A Complete Guide to Poon Hill Trekking in Nepal

A Complete Guide to Poon Hill Trekking in Nepal
Poonhill Trekking 
 
Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking, also popularly known as Annapurna Sunrise Trekking, or Annapurna Panorama Trekking, is one of the most popular and relatively easy treks that meander through the beautiful ethnic villages of Annapurna Region. Invigorating through some rhododendron forests, Poonhill Trekking in Nepal will let you feel the Himalayan Panorama while providing you the opportunities to get close to the local Culture. However, Poon Hill Trek is obviously best known for the views from Poonhill. Being popularly known as the Photographer's Paradise, you can capture some of the best snaps of impressive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Poonhill offers you the striking panorama of huge Himalayas including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, and Manaslu ranges among few others. The phenomenal sunrise from Poon Hill is just unmissable. A provocative glimpse of high mountains surrounding you can mesmerize anyone who's the part of this awesome trek.
In addition to that, Poon Hill Trekking will also let you witness terraced slopes, warm villages, beautiful paddy fields, and wonderful culture and lifestyle of ethnic people like Gurungs, and Magars. Ghorepani and Ghandruk are two of the largest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna Region. There's a unique please of trekking in Annapurna foothillsalong with the charming settlements of ethnic communities of Nepal.

where is Poon Hill?
 
Poonhill is the scenic ridge that locates near to the enchanting lake city of Pokhara. Poonhill trekking itinerarybegins with your arrival in Kathmandu. Two alternatives prevail to cover the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can either take 25minutes of pleasant flight from Domestic Airport of Kathmandu to Pokhara Airport or take the ride in luxurious Tourist Coach. Tourist bus for Pokhara leaves every morning at 7am from Tourist Bus Park at Kantipath, near Thamel. Journey continues along wide Prithvi Highway with views of Mankamana Cable Car, Trishuli River, hills and terraces for about five hours to take you to Pokhara. One hour of drive from Pokhara with beautiful view of Annapurna Mountain at the backdrop will shift you to Nayapul. You will leave the pitch black road and take off- the- beaten trail to Birethanti. Journey continues through woods of bamboo and blooming rhododendrons to the pretty village of Tikhe Dhunga. Following the stone steps will take you to Ulleri village of Magar ethnics. You will pass through Nangethanti to Ghorepani and enjoy the views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri mountains. From Ghorepani, the trail escalates uphill to the top of Poonhill ridge. Poonhill is one of the best spot for getting sunrise view over Annapurna Mountain. You will return through Tadapani, Deurali and Banthanti to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk. You can get panoramic views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre Mountains from Ghandruk. You will lower down from Ghandruk to Nayapul. Trekking ends at Nayapul as you take an hour ride back to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will return back to Kathmandu and then you will depart. 
 
Poon hill Trekking Info 
 
Poon hill Trekking Info
It would be wise to read the given Poon hill trekking info before joining in Poon hill trek.
Accomodation during poon hill trekking
Accommodation for Ghorepani Poon hill Trek will be in tea houses. The rooms, although smaller in size with minimum furniture other than twin sharing beds and single bed will be comfortable and clean. You will be given one blanket to each bed. You will use shared bathrooms and shared toilets. Toilets on these tea houses can either be western style or squat type. Tea Houses may or may not have running water facility. Hot water may incur an additional charge.
Meals during trekking
Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the lodge while lunch will be provided in restaurant. Dal Bhat which is the typical Nepali Meal is the most common food. Noodles, soup and momo are other readily available food. You can also expect Soft drinks and beer in Tea Houses.
Safe Drinking Water
You can either carry chlorine tablets or drink water from Euro-guard filters. Do not drink water straight from tap. You can ask for boiled filter water in tea house. Another alternative will be to carry mineral drinking water. But remember to dispose the bottles properly. 
Trekking Team (Guide, Porter)
A multilingual and professional trekking guide will be provided. The guide is well trained in emergency treatment and is well familiar with Annapurna region. One porter will be provided to two trekkers.
Weather and climate in Poon hill
Poon hill remains quite windy. Remember to bring warm cloths.
There are four types of climates.
Autumn is from mid-September to end-November which is 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.
Toilet facilities
Some of the lodges have Western style toilet while most of the other have Asian type Squat toilets.
Re-charging Batteries
 You can easily recharge the batteries of your Electronic Items on the Tea houses in which you stay.
Risk & Liabilities
We will not be responsible for any changes in itinerary that is caused due to unforeseen circumstances. Any additional expenses incurred due to these unforeseen circumstances have to be bear by you.
Walking hours in a day
In an average, you will walk about 6-7 hours a day including a lunch break on the way.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is expected for Poon hill trekking but it is not mandatory.   
FAQ 
 
Where is Poon Hill situated?
Ghorepani and Poonhill are located in the North Central Nepal in Annapurna Trekking region. It lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
What are the documents needed for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
You need to have a passport with validity for up to 6 months and you need to receive Nepal Visa which can either be obtained through Embassy or you can also get visa upon arrival. You also need to carry hard cash or Travelers Cheque and you need to have emergency contact numbers.
What type of accommodation do I get in Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek?
Teahouse trekking is possible for Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Most of these teahouses and lodges have a shared toilet. You might need to pay extra charge for hot water shower.
Can I charge my phone during trek? 
 Yes, you can easily recharge the batteries of your Electronic Items on the Tea houses in which you stay. Try to keep your electronic items warm as cold temperature makes the battery drain soon.
What is the fitness level for Poon Hill Trekking?
This is one of the easy trekking in Annapurna region. Trekking hour is usually 4-5hrs in one day. Anyone with normal fitness level can join this trek. In fact, it is one of the best family trekking package.
How many guides and porters will be there in a group?
You will be led by the group leader. 1 porter will be provided to carry baggage of 2 trekkers. Supporting staffs will vary according to the group size.
Do you provide trekking equipment for this trek?
No, we do not provide these equipment. But, we can show the places from where you can buy or hire your personal trekking equipment.
How will the meals be provided during this trekking?
Breakfast and dinner will be provided in the lodge while lunch will be provided in restaurant. Dal Bhat which is the typical Nepali Meal is the most common food. Noodles, soup and momo are other readily available food. You can also expect Soft drinks and beer in Tea Houses.
Is there any chance of High Altitude Sickness? 
Poon Hill trekking is the low altitude trekking. The maximum height that you will climb is 2855m. So, there is no chance of high altitude sickness.    
What if I get ill during trekking?
We advise you to quickly inform to your tour leader. Depending upon the seriousness, he will either provide you with emergency medical treatment or contact us for rescue.
What is the weather in Poon Hill?
Poon hill remains quite windy. Remember to bring warm cloths.
There are four types of climates. Autumn is from mid-September to end-November which is 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.
What is the trekking itinerary?
The trekking itinerary for Ghorepani Poon hill is prepared as a 5-days package