproof jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Down jacket for warmth
• Travel clothes and City Wear
• Underwear
• Base-layer trousers (optional)
• Waterproof trousers
• Trekking trousers
• Trekking shorts (Optional)
• Gloves and wool hat
• bandanna or scarf 

Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)

• First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
• Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
• Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu

Others: 

• Sunglasses and Sun cream 
• Towel
• Book (reading and writing materials)
•  MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
• Travel wash
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
• A day bag: 35 liters
• A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)
• Dry Liner or Dry Bag
• Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.

General Toiletries

•  Toilet papers/ tissue 
• Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)
• 1 medium sized quick drying towel
• Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Small mirror
• On Personal Hygiene
• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Anti-bacterial hands wash

Others (optional) 

• Trekking Poles 
• Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (for luxuries) 
• Binoculars (for luxuries)
• Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)