Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani 4 Days

Trek Difficulty

The Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani 4 Days is considered one of the easiest short treks in the Annapurna region. Due to its easy-scale difficulty factors, this trek is a perfect choice for beginners, families and even casual travelers who want to experience trekking in the Himalayas without committing to long strenuous routes. The paths are well-established and involve stone staircases and gradual ascent through traditional villages and forests. You don’t have to overcome challenging or technical sections in this trek.

Likewise, the average trekking duration is around 4 to 5 hours per day on average. This length of walking is manageable for most people with a basic level of fitness. The Poon Hill Trek distance is around 50 to 55 km (31 to 34 miles) and the highest point of the trek is Poon Hill (3,210m/ 10,531ft). As the altitude gain on this route is well below the altitude risk zone, there is a very low probability of trekkers experiencing serious altitude sickness issues. 

Still, even if the risk for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is low, it is still important to maintain a proper pace, adequate hydration level and a well-managed acclimatization schedule to ensure a comfortable journey. So, in short, the Poon Hill Trek difficulty is at a moderate level and it is a beginner-friendly adventure.

Best Time for Poon Hill Trek 4 Days

The Poon Hill Trekking Pokhara can be done throughout the year. But the experience does change drastically depending on the season of your choice. To get the best out of the trek and enjoy balanced weather, most trekkers choose the peak trekking seasons like spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). 

➔  Spring (March to May)

The spring season is ideally one of the best time for Poon Hill Trek. During spring, you will experience mild weather with warm daytime temperatures and cool evenings and mornings. The forest along the trekking trail also comes alive with vibrant rhododendron blooms, making this short trek a truly scenic experience. Similarly, the skies are also generally clear, meaning you can enjoy the unobstructed breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre along the trekking route. The daytime temperature of the Poon Hill Trek region during spring is around 15°C to 20°C. And you can expect the temperature to drop up to 10°C to 5°C during nights and early mornings.

➔  Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is undoubtedly another best time for Poon Hill Trekking and it is also often considered the number 1 season for Himalayan adventures in Nepal. When this season starts, the monsoon rain will have cleared the dust and haze, leaving just crystal-clear skies behind. The daytime temperatures in autumn are pleasant and the nighttime temperatures are cool but manageable. This is the most ideal trekking season if your priority is stable weather and panoramic Himalayan views. However, as this is the peak trekking season, you should expect the trail and teahouses to be busier. The daytime temperatures in autumn hover around 12°C to 18°C and nighttime temperatures can fall up to 2°C.

➔  Winter (December to February)

As Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani is a low altitude adventure, trekking is still possible in winter. The best part is that during this season, Poon Hill sees fewer crowds. In the winter season, morning and evening can be quite cold, especially at the higher elevations. However, the days are warm, bright and clear. If you can handle chilly conditions, the winter season rewards you with quiet trails and snow-covered landscapes. The winter temperatures in 4 Day Poon Hill Trek are around 5°C to 10°C during the daytime and night, it can drop from 0°C to -5°C.

➔  Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon is considered the least favorable season for high-altitude treks in Nepal. This season brings heavy rainfall, cloudy skies and muddy trails that can elevate the difficulty factors. Although it is possible to join Poon Hill Trekking Pokhara in this season, the mountain views can often be obscured due to heavy clouds and fog. Likewise, dealing with leeches is another obstacle that you have to prepare for during your monsoon trek. If you want to look at the brighter side, then the trail is almost empty and the river valleys along the way are lush, green and simply magical. Temperatures around Poon Hill in this summer season are around 18°C to 22°C (daytime) and up to 5°C (nighttime).

Optimal Packing List for Poon Hill Trek Itinerary 4 Days

Even if this trek is a short and beginner-friendly adventure, you will still need to consider the unpredictable Himalayan weather when packing for the journey. Having the right set of gear ensures that your Poon Hill Trekking Pokhara will be a comfortable and enjoyable endeavour. Here is a suggested packing list to make your journey a sweet unforgettable triumph.

Clothing

➔   Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)

➔   Trekking shirts and t-shirts

➔   Long-sleeve trekking shirt

➔   Light fleece or sweater

➔   Down jacket

➔   Windproof jacket

➔   Rain jacket or a poncho

➔   Trekking pants

➔   Lightweight causal pants

➔   Hiking shorts

➔   Innerwear/undergarments

➔   Neck gaiter

➔   Sun hat

➔   Gloves (lightweight and thick wool or insulated)

➔   Socks

Footwear

➔   Trekking boots (break-in first)

➔   Sports or trainer shoes

➔   Camp slipper or crocks

➔   Trekkings socks (thin and woolen or insulated)

➔   Sock liners (prevent blisters)

Gear and Accesories

➔   Backpack

➔   Duffel bag (optional; carried by porter)

➔   Water bottle or hydration bladder

➔   Water purification system or tablets

➔   Trekking poles

➔   Sunglasses with UV protection

➔   Headlamp or flashlight

➔   Power bank

➔   Universal adapter

➔   Trekking map, guidebook and GPS system

Personal Essentials

➔   Toothbrush and toothpaste

➔   Biodegradable soap and shampoo

➔   Light travel towel

➔   Sunscreen cream and lip care (with UV protection)

➔   Perfume and foot powder

➔   Hand sanitizer

➔   Toilet paper, tissue paper and wet wipes

➔   Insect repellent

➔   Small first aid kit

➔   Personal medication

➔   Snack and energy bars

➔   Reusable shopping bag

➔   Travel documents

➔   Cash in Nepali Rupees

Accommodation and Food During Trek

One of the major highlights of the Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani experience is staying in the traditional teahouses that are run by the locals. These warm and cozy accommodations will cater to your needs during your stay. Along the Poon Hill Trek route, you will find these teahouses in every village. The rooms in the teahouses are generally basic but clean. They are equipped with simple bed, pillow and warm blankets. There are also luxury options where you can stay in private rooms. Otherwise, the normal rooms have twin-shared bed setups. 

In the normal setup, the bedrooms are generally not heated. But every teahouse has a central wood stove in the dining hall, which is also a social hub where trekkers gather in the evenings. The villages on the lower part of the trail do offer hot showers (solar or gas-heated) for a small fee. However, at higher up, the facilities may be more basic. Charging and internet options are available at the teahouses, but they usually come with a small extra cost.

Meal Options

The teahouses during the Poon Hill Trek Itinerary 4 Days offer a wide range of healthy and delicious delicacies. The menus at the teahouses generally comprise traditional Nepali meals and a selective variety of Western and Tibetan dishes. You will find the menus at the teahouses surprisingly diverse, considering the remoteness. Here are general food and beverage options that are served by the teahouses.

Breakfast Options

➔   Tibetan bread with jam or honey

➔   Pancakes (plain, apple, banana, chocolate, or honey)

➔   Toast

➔   Porridge

➔   Oatmeal

➔   Omelet

➔   Boiled eggs

➔   Museli

➔   Hash brown or fried potatoes

➔   Rice pudding

Lunch and Dinner

➔   Dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles)

➔   Noodles

➔   Fried rice

➔   Chowmein

➔   Spaghetti

➔   Momos

➔   Soup

➔   Thukpa

➔   Sherpa stew

➔   Pizza

➔   Macaroni

➔   Potato dishes

➔   Burger

➔   Roti and chapati

➔   Shyakpa

➔   Potato dishes

Bevereages

➔   Black, milk, masala, herbal or green tea

➔   Ginger lemon

➔   Coffee

➔   Hot chocolate

➔   Milk (hot or cold)

➔   Soft drinks (Coke, Fanta, Sprite)

➔   Bottled water

➔   Beer or local alcohol (raksi, tongba, chhyang)

➔   Packages of fruit juice

Drinking Water

Drinking safe water is one of the most important aspects to think about while doing the Poon Hill Trekking Pokhara. Along the trekking trail, you will see clean stream and taps. However, it is not safe to drink water directly from such sources no matter how clean they may appear. You will need to plan ahead to stay hydrated while keeping things safe and eco-friendly. There are several options for safe and clean water consumption during this trek.

➔  Bottled Water:

You can buy bottled mineral water in almost every village along the way. However, this option is not environmentally friendly. And, the price for the water also increases with the rise in altitude due to the hassle in transferring goods in the remote areas. So, this is not the ideal and most amicable option during the trek.

➔  Clean Stations:

While moving along with the Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani trekking route, you will also see many clean stations (i.e., taps and streams). You may see local drinking water from such resources. But it's best to avoid drinking it directly. If you are filling your water bottle or hydration bladder at such stations, make sure to treat it with a filtration system or solutions.

➔  Boiled Water:

Almost every teahouse offers boiled and filtered water during your trek. Usually, trekkers fill their bottle or hydration bladder at the teahouses as it is a safer and cost-efficient option. Teahouses generally sell the boiled and filtered water on a pot-basis system. You will need to pay a small fee and can easily refill at the teahouses along the trail.

Training and Preparation

Yes, the Poon Hill Trekking Pokhara is a moderate-level and one of the easiest high-altitude treks in Nepal. However, it is still a mountain journey that has both physical and mental demands. So, if you think just packing your gear and showing up will suffice, the mountain route might break your spirit. That’s why it is essential to make the right preparation for this journey. Don’t take it as a regular hike in the backyard. 

You will actually traverse the rugged mountain terrain and the testing stone steps. All that, in a slowly elevating trail where oxygen percentage drops gradually. Depending on your fitness level and experience on high altitude trails, you can set your preparation period to around 4 to 6 weeks. Emphasize your training around factors like cardio, leg strength, balance, endurance and flexibility.

If you add practice hikes to your preparation, you will get insights into the actual nature of the journey. Choose an elevated destination, carry a backpack with some weight and of course, this is also a perfect chance to test out your gear. Besides the physical preparation, make sure that you are ready mentally as well. Prepare yourself for basic accommodation and simple meals. You don’t need to worry about isolation, as you won’t be straying too far off from the human settlements.

Necessary Permits

Before embarking on the venturing of the Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani 4 Days, it is necessary to understand the permit requirements en route. For this short and exciting route, just a single permit will suffice. The process to obtain the permit is straightforward and affordable; you can obtain it in Pokhara or Kathmandu with valid documents. Not that permits are mandatory for trekking in protected areas and are checked at different entry points along the way.

Permits for Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani

➔   Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

To apply for this permit, you will need a copy of your valid passport, passport-sized photographs and itinerary details. You can apply and obtain this permit from Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara if you are trekking independently. But, in case if you are planning your trek through a reputable agency like Eco Holidays Nepal, they will handle the processes for the necessary permits.

Is This Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Without any kind of doubt, it is safe to say that Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani 4 Days is one of the most beginner-friendly trekking adventures in Nepal. Unlike the longer trail with extreme altitude exposure that lasts weeks, this journey offers a well-balanced mix of accessibility and adventure. The highest point you will reach in this trek is Poon Hill (3,210m/ 10,531ft), which is quite below the altitude margin with serious acclimatization problems.

This aspect makes the journey more approachable for first-time trekkers. At the same time, it is also ideal for the adventurers who want to experience the Himalayas without pushing themselves into extreme conditions. The total Poon Hill Trek distance is also just around 50 to 55 km (31 to 34 miles) and the trail is beginner-friendly as well. The Poon Hill Trekking Pokhara route is well-maintained, safe and clear. Teahouses line the path at regular intervals, so you won’t be walking long distances without a palace to rest and refuel.

On top of that, the duration is ideal; four days on the trail is just long enough to give you a true Himalayan experience without feeling overwhelmed. That’s why many families with kids, old travelers and even those trekking for the very first time choose this route.

Trek Cost

Poon Hill Trek cost range falls in the class of one of the most affordable trekking adventures in Nepal. This journey offers a stunning Himalayan experience without the heavy cost of longer treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. A standard Poon Hill Trek package costs around US$ 400 to US$ 550 per person. Generally, this price range includes all the incurred expenses of the trek such as food, accommodation, transport, permit and guide. You can also trek independently if you want. However, managing everything by yourself often means additional stress, fluctuating costs and less reliability.

That’s why, for a smooth and worry-free experience, many trekkers book through a trusted trekking company. At Eco Holidays Nepal, we offer the Poon Hill Trek 4 Days at just US$ 455 per person. It is an excellent value option considering what the package offers. With this Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani package, you will enjoy peace of mind and gain confidence in trekking with an experienced local team. So, your trip remains safe, enjoyable and hassle-free.

Travel Visa

The Nepali Tourist Visa is essential for all foreign nationals except Indian citizens to enter the country. The visa application and obtaining process is straightforward and can be completed on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at several land border entry points. You can apply for the ‘On Arrival Visa’ upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Just fill out a short form, present passport-sized photographs and pay the fee. Then, you will receive the visa within few minutes.

There are three types of visa that you can apply for:

➔   15 Days Visa— US$ 30

➔   30 Days Visa— US$ 50

➔   90 Days Visa— US$ 125

From the date of your arrival, your passport should have a validity period of at least six months. As the Poon Hill Trekking Pokhara itinerary is just 4 days, most trekkers go for a 15-day visa. However, if you plan to combine this trek with other adventures in Nepal, the 30-day visa will be more practical.