Poonhill Trek

Trip Facts

  • Trip Duration: 9 Days
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Max Altitude: 3210m
  • Min Altitude: 850m
  • Walking per day: 4-5 Hours
  • Accomodation: Tea House/Camping
  • Trek Nature: Trekking
  • Best Season: Sep-Dec & March-May
  • Group Size: 1+

Trip Overview

One of the most popular and shorter treks in the Annapurna region is called Poonhill Trek. It is a great introduction to trekking because of diffrent land scape, mixed culture and suitable for experts to beginners and varied ages, from young to mature. Along the way, one can enjoy the scenic grandeur of the mountains, the terraced hillsides stepping down to valleys rib boned with flowing streams and cascading waterfalls.

The Poon Hill Trek will take one through several villages where you can enjoy experiencing the rich culture of the Gurungs and Magars people. Traveling through the magnificent ancient rhododendron trees with red and pink blossoms will make one believe they are journeying into an enchanted forest. The ultimate thrill will be reaching your destination of Poon Hill, especially at sunrise when one can see the sun come up over the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri (8167m world’s 7th highest mt.) and Annapurna 1 (8091m 10th highest mt.). The spectacle from Poon Hill is both breathtaking and inspiring.

Outline Itinerary

Cost Included

  • Airport picks up and drops off
  • An English speaking guide and porters
  • Ground transportation
  • All Accommodation include breakfast
  • 3 meals a day while trekking
  • Trekking permit and TIMS
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • Mountain World Treks t-shirt and trekking map

Cost not Include

 

  • Flights To/From Nepal
  • Tourist Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals while not on the trek
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, gear, drinks, Hot shower, wifi, laundry, phone calls, etc.
  • Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances
  • Tips to trekking staffs.

Equipment List

Packing List

Essential Items:

-Warm Jacket
-Waterproof jacket or poncho
-Mid-weight fleece or sweater
-2-3 Hiking shirts
-1-2 pair Hiking pants
-2-3 Non-hiking shirts
-1 Long-sleeve shirt
-1-2 Pairs non-hiking pants, shorts or skirts
-2-3 Pairs warm socks
-Warm hat
-Sun hat
-Long underwear (for high altitude)
-Gloves (for high altitude)
-Towel (preferably quick dry)
-Day pack
-Hiking shoes
-Sandals
-Sunglasses
-Water bladder or bottle
-Headlamp or flashlight
-Sun screen
-Lip balm
-Personal medications
-Camera

Non-Essential Items:
-Sleeping bag (can rent in Kathmandu)
-Trekking poles (can buy or rent in Kathmandu)
-Rain pants

Leaving items in Kathmandu:
You will be able to leave some of your non-valuable items at your hotel in Kathmandu when on the trek. You do not need to take everything trekking especially since there is a 12 kg limit that the porter will carry for you.

 

Before You Go

Nepal Visa Information
There are two ways to obtain a tourist visa for Nepal, either at a Nepalese Embassy before arriving or upon arrival at one of the many entry points.

Visa before arrival:
Visitors can visit their closest Nepalese Embassy to apply for a visa. Usually your visa can be approved the same day if it is not very busy. It is possible to fill out the application online before visiting the embassy to speed up the process.

Visa on arrival:
Visas are granted to visitors upon arrival in Nepal. The same process applies to arrival by air and land. Immigration offices can be found at Trivhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and the following land crossings:
Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
Belahia Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
Mohana, Dhangadi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
Gadda Chouki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)

Visa fees:
US $25.00 or equivalent foreign currency for 15 Days Tourist Visa with multiple entry;
US $40.00 or equivalent foreign currency for 30 Days Tourist Visa with multiple entry;
US $100.00 or equivalent foreign currency for 100 days Tourist Visa with multiple entry.

Renewing your visa:
If you want to extend your visa, you can go to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. It usually only takes a few hours and you can fill out the application online beforehand to save time. The visa costs US $30 for 15 days and US $2 for every additional day.

What to bring:
-A copy of your application
-Passport
-A copy of your passport
-A passport size photo
-Cash

Terms and Conditions
This agreement applies between you (client) and Mountain Word Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Limited, the owner of this website. Upon booking a trip with us, you are agreeing to be bound to the following Terms and Conditions. Both parties agree to these Terms and Conditions to resolve any legal or other disputes that may arise during the trip.

Payment
Within one week of receiving your trip confirmation from us, a 25% deposit of the total cost of your trip is required. The rest of the cost can be paid upon arrival.

Cancellation by the Client
In the event of the need to cancel your trip, you must contact us as soon as possible. The date on which we receive your cancellation request will determine the cancellation charge.

If you cancel your trip 30 days or more before your departure, you will receive a full refund minus the bank’s service charge and the cost of cancelling services booked. Cancellations less than 30 days before your departure will result in loss of deposit and the cost of the services booked.

The Client is strongly advised to take out trip cancellation insurance at the time of making the booking.

Please note that no refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.

Cancellation by the Company
Mountain World Treks reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure due to reasons beyond its control (i.e. natural disasters, flight cancellation, consequences of strikes, wars, riots, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions). In such a case, Mountain World Treks will refund the trip price or you are entitled to take an alternative trip of the same value within one year of your scheduled departure.

Changes to Your Itinerary
If you wish to make a change to your itinerary please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate your requests. If the itinerary amendment is made within 30 days of the trip departure, there may be an additional cost depending upon our arrangements.

In the case that Mountain World Treks needs to make an alteration to your itinerary we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternatives. Sometimes unavoidable circumstances arise that are beyond our control such as flight delays, weather, natural disasters and road conditions that will alter the planned trip. We will work as quickly as we can to make new arrangements that please everyone. Mountain World Treks will not be responsible for the additional expenses incurred from such incidents.

Mountain World Treks does not accept any responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flights, but would assist to make alternative arrangements wherever possible. Because domestic flights in Nepal can often be delayed, we highly advise you to allow extra days upon arrival to and departure from Nepal to avoid having to reschedule a flight.

Price Changes
Due to various external forces, we may need to adjust our costs. We reserve the right to revise pricing under any circumstances. We will notify you if any of your trip costs change.

Passport and Visa
All clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for the countries you are traveling to. Mountain World Treks cannot accept responsibility if you are refused entry to a country or places because you lack the correct visa documentation.

 

Travel Insurance
All clients must have a comprehensive travel insurance package. Your insurance must cover medical, personal accident, helicopter rescue, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, loss and theft of baggage. Please see our travel insurance page for more information.

Risks and Liabilities
We are committed to providing the best services and take the necessary precautions so that your trip runs smoothly. However, many things are beyond our control.

Some of our trips may be unsuitable for clients due to age, mobility, pregnancy or physical or mental conditions. The client must notify us at the time of booking of any medical, physical or mental conditions which may affect their ability to participate in all aspects of the trip. Failure to notify Mountain World Treks of any such condition may result in trip cancellation and loss of fees.

We are not liable for providing and special facilities or requests of the client unless we have agreed to do so in writing.

Mountain World Treks would not be liable for any injury/health conditions/emotional or other conditions suffered by the client during the trip.

Communication
All communication, unless otherwise stated, should be sent to info@mountainworldtreks.com or be made by phone.

Updating Terms and Conditions
The Company reserves the right to update and amend these terms and conditions at anytime.

Travel Insurance
To join one of our trips you must have travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance provides sufficient coverage appropriate for the activities included in the trip. We advice that your insurance covers the following:

Medical expenses
Helicopter rescue
Trip cancellation
Travel delays and missed departures
Loss and damage of baggage

Please print a copy of your insurance information and policy and bring it with you to Nepal.
Many of our past clients have used World Nomads as their travel insurance company.

 

Trip related question answer:-

1) How difficult is the Poonhill Trek?
-Poon Hill Trek is an easy trek but because of too many stone steps which makes it harder for your leg. That's why it goes easy to moderate trek. No altitudes issue, suitable for young to mature and expert to beginners.

2) How fit do I need to be to go trekking to Poon hill ?
-Walking experience is need with an average level of fitness for trekking to Ghorepani Poon hill. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow trekking. Altitude is Not the biggest problem for this trek but there are alots of up and down with many stone steps. Poon hill trek is known as an easy trek in Nepal.

3) Can my children go on the Poon hill trek?
-Yes your Children can do it but make sure they have some walking experience.

4) What if I am a solo traveler? Is there a supplemental for singles?
-Yes, there is a little bit single supplemental cost if you are traveling alone, please Contact us to find out more.

5) When is the best time for Poon hill trek?
-Autumn (Sept to Nov) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the poon hill Trek. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature then taking this trip during winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) also great time trek up there. Trekking in the Summer or Monsoon seasons(June to Aug) will be affected by rain but the Summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.

6) What kind of gear do I need ?
-You are advised to consider the following equipment as essentials while packing. Please visit this link as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to our requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip. We can find variety of trekking and climbing gears to hire or buy in Kathmandu, Local brand or international bard both are available.

7) Are there any ATM's on the Trekking route?
-No. Only at Pokhara before/after trek.

7) Do I need to purchase my own travel insurance for this Trek?
-Yes. Most trips run smoothly, but once in awhile something unexpected can happen, that’s why we highly recommend and to join one of our trips you must have travel insurance. Please see our travel insurance section for more information.

9) Will I get altitude sickness on the Trek?
-Poonhill Trek doesnt go higher than 3210m. and It is not possible affected by the altitude. It is usually only above 3000 meters when people start to feel symptoms. Please see our page on altitude sickness for detailed information.

10) Will I have access to the internet?
-Yes Most of the place you will be able to use Internet if there in not any technical problem.

11) Can I charge my camera batteries on the trek?
-Yes you can charge batteries but you'll be charged by the hour and you'll have to bring your own charger. And mostly can use 2 round pin charger on the trek.

12) What happens if I get sick or get hurt while trekking?
-Basically our guide will sort out the things what to do. If it is not too bad you may go down by walking, however in the event of an emergency there usually is access to a telephone line or satellite phone for an evacuation via helicopter. This is another reason to be sure you are covered with adequate travel insurance!

13) Who are the guides?
-Mountain World Treks hires guiding professionals with a love and passion for outdoor travel and adventure. Our guides have been with us for many years and know the trails well. They all speak English very well and know how to take good care of the clients. Please see our About Us page for more information on our guides.

14) Will I have to carry all of my own stuff on the Trek?
-No, unless you request to. Our porters will carry up to 12kgs of weight for each trekker. All you need to carry are your essential items for the day. The porter fee is included in the price of your trip. We plan for 1 porter for 2 trekkers in accordance to the guidelines set out by the International Porter Protection Group. If you would like more weight to be carried, please let us know. In general 12kg is more than sufficient.

15) Is the water and food safe on the Poonhill Trek?
-The tap and mountain water in Nepal are generally not safe to drink for tourists. Bottled water, boiling water or using water purification tablets are your best options. Tea and coffee are okay to drink. Yes, the food is safe in Nepal. And delicious!

16) More questions?
-Email us at: info@mountainworldtreks.com