The Ultimate Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Guide: Everything You Need Know Before Hiking
Stunningly beautiful, rich in culture, and time-friendly: the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Nepal.
Here’s all the essential information you need to successfully trek Poon Hill yourself.
Completely Updated - July 2024
If you've made it to Nepal, there's a pretty good chance that you're keen for an epic hiking adventure - a brilliant decision considering eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks tower can be found here!
We’re firm believers that getting into the Himalayas is the best way to understand this beautiful country.
A good portion of the population dwells in the small towns dotting the mountain-sides, and much of the country’s religions, languages, and culture originate from their valleys and peaks.
Beyond epic views and personal triumphs, it’s the opportunity to explore this culture that makes trekking one of the most popular things to do in Nepal.
For those who have limited time in Nepal but want to get to the mountains and experience the unique Nepalese culture, we cannot recommend the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek (sometimes also known as the Annapurna Panorama Circuit) highly enough.
This three-day trek is essentially a microcosm of what a longer Nepalese mountain trek is like. You’ll pass through quaint villages, thick jungles and over rivers, and up many, many stairs before ultimately ending up at altitude (3,200m), with your head amongst the tallest mountains in the world.
We hiked the Poon Hill trail ourselves recently, and we’re now sharing our insider knowledge on tours and cost, trekking advice (including how to do it responsibly!) with you in this super comprehensive guide.
From deciding which season to trek in, how fit you need to be, everything you need to know about trekking permits, what to pack and leave at home, and what the teahouses are really like, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know before tackling the Poon Hill trek yourself!
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POON HILL TREK OVERVIEW
TREK LENGTH | Generally 3-4 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL | Moderate, suitable for beginners and families
POON HILL TREK DISTANCE | ~ 45 km
PERMITS | TIMS & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
STARTING POINT | Nayapul, 2 hours west of Pokhara
FINISHING POINT | Nayapul or Ghandruk
POON HILL SUMMIT HEIGHT | 3210m
HIGHEST POINT | Poon Hill summit (unless you continue to other treks in the region)
TOTAL HIKE ASCENT | 2,200 m
BEST TIME TO VISIT | March to May and September to November
ACCOMMODATION | Basic Guesthouses
FOOD TYPES | Nepali, Tibetan, Chinese and some Western
IS THE GHOREPANI POON HILL TREK WORTH IT?
We’re starting this Poon Hill Trek guide in a slightly alternative fashion - by answering whether or not the trek is actually worth it? We feel like the below information is pertinent as to whether or not this is the right trek for you, and what you wish to achieve.
If you’ve only got a short time in Nepal but want to see the famous Himalayan Range and experience Nepal mountain culture, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek (sometimes known as the Annapurna Panorama Trek) is exactly what you’re looking for.
This three-day trek is essentially a microcosm of what a longer Nepalese mountain trek is like.
You’ll pass through quaint villages and the unique local cultures of the Gurung and Magar communities; up many, many stairs, through jungles and over rivers; before ultimately ending up at altitude (3,200m) with your head amongst the tallest mountains in the world.
The views from Poon Hill are some of the best we’ve ever experienced - uninterrupted, panoramic views of some of the largest and most photogenic Himalayan mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II and Lamjung. It also happens to be the spot where the two of us got engaged - so we can definitely vouch for how epic a place it is!
It’s super accessible from Pokhara as the official starting point is just 1.5 hour’s drive from the lakeside town and at 3-4 days long it really is the perfect way to ease yourself into trekking in Nepal without committing to 16+ days on a trail (like the Annapurna Circuit!).
What’s more, it’s affordable - treks to Poon Hill start at around USD $240.
Now, if you’re looking for something longer, more challenging, or perhaps a less busy trail, there are several alternatives, not just from Pokhara but also in the Solukhumbu region (Everest).
If time is limited, but you’d prefer a less popular route, the Ghandruk Loop Trek (4 - 5 days), the Mohare Danda Trek (5 - 7 days), or the Khopra Danda Trek (6 - 9 days), offer great alternative options. But, they are slightly longer in length and days.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek, as well as the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Sanctuary treks, are longer, more challenging, and really get amongst the incredible mountain ranges you can see from Poon Hill. But, they take far longer (upwards of 10+ days), so you really need time on your side to fully appreciate them. If you have the time, then choose one of these - being immersed in these mountains for more than 10 days does wonderful things for your soul.
The same goes for hikes in the Everest region including Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes hikes - they’re mostly 10+ days, and while incredible, eat up a lot of time.
Pound for pound though, the Pook Hill Ghorepani trek provides the views, the culture, and the challenge in a short duration, and that’s hard to beat.
BOOK | Hike Poon Hill with this highly-rated guide
POON HILL TREK | ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
WHERE IS POON HILL & WHERE DOES THE POON HILL TREK START?
Poon Hill is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal and is globally renowned as one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world.
The jaw-dropping landscapes and astonishingly tall mountains, including the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and the iconic Machapuchare) form the backdrop to many treks, including Poon Hill. They will take your breath away (pun intended).
The reason for the popularity of the region is that it spans a variety of different ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, which provides a diverse range of hiking experiences, and you’ll pass through many of these on the Poon Hill Trek.
Thankfully, unlike the long and bumpy bus rides to the commencement of the Annapurna Circuit, or the fear-inducing flights to Lukla, the Poon Hill trek train head is easy to get to, via a 2-hour mini-bus ride from Pokhara to the small village of Nayapul (although you might find some routes commence in Ghandruk).
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE TO POON HILL?
The peak trekking season for Poon Hill is between September - November and then March-May.
It's still possible to hike in December and January, but be mindful that winter conditions will make for an icy adventure (temperatures can drop below -15c during peak season!), while May is the start of the monsoon season and signals an increase in potentially wet days.
The best time to hike Poon Hill is during April when the famous Rhododendrons are in full bloom, the views stunning, and the weather comfortable.
We trekked at the end of May (May 23-25 to be exact!) and were lucky with the weather.
It was hot through the morning and early afternoon, but by the time we reached our teahouse in the late afternoon/evening, the heavens would open with a huge downpour that cleared the heat away.
The temperatures were mild enough that we didn’t need a sleeping bag (though you absolutely would during peak season).
We were also gifted crisp, perfect (and we mean p e r f e c t ) sunrise views at the summit point, which was ideal considering that’s also the ridiculously perfect spot Mark chose to pop the question at 😉
NOTE | If you want to complete Poon Hill as part of a longer Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base camp trek, you’ll need to stick to the peak trekking times for these (October to early December, then February through to April) as heavy snow or monsoonal rains prevent hiking in the higher reaches of these trails outside peak season.
POKHARA: A guide to the backpacker paradise of Pokhara
POON HILL TREK - GUIDED OR SOLO?
Amongst those who come to Nepal for an epic hiking adventure a fierce debate rages: should you trek in Nepal with an organised group, or simply heave on a rucksack full of your gear and take to the trails alone?
The two of us believe that both options are totally viable here, and like anything, each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. There are plenty of people who opt to trek solo in Nepal, and it really is a perfectly manageable feat.
Personally, we’ve only ever opted to take a guided tour (more on that below), although now that we have a few hikes and experience under our belt, we might also consider going solo next time.
HOWEVER.
In early 2023, the Nepali Government banned independent trekking in the country and mandated all international hikers hire a guide (read more here). The decision was made to boost employment and increase safety for tourists visiting the famed mountain ranges.
You’ll now need to source your guide through trekking agencies registered with TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), which represents more than 2,000 government-approved companies (see our recommendations below).
In addition, TIMS and ACAP Permits will no longer be issued without a registered guide.
And you know what, we understand it - tourism accounts for a large proportion of GDP & jobs in Nepal, so the move makes sense.
The move has caused some derision amongst locals, especially in the Solukhumbu region, where they’ve outright defied the mandate, citing the financial burden of local guides, and lack of obvious improvement in infrastructure.
The new mandate isn’t necessarily enforced across Nepal, from the research we’ve done.
Alas, we suggest booking with a registered agent or tour for all your Nepali treks, including Poon Hill.
BOOKING YOUR GUIDED POON HILL TREK
We booked our Poon Hill trek with Nepal Wilderness Trekking a few days before our departure and would highly recommend them.
Our guide, Riddhi, was brilliant, everything went seamlessly, and our accommodation was bordering on luxurious. They’re also locally owned, which makes them an even better choice, in our view.
If you’re keen to do Poon Hill as part of another trek (like say, the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Sanctuary), here are a couple that include it in their longer itineraries:
G Adventures | Annapurna Circuit trek (18 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu). Prices and availability here.
G Adventures | Annapurna Sanctuary trek (15 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu). Prices and availability here.
Other | You can also search for specific
Nepal Travel Tips | What to know before visiting Nepal
TREKKING PERMITS AND TIMS PASSES FOR THE POON HILL TREK
You’ll need to have both a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) permit and an Annapurna National Park Permit (sometimes also known as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit or ACAP) for the Poon Hill trek.
The cost of these will be incorporated into your trekking fee and the whole process (organising them and carrying them through the trek) will be managed by your guide.
For trekkers going it alone, the permits will set you back about USD $40-50 (depending on currency fluctuations).
The ACAP Permit is USD $25 / NPR 3,000 per person, while the TIMS Permit is USD $15 / NPR 2,000 per person. You’ll need to carry these permits with you at all times on the trail, as they’ll be checked at various checkpoints along the way.
Trekking permits can be organised either at the Nepal Tourism office (map here) based in Kathmandu, or the Pokhara tourist office (Map here) before you begin the trek.
To purchase each permit, you will need the following:
A valid passport
Valid travel insurance (buy yours here)
4 passport photos (we suggest printing many before you depart your home country)
A contact person or hotel in Nepal
HOW MUCH DOES THE POON HILL TREK COST?
Treks to Poon Hill are also super affordable compared to some of the longer treks in Nepal.
We paid $240 (USD) per person, which seems to be around the starting point for guided treks; although this is very much dependent upon what time of year and who you book with too!
Included in the cost of our tour was the following:
Accommodation
3 meals per day + tea/coffee breaks
Guide
Porter
Taxi from Pokhara to Nayapul for the start of the trek
Taxi back to Pokhara at the end of the trek
ACAP Permits + TIMs registration
Trekking solo / without a guide will obviously be quite a bit less as you’re not paying guide and porter wages, but you will have to manage your permits + trek organisation yourself.
We’d recommend budgeting somewhere around $40-60 per person, per day if you’re planning to go solo (and probably more in peak season).
NOTE | You’ll also have to pay a NPR 100 entrance fee at the Poon Hill gate, so don’t forget to slip some cash in your pocket for summit morning!
BOOK | Book your guided Poon Hill Trek here
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE POON HILL TREK?
We’re definitely not in the prime of our fitness right now, but the two of us were able to complete the Poon Hill trek perfectly fine.
This is classed as an easy-moderate trail, and as it starts and ends at a relatively low altitude there aren’t too many physical requirements.
That said, while a moderate level of fitness is fine you’ll need to be able to manage being on your feet for 4-6 hours a day for a few days in a row, and make sure you’re fine with stairs and steep hills.
On the topic of stairs though: be prepared to walk up and down lots and lots and lots of the little buggers!
There are over 3,500 stairs from Tikhedunga to Ghorepani, all different heights and shapes, which make for a painful day hiking up, and an even more knee-crunching day when you have to tackle them on the descent.
Regardless of the trek difficulty, always make sure you travel with up-to-date travel insurance in case you slip and hurt yourself, or the unexpected happens.
We travel with HeyMondo, who provide comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees (get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here).
BOOK | Click here to get the best deals with HeyMondo
IS THE POON HILL SUNRISE WORTH IT?
Most people plan their trek so that they ascend Poon Hill in the pre-dawn and watch the sunrise over the mountains in front of the lookout.
But is it really worth the early start?
Uhh… YES. Just look at the photo below!
Take it from this non-morning person; this is one early start you absolutely want to get up for.
While we’re pretty sure that the views would be epic at any time, watching the sunrise over the Annapurna range and some of the largest mountains in the world is a humbling, awe-inspiring experience we won’t be forgetting any time soon.
WHAT’S THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE ON THE POON HILL TREK?
We’ve covered everything you need to know about accommodation in Nepal in this post, but briefly: the teahouses speckled along the hiking trails aren’t the Shangri-La, but they are charming little things made from stone and wood and a cosy place to relax at the end of a long day’s trekking.
Generally, rooms are twin-share, with more than enough space to spread out.
Most have separate shower and toilet facilities — although our teahouse in Ghorepani had an ensuite replete with hot showers! — and there’ll also be a communal area that doubles as a dining hall with either a fireplace or boiler to cosy up next to an evening.
It’s also pretty customary to eat your evening meal at the same teahouse you’re staying at, and they’ll generally ask you to order your food as you check-in.
In terms of charging your gear, there are generally spots to charge in the communal space, and you may need to pay a small fee to use these.
READ | Our complete guide to accommodation in Nepal, including our recommendations
WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE ON THE POON HILL TREK?
We basically lived off veggie Thukpa (noodle soup) during our trek as it’s one of our favourite Nepalese/Tibetan dishes, but you’ll find a great mix of Nepali and Continental food along the trail.
Better yet, the food is organic and grown in the hills surrounding the local communities, so it’s beautifully fresh and exactly the kind of nourishment you need for your trek.
Honestly, we haven’t had a bad meal in the mountains, and there are days we dream about sitting outside on a crisp sunny day and enjoying a beautiful Nepali feast.
You’ll find prices will increase the higher you climb, but expect to pay around NPR 500 for Dal Baht, NPR 300 for a bowl of Thukpa, NPR 200 for soups, and NPR 450 (veg) - 600 (meat) for a tasty plate of Momos.
GHOREPANI POON HILL TREK ITINERARY & OUR OWN EXPERIENCE
The Poon Hill trek is officially listed as a 4-7 day trek because it depends on how much time you want to spend in the mountains and the route you want to take.
One of the most popular routes takes you from Nayapul to Ghandruk; we opted for Nayapul to Nayapul (actually technically we finished in Bantanthi as that’s where the car collected us).
We did the trek in 2 nights, and 3 days, and felt this was a doable feat, although descending the entire way down the stairs in one day turned our legs to jelly (and had us walking funny for an entire week after!).
If you do have more time and flexibility than we did, we’d definitely recommend the 5-day hike option that takes you through Tatopani and Ghandruk on your way back to Pokhara.
Here’s what our Poon Hill trek itinerary looked like:
DAY #1 | POKHARA TO TIKHEDUNGA (VIA NAYAPUL, THE START OF THE TREK)
Starting point | Nayapul (1070m elevation)
Finish point | Tikhedunga (1580m elevation)
Total ascent | 540m
Distance trekked | ~10 km
Time trekking | 3-4 hours
Our trekking adventure begins with meeting Riddhi (our guide) and Ura (our porter) before a 1.5-hour car ride from Pokhara to the trek’s official (and most popular) starting point: Nayapul.
Nayapul is a gorgeously quintessential Nepalese rural trekking town; layers of farmland carve the lower mountain slopes surrounding the town, while the main street is abuzz with activity.
Mothers gather on steps trying to tame their children’s hair, and men sit and chat in the town centre. A steady stream of trekkers make their way through with smiles and nods to each other, and there’s just a hint of adventure in the air.
We cross a suspension bridge and have our Permits and TIMs cards checked at the Bantanthanti checkpoint before beginning the 3-hour trek to our home for the evening: Tikhedunga.
The walk is peaceful and follows the Bhurungdi Khola River through peaceful farming villages and lush mountain valleys.
Every now and then a jeep bounces past on the dirt road, ferrying tourists higher up to the town of Hille (the furthest point you can get by car on the Poon Hill trail). So far, the slow ascent is totally manageable, although our unfit bodies are definitely feeling it.
We stop for a (delicious) veggie noodle soup lunch in Lambdawi. The day is already hot and humid, so it’s back on the trail soon for the final 1.5-hour hike into Tikhedunga.
From here, the ascent is steep, although the quaint villages, cute Himalayan mountain dogs, and beautiful scenery definitely make up for it. Eventually, we arrive in Tikhedunga right as monsoon storm clouds begin to roll in.
Our accommodation Tikhedunga Guest House, right at the end of the village is comfortable, pretty, and right beside three waterfalls - a peaceful oasis we’d happily stay in for days.
Dinner is Thukpa, Momos, fresh fruit, and masala chai before heading to bed by 8 pm to the sound of rain on the roof.
DAY #2 | TIKHEDUNGA TO GHOREPANI
Starting point | Tikhedunga (1520m elevation)
Finish point | Ghorepani (2853m)
Total ascent | 1360m
Distance trekked | ~12km
Time trekking | 7.5 hours
The alarm sounds at 6 am, and we groan a little. Today’s the day we (and probably everyone else on the Poon Hill trek) dread: the infamous 3,000-step climb from Tikhedunga to Ulleri. We start early to avoid the searing heat of the day, but by 8 am it’s already stinking hot.
'Bistari, bistari,' (slowly, slowly) reminds Riddhi, although the burning in our legs suggests moving any quicker isn’t an option anyway…!
We share the path with other trekkers and the odd herd of horses being moved between towns. Finally, we reach Ulleri, and while the stairs may have ended the overall ascent definitely hasn’t, and we’re only about halfway to our final stop.
In Banthanti, we stop for fresh lemon mint juice (NPR 300) and to rest while taking in some of the views for 20 blissful minutes. Being back in the mountains is everything right now!
The landscapes change dramatically from here; thick forest, moss-covered bark, green ferns and flowing waterfalls. After a few months of big-city travel, the fresh air and natural surroundings are exactly what our bodies crave.
At over 2,300m elevation and rising, things are starting to feel a little tougher, though whether it’s the mild altitude, our questionable fitness levels, or both, we’re not sure!
Lunch in Nagethanti can’t come soon enough, and when it does, it’s the best veg noodle soup (Thukpa) we’ve had: rich and tomatoey with a hint of chilli.
From there, it’s slow and steady hiking through some beautiful Rhododendron forests over 200 years old. They’re not in bloom, but they’d be magical in April.
Our first glimpse of Ghorepani gives us a second wind, and when we finally arrive at our guesthouse, 7.5 hours after leaving Tikhedunga, the relief is real.
Our room has a double bed, the mattress is comfy, and the room is warm. Bonus points for the hot shower in an ensuite bathroom (unheard of on our previous treks!), and a tasty meal in the communal living room where we make some new hiking friends too.
DAY #3 | GHOREPANI TO POKHARA (900m) VIA POON HILL SUMMIT
Starting point | Ghorepani (2853m)
Finish point | Pokhara via Poon Hill (3210m) and Nayapul
Total ascent | 357m
Total descent | 2140m (to Nayapul)
Distance trekked | ~24km
Time trekking | ~10 hours
Given what happened just a few hours later (our engagement!), our summit morning is actually a little bit of a blur… but what we do know is that at 4:30 am, we practically leap out of bed and race to the window to check the sky.
Last night was ominously grey and foggy. This morning is, thankfully, clear and crisp.
We’re on our way about 10 minutes later, ready for the final 45-minute hike to the Poon Hill summit. Pre-dawn mountain mornings like these are our favourite: stars above, the quiet calm of a new day, and the anticipation of finally reaching a goal you’ve been working hard for.
It’s steeper than expected and about halfway through we cross the infamous 3,000m mark: the magic point you tend to start feeling the altitude.
Breathing becomes harder, the burn in our legs more intense, but we’re excited knowing it won’t be too much further. We reach the entrance gate soon and pay the 100 rupee entrance fee (don’t forget your wallet!).
The world is starting to wake with a pinky glow as we finally reach the crest and are greeted by the most stunning sight imaginable: the mountains of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II and Lamjung laid out right before us, illuminated by the sunrise.
Somewhere nearby, a fellow hiker has somehow carried his guitar up and is now serenading us all with some acoustic faves.
It's the kind of moment you want to bottle up and keep forever, and we weren’t sure life could get any better than this…. until, of course, Mark set up our tripod and camera as a decoy, then dropped to one knee and proposed!
Once we’d calmed down enough to think about getting ourselves off the mountain again, it was time to head back to Ghorepani for breakfast (chocolate pancakes for the win!).
From there, we had to retrace the daunting 24km journey right back to our starting point. If we’d thought hiking up 3,000 stairs was a tough gig, hiking down them was pure torture.
After descending/stumbling/falling down the 3,000 stairs, we eventually made it back to Tikhedunga for lunch (and to call our families with our exciting news!) before trekking on again to Birethanti where our car was waiting to ferry us back to our hostel in Pokhara again.
Things to know before hiking the Annapurna Circuit
POON HILL TREK PACKING LIST
Preparing what gear to take for a trek like this is definitely a tricky act; it's all about finding the balance between packing as light as possible, while still maximising the gear that you do take.
Not that we did our trek in the warmer months, so we were able to pack quite light. If you’re trekking in winter, we’d suggest adding a few warmer layers too.
Here’s what we took our trek (and totally recommend):
Sturdy hiking boots | We love our Danner Boots, but if you want something lighter, try these waterproof hiking boots
Comfortable daypack | We use the Fjallraven Abisko Hike 35L daypack and we absolutely love it.
Reusable water bottle | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, on every trip we take!
Dry bag | Sea to Summit's dry bag range will keep your clothes, electronics, etc. safe and dry, especially around the wet season!
Packing satchels | If you choose to trek with a porter, your packing satchels will go into their bigger bag
Lightweight down jacket | Even in the warmer months, you’ll need a decent jacket (women’s jacket here) for the summit
Bottoms | 2 pairs of pants/leggings, (one for trekking, one for evenings), 1 pair of shorts
Tops | Enough t-shirts/tops to last you three days of intensive hiking!
Light jumper | Mostly for the evenings
Waterproof jacket | If you’re trekking in the warmer, monsoonal months, make sure you have a waterproof jacket on-hand. We saw plenty of very sorry-looking wet people in the afternoons!
Portable charger | You should be able to charge your gear at Teahouses, but to avoid having to queue for it throw a portable charger in your bag
Your camera | Obviously! Check out our full list of photography gear here
READ | If you’re trekking as part of a larger Annapurna itinerary, see our Annapurna Circuit packing list here
RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TREKKING IN NEPAL
We actually have a full guide for how to trek responsibly in Nepal here, but in the meantime, here are a few tips specifically for your Poon Hill trek:
Don’t support the horse/donkey rides | Please, just don’t. The paths are terribly unstable for hooves, and many a horse we encountered looked worse for wear.
Bring a reusable water bottle | There is no need for a modern traveller to buy bottled water, ever. Purchase a water filtration + purification bottle (like our faves from The Grayl) and you will literally never need to purchase bottled water again.
ACAP also provide UV filtered water stations for drinking water all along the trail.
Replace bottled drinks with cans | No point skipping the bottled water if you opt for soft drink or juice in a plastic bottle too. Switch to the canned variety instead (always sold on the trail).
Trek at the tail ends of the season | Trek either side of the peak periods to avoid contributing to over-tourism and environmental degradation
Respect the local culture | The Annapurna region is home to some of Nepal’s most unique cultures and customs.
Show respect for the sites and communities here by behaving with respect: dress appropriately (ladies, leggings are better than shorts!), don’t litter, and make an effort to chat with locals about their way of life and beliefs
Don’t barter for your accommodation | Remember that your ability to come to Nepal and trek (even on a backpacker budget) is a true privilege; don’t barter local teahouse operators for free accommodation in exchange for ordering food and drink instead.
Support the local communities reliant upon local tourism for survival instead.
Don’t hand out gifts or money to kids on the trek | It actively encourages begging, which keeps kids out of school and fuels the begging mafia which recruits vulnerable children to work for them.
Limit your plastic consumption | Many villages don’t have adequate waste disposal methods and have to either choose between burning it off or carrying it off the mountain themselves.
Where possible, avoid plastic altogether on your trek, and if you can’t, carry it out of the park with you.
Pick up any trash you see | If you come across rubbish on your trek, collect it in a tote bag and take it off the trails with you to dispose of properly later.
BUY | We use the Grayl GEOPRESS every day, every trip we take!
essential nepal | our top things to see and do in nepal
POON HILL TREK FAQS
IS THE POON HILL TREK ACCESSIBLE?
You can get jeeps all the way up to Hille and trek from there. That said, unfortunately, this trek is definitely not for those with mobility or accessibility issues; it’s steep, uneven and at times, slippery.
IS THERE WI-FI OR 4G COVERAGE?
3G is available in Tikhedunga, but otherwise, you’ll struggle for reception along the rest of the trail.
Wifi is available in most teahouses for a small fee (100-200 rupees depending on the village/guesthouse), during the late afternoon/evening when solar kicks in. It tends to be super patch and only limited to common areas.
The general rule is: Don’t rely on it, and definitely don’t expect it!
CAN I GET A HOT SHOWER?
Most teahouses advertise 24-hour hot water, but not all actually live up to that statement.
You can, however, get a hot shower during the day (solar), or if a gas option is available. Enquire with your accommodation.
DO I NEED TO PACK SNACKS?
Prices get steeper the higher you go, so purchase any hiking snacks (and your summit chocolate!) in Pokhara before you depart.
CAN I FIND A COFFEE ON THE HIKE?
Yes! And what’s better than summiting? Drinking a hot coffee or chocolate at the top! There’s a stand up there with (expensive) hot drinks for sale.
Don’t take your own thermos - there’s also a hefty fine if you’re caught with one.
SHOULD I START HIKING EARLY IN THE DAY?
We saw plenty of solo trekkers attempting the big stairs day (Tikhedunga to Ulleri) in the middle of the day, which is probably the worst thing you can do on this trail!
There’s hardly any shade, and even by 9 am it was roasting for us. Start your trekking days as early as possible to beat the heat, and then enjoy being able to relax from mid-afternoon onwards at your accommodation.
WHERE CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE?
Obviously, you don’t want to take all your luggage on your hike, so thankfully, all hotels and hostels will store your luggage for the period of the trek.
Now, if you have valuables, consider asking if you can store in a safe - or take them with you.
READ | for more general travel tips while you’re here, check out our comprehensive Nepal travel guide. It has literally everything you need!
ALL ABOUT POKHARA, YOUR POON HILL BASE
The Poon Hill trek is best accessed from the lakeside town of Pokhara, which means that unless your tour includes transfers from Kathmandu, you’ll need to navigate your way here at some point! Here’s some essential information:
HOW TO GET TO POKHARA
We’ve written a comprehensive guide on how to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu, check it out here.
WHERE TO STAY IN POKHARA
We stayed at Gauri Shankar Hostel, which was more like a budget hotel to be honest. Comfy beds (probably the best we’ve encountered in Nepal), chilled environment, and very affordable. They also have a little library and an area to swap/donate unwanted hiking gear (perfect if you need a hiking pole or two).
BOOK | Gauri Shankar Hostel
WHAT TO DO IN POKHARA
Beyond access to the mountains, Pokhara is known for being Nepal’s chilled-out paradise, a tranquil lake setting with plenty of cute cafes to while your days away at. In recent years, it’s also grown as somewhat of the adrenaline capital of the country, with white-water rafting, paragliding, and caving all on offer.
READ | For the best things to see, eat, and do, check out our guide to Pokhara here
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR NEPAL
Whether it's a sprained ankle, severe altitude sickness, or a broken-down bus that causes you to miss a flight, the unexpected can - and does - happen anywhere in the world, including Nepal, and it's always better to be prepared.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - Comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.
*The Common Wanderer readers get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - Comprehensive travel & medical, and policies for digital nomads, and can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING TO VISIT NEPAL?
THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT | Our comprehensive guide to hiking the Annapurna Circuit, Our Annapurna Circuit packing list
NEPAL TRAVEL GUIDES | Our Nepal Travel guide, Nepal Travel Tips: Everything you need to know before you visit Nepal
KATHMANDU CITY GUIDE | Our in-depth guide to the chaotic Kathmandu, Where to stay in Kathmandu
POKHARA | Our definitive guide to this backpacker paradise, Our transport guide for Kathmandu to Pokhara
HIKE POON HILL | Our ultimate guide to hiking Poon Hill, Nepal
PHOTOGRAPHY | Our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. Learn our top general responsible travel tips, discover how to trek responsibly while in Nepal, and all of our top sustainable and responsible travel tips for Nepal too
Have you trekked Poon Hill? Share your tips and advice for trekking in Nepal in the comments below!
VISITING NEPAL? YOU’LL LOVE THESE POSTS TOO!
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That, and you're officially a legend.
