Poon Hill trek

Overview:

The Poon Hill trek, Nepal’s most popular short trek consists of just 7 days of trekking just south of the beautiful Annapurna Himalayas. Narba Treks, has made the Poon Hill trek in to an adventurous and cultural package of 11 days in Nepal! Family friendly and easy accessible this short trek in Nepal is booked every year by national and international outdoor lovers. This package features a cultural sightseeing day in Kathmandu, as well as a sunrise view from atop Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft), which is considered as one of the world’s most scenic views!

Welcome to Nepal:

Narba Treks welcomes you at the airport as you start your Poon Hill trek of 11 days in Nepal. After a short meet & greet we’ll transfer you to your booked hotel in Kathmandu, for your first overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time in Nepal, you might have some spare time to explore around. Thamel also known as Kathmandu’s “backpackers’ paradise” is where you’ll find most of the trekking gear shops as well as restaurants and boutique/handicraft shops. The second day an exciting guided sightseeing tour around Kathmandu’s most famous points is planned. While our team prepares your Poon Hill trek permits.

Sightseeing in Kathmandu is a great cultural and pleasant experience. Filled with ancient monuments, temples and Buddhist Stupas and monasteries, one day is not enough to visit them all! You’ll be able to visit 4 of them with a professional guide during this day. In the morning after you enjoyed and included breakfast at the hotel our guide will be picking you up to start sightseeing in Kathmandu. We’ll start by visiting and exploring the alleys of Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. This ancient palace courtyard now filled with buzzing markets of spices, and handicrafts was ones the center of ancient Kathmandu. See the ancient architecture of the old palace and temple buildings with a pleasant walking tour throughout the intersecting courtyards.

After this we’ll be headed to the Swayambunath Stupa, also known as the monkey temple. Located atop a hill and surrounded by a cooling forest it is said that “One can find peace at Swayambunath.” The jungle is inhabited by families of Macaques monkeys and has an enjoyable uphill climb via stone paves stairs. The view from atop the Stupa is breathtaking! With the city below and the surrounding hill marking the Kathmandu Valley it’s absolutely amazing. Having enjoyed our time here we head on to the third destination of this one day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. The Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites awaits our visit. This magnificent and huge white Stupa is surrounded by Buddhist handicraft shops, yoga centers and charming rooftop restaurants.

Last up is a visit to Nepal’s most famous Hindu temple, the Pashupatinath temple. According to legend it is said that the trident of Shiva is placed here. Located on both shores of the Bagmati River and filled with Hindu Ghats or cremation platforms, the Pashupatinath Temple is an important burial site as well as temple offering great spiritual guidance. After having enjoyed this sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, we hold an important trek briefing, and go over the Poon Hill trek itinerary. Tomorrow we leave for Pokhara and closer to the Annapurna Himalayas to start the Poon Hill trek.

Trek to Poon Hill:

The drive to Pokhara while reasonably long (about 5 to 6 hours) is quite scenic, and follow a great part of the Trishuli River. Upon reaching Pokhara, you’ll quickly notice the fishtailed shaped mountain, Machhapuchhare rising in the distance and Phewa Lake appearing in sight. In order to reach the starting point of the Poon Hill trek we’ll need to spend the night here. After checking in to your booked hotel, we recommend to explore around lakeside and check out one of the BBQ restaurants for a great meal with views of Phewa Lake! As the next day we start with the first day of trekking to Poon Hill. After an early breakfast at the hotel, it’s just a short drive to Nayapul from where we’ll begin the Poon Hill trek.

For the first day of trekking we head for the village of Tikhedhunga (1,520m/ 4,987ft). The trail leads mostly through farmlands and heads up and downwards. We’ll passing by a few villages before reaching Tikhedhunga, offering a great places for lunch. Tikhedhunga is a typical village and a popular resting stop on the Poon Hill trekking trail. While you could also continue on towards Ulleri, a village further down the trail, Tikhedhunga is has also great guesthouses. The next day we have the longest day and for some the most strenuous. We’ll have to trek up to Ghorepani (2,860m/ 9,383ft) on a trail that consists of mostly stone laid steps. Skirting the edge of the hill we’ll reach higher and higher with better views of the valley below and the surrounding mountains.

After the last steps a stone arch on the path welcomes trekkers to Ghorepani. A great relieve, as this means you have completed one of the hardest parts of the Poon Hill trek! Poon Hill viewpoint itself is just a short hike away from the village. If you want we can take you there for a sunset view, depending on our arrival time at Ghorepani. The real magic happens the next morning. We’ll have to wake up early during the night and make way to the hilltop using our headlamps. One atop the viewpoint the sun starts to shine and emit a ray of light glowing up the valley. From East to West you’ll be able to see amazing close ups of some of the highest Himalayan Mountains and peaks! These include views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare. Our Narba Treks trekking guide will be able to give you detailed information on each mountain at the spot.

Taking in the sights, we head back down to Ghorepani for breakfast and prepare to continue on with the second part of this amazing Poon Hill trek. We head for the village of Chuile (2,309m/ 7,575ft). Following the trail east we pass by Tadapani and ultimately reach the village. While the traditional route overnights at Tadapani we make a detour to the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda. As an extra highlight on the Poon Hill trek, these hot water springs are just perfect for a relaxing time in the Himalayas! Continuing on we make our way south towards Landruk and ultimately Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,365ft). Known as the biggest Gurung village of the area, Ghandruk offers incredible views of the valley as well as a local Gurung museum.

After spending the night here we mark the last day of trekking the Poon Hill trail. A short trek down to Kimche is the last part of the Poon Hill trek. From here we catch a ride back to Pokhara and complete the trek. The next day we drive back to Kathmandu and in the evening Narba Treks invites you to a complimentary dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a live culture show celebrating your successful Poon Hill trek. Book today one of the best short treks in Nepal; the Poon Hill trek of 11 days with Narba Treks, and discover the best views of the Annapurna Himalayas!

Short itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Trip preparation + sightseeing

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul + trek to Tikhedhunga (1,520m/ 4,987ft)

Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m/ 9,383ft)

Day 06: Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft) sunrise view + trek to Chuile (2,309m/ 7,575ft)

Day 07: Trek to Jhinu Danda Hot Springs (1,780m/ 5,840ft)

Day 08: Trek to Landruk (1,565m/ 5,135ft)

Day 09: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,365ft)

Day 10: Trek to Kimche 1,640m/ 5,381ft + drive back to Pokhara

Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu

Detailed itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in the Kathmandu
• Our representative will pick-up you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel
• Hotel check-in and take a few minutes rest
• Stroll around the Thamel Bazaar
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Trip preparation + sightseeing

• Hotel breakfast
• Meet up with your trekking guide for your trip preparation
• Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu:
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swayambunath Monkey Temple
  • Boudhanath Buddhist Temple
  • Pashupatinath Hindu Temple
• Head back to your hotel
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Transfer to Pokhora
• Enjoy a scenic lunch along the way
• Arriva at Pokhora and hotel check in
• Rest of the day is free to explore around Pokhara and Phewa Lake
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Pokhara

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul + trek to Tikhedhunga (1,520m/ 4,987ft)

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Short drive to Nayapul
• Arrive at Nayapul + final gear check
• Follow the trail to Birethanti village
• Pass by various terraced fields
• Take the path leading slightly north-west to Sudame
• Make your way upwards towards Tikhedhunga village
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Tikhedhungga

Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m/ 9,383ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Start by heading to Ulleri village
• Ascend the stone stepped stairs
• Follow the forested trail through rhododendron trees
• Pass the water hut and follow the stream up
• Ascend further up to Ghorepani
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Ghorepani

Day 06: Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft) sunrise view + trek to Chuile (2,309m/ 7,575ft)

• Early wake-up call around 4-4.30am
• A short hike takes you to Poon Hill and its view point
• Enjoy an amazing sunrise view over the Annapurna Himalayas
• Make your way back to Ghorepani
• Continue on the route east to Ban Thanti
• Follow the trail further east to Tadapani
• Descend north towards Chuile village
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Chuile

Day 07: Trek to Jhinu Danda Hot Springs (1,780m/ 5,840ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Start by crossing the Kimrong Khola River
• Take the trail eastwards to Jhinu Danda
• Check in to the guesthouse
• Enjoy the natural and healing hot water springs
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Jhinu Danda

Day 08: Trek to Landruk (1,565m/ 5,135ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Start by making the crossing over the Kimrong Khola River
• Take the trail leading to New Bridge
• Cross the Modi Khola to Himalpani
• Now follow the Modi Khola downstream to Bhirkuna
• Continue gradualy upwards to Landruk village
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Landruk

Day 09: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,365ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Start by crossing the Modhi Khola River heading west
• Make a slow ascend to Ghandruk
• Visit the Gurung Musuem
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Ghandruk

Day 10: Trek to Kimche 1,640m/ 5,381ft + drive back to Pokhara

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Take a short descending trail to Kimche
• Pick up and drive back to Pokhara
• Arrive back at Pokhara and hotel check in
• Rest of the day is free
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Pokhara

Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Drive back to Kathmandu
• As you reach to Kathmandu, transfer to and hotel check-in
• Evening farewell dinner to celebrate your successful Poon Hill trek
• Stay overnight in your hotel at Kathmandu
• End of the trip

Trip highlights:

• Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu’s most known landmarks
• Enjoy a scenic trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
• Sunrise view from Poon Hill
• Visit and stay overnight at traditional guesthouses
• See breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalayas
• Trek on one of Nepal’s most popular and beautiful trekking trails
• Visit the local Gurung Museum
• Enjoy the hot water springs at Jhinu Danda

Package Inclusion

• Three times meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner while trekking).
• Guide/porters salaries, Their’s insurance, food, and accommodation.
• 2nights hotel at Kathmandu and 2nights hotel at Pokhara with a B/B plan and basic lodge while trekking.
• Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Permit
• Ground transport (pick up and drop airport).

Package Exclusion

• International flight and visas charge.
• Food while in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
• Kathmandu-Pokhara Domestic flight.
• Personal members insurance (we suggested, you should do insurance in your country) .
• Rescue operation or emergency evacuation.
• Private vehicle.
• Soft/hard drinks like mineral water, cold drink, alcohol boiled water, etc.
• Tips for staff.

Can I make the Poon Hill trek itinerary shorter?

Yes, you can make the Poon Hill trek itinerary shorter by skipping the hot springs at Jhinu Danda and heading from Tadapani straight to Ghandruk. Narba Treks includes the natural hot water springs as its nearby the traditional route and offers a greater experience for just 2 days extra.

Is it possible to see the sunset as well during the Poon Hill trek?

It is possible to see the sunset during the Poon Hill trek, for this you’ll have to make good time reaching Ghorepani. If you are interested in seeing a sunset view, it’s important to get an early start from Tikhedhunga and inform your guide as well.

What type of permits do I need for the Poon Hill trek?

There are only two documents required for the Poon Hill trek in Nepal. One is called the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit or ACAP, the other is a Trekkers Information Management Systems Card or TIMS Card. Both of these are included within Narba Treks’ Poon Hill trek package and will be prepared for you.

Can I extend my stay in Pokhara during the Poon Hill trek?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Pokhara during the Poon Hill trek. Pokhara offers incredible sightseeing places as well as exciting activities such as bungee jumping and paragliding. Narba Treks is more than happy to extend your stay and book your required activities for an even better experience of Nepal!

Do I have to pay any tips during the Poon Hill trek?

Altough not obligatory in Nepal, tipping is a great part of the sources of income for guides, drivers and porters. While nobody will force you to tip, it is a common practice and shows appreciation for a service well performed. All of Narba Treks staff get fair wages as well as benefits, tipping during the Poon Hill trek should only be done if you are comfortable in the act!