Arrival
You will arrive either by air or land to Nepal for your Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan. If you arrive in Nepal by air, you have to use only Tribhuvan International Airport. Instead, if you use the road, you can enter or arrive in Nepal by land, you can different borders of Neighboring countries (India and China) like Jogbani, Raksaul, Sunauli, Nepaljung, Dhangadi, Birjung, Kakarvitta, Jhapa, Morang, Tatopani, Tinker, Rasuawagadi, Kimanthanka etc. You can use whichever entrances you like to suit your comfort and convenience.
On Arrival, you will have the on-arrival visa instantly if you have not applied for Nepal visa for Nepal through the consulate center or Nepal Embassies near you or your city. Within half an hour, you can get an instant authentic visa on your passport after producing all the required documents for the visa.
Tourist Visa Nepal
A tourist Visa is on arrival visa in Nepal. It means tourists who are visiting Nepal can get the visas instantly on arrival at International Airports by producing all required documents. It’s a quick and not a delayed process. TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) under the Department of Immigration has been facilitating tourists flying to Nepal by providing visas on Arrival. The 'On Arrival' visa procedure is very quick and simple. Within 5-10 minutes, you will get a visa on your passport. However, You can expect some queues during peak Tourist season (Autumn-Sep-Nov). If you wish to skip those queues, you can also consider getting a Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed abroad before your arrival. If you have possible, we recommend you obtain a visa before you enter Nepal from the diplomatic missions located nearby you so that you don’t need to bear any hassles during the process of obtaining a tourist-visa-Nepal on arrival for your choice.
Transfer to Hotel
The majority of people/trekkers enter Nepal by air and that is via Tribhuvan International Airport. We receive you at the arrival of any entry point of Nepal or mainly at Tribhuvan International Airport without any delay according to your arrival time. It may take some time like 30 minutes to collect your luggage and for security checking at the airport. After that, you make your way to the exit of the airport and the Haven Holidays Pvt. Ltd. Representative will be waiting there holding the Board Witten Haven Holidays Pvt. Ltd As you see the board, you have to go with him or her and we will make a very comfortable transfer to the hotel you are staying overnight. The transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport and Thamel, the hotel where you are staying will take just 30 minutes drive.
Most of the trekkers/tourists stay in Thamel, Nepal's number 1 tourist Hub and it easily accessible from TIA.
Get checked in the hotel take a rest and get refreshed. We will give you the time for orientation after you get checked into the hotel.
Orientation
As you are given the time when you get checked in the hotel regarding your Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan, you will be followed by our staff for the orientation. It may be on the same day or later the next day early in the morning at breakfast. We will briefly let you know the trip you are undertaking from the next day or the same day onwards. You will be stated about the highlights of the trip, preparations, equipment, food and accommodation, guide and porter, emergency, travel insurance and many other important things to know beforehand.
We will introduce you to the trip crew and have a brief talk with them so that you can feel more comfortable during the trip.
If you have any queries, you can put them in this orientation meeting before you depart for your Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan.
Last Minute Booking
Last-minute booking is always open for you but the same package tends to be a little more costly than the regular departure dates trip packages. Those who approach for last minute booking with us; must pay a 10% additional cost of the total trip cost mentioned on our website.
You can book the trip you like on our website even a day before the trip begins.
If you are lucky, then, the last minute may be a golden opportunity for you to get the same price or even less than that if one of the members of the trip gives up and withdraws the trip plan at the eleventh hour. So, if you are late to book the trip you like to do with us, no worries, you still have the option and we will try our level best to make your trip as successful and grand as other normal trips.
Don’t hesitate to hit the booking button at the eleventh hour, we are always open and here to organize your vacation trips in Nepal.
Trip Extension
We are always flexible and open to the extension of the Poon Hill Luxury Trek with Chitwan you are undertaking. If you enjoy the trip you are doing, you can extend it to longer days or longer hours. But, for this, you must contact us one day prior so that we can arrange the required things like trip crew, accommodation, transportation and other minor needy things for your extended trip. If you let us know a day earlier directly or through the trip crew you are using in the field/route like through your trip leader, you will have a beautiful time ahead. For the extension of the trip, you must add some little additional cost which we will settle in mutual understanding.
Currency Exchange
You can exchange your currency even in the Tribhuvan International Airport at your arrival or you can exchange it after you check in at the hotel in Thamel or other several places of Kathmandu, trekking beginning points as well. You can find several money exchange counters in different corners of Thamel city. If you are in a rush and cannot do this, you can pay USD, AUD or CAD to the people whom you need to pay for your accommodation, food, trip costs, tipping etc. You can even exchange your currency with Nepali currency in Pokhara and Chitwan, and even the hotels and restaurants will agree to exchange your currency with Nepal too. But, you need to have your currency like USD, AUD or CAD. Even Indian currency does work in Nepal while paying but only Rs.100 rupees not 500 and 1000. You can pay with your currency with the current exchange rate wherever you go in Nepal.
Haven Holidays Team
Haven Holidays Team is very professional, reliable and responsible. You can completely on them. They are well-trained, friendly and highly literate in their respective languages. You can share anything you like with them without any hesitation. They know local culture, civilization, history, foods and accommodation, weather conditions, expert in first-aid application and how to handle the sudden accidents on the trip. They are eco-friendly and better understand the non-human's rights and their lives.
The Haven Holidays Team will assist you in every step of your trip to make it memorable and more convenient.
The team you are using for your Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan is very professional, experienced and will try their best to make your entire trip more exciting and lifetime memorable.
Luggage and Storage
If you are hiring a porter for your Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan in the mountains for 2-3 days, you can pack no more than 10 kg. in the duffel bag or your backpack. We provide you with a very reliable duffel bag to put your stuff to be carried on the trip. It will be very safe to be carried by a porter. Because it is the labour rule that a porter can only maximum of 20kgs in the mountain. Please, don’t pack unnecessary stuff in the duffel bag. Two people one porter put 10kg of stuff by each individual.
If you think you don’t need the stuff you have with you in the mountains, you can store it at the hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara. They will keep your unnecessary luggage/stuff very safe till your return back. Ask your trip leader or hotel receptionist to do it for you before you depart for the trip. Take the luggage tag while storing the unnecessary luggage.
You have to present the luggage tags you have obtained to collect the stored luggage back from the hotel in Kathmandu. Collect all the luggage stored at the hotel in Kathmandu beforehand you leave the country or city.
Meals
Meals will be provided according to the itinerary and cost includes and cost excludes. If you are given the itinerary or cost like including BB only, you will be provided breakfast only and if you have booked the trip package including a full-board meal, you will get all the meals including breakfast, dinner and lunch. Apart from main meals, if you have extra tea, coffee, cold drinks and other alcoholic drinks, you have to pay them personally.
During the trip, you will be given enough time to have a meal. You can enjoy the meal you like from the menu. Vegan, Vegetarian?? If you are vegetarian, you will still find the choice in the menu and our guide will take good care of you through Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan.
You will have your meal at the lodge/local guesthouse, hotel or resort during the trip. You are supposed to have the meal where you stay overnight in the mountain during the Poon Hill Trek before you go to Chitwan as it is the rule of the local people.
Sometimes, you may not get the item you want in the mountain during the trekking trip/touring trip, at the time; you have to consider it very calmly.
You will enjoy freshly cooked meals in the mountain during the trip days with local ingredients. You can get all types of food items in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan but you may not get such types in Poon Hill. Choose the item you like to enjoy from the menu and enjoy them.
Trek Starts
We drive to Pokhara with Luxury Tourist bus for 6-7 hours along the Prithvi Highway alongside Trishuli River till you get to Mugling and then to Dumre and Damauli and finally to Pokhara. Enjoy cool and serene Lakeside Pokhara with beautiful souvenirs shops and restaurants.
The next day, after breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara, you will take a 1-hour drive from Pokhara to Birethanti. Birethnti is a small village in the Kaski District of Nepal, Located in the Annapurna Conservation Area. It serves as an entry point for trekking heading into the Annapurna Region, particularly those starting the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (Annapurna Base Camp), and Ghorepani Trek. Birethanti is situated at the confluence of the Modi Khola and Burundi Khola making it a picturesque spot with a riverside view and lush greenery. It’s a peaceful and charming stopover for trekkers to rest and enjoy the natural beauty of the area before continuing their journey deeper into the Annapurna Region.
Electricity
You will get a good and undisturbed facility of electricity during the trip to Nepal. Even though you go to the mountain for trekking and other adventure activities, you can get the facility of electricity to charge your phones and backups. However, in some cases, you may have to face the problem of load-shedding and the local lodges and some places guesthouses may charge you some amount to charge your batteries, backups and phones in remote areas trekking. There won’t be an electricity heating system in the mountain while doing trekking or other adventure activities.
You are doing this trip in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan and you will enjoy luxury accommodation with electricity heating and cooling system. But, you may not get such type of accommodation in Poonhill and Ghorepani. You can carry your gadgets and enjoy them with an undistubed electricity supply.
Drinking Water
Drinking water must be pure, safe and contamination-free. You can get bottled or purified drinking water during the trip even in the mountains which is very safe for you to drink. The majority of the people who make trekking or adventure trips in the mountains go with boiled water which is prepared by the local lodges/guesthouses on the trail which is the best way to keep you safe from contaminated water. However, some people carry water purifying ingredients and they apply it to the drinking water and they drink it. But, don’t try to drink the water from the Local River, stream and taps. The bottled water you can buy along the trek in the guesthouse.
You will use mostly bottled water while trekking up to Poonhill from Pokhara and while being in the cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. The hotels also will provide you pure and safe drinking water.
Communication
You can enjoy excellent facilities of communication in Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. However, in the case of the trekking trip in the mountains, you may not be able to have such kind of facility as in the cities. But, most of the local teahouses/lodges/guesthouses/ hotels on the trail will offer you the facility of Wi-fi. Sometimes, you get it for free and sometimes, you may have to pay for the installation of Wi-fi during the trip in the mountains, means during Poonhill Trek.
The best way to access good communication over your smartphone is to get a local Nepali SIM Card like NT and NCELL. You get these local Nepali SIM Cards easily in Kathmandu and even in International Airport, Tribhuvan International Airport. For this, you have to present a copy of your passport and a passport-sized- photograph. You can buy a data pack via this local SIM Card and you make a very good communication. You can make a call, and access the internet over it.
Trek Ends
Ending your trek at Sayauli Bazaar allows you to soak in the local culture, interact with residents, and perhaps even explore nearby attractions before bidding farewell to the beautiful Annapurna region. Sayauli Bazaar is often the endpoint for various treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It's a bustling market town located in the Kaski District, surrounded by lush green hills and terraced fields. Trekkers often conclude their journeys here before heading back to Pokhara or other destinations. From Sayauli Bazaar, the Haven Holidays team arrange transportation back to Pokhara or continue your journey to other destinations like Chitwan and again back to Kathmandu.
Feedback
You can give feedback about Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan you have undertaken at the end of Kathmandu. You can visit our office or you can do it in the farewell dinner we organize. Your feedback about the trip will always be taken positively. We need it to grow and sharpen our services and facilities in the coming days.
If you cannot attend the farewell dinner at the end of the trip in Kathmandu or you don’t have time to visit our office, you can write your feedback on the trip advisor page which will be more reliable and public.
Trek Extra Personal Expenses
How prodigal you are? Your trek extra personal expenses depend on it. If you love doing extra expenses on the trip, you will go to topics like alcoholic drinks, extra tea or coffee apart from the meal, tipping, some minor donations, extra snacks on the trail, some urgent personal stuff like clothing or any other equipment you immediately require on the trip in case it gets damaged or stop functioning. And, at the end of the trek, you have to give some tips to your trekking crew. For this, you have to allocate some dollars or Nepali currency.
You are mostly doing city tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan and you may like to pick up the souvenirs and any kind of clothing you like, allocate some budget for this. The only trekking you are doing is Poonhill Trek 3 days.
Typical Day
The typical trip day begins with a good breakfast. You will have breakfast at around 7-8 am and begin the day after it. Then, you will have to work/walk for 3-4 hours after breakfast and you will stop for lunch. The lunchtime will be around an hour. You will order your lunch item and the restaurant/hotel/teahouse will cook for you. Sometimes, you may have to wait for some time if the restaurant or hotel is crowded. You can find the item you want in the menu prepared by the local lodge/restaurant/hotel. If you are vegetarian, no worries, you can still find the ways.
After lunch, you will resume your work/trek/trip again and end it in the after like around 3-4 pm. After that, you will check in the hotel/guesthouse/teahouse and get refreshed. Take rest, change clothing and go for dinner at around 6-7 pm. Your leader will help you to order the meals you like. At the dinner, your leader will share the important information for the next day’s trip and you can raise the question regarding it. The leader will orient you on what to wear, how to walk, what to carry and where to eat. Follow the instructions from the guide/leader very well in order to make your Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan safer, more exciting and more memorable.
Why with Haven Holidays?
- Free Booking and Free Cancelation
- Veteran Crew Members
- Enhancing Eco-Tourism
- Prompt response, full safety and comfort guaranteed.
- No hidden cost
- Flexible
- Cost Friendly
- Wider Networks
- Expert in risk management
Booking, Cancellation and Refund
If you want to book the trip featured by us, you require settling the 25 % payment of total trip cost. However, if you are in rush and instantly plan your trip to Nepal, then, you can make the trip payment by visiting our office in Nepal as well but we need a confirmation email prior to it.
In case you cannot do the booked trip in the timeframe you wanted for some reasons, you have the right to postpone it. Even if you cannot do the trip after the postponement, you can transfer the same trip or other in exchange to your family, relatives and friends.
But for Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan or other any trip in Annapurna region, the cancellation must be made 2 months prior as we have already booked the accommodation, transportation and domestic flights in order to make your trip more consistent and convenient.
But, sorry to state that no refund will be made for the exchange of booked trip with us. We are ready to wait for months and years for your right time to do the booked trip in Nepal. Be confident that we won’t spoil your booked trip.
Travel insurance
Travel Insurance is a must thing to fix before the departure for a particular trip. In case you face sudden and unpleasant incident during the trip, you may need recue evacuation and medical expenses. For that, you must have travel insurance. Actually, life is more important than your trip. As long as you have life, you have everything. So that, have a authentic travel insurance that covers all rescue evacuation and medication expenses in case you have got some nasty accidents during the trip.
If you have got some idea about travel insurance and the companies who do travel insurance for you, you can go with them, otherwise, you can search on Google and will easily get the travel insurance companies who will help you doing insurance for your trip.
Hot Shower
Actually, a warm or hot shower makes you refresh and offers your new energy during the trip and it is also very necessary. If you are travelling in the city area in Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, you will easily get the facility of hot shower. But, if you are making a trip in mountain also it may not difficult to get hot shower during the trip now a days. However, local lodge and guesthouse will provide you hot shower with cooking gas and solar panel. If you want to do enjoy the hot shower in the mountain, you can ask the local lodge owner to manage it or your trekking/tour leader can manage it for you. You may have to pay some extra for your hot shower during your Poon Hill Trek but not in the cities, Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan.
Why Poonhill Luxury Trek with Chitwan with Haven Holidays?
- Expert and professional local guides
- Flexible trekking crew
- Better understanding of weather condition and local culture
- Immediate Rescue in case of emergency
- Better Accommodation Food
- Eco- Friendly and Sustainability
- Expert in Communication
Additional Information
What I expect at Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek?
Begin your Ghorepani Poonhill Trek from Kathmandu with a drive or domestic flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will head for Nayapool then to Ulleri or Banthanti with Poonhill Jeep Ride. The drive from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti takes 2.30 hrs.
Begin the Poonhill Trek officially from Ulleri or Banthanti where the jeep is located. Or optionally, you can begin it from Birethanti which is a classical Poonhill Trek.
You will traverse through spectacular trekking trail through local settlements, natural water falls, mountain summits, chortens and colorful prayer flags. You will enjoy walking through massive and grand Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area of the world. You will enjoy experiencing all diverse and rare species of flora and fauna including black bear, musk deer and Himalayan Thar.
Enjoy ascending to Ghorepani (2900m) and Poonhill(3200m) through Nangethanti and Lower Ghorepani Village. Ghorepani and Poonhill and have the thrills of adventure being entirely surrounded by all snow-fed mountain peaks including entire Annapurna mountain range, Machhapuchhre Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.
Enjoy local authentic cuisines al local lodge and guesthouse with local people. Also, you can have the delights of staying overnight at local lodges and teahouse in Ghorepani. Taste the foods items which are freshly cooked with all organic local ingredients.
Walk 6 hours in average in a day covering 10-12 kilometers in Poonhill Trek. Encounter some steep climbs and steep descents along the trek while ascending from Banthanti to Ghorepani and walking down to Banthanti from Deurali and another steep climb from Riverside to Tadapani village.
Enjoy exploring the largest and massive Gurung People’s village, Ghandruk, with traditional houses, museums, local authentic cuisines, German Bakery and many other facilities like Banks, ATMS and restaurants.
Explore Pokhara, the city blessed with freshwater lakes like Phewa and Begnas, Davis Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, World Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot Shiva Statue and Talbarahi Temple.
Celebrate your Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek which formally ends in Pokhara with clubs, pubs, souvenirs collections and enjoying your favorite dishes in your favorite restaurants.
What I expect from Haven Holidays in Poonhill Trek ?
Haven Holidays will provide you a very professional and highly experienced trekking crew all round the Poonhill Trek. The will be very knowledgeable and informative regarding mountain peaks, local culture, foods and accommodation in Ghorepani- Poonhill Trek, weather and the possible challenges on the trail and altitude sickness. Moreover, they have very deep knowledge about Annapurna Conservation and the diverse species of flora and fauna. The Haven Holidays Trekking crew will be great communicators so that you can communicate with them very well and can share the things the way you like in Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek. The Haven Holidays Trekking Team will altogether assist you in every step of your walk during the trip.
We provide you sleeping bag, trekking poles and Haven Holidays T-shirt or Cap as a gift. We provide you a world class services including meals, accommodation and transportation all round Annapurna Base Camp Trek so that you can feel safer and can enjoy Poonhill Trek in more exciting way. In case of emergency, we will be there in no time to rescue and proceed for the further medical treatment.
A Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara will be of 6 hours along the Prithvi Highway covering 201 km. This drive will be with luxury tourist bus with full AC. If you want, you can go with private jeep or car as well. The cost for private car and jeep will be higher than luxury bus ride for Pokhara from Kathmandu.
The tourist bus station is located at Kaldhara near Thamel. Kaldhara is 10 minutes walk from center of Thamel.
Pass through Kathmandu valley, drive past Thankot, a hill station and Chandragiri Cable Car and you will love this drive through country villages and landscapes. You begin to drive alongside of Trishuli River which is very popular for river rafting in Nepal.
You will have lunch on the way to Pokhara at Mungling Area. There are plenty of restaurants for lunch and snacks on the Pruthvi Highway. You will also have tea/coffee/light snacks and toilet breaks on the way to Pokhara.
You will pass Mungling, AAnboo Khaireni, Bandipur, Dumre and Damauli before approaching Pokhara.
Arrive at the tourist bus station in Pokhara and transfer to the hotel buy private car or jeep.
A flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is only for 25 minutes. The flight takes off from Kathmandu airport, domestic terminal and heads for Pokhara. On the way to Pokhara, one can witness magnificent mountain peaks and landscapes including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The flights will be operated by Buddha Air, Sita Air, and Yeti Air, Simrik Air and Shree Air.
It will be very exciting and safe to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara to escape 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara with heavy traffic on the way.
A Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti
The trekkers, these days, can have the access of jeep ride to Ulleri/Banthanti from Pokhara directly to begin their Poonhill Trek. One can get this jeep service and the ticket at Harichowk near Bindhyabasini Temple. The drive is total 27 km long and it takes around 3-4 hours as the condition of rural road is not good as you are approaching to Ulleri/ Banthanti. However, the drive is very safe with well-maintained four-wheel jeep and experienced drivers. On the, you will pass through Hemja, Naudanda, Nayapool, Birethanti, Matathanti, Sudame, Hile and Tikhedhunga. You will love this drive along the country road with greenery all round, Modi Khola and local settlements and picturesque landscapes.
One can get two types of jeep services drive from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti. These are: Private Jeep and Sharing Jeep. If you go with sharing jeep, you have share the jeep with other 6-7 people and if you want to go with Private jeep, you can leave Pokhara anytime you like and you don’t have to share the jeep with other people. It ups to you whether to share the jeep or not.
Popular Places/Destinations you explore During Poonhill Trek
Pokhara
Pokhara city largely fed by freshwater lakes and spectacular mountain panoramas is a popular tourist hub in Nepal located at the lap of Annapurna Mountain panoramas. Both domestic and international tourist love tasting Pokhara spending at least a couple of days. You can visit and explore Phewa Lake with Talbarahi Temple in the middle of it, Davis Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, Seti Gorge, Begnas Lake, Chamere (bat) Cave, Bindhyabasini Temple, World Peace Stupa and Pumdikot Shiva Statue. Besides, trekkers can also go to visit Mountain Museum and Tibetan Refugee Camp where you can collect some special souvenirs of special woolen things.
Along with this, you can go up to Sarangkot for mountain views including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal and giant Manaslu with spectacular sunrise.
Also, one can do adventurous activities in Pokhara like paragliding, Zip Flyer, Avia-Ultra Light flying, bungee jumping and boating in Phewa Lake.
Driving to Begnas Lake and staying a couple of days there will be a spectacular experience for you when you are in Pokhara.
Ghorepani Village (2800m)
Ghorepani Village is the last village settlement with lodges and hotels during Poonhill Trek. The village is located at an elevation of 2800m above the sea level. It serves spectacular views of mountain peaks inlcduing Machhapuchhre, Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. People stay overnight at lodges in Ghorepani Village and climb Poonhill next morning or even some people climb it in the evening.
The trekkers who are doing Poonhill Trek make Ghorepani Village as the base camp of Poonhill. Ghorepani also paves the way to Tatopani and Jomsom for Mustang and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The village accessible by jeep, car, motorcycle drive from Tatopani directly but not from Pokhara via Ulleri and Banthanti. The road from Ulleri and Banthanti to Ghorepani is very rough and it is not possible to drive in Ghorepani from Ulleri and Banthanti.
Nowadays, Ghorepani Village has luxury accommodations, all varieties of foods including continental, spa and massage and even money exchangers.
Poonhill (3200m)
Poonhill is the last, highest and the final destination of Poonhill Trek. The top of the Poonhill is located at an elevation of 3200m above the sea level offering the people spectacular views of mountain summits including Annapurna mountain range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli and Manaslu. Also, the top of the Poonhill is perfect destination for performing yoga and meditation in the early morning and in the evening. Poonhill is directly facing towards Annapurna Himalayan Range, Dhaulagiri and spectacular Machhapuchhre. There is not such mountain viewpoint like Poonhill in whole Annapurna Region.
Ghandruk Village ( 2012m)
Ghandruk Village is the largest Ghurung People’s ( an Indigenous people in Nepal) with age-old civilization and culture. The village has all typical Nepalese houses with slope roofs and most of the houses are lodges and guesthouse for the travelers. The local people will cook the authentic local ethnic foods for the travelers and offer them in a distinct way. The village has more than 200 houses with different ethnic and indigenous museums. You can visit museums, enjoy local authentic foods; enjoy the view of Mt. Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. People, normally, stay couple of nights to explore this village while they are in Nepal for their vacations. Ghandruk Village will be an ideal destination to stay at least a couple of days to maximum one week. Even, people can enjoy authentic German Bakery in Ghandruk village with cool and fresh air of mountains including Machhapuchhre and Annapurna.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Annapurna conservation Area is the largest protected area of the world serving the travelers various opportunity to observe the diverse species of flora and fauna including Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, antelope, langoor, several species of birds and plants like pine, fir, rhododendron, pine, birch and juniper.
You enter into Annapurna conservation Area from Birethanti through Nayapool for your Poonhill Trek and make an exit from the same place.
The Annapurna Conservation Area covers the total area of 7,629 sq. km abode to over 100,000 residents of different cultural and linguistic groups. People travelling through Annapurna conservation Area can hugely be benefitted with wider and comprehensive understandings and experiences of local culture, history, civilization, language, authentic local cuisines, diverse wildlife and plants’ lives. Poonhill Trek is entirely based in Annapurna Conservation Area beginning from Birethanti and taking you to Poonhill and ends at Nayapool/Birethanti again before you drive back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.
Poonhill Trek- Is this right for you ?
Poonhill Trek is an easy hike up to the to the top of Poonhill(3200m) as the final destination. Ascending up to 3200m in the mountain is taken as an easy hike. So, Poonhill Trek is an easy trek in Annapurna region near Pokhara in Nepal for the fresher and beginners. You know what people do? People who are planning their moderate or challenging treks in Nepal, do and experience Poonhill trek first and go for other adventurous treks in Nepal like Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.
One doesn’t require any kind of special skills of hiking and trekking for Poonhill Trek. One can accomplish and achieve victory over Poonhill Trek without any hiking and trekking skills. However, one requires doing regular joggings, walks and regular exercises like aerobics and cardio. Moreover, outdoor sports like football, volleyball, tennis, badminton and other outdoor activities help you in your Poonhill Trek. There is no any kind of threats of high altitude sickness in Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.
The Poonhill Trekking Trail
The Poonhill Trekking Trail is entirely based in Annapurna Conservation Area beginning from Ulleri or Banthanti (2200m) or some people like to begin it from Birethanti as well as they love classical Poonhill Trek, taking you to Ghorepani and finally Poonhill and takes you back to the same destination, Birethanti/Nayapool to end the hiking officially. The Poonhill Trekking Trail is not technical; it is easy all round the trip. It seems an easy hike covering at least 10-12 kilometers distance each day with working hours 6 in average. The Poonhill Trekking Trail is safe; no threats of avalanches and landslides and even no threats of wild animals of Annapurna Conservation Area.
The Poonhill Trekking Trail is mostly through the pine, birch, juniper, fir and rhododendron and local villages with teahouses and lodges. If you go Ghandruk and Poonhill in Spring, you will enjoy magnificent rhododendron flowering in different seven colors which entirely blankets the Poonhill Trekking Trail till from Ulleri/Banthanti to Ghandruk Village.
Sometimes, the steep descent from Deurali to Banthanti will be challenging for the trekkers as it is a steep descent for 2-3 hours, Otherwise, there is no any challenging trekking trails in Poonhill Trek.
The Poonhill Trekking Trails passes through Nayapool, Birethanti, Ulleri, Banthanti, Ghandruk, Deurali, Banthanti and Ghandruk Villages before coming back to Pokhara.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is also known as Poonhill Circuit Trek among the trekkers.
Note: Some people like walking down to Banthanti/Ulleri directly from Ghorepani after visiting Poonhill and end their Poonhill Trek in two days from Pokhara to Pokhara. It also can be done if you like.
Cultural Highlights on Poonhill Trek
- Meet local people and interact with them
- Be familiar with local life style of the people located on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Trail
- Participate in celebrations of major festivals of Nepali People like Dashain and Tihar if you are travelling in Autumn( Sep-Nov)
- Enjoy having authentic local dishes prepared the local ethnic people on the trail
- Visit and explore Pokhara’s cultural and religious places like World Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot Shiva Statue, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, Bindhyabasini Temple and Talbarahi Temple.
- Natural Highlights on Poonhill Trek
- Ascend and step at Ghorepani Village (2800m) and the top of Poonhill(3200m) and celebrate this adventurous victory
- Walk through Annapurna Conservation Area and experience diverse species of wildlife and plants including Himalayan Thar and musk deer
- Witness and capture mesmerizing mountain views including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli and Manaslu
- Traverse through deep woods, cascading waterfalls, winding rivers and streams, local villages and spectacular landscapes
- Enjoy exploring Pokhara city with Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Davis Fall and Seti River Gorge
- Taste authentic local cuisines staying with local people’s lodges
- Visit and explore Ghadruk Village with museums and cultural dresses
- Enjoy German Bakery at Ghandruk
The Guide and Porter For Poonhill Trek .
The guide and porter you hire for Poonhill Trek will be our own trekking crew and Haven Holidays Team. They are very professional, helpful and caring all the time. You can ask help in need whenever you require and they will be very delighted to help you. They are fully authorized with valid license to lead the trekkers/travelers in the mountain and in the city.
The team of guide and porter we provide you are well-known to local culture, accommodation, foods, elevation trekking distance per day, different breaks (water, toilets, tea/coffee and light snacks, lunch etc) during the day-walk, first-aid applications, acute mountain sickness, rescue if necessary and arrangement of transportation during the trek. The team who you are with is eco-friendly and great communicators. You can enjoy merrymaking and share your things if you like.
If you are confident that you can carry your stuffs during your Poonhill Trek, you don’t need to hire porter. However, it is suggested to hire porter for your Poonhill Trek to ease and make it more convenient in carrying your luggage.
Emergency Evacuation/Rescue in Poonhill Trek
There is no any kind of threats of high altitude sickness in Poonhill Trek as it takes you 3200m as the highest point of the trek which is the top of Poonhill. In case you are critically suffered of any causes while ascending to Ghorepani and Poonhill or anywhere on the Poonhill Trek trail, you will immediately be rescued by the helicopter or jeep and admitted at the hospital of Pokhara City or Kathmandu Valley and begin the further treatment. For this, you must allow your trekking partner/ trekking company and your guide to call the helicopter/jeep by presenting authentic travel insurance that covers all rescue and treatment expenses.
Important Note
It is very important to consider whether to go with bus ride to Pokhara from Kathmandu and back or by air. If you have an important schedule and important thing to do right after and before your Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek, it is recommended to go with domestic flight to and from Pokhara. Another big issue will be the issue of heavy traffic on Prithvi Highway and the 6 hours drive from and to Pokhara may prolong like 10-12 hours sometimes. Again, if you have travel sickness, please try your best to escape this 6-8 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
Another important thing to consider is: Poonhill Trek is an easy hike in Nepal in Annapurna region near Pokhara city. There is no age bar for Poonhill Trek. Even the beginners and fresher can do Poonhill Trek successfully without any interruptions and obstacles.
Safety Measures for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Carry Comprehensive First-Aid Kit
- Carry Right and Reliable Trekking Gears ( not comprehensive, just few but reliable)
- Listen to your Trekking leader and follow his/her instructions properly
- Stay hydrated and have balanced diet
- Stay calm, cool and confident
- Try to avoid alcohol and smoking if you can during the walking days
- Drink safe water (bottled and properly boiled)
- Address any serious health issue beforehand the trek by consulting your personal physician or if you have got it on the trail if you have got any immediately
- Share your problems with your trekking leader on the trail if you get any.
Ask for helicopter/jeep rescue if you think that you are in critical condition. If you have the symptoms of acute mountain sickness and if it gets sever, try to walk down to lower elevations and apply first aid procedures.
What I like most about Poonhill Trek?
Personally, what like most about Poonhill Trek is ascending and stepping at the top of Poonhill and capturing giant Annapurna Massif, alluring Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and massive Dhaulagiri with stunning sunrise early in the morning. Along with this, one can enjoy the walk through Annapurna Conservation Area with diverse species of flora and fauna. Moreover, trekkers will find Pokhara city as paradise for relaxation and refreshment. If the trekkers want, they can enjoy massage and spa at Ghorepani village and do relaxing meditation and yoga at the top of Poonhill. Performing yoga and meditation directly facing towards snow-covered mountain peaks will be breathtaking experience in Poonhill Trek.
Tipping for Guide and Porter
Tipping for your guide and porter is not mandatory in Poonhill Trek but they expect something extra from you after they work hard for you. Isn’t it? You’d better prepare USD 5-10 per day per individual guide and porter. But, it doesn’t mean that you have to do the same as we recommend you. You reward them with some handsome tipping as well if you are fully satisfied. Sometimes, you don’t need to reward them with tipping if they don’t take a good care of you and try to spoil your trip with some unnecessary personal benefits and interests. Nevertheless, tipping ( little or more) seems to be mandatory in present world while doing a vacation trip.
Meals Available on Poonhill Trek
You will enjoy, mostly, freshly cooked local cuisines during Poonhill Trek. The local teahouse and lodges will offer you very authentic local cuisines like tsampa, porridge, Tibetan bread, yak meat items, locally grown vegetables and fruits, etc. They also offer some continental, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and popular dishes during the trek as mentioned on their food menu. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no problem, you will have various items of meals in Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and for this, you require informing your trek leader before the trek commences. You can have good, hygienic and freshly cooked meals in Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk in your Poonhill Trek.
You can cook on your own at local lodges while staying overnight during the trip in the mountain on the condition that you won’t disturb and if the kitchen is not crowded if you have this hobby. You can carry the instant noodles and can prepare in your room during your Poonhill Trek. The meals you have on your Poonhill Trek will be freshly cooked and very hygienic in order to ensure your balanced diet and hygiene. Pick up the item from food menu prepared by local lodges and teahouses and ask them to prepare it for you.
Temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill Trek
The temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill is normally negative in peak of the winter months ( Dec, Jan and Feb) and you have to prepare accordingly. The actual temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill ranges between positive 18 to negative 5 degree Celsius. Though the temperature of Ghorepani and Poonhill rises to 18 degree Celsius in the sunny day and it drops down to neagtive5 at night in winter months and one may face heavy snowfall as well if you go to Ghorepani and Poonhill in pre and post winter months/days ( Early Dec and late Feb). It seems almost impossible to ascend to Poonhill in the peak of the winter as Ghorepani and Poonhill are entirely covered with snow and people cannot stay longer there at the top of Poonhill during the peak of the winter months. However , it will be a very delightful moments to play with freshly fallen snow at Ghorepani and Poonhill during winter months. So, people love travelling to Poonhill in winter months.
Temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill in Autumn (Sep-Nov) ranges between positive 18 to 5 degree Celsius.
Temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill in Spring (Mar- May) ranges between positive 20 to 7 degree Celsius.
Trekkers who are going to Poonhill are advised to prepare accordingly by consulting their trekking leader and trekking company beforehand. Actually, in Autumn and Spring, trekkers don’t need sleeping bags and if you are travelling to Poonhill in winter, you require carrying your own sleeping bags.
Best Itinerary for Poonhill Trek
The best Itinerary for Poonhill Trek is 7 day Poonhill Trek. This 7 day Poonhill Trek Itinerary has 2 days for driving/flying to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu in the beginning and the end of Poonhill Trek. 2 days will be for your arrival and departure. 3 days will be for real trekking and half a day will be for Pokhara sightseeing and refreshment tours.
Begin your Poonhill trek from Ulleri and you will ascend to Ghorepani on the first day. The second day, you will ascend to Poonhill and then, you will go to Tadapani, After Tadapani, you will head for Ghandruk to end the real hiking on the third day and drive back to Pokhara. While returning, you will directly drive back to Pokhara and do city sightseeing tour in Pokhara with lake activities in Phewa Lake.
The final two days, the 6th one for driving in Pokhara and the 7th day will be driving back to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
This way, you can enjoy your Poonhill Trek with all activities you want to do in both mountains and in the cities like in Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Poonhill and Kathmandu and Pokhara. We really don’t need any acclimatization day for Poonhill Trek as it is an easy trek for the beginners and we are not going above 4000 m like in Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Departure
After farewell dinner with our team and the important feedback session, we will comfortably drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport and to any other destination you want for your exit to your homeland or for the commencement of another trip. After we drop you to the destination you prefer, you can catch up your international flight and another trip you want. We wish you a very wonderful time ahead.
