Randonnée de yoga sur la colline de Ghorepani Poon

Météo et meilleure saison

Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek can be done in various seasons, but Spring and Autumn are usually the best trekking seasons. The Annapurna region is officially recommended for trekking during March to May and September to November.

The Poon Hill Yoga Trek is enjoyable during springtime when the rhododendrons are in bloom. The weather is typically dry and sunny in the mountains during the fall. Prepared trekkers can also enjoy winter provided the mornings and evenings are cold. Weather is something to take seriously in the monsoon months as it often brings rain, cloud and slippery spots.

Difficulté et mal d'altitude

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a moderate trek. Technical climbing is not required along the trail, but there are numerous stone steps and some steep ascents. Cardio is beneficial – especially the ascent from Ulleri to Ghorepani and the early morning walk to Poon Hill.

The highest point is Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft). This is not a very high altitude trek for the Himalayas, but there are certain symptoms associated with altitude that can be experienced by some visitors.

Common symptoms are headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite and insomnia. Always drink plenty of water, walk at a comfortable pace and don’t rush uphill. Tell your guide right away if the symptoms get worse or if they get more severe. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek must be done at an even pace and NOT as a race.

Assurance, visa et permis pour le voyage

It is highly recommended to take travel insurance for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek. Content of your policy should include trekking activities at the high point of your trip, emergency medical treatment and evacuation when required, etc. Please read the terms and conditions of the policy before travelling as the cover will vary between companies.

Foreign nationals normally require a valid passport and a Nepal tourist visa. The Nepal Department of Immigration currently issues tourist visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport for certain countries, offering a 15-day, 30-day and 90-day visa upon arrival.

Conservation area entry permits and TIMS registration (where required) for the hike should be arranged in advance. Nepal Tourism Board says the use of TIMS and entry fee/permit is mandatory for trekking and protected areas, respectively. Global Adventure is able to arrange the necessary trekking permits.

Entraînement, niveau de forme physique et préparation mentale

Although Poon Hill Yoga Trek does not call for advanced mountaineering abilities, you will need to be able to walk uphill for several hours. Prepare at least several weeks before departure by walking, hiking, cycling, or climbing stairs on a regular basis.

Préparation utile

• Walk for 45 – 90 minutes a few times a week.
• Walk up or climb stairs.
• Do some gentle stretching on your legs, hips, shoulders and back.
• Ramp up the time you can walk, not a dramatic increase.
• Train in your trekking shoes to get accustomed to them.
• Learn to carry a light daypack.

Yoga and breathing exercises may be good for flexibility and relaxation as well. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek offers yoga, pranayama, stretching, sound healing and meditation every day and you are urged to take these activities at a pace that feels comfortable to you.

Mental preparation is also beneficial. There are some repeated stone steps, some rough terrain and some long downhill sections on this trail. When you walk slowly and patiently, it will be easier.

Facteurs de risque lors du trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek is a short trek following the Himalayan Mountains, but all the normal risks of trekking apply. Weather can turn into chaos, trails can get slippery after rain and stone steps can take a lot off the knees.

The key risks to be addressed are:

• Wet surfaces when it rains.
• Improperly leveled stone steps and surfaces.
• The pain is felt in the muscles after coming up hill for long periods.
• No severe symptoms of altitude were reported, but mild symptoms were observed.
• Cool mornings and nights.
• Déshydration
• Tiredness on extended walking.
• Poor health care in mountain villages.

Many common problems can be avoided by wearing the proper footwear and clothing. Follow the guide’s directions and be aware of not walking too fast when going up to the next village. In the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, always consult the weather before starting an early morning trek to the viewpoint.

If feeling unusually unwell, STOP and let the guide know, rather than continue to hike silently.

Santé et sécurité

The health and well-being of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek begins with simple actions. Consume plenty of fluids, have a nutritious dinner, sleep well and stay warm after dark during the cooler months.

Take personal medicines and let the guide know of any medical conditions prior to the trek. The trekking group should also have basic first aid supplies on hand. Sun protection can help because the sun can be stronger at higher altitudes, even if it doesn’t seem warm.

Pratiques de sécurité

• Walk at a pace that suits you and is consistent.
• Use water all day long.
• Wash hands before handling food.
• Apply sun cream and wear sunglasses.
• Follow the directions of your guide.
• Do not walk alone on new parts of the route.
• If feeling poorly, communicate with your guide right away.
• Gardez vos médicaments importants dans votre sac à dos.

There are also relaxation activities in the Poon Hill Yoga Trek, however, yoga should be gentle. Avoid pushing stretches or challenging poses following a challenging walk. Take breaks as needed.

Transports

The transportation for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek starts from Pokhara to Nayapul. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive this route, depending on traffic and the condition of the roads. The trek part of the itinerary begins from Nayapul.

The trail from Nayapul passes through Birethanti to Tikhedhunga, then heads up to Ulleri. Once the trek is over, the trail heads back to Nayapul, from where one gets the jeeps to drive back to Pokhara.

Weather and maintenance of roads in the hills can change. Travel may be delayed or slower during the monsoon period due to the rain.

Normally, transportation is coordinated during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek package. Global Adventure may arrange all necessary transfers to and from the vehicles and can provide pre-trip information regarding meeting and departure locations and times.

Vos dépenses supplémentaires

In the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek package, you may need some extra Nepalese rupees for your expenses.

Some of the extra expenses that one might incur may be hot showers, charging of electronic devices, Wi Fi, bottled drinks, snacks, coffee, laundry and personal shopping. Normally tips for guides, porters, drivers or other supporting staff are not counted towards the package unless explicitly stated.

Consider buying smaller snacks like chocolate, energy snacks, extra toiletries or extra drinks while you are on the journey. Rates tend to be higher in the mountain villages as supplies are required to be brought from lower villages.

Take some cash with you as there is no guarantee of card payment in all the villages before leaving Pokhara. Having hand-held notes is helpful for daily shopping. Generally, the Poon Hill Yoga Trek is an easy budget to manage as the trek is short.

Langue et communication

Along the main trek route, it is common for guides and tourism workers to speak English. The local language is Nepali and other communities may speak their own local language.

On the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek, you will have the opportunity to meet individuals from various villages and ethnic groups. It’s important to learn a few basic Nepali phrases that can help you communicate with locals and make your day-to-day life in Nepal easier.

Voici quelques expressions utiles :

• Namaste : Bonjour
• Dhanyabad : Merci
• Kripaya: Please
• Ho : Oui
• Hoina : Non
• Paani: Water
• Kati: How much?

Your guide will be able to assist you with communication in the order of food and services, as well as when talking about local affairs. Please inform the guide in a clear way if you have a food allergy or have special dietary needs when ordering.

Communication is relatively easy as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek goes through established tourism villages, though some locals may not speak English.

Réseau mobile, Internet et bornes de recharge

There is mobile phone coverage on many parts of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek; signal may be weak or non-existent in forested and mountainous areas. Weather and the precise location can also affect network strength.

Generally, there are charging facilities available at the tea house, but the availability of electricity may vary. Some lodges require a surcharge to charge phones, cameras, or power banks. Some villages may also have internet access; however, this is not to be taken for granted.

Conseils utiles:

• Emportez une banque d’alimentation.
• Charge devices whenever electricity is available.
• Turn on battery conserving function of your phone.
• Make sure to download necessary maps before leaving Pokhara.
• Store key contact information in the offline portion of the device.
• Don’t solely depend on mobile internet.

With the Yoga trek to Poon Hill, it is helpful to download music, reading material, maps, etc. before leaving for the trek, especially when there is not a strong connection.

Ce qu'il ne faut pas faire pendant ce voyage

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek goes through villages, forests and culturally significant areas, so responsible behaviour is crucial. There are some small steps that can be taken to preserve the trail and to foster good relations with the community.

Veuillez éviter

• Do not litter along the trail.
• Avoid dumping plastic or food waste in the river or forest.
• Keep plants and flowers from being damaged.
• Please keep birds and animals out of your way.
• Please do not take photos of individuals without consent.
• Don’t enter residences without permission.
• Avoid making loud noises in villages and religious places.
• Use no excess water or electricity.
• Always follow your guide’s safety instructions.
• Never run downhill on slippery stone steps.

Respect the traditions of the villages and religious sites. Responsible behaviour also includes staying on the established trails and not taking shortcuts when hiking up and down the Ghorepani Poon Hill.

Festivals culturels sur le sentier

There are several festivals throughout the year that are celebrated in the community around the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek; these festivals are influenced by the Hindu and Buddhist faith. The dates are determined by the Nepali lunar calendar and, as such, can vary from year to year.

Families and communities may celebrate major festivals in Nepal such as Dashain or Tihar throughout the route. Maghe Sankranti is another festival that holds significant importance, especially in many hill areas. Family gatherings, special food, music, prayers and community activities may be part of local traditions.

The villages in the vicinity of Ghorepani and in the entire Annapurna region exhibit a high degree of Gurung and Magar cultural influence. Visitors should be respectful when entering homes, temples, monasteries, or community spaces during celebrations.

Should you happen to go on a Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek during a local festival, your guide will be able to tell you the customs and what to do. Participation should always be by invitation and with respect and not as a form of tourist entertainment of cultural events.

Conseils pour les visiteurs se rendant au Népal pour la première fois

The Poon Hill Yoga Trek is more comfortable for first-timers in Nepal who are prepared for trekking and life in Nepal.

Conseils utiles

• Have a copy of your passport and insurance along with digital copies.
• Bring some Nepalese Rupees for a few minor things.
• Use safe or treated water.
• Dress in layers as conditions can vary rapidly.
• Take comfortable trekking shoes that have traction.
• Carry around a water bottle that you can use more than once.
• Dress appropriately and respect local customs in villages.
• Please leave extra time for road journeys, as road and traffic conditions may cause delays.
• Inform the Guide of any food preferences or medical issues.
• Store valuables and passports in a place of safety.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes you across rugged trails, stone steps and village paths so having comfortable boots is better than taking too much gear or clothing.

For first-time visitors, being flexible is important. It is not always possible to travel to the mountain at the same time as travel to the city and with patience, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek is much more enjoyable.

Yoga and Wellness Program

Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek is a trek that involves yoga and simple relaxation techniques to help you relax and recover throughout the trek. The sessions cater for various levels of experience and are not geared towards the higher asanas of yoga.

Yoga, Pranayama and meditation are a part of the morning sessions. These activities will help to relax the body and promote slow, controlled breathing before walking. There are gentle stretching, singing bowl sound healing and relaxation meditations during the evening, following the day’s hike.

The yoga sessions are not meant to take the place of rest or recovery time; they are scheduled around the walking schedule. Participation is encouraged at your own level, particularly following longer walking parts.

On the Poon Hill Yoga Trek, warm and athletic clothes are suggested. If you’re looking for a personal mat, a light yoga mat can also come in handy. The exact session location is subject to change from tea house to tea house and condition of the weather.

What Makes This Trek Different?

The main difference is the short trek in the Himalayas and the planned wellness program. This trek offers the opportunity for practices such as yoga, breathing exercises, sound healing and meditation that are not a primary focus of a regular trekking itinerary.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route is familiar, but the activities for wellness imbue the trek with a different rhythm, such as in the villages of Ulleri and Ghorepani. You’ve taken time to stretch, breathe and rest in addition to walking.

Daily Yoga Schedule

The yoga programme is organised around the trekking activities to ensure that the yoga sessions are manageable throughout the three day trek. Practices are typically finished before heading out on the trek and are held in the evening to allow for relaxation after being on the walk.

The schedule may vary slightly based on weather conditions, trekking conditions and space at the accommodation. The Poon Hill Yoga Trek is designed to ensure that the practices remain gentle and practical, especially after several hours of trekking.