Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

All transportation as per your itinerary is included in your package deal which will allow you to have a comfortable and hassle free ride at all the points. You will be transported from Kathmandu to Pokhara by a private vehicle through the well connected Prithvi Highway that stretches along the river valleys of Nepal mid-hills passing through market towns and towns. The total drive takes about six to seven hours which presents you with a great view of the changing landscapes of the Nepalese mid-hills.

Or you can go for an upgrade and opt for a flight from Kathmandu International Airport (KAO) to Pokhara (PKR).

The flight usually takes about twenty five minutes and gives you a bird’s eye view of the towering Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayan ranges. However, domestic flights in Nepal are generally susceptible to delays due to weather conditions especially during monsoons; so factor that in when dealing with tight schedules. From Pokhara your journey to the trekking starting point of Nayapul the trek head to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek starts in a vehicle which you will reach within a period of about an hour and half. Your route to Nayapul passes through the valleys of Seti Gandaki and Modi Khola with stops at some of the charming small towns like Lumle and Chandrakot.

Your Trek officially starts at Nayapul where you will begin trekking on foot.

The vehicle for your journey back to Pokhara on day 8 is waiting at Nayapul, to take you to Pokhara again.

Food On The Trail One of the things that can be a unique and real pleasure of the Nepal journey is the food culture on the trail. You will eat three meals a day from day four to day eight, which consist of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Before and after the trek, breakfasts are included at your 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Lunch and Dinner are not included in your package which offer you opportunities to explore both Kathmandu, especially Thamel and the lakeside region of Pokhara to experience the wide selection of local food available.

Food at teahouses on the trail to Ghorepani Poon Hill There are plenty of food options to suit all tastes, including the classic Dal Bhat.

Nepal's most popular meal is Dal Bhat; made of rice, lentil soup, mixed vegetables with some greens is always available at teahouses with free refills. Also popular are such trekking meals like noodle soup, fried rice, pasta dishes, rice and lentil, porridge, pancake, mo-mo dumplings and other egg dishes. You will find that vegetarian and vegan food is widely available on the entire route. The most convenient drinking water option on the trail is purified, boiled, or bottled water, and we suggest boiled or filtered water along with water purification tablets.

Accommodation Nepal Adventure Holidays offer nice 3-star comfortable hotels in Kathmandu (3 nights), Pokhara (2 nights) all rooms on twin sharing basis with breakfast. Our hotels have been chosen for their convenient location, cleanliness and facilities such as hot showers, wi-fi & own restaurants. At The Treks: Days 4 to 7 of the trip we will be staying in teahouses.

The teahouses are locally owned and operated guesthouses; they form the infrastructure of most treks in the Annapurna region.

Accommodation is relatively simple with twin bed(s) with blankets usually. Hotels at low altitudes along the route (Tikhedhunga, Tadapani & Ghandruk) often include a private shower and/or bathroom at the hotel. At higher altitude towards Ghorepani rooms are even simpler. Squat toilets are normally standard though an attached hot shower may sometimes be provided at an additional cost.

Recharging your phone or camera battery should be possible for an extra charge per device.

We always arrange booking of the best available teahouse in the area.

Two permits are required to undertake the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, both of which are included in your Nepal Adventure Holidays package:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – This permit is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and is required for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area. It contributes directly to the conservation and management of Nepal's largest protected area.

• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) – Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), the TIMS card is a mandatory safety and tracking document for all trekkers in Nepal.

• Both permits can be obtained in Kathmandu (at the Nepal Tourism Board office) or in Pokhara (at the TAAN office near Lakeside). Nepal Adventure Holidays handles this process on your behalf.

Permit checking points are located at Nayapul (the trailhead) and at several points along the route, including Birethanti, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. Trekkers must carry both permits at all times on the trail.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek has been rated as ‘moderate’ and is considered the easiest multi-day trekking option in the Annapurnas. It’s appropriate for people of a reasonable fitness level, even first-timers who want to go trekking in the Himalayas, though it still involves a fair bit of trekking each day and is best suited for physically fit people. No technical mountaineering ability is required to complete this trail and the highest point of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - Poon Hill (3,210m) - is well within the realm of altitude illness prevention, assuming good paced and hydration strategies.

Each day will typically involve between 4-7 hours of trekking each day with day 5 from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani being the most difficult day, where the trail features a sustained uphill slope of stone steps. Terrain varies from stone village paths, well trodden mountain tracks, to earthy forest floor trails. The stone stairway of over 3,000 steps between Tikhedhunga to Ulleri is considered the most arduous part of the trip and can be trying for those that are not used to sustained uphill climbs. The trail is, however, well-maintained, well-sign posted and fairly crowded with other people walking the trek, ensuring a sociable experience. Nepal Adventure Holidays suggest that participants build some cardio and leg strength over a 4-6 week period leading up to the trek, in order to make the most of this trip.

While the highest elevation on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is just 3,210 metres at Poon Hill, which is not as high as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks, getting acclimatised to altitude and pacing yourself are still key. Altitude gain takes time and the human body can only tolerate reduced oxygen levels so much before it starts suffering from symptoms such as headache, nausea and lethargy. The 10 day itinerary put together by Nepal Adventure Holidays is, thus, formulated so you get an opportunity to ascend gradually, with each night at a slightly higher altitude so that your body gradually starts acclimatising itself to the thinning air in Nepal.

The ascent goes up to 1070 metres at Nayapul, to 1500 meters at Tikhedhunga and to 2875 metres in Ghorepani within two days, after which one gets to witness the best view from 3210 metres at Poon Hill at the break of the day and then comes back, instead of camping there. Then one goes up to 2050 metres at Tadapani and 2700 metres at Ghandruk after which the route to trek falls to the lowest altitudes in the region and the body continues to get acclimatised at these moderate altitudes as well. Remember to drink a minimum of three to four liters of water throughout the day and that while at altitude one must abstain from sleeping pills and alcohol; one has to walk slowly at a comfortable pace and inform your guide promptly at the first sign of any altitude related trouble.

Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can occur at elevations above 2,500 metres, though the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek's maximum altitude of 3,210 metres means the risk is relatively low compared to higher altitude treks in Nepal. Nevertheless, trekkers should be aware of the symptoms and know how to respond. Nepal Adventure Holidays' guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management, and your safety is always the top priority.

Common symptoms of AMS include:

• Headache, particularly a persistent or worsening one

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fatigue or general weakness beyond normal trekking tiredness

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty sleeping

Prevention strategies include:

• Ascend gradually and follow the itinerary without rushing

• Stay well hydrated — drink at least 3–4 litres of water per day

• Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedatives at altitude

• Eat nutritious meals even if your appetite is reduced

• Communicate openly with your guide if you feel unwell

If symptoms appear, the first and most important action is to stop ascending and rest at the current altitude. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 24 hours, descent to a lower altitude is mandatory. Your Nepal Adventure Holidays guide will make this call in the interest of your safety. Diamox (acetazolamide) can help prevent AMS and may be used after consulting with a physician before the trek.

Packing smart makes a significant difference to your comfort on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Keep your pack light, as porters will carry loads up to 10–12 kg per person. Here is a comprehensive packing list:

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking trekking shirts (2–3)

• Warm fleece or down mid-layer jacket

• Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket

• Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off style recommended)

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

• Warm hat or beanie and sun hat

• Gloves (light and warm pair)

• Wool or synthetic trekking socks (3–4 pairs)

• Comfortable sleepwear for teahouses

• Down jacket for cold evenings at Ghorepani

Trekking Gear

• Sturdy waterproof trekking boots (broken-in before the trek)

• Lightweight sandals or flip-flops for teahouse use

• Trekking poles (highly recommended for steep sections)

• Daypack (20–30 litres) for the sunrise hike to Poon Hill

• Rain cover for daypack and main bag

• Sleeping bag liner (teahouses provide blankets)

• Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for the pre-dawn Poon Hill hike)

Personal & Toiletries

• High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm

• Insect repellent

• Biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste

• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes

• Toilet paper and personal hygiene items

• Quick-dry towel

Electronics

• Camera or smartphone for photography

• Universal power adapter (Nepal uses Type C/D/M plugs)

• Portable power bank (charging may cost extra at teahouses)

• Earphones

Documents

• Passport (original) and visa documents

• Trekking permits (handled by Nepal Adventure Holidays)

• Travel insurance documents with emergency contact numbers

• Emergency cash in Nepali Rupees

Medicines & First Aid

• Personal prescription medications

• Diamox (consult your doctor before the trek)

• Ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches

• Blister plasters and bandages

• Rehydration salts and anti-diarrhoea tablets

• Personal first aid kit

Adequate physical and mental preparation ensures that you get the most out of your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek experience with Nepal Adventure Holidays. While the trek is rated moderate and does not require technical skills, a base level of cardiovascular fitness and leg strength will make a considerable difference to your enjoyment, particularly on the steep ascent to Ghorepani on Day 5.

• Begin regular cardio exercise (running, cycling, swimming) at least 4–6 weeks before departure

• Include hill walking, stair climbing, or weighted walking to prepare leg muscles for sustained ascent and descent

• Practice day hikes of 5–7 hours to simulate trekking conditions

• Hire a licensed professional guide — Nepal Adventure Holidays provides an experienced local guide who knows the terrain, weather patterns, and safety protocols intimately

• Stay weather-aware: mornings are generally clear on the trail, but afternoons can bring cloud, rain, or (in winter) snow at higher elevations

• Follow your guide's advice on pacing, rest stops, and altitude management at all times

• Stay on marked trails and avoid taking shortcuts through private property or forested areas without guidance

• Respect the natural environment of the Annapurna Conservation Area — carry out all waste and avoid single-use plastics where possible

Your travel insurance plan is non-negotiable - and for all trekkers choosing one of our trekking holidays in Nepal it must include Helicopter Rescue and Medical Evacuation cover. Trekking in Nepal, even on our trekking routes as well defined as the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail presents inevitable risks from possible altitude illness, accident, unforeseen illness, natural disasters and adverse weather conditions. Helicopter rescue, often the quickest and only emergency response, could cost you several thousands USD without the protection of adequate travel insurance cover.

Your travel insurance policy must cover the following:- Helicopter Rescue and Emergency Medical Evacuation from Altitude - Medical expenses and hospitalization - Cancellation and Interruption Insurance - loss or theft of luggage and personal belongings - accidental injury or death We advice you to purchase travel insurance policy a few days prior to your trip, carry a print out of the policy documents and contact emergency numbers during the trek.

You can submit your insurance information to your guide on the first day of the trek.

There is more to trekking than just a mountain walk. It really changes how you look at the world; Standing on Poon Hill when the first sun rays touch the Annapurna Himalayan ranges including Dhaulagiri and the prominent fishtail of the Machhapuchhre, it is a thing that no camera can capture as this should be experienced from our eyes. Nepal Adventure Holidays have been taking trekking customers to the Annapurna region for many years and our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek always stays as the top packaged trek as it offers an exceptional Himalayas package in very short as well as a cheap duration.

Our professional licensed local trekking guides, experienced porters and supporting staff are ardent trekkers who have been living in the Himalayas for ages, and the experience they share is a unique gift from heaven.

Our 10 days Ghorepani Poon Hill Package trek is well designed for travellers coming from Europe, Australia, USA or anyone from around the world who wants to witness an adventurous Himalayan trip in an economical way. Our service will be with you all the time from your arrival to the departure from Nepal’s capital Tribhuvan International airport, Nepal adventure holidays provide everything from the first day up till your departure. Book with us Ghorepani Poon hill trek today and step into one of the worlds stunning landscapes.