Poon Hill Trek 4 Days

Trip Information

Poon Hill Trek Best Season

You can travel to Poon Hill all year round even in monsoon time as well. From June to early September, the rain can be intense in Pokhara and Annapurna but the temperature will be very pleasant. However, the road can suddenly change into a river within a minute due to heavy rain.

However, it often does not rain for a long time, but rather short and heavy so the Poon Hill trek 4 days journey can be undertaken even during this period. Besides, this season will give you some very enriching green landscapes that you can ever imagine.

But if you like to see the beautiful mountain tops, then it is best that you take our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route in the dry season between March and May (spring), and between late September and November (Fall).

In these drier months, the weather is more constant, temperature is just fine, with fewer clouds and less fog. Spring brings the colorful bloom of rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower, while autumn paints the scenery in shades of orange.

Interestingly, the Poon Hill trek in winter (December, January, and February) is often more favorable, as snow is uncommon, except in a few spots.

You may see thin ice and snow here and there and heat sometimes can dip below 0 °C. However, during the day, you can comfortably wear a T-shirt and jeans.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Route: Difficulty Level

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route is a very simple, versatile, and beautiful hiking trail of Annapurna where you don’t have to walk very high to be near the white mountains.

Over the course of just four days, you will climb to a maximum height of just under 3500 meters at Poon Hill, while the trek itself takes you between elevations ranging from 1500 to 3000 m with very rare likelihood of altitude sickness.

The path is also not monotonously boring comprising gravel paths, stone paved routes through agricultural fields, forest trails, and gentle mountain paths.

The only slight discomfort and challenge that you will face is at the steeper sections both upward and downward which is the typical trait of the Nepali landscape.

You will have to put in the considerable effort when dealing the 3300 steps of stone, with each slab made from stones that are a quarter meter in height.

Another moderate tough route will be an ascent to 3090 m high Deurali Pass, but they are nothing technical and require just a little bit of push and time.

Overall, the Poon Hill trek is not overly strenuous, you don’t have to walk many days, you will sleep in lodges and you will do it together with our experienced guide.

Who can be the participants of our Poon Hill Trek Itinerary?

Our Poon Hill trek itinerary can accommodate a wide range of participants from regular or casual hikers, and backpackers to families and people of all age groups (children, teenagers, and even old adults).

The trek is also an excellent choice for new walkers and trekkers as it does not require any high skills or fitness conditions. Particularly, if you find yourself in Pokhara wondering about your next step, then our Poon Hill trek will be an excellent option for you.

The entire trail to Poon Hill is well-traveled compared to other treks in Nepal so there are clear signs and posts. The path is also pretty straight, pleasant, and accessible which can be completed with just a single daypack.

Along the route, you will encounter numerous villages where you can eat meals, and refreshments, or refill your water bottles. Each village offers guesthouses for comfortable and affordable overnight stays, thus eliminating the need for a sleeping bag or tent.

The views on the other hand are also phenomenal, particularly from Poon Hill which stands just under 3300 m altitude. However, it doesn’t mean that you underestimate the trail and completely neglect its challenge of steep stairs and slopes where most injuries occur due to the negligence of trekkers.

Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS and Acclimatization

Acute mountain sickness is a very uncommon phenomenon in our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek because of its low-elevation nature. However, we should not forget that AMS more widely known as altitude sickness occurs in some people above 2500 m elevation because of the slight change in oxygen amount.

Specially, if they starting their journey from the relatively low plains or if they are just beginning their mountain adventure, then they will be particularly affected by the minimal change in oxygen amount in the air.

To not be effected by the altitude, you should always avoid quick climbs and give your body enough time to slowly get used to the changing air. Over the decades of experience, most of our guests have only felt the minimal effect of altitude.

Such as nausea, headache, and fatigue along with trouble in sleeping. Such symptoms do not need any medical intervention and there is also no need of entirely giving up the progress in the journey.

A slight rest and plenty of fluids will ease the discomforts. If symptoms continue or worsen, then only you should stop ascending, rest where you are and even if the discomfort don’t go away, then consider going back down.

Please understand that when you are often above 2500 m, your body will show sign of adjustment with quick breathing, increased urination, vivid dreams and frequent awakenings. Please do not mistake them with AMS however be vigilant with your body condition.

Unlike the common myth, Diamox medicine will actually help in your altitude adjustment so you can take it when you are in Pokhara. Please note you should not have any kidney issues or any other contraindications as it is a diuretic drug and you also need to increase your water intake when consuming this medicine.

Essential Training and Preparation for the Poon Hill Trek 4 Days Journey

The Poon Hill trek is a remarkable journey through the mountains, even if it occurs at lower elevations. To be able to fully immerse in nature, enjoy every detail of the route, and make hiking easier, it is important that you have strong endurance, muscular strength, cardio-respiratory health, and joint flexibility.

In addition, you will have to tackle the steep climbing section of Ulleri and Deurali Pass that will exert pressure on your leg muscles. There will also be much descents from Ghorepani to Tadapani and then to Ghandruk which will put extra force on your thighs and calves.

Therefore, it is essential that you engage in some training program to enhance your health and fitness for the journey. The most suitable form of exercise will be walking of course.

You should begin with a short distance then increase to moderately challenging walks and gradually increase both the duration and intensity of your training sessions.

Another suitable routine will be running or swimming which will strengthening your cardiovascular endurance and speed up recovery. As for the legs, shift to stairs instead of elevators, do some squats, pull-ups and push-ups.

During the trek, we also suggest you focus on your diet; Dal Vat will be an excellent choice for the long energy that you will need for the 5 to 6 hours of walking.

Many neglect this point but always wear well worn hiking shoes instead of new ones which not only avoid blisters but also give you proper traction and support to your ankles.

Other Treks And Destinations That Can Be Added To Poon Hill Trek

The Poon Hill trek route is very versatile in nature offering various trips and destinations that can be added to the journey for a very different experience.

One option will take you from Pokhara towards Kande from where you can walk to the Australian Camp, Tolka, and Jhinu Danda, eventually reaching Tadapani Village.

The trek will continue to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, and a brief drive from Hile will return you to Pokhara. If you have two or three days more, then you also discover three more stunning well-hidden viewpoints in Nepal: Kokhe Danda (3303 m), Mohare Danda (3300 m), and Muldai Viewpoints (3637 m).

These locations are as stunning as Poon Hill and provide mesmerizing mountain views. The route remains the same until Ulleri, from where you will trek to Ama Cottage, Kokhe Danda, and then Mohare Danda, before heading to Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

After visiting Ghorepani, you will trek to Dobato and then to Muldai, returning to Pokhara via Ghandruk. You can also make a brief detour towards the base camp under the shadow of Annapurna I.

Or, you can also think about adding some more challenge and tackle the demands of the circuit route around Annapurna.

Accommodation, Dining, and Transportation

In Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Tadapani, a mountain ta house or lodge will be arranged for your overnight sleep after a long day’s trek. The lodges in these villages are petty comfortable where you will be offered a room with two and occasionally three single beds with pillow, blanket and mattress.

Generally,  the sleeping bag will not be required but you can rent one in Pokhara if you want a little more warmth and cleanliness. Three meals during a walking day on dinners, lunches, and breakfasts will be served at the lodgings followed by a fresh fruit every night.

Dal Vat Tarkari, dumplings, soup or fried noodles, eggs, potatoes, pasta, and pizza can be ordered here.

Regarding transportation, a private transport will travel you to Hile from Pokhara in the beginning and again from Ghandruk to Pokhara. Please as review our add on options for possible upgrades.

Obligatory Permits for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Since the Ghorepani and Poon Hill lie within the conserved zone of Annapurna National Park, we must have a special permit called the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) for gaining access to regulated entry inside the park.

In addition, we also need to have the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit that assist for the search and rescue during the potential emergencies.

Both necessary permits are available through the Tourism Office in Pokhara which will be procured by our guide with the fee already as part of the  trip total cost.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an obligatory element of our Poon Hill trek 4 days journey. Even if it is just a 4-day journey, you will still need the TIMS card for which a proper insurance policy is a must to present.

On the other hand, the trail although short still run through the hills, mountains and forests. There are also steep stairs and slopes where injuries and falls or accidents can happen specially to young children and older adults.

Some case may even need the urgent transportation to hospitals in Pokhara by helicopter. There can also be other unexpected events that can occur to you such as baggage loss en route, extra few days stay, theft or burglary.

So a comprehensive insurance policy will act then like a financial safety net for you which will not only assist you in bearing the financial liability but will also provide you other technical assistance. For our Poon Hill trek, we suggest you cover up to the altitude of 3500 m.

Add Ons

Porter For the Poon Hill Trek

Our Poon Hill trek is a very short, simple, uncomplicated, and light lodge trekking journey that starts and ends in Pokhara. For this journey, you can store your luggage in your Pokhara lodging for their safekeeping and you can simply continue carrying only what you truly need for the trek.

The Poon Hill trek route is also relatively easy and not overly steep, so it is pretty manageable for everyone with a light backpack on. Therefore, our Poon Hill trek package does not include any service of porters.

However, if you would like to hire a porter to carry your bags so you can only concentrate on enjoying the journey and its stunning views, or if you plan to move on to another destination without returning to your Pokhara lodging, then we can hire the porters for you.

If you are traveling in two, then you can decide to opt for one porter to share, or you can also have your personal porter for yourself. Please tell us ahead of your journey about hiring the porter service so we can arrange for you either at Pokhara or Hile.

Please understand that this service will come with an additional cost.

Hotel in Pokhara

We kindly like to inform you that we will not be providing accommodation in Pokhara during our Poon Hill trek 4 days journey. Our Poon Hill trek itinerary has been designed for those who are already in Pokhara and wish to extend their stay for a few days so they can enrich their experience.

So most of our guests will have already made their own accommodation arrangements in Pokhara. However, if you like us to assist you in organizing your overnight stay in Pokhara, then we can certainly help with that request.

Please share with us your preferences as Pokhara hosts a large number of lodging options from hostels and guesthouses to three, four, and five-star hotels.

Hostels and guesthouses are very economical choices, but they offer very limited facilities such as a room and a bed. On the other hand, three-star hotels provide single or double occupancy rooms with personal bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.

The four and five-star hotels on the other hand, are more about the luxurious stay, which offer you elegantly decorated rooms with balconies, terrace, comfortable bedding, stylish furnishings, flat-screen TVs, hot water kettles, mini-fridges, and personal bathrooms with rain showers.

These hotels also come with swimming pools, garden areas, rooms with balconies, gyms, and spas, along with attentive 24-hour staff service. Please tell us about your accommodation preferences in Pokhara, and we will look after all the pre-arrangements.

Please note that an additional fee will apply for this service, which will vary based on your selected hotel and amenities.

Transport Arrangements Between Kathmandu and Pokhara

As mentioned earlier, our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary will commence and ends in Pokhara which means we will offer you transportation only to and till this city.

However, if you wish for us to arrange your transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa, we are more than happy to do so. There are several travel options available between Kathmandu and Pokhara: you can opt for a local bus, a tourist bus, shared transport, private transport (such as a bus or jeep), or a short local flight.

The local bus ride may be somewhat tough and lengthy, while the tourist bus offers a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. Private transfers allow for greater flexibility that can run based on your schedule with numerous rest stops.

The flight is only thirty minutes long, which will allow you a full day to appreciate the scenic beauty of Pokhara. Please tell us if you would like us to arrange your transportation, and also tell us about your preferred travel method, and we will take care of the pre-arrangements.

Kindly note that this service will also incur an extra payment, which will depend on the transportation option you select.