One of the main highlights of the trek is the early morning view and Sunrise from the top of Poon Hill. You will also get a chance to witness the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.
On your way to Poon Hill, you will also go through some Rhododendron forests, Gurung and Magar villages.
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Cost Associated Factor
Mode of Transportation
There are many modes of transportation available such as flights, jeeps, local buses, tourist buses. The mode of transportation you choose will have an impact on your trekking cost.
For Poonhill trek, you need to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will drive to Nayapul from where your actual trek begins. Nayapul lies around an hour’s drive from Pokhara.
Public transportation is available for both these purposes. The public transportation is an adventure and unique experience in itself and is more affordable. The cost of Public transportation varies according to the places and is given is as follows:
- Kathmandu-Pokhara: 350-500 (USD 3.5- 5)
- Pokhara- Nayapul: 100-120 (USD 1-1.5)
Tourist buses are also available but are more expensive than local buses. The cost of a tourist bus is as follows:
- Kathmandu to Pokhara: $8- $30
- Pokhara-Nayapul: $5
You can choose a direct flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu if you have a short time to travel. A one-way flight ticket from Kathmandu to Pokhara might cost around $120 per person. There are no flights to Nayapul.
You also have another option to travel and i.e. by car or jeep depending on the journey. This will cost more than public transportation. It fits fewer people. The jeep costs around
- Kathmandu- Pokhara: 4000-6000( USD 40-60)
- Pokhara-Nayapul: 2000 (USD 20)
But, all these prices depend on the season and the choice of vehicle you choose.
Permits
You need to have two types of trekking permits for Poon Hill Trek. TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System): Every trekker wishing to trek in Nepal, this permit is important for you. This costs Nrs. 3000 ($30) per person. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit): You will be entering the Annapurna Conservation Area during this trek. So you need this permit which costs $28 per person. Some of the money earned from these permits will go in the surrounding forest and for the conservation of the area.
Note: Children below the age of 10 are not liable to buy ACAP. You will need separate permits if you are also trekking to a restricted region or any other region in Nepal.
Accommodation
You will have enough choices for accommodation while in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can find basic lodges to 5-star hotels in these places.
Cost for accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara:
The price for accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara ranges from USD 5- 250. The price ranges differ due to the wide choices of hotels. But, you will have limited choices in different places. You will also have options for homestays on your way. The cost of accommodation on the trails does vary according to the season you choose to trek in and your bargaining skills.
Cost for accommodation on the Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek:
The accommodation price ranges from USD 3- 5 (NRs. 300-500) per night on your way to Poon Hill. The tea houses offer a mattress, pillow, clean sheets, and a blanket. You can also ask for extra blankets. Hot showers are only available in the standard lodges.
Meals
You get a variety of choices in your meals throughout the trek. Most of the tea houses along this trail offer local, Asian and continental choices in meals. The meals are all home-cooked, fresh, tasty, hygienic and healthy. The cost of the food during this trek ranges from $2-$5 depending on what and where you eat. You should stay hydrated throughout your trek. You will find a wide range of choices in liquids like coffee, bottled, water green tea, local tea, soft drinks. The price of bottled water ranges from $0.4-$1. The price of meals and drinks is more expensive on the trails than in the city. This is due to the difficulty of transportation and the remoteness of the trails. The prices may also vary due to the seasons.
Guide and porter
Poon Hill trek is possible with or without a guide and porter. But to make it safe, it is always recommended to go with a guide and porter. Poon Hill trek follows one of the most popular trekking trails in Nepal but still, the trails can get confusing in some places. The trails in some places are not well-maintained and there are many diversions in your way. So, to reach your destination without losing your way, it is a good idea to trek with a guide or porter.
To help you lighten your load of the luggage you can hire a porter. A porter can carry anywhere from 15-20 kg. This way you can enjoy the beautiful trails and landscapes and focus on the trails. Your guide will help you get more information about the local flora, fauna, landmarks, and peaks. A guide can also tell you the best tea houses to stay, places with the best food and the best ways to reach your destination.
With the help of a guide, you can also interact with the locals. As a guide can usually speak most of the local languages of the area, it will be easier for you to trek and understand many things. You can hire a professional and licensed Nepali guide with a cost of USD 30- 40 per day. A porter can charge you from USD 20-25 (NRs.2000-2500) per day.
You also have the option of hiring a porter-guide. A porter-guide does the work of both a guide and a porter. A porter guide will carry less luggage. A porter guide is a person who is on the way to becoming a guide. This will cost less than an actual guide. The cost of a porter-guide will be around USD 25- 30 per day.
Activities Cost
The cost of your Poon Hill trek can also be determined by the activities you do or skip. The activities are:
- Visit Gurung Museum
- Trying traditional costumes and jewelry for pictures
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Sightseeing in Pokhara
- Paragliding, bungee jumping or other adventurous activities in Pokhara
Any extra activities you get engaged in will add to the total cost of your trek.
Other costs
Some other costs that you need to consider during your trek are:
- Travel insurance
- Emergency rescue and evacuation services
- Treks to foreign countries including Nepal.
- Tipping
- Wi-fi or internet connection
- Recharge
- Souvenirs
Tips to Manage Cost of Poon Hill Trek
- The costs might be less during the non-peak seasons than the peak seasons. This can be due to discounts on flight tickets, the cost of tea houses, tour packages, meals and so on.
- Carrying enough local currency to last you for the duration of the trek,it might be helpful. Cash is the only way to go on the trails as there are only a few ATMs far between on the trails. It doesn’t work sometimes and is not reliable.
- Most of the restaurants, tea houses, and cafes on the trails do not accept cards of any kind. But you can use credit cards while in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
- Bargaining for souvenirs, guides, cost of your rooms, and porter is acceptable.
Highlights of Poon Hill Trek
- Poon Hill is known as one of the perfect sunrise viewpoints of this trek. It is on the list of 100 places to visit before you die.
- View of some of the highest mountains in the world like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Himchuli, Mt. Dhaulagiri I (8167 m), Mt. Annapurna (8091 m), Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak from different parts of the trails.
- Terraced farmlands
- Beautiful villages
- Easy and convenient trails.
- Local forest, fauna, animals.
- A first-hand look into the lives of the local people of Nepal.
- Suitable for novice trekkers, every age-group.
- Doable trek throughout the year. The different season offers its unique flavor to your trekking experience.
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FAQs
Where is Poon Hill located?
Poonhill is located in North Central Nepal in the Annapurna Trekking Region. It lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
Documents needed for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
You need to have a passport with validity for up to 6 months. You need to receive a Nepal Visa which you can either get through Embassy or get a visa upon arrival. You also need to have emergency contact numbers and carry hard cash or Travelers Cheque.
Type of accommodation do I get in Poon Hill trek?
For Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek, tea houses will be available. Most of these teahouses and lodges have a shared toilet. You might need to pay an extra charge for a hot water shower.
Can I charge my phone during the trek?
Yes, you can recharge the batteries of your Electronic devices on the Tea houses in which you stay.
Any fitness level required for Poon Hill Trekking?
No fitness level is required as it is one of the easy trekking in the Annapurna region. Trekking hour is usually 4-5hrs per day. Anyone with a normal fitness level can join this trek.
The number of guides and porters will be there in a group?
The group leader will lead you. We provide 1 porter to carry the baggage of 2 trekkers. Supporting staff will vary according to the group size.
Do you provide trekking equipment for this trek?
No, we do not provide trekking equipment. But, we can tell you about the places where you can buy or hire your trekking equipment.
Meals provided during this trekking?
Breakfast and dinner are served in the lodge while lunch will be provided in the restaurant. Along with Dal Bhat, Noodles, soup, and momo are other available food. Soft drinks and beer are also available in Tea Houses.
Is there any chance of Altitude Sickness?
Poon Hill trekking is a low altitude trekking. The most height that you will climb is 2855m so you will not face any high altitude sickness.
What if I get ill during trekking?
You should inform your tour leader. He will provide you with an emergency medical treatment kit or give information to our team. If the situation worsens, he will contact us for rescue.
What is the weather like in Poon Hill?
Poon hill remains quite windy. Remember to bring warm clothes. There are four types of climates. Autumn is from mid-September to end-November which is the peak season for trekking. Winter is from end-November to March. Spring is from mid-March to May. Monsoon is from June to mid-September.
What is the trekking cost for Poon Hill?
The cost is usually around USD 850.
Note: This is an overall tour package for Poon Hill Trek from Kathmandu. The itinerary can be customized according to your choices and the appropriate timings. Our package also includes tours to Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal.
For further inquiries, Contact us at info@indexadventure.com
