Annapurna Region

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 7 Days

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Since 2018, HoneyGuide has worked with over 1000 independent/group trekkers, 200+ Lodges and 230+ Local Guides/Porters in the Everest Region.

As a concierge, HoneyGuide will:
  • Answer your queries and help you make an itinerary as per your budget, preference and time.
  • Recommend and help you book Flights, Guides/ Porter and Lodges in every night stop at best rates.
  • Full trail support- If any changes occur, we will change your scheduled bookings for free.
Duration7 Days


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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Short Trek with expansive mountain views.
  • Experience Gurung and Magar culture and hospitality.
  • Walk through mystical forests of rhododendrons.

QUICK FACTS

  • Difficulty Level
    Easy
  • Total Length
    30 km
  • Highest Altitude
    3,210 meters
  • Elevation Profile
  • Start location
    Nayapul (1,020 m)
  • Finish location
    Ghandruk (1,980 m)
  • Permits
    ACAP Permit, TIMS Permit.
  • Best Season
    Anytime of the year.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

DESCRIPTION

Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is the gateway trek to walking in the Nepal Himalayas. It shows you enough, but just enough to make you want to come back. In the lower stretches it treats you with Gurung and Magar hospitality. It also takes you through one of the lushest forests teeming with rhododendrons and diverse wildlife. In a couple of days you will effortlessly glide to a level of serenity that only comes from living close to nature. The high point, both literally and figuratively, is Poon Hill. Rather than thinking of Poon Hill as a hilltop with a good view it is advisable to think of it as a menu, serving ideas for your next trek.

Best Time to Go: Anytime of the year.

Getting To Trek Start point: In order to get to the roadhead, you first need to get to Pokhara. USD 102-106 will take you there in 25 minutes via air or if you want to see the lay of the land, there are tourist bus services that depart from Jamal near Thamel at 7am sharp everyday. It will set you back NPR 700 (~USD 7) and takes 7-8 hours. From Pokhara, you need to get to Nayapul. The most popular way is the easiest and for a new comer the most cost-effective one too, given that you will be spending a lot of effort if you decide not to take a taxi.

Exit Point Ghandruk / Jeep to Nayapul / Bus/Taxi/Jeep from Nayapul to Pokhara / Bus/Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Trail outline You start walking from Nayapul past the checkpoint at Birethanti past a dirt road and gentle climb to Tikhedhunga. From here the trail picks up gradient as you climb to the hilltown of Ghorepani past beautiful forests. From Ghorepani after you are done with your morning views from Poon Hill, you start walking down to the forests settlement of Tadapani and from there on to the Gurung capital of Ghandruk. The trails are mostly well defined. The stretch between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani is perhaps the world’s longest stairs! Brase yourself for it!!

Accommodation You will be staying at comfortable lodges and almost all locations will also have budget options. At Ghandruk, if you feel like it, you could also pamper yourself with a luxury lodge. Most lodges have wifi, shower facility. However, do not count on heated rooms!

Risks There are very few risks in this trek. As long as you keep the balance in the trails, you should be okay.

Route Variations It is possible to do this route in reverse: start at Ghandruk and then walk to Ghorepani and then to Nayapul.

Download 'Trekking In Nepal’ App for more detailed information about villages, culture, trails, side trips and lodges. App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/np/app/trekking-in-nepal/id1112263577?mt=8

Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trekkinginnepal.app&hl=en

Notes: If you wish to go on this trek, please fill the inquiry form and we will help you plan your trek according to your preference: https://honeyguideapps.com/onboarding-form?region=Everest

FAQS

Traveling to the mountains poses some inherent risks. As such, the best strategy is to prepare for the worst and then hope for the best.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

The first thing to keep in mind is to see if you have pre-existing conditions that could cause complications at high altitudes. Specifically, suppose you have sickle cell disease, pulmonary hypertension, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or congenital heart problems. In that case, we highly recommend you consult with a qualified physician before planning a trip to the mountains. Read more.

ALTITUDE-ILLNESS

Given the low amount of oxygen at high altitudes, a sensible ascent is essential to give your body the time to acclimate to the thin air. Failure to do so can lead to your lungs or brain filling up with water leading to death in some cases. The key is not to climb more than 500 meters in one day once you pass the 2,500 meters mark. Read more.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Given the extreme weather in the high mountains, proper gear and regimen must have a safe and comfortable tour. The three most important things that you have to prepare for are cold, snow, and radiation. As such, invest in the right sunglasses, sunscreen, boots, and clothing. Read more.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend everyone get travel insurance covering high altitude evacuation before leaving on a trek to the high mountains. Global Rescue and World Nomads are both highly recommended. For Nepali travelers, please note that insurance that covers helicopter rescue is not available as of now. As such, please be careful while planning your tour and only work with companies that can provide timely evacuation service if needed.

RESCUE AND EMERGENCY

As health facilities are limited in the mountains, a helicopter's evacuation is usually the only option during an emergency. As such, the right insurance provider is essential. If you are not buying insurance for some reason, please ensure that there is someone in Kathmandu who can coordinate payments for a helicopter rescue. Here are some other contacts that might come in handy during an emergency. If you still have questions, please feel free to call / whatsapp us at +977-9801916215 or email Ashish at nectar@honeyguideapps.com

HOW DO I MAKE A PAYMENT?

To confirm your tour, you will have to make complete payment either through one of your integrated payment gateways or transfer the funds to the following bank accounts:

For Nepali citizens:
Account Name:: HoneyGuide Pvt. Ltd. Beneficiary Bank: Himalayan Bank, Patan Branch Account Number: 00606903770018
For Indian Citizens:
For USD transfers
Account Name: HoneyGuide Apps, Inc. Bank Name: Silicon Valley Bank Account Number: 3302225311 Swift Code: SVBKUS6S ABA Routing Number: 121140399

BOOKING A TOUR

Deposit Required for Reservation: 50 percent of total tour cost Deadline for Full Payment: 2 weeks before the tour begins

CHANGING A TOUR

Two weeks before tour date: No extra charge 1 to 2 weeks before tour date: 10% additional charge Two days to 1 week between tour date: 20% additional charge Within two days of tour date: Above 30% (variable)

CANCELLING A TOUR

Two weeks before tour date: No charge (transaction charges may apply) One to two weeks before tour date: 20% Cancellation Charge Two days to one week between tour date: 50% Cancellation Charge Within two days of tour date: No Refund.

DELAYS AND CHANGES DURING THE TOUR

In case of flight delays/cancellations due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, HoneyGuide will change the dates at no additional costs. However, any extra cost incurred, including but not limited to accommodation and food, will be the responsibility of the traveler.
In case of changes due to the trekker's health issues, HoneyGuide will make all the changes without any additional cost. However, any extra charge because of the changes will be the responsibility of the traveler.

While Nepal's mountains see six seasons, the best period to go to the mountains is from March-May and September-December. However, every season has its quirk, just like people. So keep reading to find your match.
For those going to Everest Region, do check out the Best time to go to Everest post.

January/February (Winter)

January/February is a good time for trekkers willing to brave the cold and snow for empty trails, fantastic mountain views, and wildlife sightings.

March/April (Spring)

This is a period that offers a little bit of everything: a little bit of mountain view, a little bit of warm weather, a little bit of flowers, a little bit of crowd, and a whole lot of fun.

May/June (Summer)

This is the best time for those into nature. The flowers are quite something this time of the year, and the bird activity is fantastic. The monsoon hasn't started, and as such, mornings are still clear with beautiful mountain views.

July/August (Monsoon)

Only for hardcore trekkers who are willing to put up with the elements for an authentic cultural experience and high altitude flowers. Also, flight disruptions are very likely, and chances of mountain views are close to zero.

September/October (Fall)

This period is everyone's darling, and the trails are as crowded as they can be. The mountain views are something to write home about, and the temperature is just perfect.

November/December (Pre-Winter)

Another popular period among trekkers and the driest two months in the calendar. Indeed it has gotten a bit nippy during the mornings and evenings, but it is still manageable. Count on a lot of sunshine and crystal clear mountain views.

The difficult thing with gear is to make sure you have enough without carrying too much. Whether you are walking or taking the helicopter, the most important thing is to layer up. As such inner thermals, shirts, fleece, a down jacket, and trousers are essential. A warm hat and a buff are beneficial. As for shoes, feel free to make your pick depending on the weather and altitude. Given the amount of UV up there, good sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential. Read more.

Reviews

    We are featured by

    Going to the mountains
    is going home.’
    - John Muir
    Great things are done when
    men and mountains meet.’
    - William Blake
    There is no such thing as bad weather,
    only inappropriate clothing.’
    - Sir Ranulph Fiennes
    Going to the mountains
    is going home.’
    - John Muir
    Great things are done when
    men and mountains meet.’
    - William Blake
    There is no such thing as bad weather,
    only inappropriate clothing.’
    - Sir Ranulph Fiennes