How does our trip start?
Our ghorepani Poon Hill short trek starts with a ride to Nayapul. This ride is short and take only about 1.5 hours, it is just 40 kilometers but since the highway is not in a good condition, we have to take it slow. From Nayapul, the starting point of the Pokhara to Poon Hill trek, our next destination of Ulleri is just a 6-hour trek away. Getting to Ulleri is a resounding feat, as it is your first day of trekking in the 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
From Ulleri, we will get on the road to Ghorepani which requires crossing a long set of stone-paved stairs. This section of the trekking can be tough for some, so we will take it slow with lots of breaks in between. After we reach Ghorepani, we will climb up to Poon Hill the next morning and experience the climax of the 4 days Poon Hill trekking.
Difficulty
The 4 days ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary is an easy hiking experience that offers a great scenic walk through the Annapurna Highlands along with visiting a couple of amazing viewpoints up in the remote hills.
This is a beginner-friendly trek that is suitable for kids and the elderly as well, given that they are capable of hiking for hours. We can also alter this short trek into a more suitable option if you want to make it more manageable for them. On a trekking grade, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is classified as an easy trek.
Best seasons
The best season for this particular 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the beginning of spring or the early days of autumn. To be more precise, late March to early May is the best time to do this trek. During this time of the year, the scene is generally clear with fewer clouds blocking your view, and it is also the time for the blooming of rhododendron flowers.
Another option is to join the Poon Hill trek route in the summer season; the views are as great as the best seasons, but there is a high chance of rain brought by summer clouds.
Altitude Sickness
This 4 days short trek is not an altitude sickness-prone destination at all. The effects of altitude sickness begin at an altitude of 3500 meters, where slight effects can be felt, but it really steps up after you reach 5000 meters of elevation. Since our Poon Hill trek route does not include getting to 3500 meters or 5000 meters of altitude, we are more than safe from the condition.
The maximum altitude we will reach during this Pokhara to Poon Hill trek is 3210 meters at Poon Hill.
Accommodation, Food and Drink
Accommodations in the villages we will visit are pretty well facilitated, as they are popular villages of the Annapurna region. You can expect all the basic facilities at the lodgings, along with a couple of extra amenities like free WiFi and a hot shower. The accommodations in the region are not some extravagant hotels, tall buildings capable of accommodating 50 trekkers at once; these are small lodges run by the locals of the village. So staying in those lodgings is a step towards supporting the economy of the village.
Another option for accommodation is to stay in homestays. These are basically houses that host you for a night or two. The village committee regulates this, and the houses are chosen on a turn basis. Staying in authentic village houses is really an unforgettable experience, as its fascinating to observe how they go about their daily business.
Food and drinks in the region are a mix of traditional dishes, generic Nepalese dishes, and generic western dishes. You will find pasta, noodles, pancakes, flatbreads, and other generic western dishes all over the route. But if you want to experience an authentic stay, we recommend you try the traditional local food. If you do not like them, you can always go back to having the western dishes, but giving it a try is the way to go.
Drinks in the Annapurna villages are limited to different types of hot tea, seasonal juices, and packaged juices that are brought from the cities. You can also try some locally brewed alcohol, but don’t get too carried away.
Transportation
Transporting from Pokhara to Ulleri at the beginning of the trek and back to Pokhara from Ghandruk are the only transportation requirements for this short and easy trek. These are the transport services that are covered by the 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek package. We will also pick you up from the airport for no charge. Besides these services, there are no transport services we provide for free.
Permit
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek 4 days itinerary requires trekkers to get the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) permit, which can be obtained in Pokhara, and a TIMS card, which is mandatory as it tracks your progress throughout the trek route. Both of these permits are included as a part of the Pokhara to Poon Hill trek package.
Trip preparation and fitness
You do not have to prepare extensively for this easy trek. Our Poon Hill trek itinerary 4 days is made for beginners that hardly have any trekking experience. We want aspiring trekkers to start their trekking life on this easy yet rewarding trek. Preparing physically for about 3 weeks prior to the starting date is more than enough for this trek. This ensures that you will not struggle to ascend the daily trekking trails of the trekking route.
Cost & Budget
Our ghorepani Poon Hill trek 4 days package is one of the best deals you can get, and our past guests are a testimony to that. We have priced this trek at USD $420 per person, which is really a fair price considering the convenience we provide for you throughout the journey. We operate on a 50% advance payment basis to book your trekking date, while the rest can be paid after your arrival in Nepal.
We recommend you carry some extra cash with you as digital payments are not dominant in the Highlands and ATMs are basically nonexistent in the barely accessible area. Cash is also the go-to form of payment if you want to buy anything in the villages.
Gadgets charging & Internet
Charging your devices and having access to the internet is not an issue during your Pokhara to Poon Hill trek. You can also use your mobile internet connection for most part of the trek route, but mobile connections can be a bit slow in this region. WiFis are basically everywhere, and the locals will not charge you for using them, unlike some of the trekking destinations in Nepal.
Your Extra expenses
Your extra expenses include international flights to and from Nepal, hot shower charges, additional meals or any kind of beverages, visa fees at the airport, travel insurance or medical insurance, gratitude for the drivers and guide, and anything not mentioned as a covered expense of the trek package.
What to expect
The Annapurna region is the most beautiful hilly region of Nepal, with a lot to offer. There are several trails and treks integrated within and/or around the Annapurna Conservation Area, making them truly an experience to behold. If you are someone who likes exploring the raw nature, then the Annapuran region is the best option for you in Nepal. Not only is the hiking experience unique, but also the views are out of this world.
The lovely locals of the region add to the great experience of the trek but also make you feel like you are not far off from home. You can expect to have a great time roaming the trails of Poon Hill trek route.
Things to Remember Before trek to Poon Hill
- The ghorepani Poon Hill trek 4 days is a beginner-friendly activity that requires very minimal physical preparation.
- Cash is king in the remote and barely accessible villages of Annapurna.
- You can bring your personal trekking equipment for the trip but we will not be responsible for it.
- The trip is all about an easy trekking experience; do not expect a challenging trail.
- 4 days of trekking to ghorepani Poon hill requires staying at tribal villages; we must respect their culture and practices to make sure we are accepted into the community.
Add-Ons
Upgraded and/or extended stay in Pokhara
Pokhara is an absolutely beautiful city to spend time in and explore all the offerings. If you are up for visiting a bunch of stunning places, we can arrange an extended stay along with a sightseeing day tour. Or we can just upgrade your stay. Note that these extra services are not inclusive of the 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek package.
If you decide to do a sightseeing day tour, we will take you to places such as the World Peace Stupa, Kristy, Sarangkot viewpoint for a sunrise scene, Pame for a relaxing afternoon, and more. If you have any particular place in Pokhara that you would like to visit, we can arrange that as well; if you do not have such preference, we will simply outline an itinerary for the day.