Can I Extend My Holiday Like A Day Trip in Kathmandu or Other Activities?
The hike from Poon Hill and the Annapurna Circuit is a phenomenal and diverse trek with spectacular high alpine views and breathtaking high Himalayan peaks at sunrise. If you have extra time in your itinerary, the options below will make a wonderful addition to your experience.
Additional time spent in Nepal will undeniably improve your experience, whether the outdoor experience is exhilarating, or the cultural experience enriching.
Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu?
The Annapurna Circuit trek from Poon Hill is a unique experience and involves heavy lifting back and forth over roughest of roads. To ensure a hassle free trip, you can leave your unwanted baggage at our Kathmandu offices or at the hotels you are staying at no cost.
Light travel is important because of the steepness of the trek , and the long trek duration, in order to make the most of your experience on beautiful trails like Ghorepani and Poon Hill while not being exhausted. Chasing the sunrise over the Himalayas or trekking suspension bridges through rural landscape will be easier without extra weight - your luggage will remain in this storage locker while you are trekking.
Free Airport Pickup and Drop from the Company
We aim to make your travel as effortless as possible. As such, all trekkers will have complimentary airport transfers. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will have a representative waiting to meet you at arrivals with a sign with your name, assist you with your bags into a private vehicle, and take you to your hotel.
You will also have a detailed trek briefing before starting the Annapurna Circuit trek via Poon Hill, at which we will be sure to cover all the information you will need for your itinerary, the trek gear, and the information you will need for your wake-up prior to pre-dawn sunrise viewings from Poon Hill; the trek will not be easy on the circuit but totally worth it. Finally, we will schedule your transfer to the airport when you are done with the trek based on your flight schedule.
Differences Between Solo Trek, Private Trek, and Group Trek
Solo Trek
A single Annapurna Circuit trek to Poon Hill is a challenging and satisfying experience. You can walk at your rate, rest whenever you feel like it, and enjoy scenery free of the need to conform to a group schedule. Having a reserved guide and porter will make the trek easier for you because they will take care of navigation, transportation, and carrying the heavy loads.
You can take your time; either you wish to complete the trek early or would like to have some extra days of comfort in enjoying the scenery of the stunning view of the mountains. Trekking by yourself is also a chance for you to gain an experience of bonding with nature yourself, and it is a time for you to appreciate the Annapurna beauty of the landscape.
Private Trek
A private trek provides you the opportunity to walk the Annapurna Circuit on Poon Hill with your group. You will not be part of a fixed departure group and also won't have to follow a set itinerary. If you walk with family or friends, you can plan your itinerary according to your group. You decide when to start your trek, how far to trek, and even add in more points of interest along the route.
The freedom of a private trek is a less rushed and more relaxed experience, whether to stay longer at Poon Hill with breathtaking sunrise views or relax in surrounding villages. A private trek is ideal for those who need more autonomy during the tour and the advantage of a guide in addition to having a porter.
Group Trek
If you like creating new friends and trekking as a group culture, then a group trek of the Annapurna Circuit will be your best option. You will be trekking among fellow travelers from different walks of life; you will have the experience with them and will help each other through the process, too.
The group will also follow a predetermined schedule that includes overnight stays at convenient locations like Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Group treks are between 2 to 10 people, which is an optimal balance of social contact and individual time. Group treks also provide safety, guidance, and company, which enhance the experience and enjoyment.
Family Trek
A family adventure trek along the Annapurna Circuit to Poon Hill is an ideal way to spend some quality time with family members and get surprised by the splendor of Nepal.
Even the trek becomes flexible according to the comfort of the family members, thus making children and elderly people also available to trek as easy for them. Even special guides are providing extra assistance, under which the trek becomes accessible even for those who require special support. Poon Hill sunrise and village people-to-people activities are such a great attraction for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. For all, regardless of any age group, a family trek is an entertaining, secure adventure in the Himalayan terrain.
Typical day on The Annapurna Circuit Trek
On day two, you will travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar which will take approximately 6-7 hours and spend the night in Besisahar. Then on Day 3, you will take a jeep to Chame and in the morning start trekking. Each day of trekking will start out with breakfast at the teahouse dining room at around 7 am. You will order breakfast the night before to keep the process flowing and make things quicker.
By approximately 7:45 am you will walk with your guide for the day on the trail for 5 - 7 hours with every kind of ecology and landscapes to enjoy along the way. Lunch will be served at one of the teahouses on the trek.
After reaching the daily destination dinner will be served at 7 pm in the teahouse dining room. After dinner, you will spend your evenings relaxing at the teahouse or talking with your guide about the next day's activities while enjoying the view of the mountains.
Is It Safe For Solo or Female Travelers?
Solo female trekkers can absolutely complete the Annapurna Circuit using the Poon Hill Trek. The trek is the combination of glorious scenery with cultural experiences and will undoubtedly feel valuable and rewarding. Although this trek is generally considered safe, at times, unpredictable situations may arise, and it might be a good idea to take a local guide. Hence, it adds another level of comfort and safety.
At Happland Treks, we have taken female trekker tourists to this circuit. Using our expertise and being familiar with the area, we can help you avoid obstacles along the way of the popular Poon Hill Trek. The trail is well-marked with friendly local villagers and other trekkers, which provides an additional element of safety and a sense of community for your journey. In addition, we are thoroughly familiar with the trekking zones of Nepal and have organized and planned treks in Everest, Annapurna and Langtang areas. As a result, we know what a safe and well-organized journey looks like.
Drinking Water On The Annapurna Trekking
Safe drinking water is available on the Annapurna Circuit with the Poon Hill trek route. Guesthouses and teahouses offer travelers boiled or filtered water at a certain cost. Self-water purification through the use of water purification tablets or SteriPen is another option. In-country tablets can be purchased in markets in Kathmandu and Pokhara, while SteriPen needs to be purchased in your home country.
To use it for SteriPen sterilization, just submerge it in water and let it work for the recommended treatment time. Wherever it is not allowed, such as near Ghorepani, plastic bottles are not allowed, so use a refillable water bottle. A portable water filter is also a good thing to pack in the trekking backpack. Finally, take good care not to utilize water in order to ensure an environmentally friendly trekking culture.
What to expect on Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill Trek?
Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill trek provides diverse scenery as well as stunning Himalayan vistas. Trek starts from Pokhara and ascends to alpine heights from tropical lowland. Ghorepani includes an early morning hike to Poon Hill to see sunrise over Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri mountains.
Trek traces ethnic Magar villages with rice-terraced fields and forests, providing cultural encounters along the way. Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters, is a gem with a great view of the Annapurna range. The trekking is in a loop fashion, with new scenery every day without duplicating routes. Acclimatization is needed as it is at a high altitude.
Accommodation on Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek
Accommodations on the Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill trek are generally basic, e.g., you will either have a twin or triple room or even a common sleeping room that can have up to 4 guests per room. Accommodations consist of basic rooms, and the furniture may even be rustic and mostly made of wood.
You can expect out of the room bathrooms (with showers) that will be shared. Rooms do provide clean and adequate sleeping after a day of trekking. Accommodations are basic, but the beds do offer the basic comforts of warm blankets.
Places like Ghorepani have accommodations that offer views of the surrounding area, which is a neat way to enhance the experience. The tea houses are family-owned, and while the product offering may seem small, the locals are clean, hospitable and welcoming to guests, which adds an overall nice experience.
Trek Annapurna Circuit Difficulty Level
Annapurna Circuit Through Poon Hill Trek is a moderate trek and requires one to be fit. There's high-altitude trekking, the highest of which is Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters. The 6-8 walking hours a day on uneven terrain can be tiring, and altitude sickness also needs to be factored in.
Slow acclimatization and conditioning must be undertaken in order to be able to cope with the level of difficulty. Though the trek is challenging, it pays off with royal landscapes and cultural variety. With proper planning and consistent pace, amateurs too can attempt this Himalayan trek.
Training Requirement for Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek
No training is required for the Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill trek, but good preparation will make it even more rewarding.
Start with some minimum exercises a few weeks before trekking, or one week's hike or walk also does the trick. You don't need hard training; just improve your stamina and leg muscles. If you are a seasoned trekker, you might not need any training. But if you are a beginner, warm up short trekking with a backpack to enhance your stamina. It is a mixed terrain trek, and you therefore need to pack smartly so that you can have Poon Hill views and other views.
Mountain Sickness on Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek
The Annapurna Circuit through the Poon Hill trek can create the potential for mountain sickness due to the existence of high altitude locations. Symptoms of mountain sickness can be similar to regular sickness, and they include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, and inability to sleep. Mountain sickness occurs due to the body's failure to acclimatize properly to the lower levels of oxygen associated with elevations above 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
In very few instances pulmonary fluid may accumulate in the lungs or brain, in which case mountain sickness can result in death, if untreated. The location of Poon Hill is not strictly considered "high altitude", however certain walking sections associated with the circuit would pose increased risk; a person may experience high altitude thermal adaptation if he/she accumulates the exposure time.
Prevention
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness while on this trek, you should take your time to climb and allow time for your body to adjust. Do not attempt to gain more than (900 meters) of elevation in one day, and arrange rest days for every gain of 3,000 feet (900 meters). Follow the "climb high, sleep low" policy, which means that you should go down a little after gaining elevation for the day.
Drink plenty of fluids, and do your best to eat a carbohydrate-rich diet to help with energy levels. Both alcohol and smoking make any symptoms feel worse, so avoid them completely. You might consider carrying one to two types of medications (i.e., acetazolamide) with you to prevent or treat altitude sickness as needed. You may wish to consult your physician before the trek to obtain guidance regarding precautions or what to do based on your health status.
What Is The Best Season for an Annapurna Circuit Trip?
The Annapurna Circuit can be hiked in peak or off-peak times. Peak hiking times are normally in the springtime (March to May) and fall time (September to November), when the weather is more stable and the mountain views are usually more clear.
However, off-peak hiking seasons in the summer or winter time provide opportunities for less crowded trails and some weather challenges with either rain or snow. Weather and conditions in this region can change unexpectedly without much notice, and things can change in minutes.
During the springtime (March to May)
During the trekking, spring will usually be an ideal time to hike because temperatures are generally pleasant, and most trails are likely to be filled with flowers that will bloom, including rhododendrons. The sky is likely to be clear, with spectacular views of peaks that include the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Weather is also pleasant for daytime hiking when the hiker does not suffer from extreme heat or cold.
Autumn (September to November)
The best season for trekking is autumn; the weather is dry, and the skies are clearer than any other time of the year. During the daytime, the weather is nice, but it can be bitter cold at night. There are generally lots of trekkers on the trails during autumn, so you can imagine that the trails won't be so isolated, teahouses will be full, and villages will have cultural events happening most of the times.
Winter
Winter trekking will give you a sense of isolation. Still, you have to be ready for colder temperatures and possible snow on the trekking trails, including popular routes like the Thorong La Pass, if it snows heavily. It's true that once you have been out trekking for weeks, you'll need to prepare a flexible mental process on whatever you are thinking about during the winter trekking season.
Summer/Monsoon
Summer involves the monsoon rains from about June through August. The lower regions will be muddy and slippery. Summer trekking will give you a chance to experience a very lush green valley and fewer walkers; however, there will still be a mounting canopy of clouds around the mountain valleys, so some views may be far from impressive.
Equipment and Trekking Kit Necessary for Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill Trek
As you prepare for the Annapurna Circuit region via the Poon Hill trek, make sure you have all the essential gear: your hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and warm clothes for the cold nights. You may consider a pack with rain cover, trekking poles, and a water treatment system so you can refill your water bottle with a local source.
You will also want to bring a headlamp with extra batteries and a basic first-aid kit, just in case of an injury. Because of the higher altitude of this trek, you may also want to take altitude sickness medication and may want to have a hand-held oxygen meter, if needed. If you want a complete list of what you will need, as well as other prep that goes along with it, check out our blog for the complete guide.
Food During the Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek
On the Annapurna Circuit through Poon Hill trek, there are a variety of meal options at tea houses along the way. There is a range of dishes from noodles and soups to rice dishes on the menus of all teahouses. We recommend that you have Dal Bhat, a Nepali staple consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles. Not only will you enjoy its taste, but it will also provide the energy needed when trekking.
The taste of the food will differ from what you have in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at home. The food, though below city standard in taste, is fresh and clean. As you ascend up the altitudes, there are some items that may be short in supply due to logistic constraints, but you shall never go hungry for a warm and nutritious meal.
Toilet and Shower Facilities on Annapurna Mountain Lodge
Teahouses on the Annapurna Circuit trek via Poon Hill will most likely have western toilets. However, some may have squat toilets. They will have showers, with hot water buckets or gas geysers, but can cost about an additional $3 to $5.
While trekking, you may consider packing your toiletries (toilet paper, soap and shampoo) for convenience and hygiene. Personal items are more recommended so that you know you will have what you want to be comfortable. You may also think about packing a pack or travel towel and possibly any hygiene products you would want while trekking.
Mobile, Camera Battery Charge, and WIFI on Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek
Charging During the Annapurna Circuit, and the reflective Poon Hill trek, one will generally be able to charge your devices in the teahouse dining area/space, typically there are only a few outlets in each room. Charging your device for one session is typically $3 to $5, so it is a good idea to take along a power bank or extra batteries to keep your devices operating.
It also cuts down on the amount of time you are spending back and forth to charge your device, and ensures you have power when you want to use your device. Wifi Wifi is available in teahouses but can be expensive, and unreliable, in the range of $3 to $5 for each session. The better option is to purchase a SIM card for a more reliable internet and communication for emergencies.
It also helps with your finances as you know you will have service while you trek. Additionally, you may want to download offline maps or other materials which could work well if you have no internet service.
What Is The Highest Altitude of The Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek?
The highest point during the Annapurna Circuit via the Poon Hill trek is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. This pass can be cumbersome on your body and requires acclimatization and training to attempt.
You are met with stunning views of the Annapurna range as well as views of mountain landscapes and valleys surrounding the trek, making the trek worth it for those trekkers fit enough to make the trek. It makes sense to condition yourself to carry out the trek and its altitude.
Money Exchange on Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill Trek
If you’re trekking the Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill, you can exchange your money in Thamel and at hotels and banks in Kathmandu. There are also many ATMs in Thamel.
You can communicate with your trekking agency about an amount you want to exchange before you go. Just remember, so long as you are going up into the mountains, you will not be able to exchange your funds regardless of where it is exchanged. You will want to exchange a reasonable amount of local currency and hold back some money for unforeseen emergencies before you trek.
How Are the Trails of Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek?
There are many different types of steps on the trek, such as steep ascents and simple descents, wooden bridges, and paths that traverse through subtropical forests and into open valleys. Trail profiles will vary day to day; like one day being all up, while another day going down a lot.
The opportunity to walk to Thorong La Pass is on some challenging high-altitude trails. During the journey, you will also pass through various Buddhist-influenced Tibetan villages and enjoy the cultural experience of being there. In addition, the trekking trails will take you past amazing mountainscapes, which make good physical fitness an appropriate consideration in order to complete the trek.
Travel and Trekking Insurance for Annapurna Circuit Via Poon Hill Trek
Travel insurance is very important if you want to trek the Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill, where you will most likely need to cross high-altitude passes like Thorong La.
Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuations, medical expenses, and luggage safety offers you peace of mind when things become stressful or an emergency occurs. Without this insurance, you can run into issues when trying to arrange for certain evacuations, as well as cover those unexpected expenses.
The best thing to do to ensure the safety of you and your trek is to make sure you have trip insurance before you set out on your trek. For more about selecting a travel insurance policy, we recommend reading our article on travel insurance.
Nepal Visa Information
Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months and include empty pages for the visa. A passport-sized photo will be needed as well. Visas can generally be issued upon entry, by land or air (for foreign passports only). You must bring sufficient USD cash with you to pay your visa fee.
You can get a visa to be in Nepal (with several options as the lengths vary: 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on how long you will stay in Nepal). A longer-duration visa is best if you want to do more than one trek while there. You also should check the website of the Department of Immigration, Nepal, to stay up to date with the current visa regulations before your travel.
Tipping - Tips to the Guide and Porter
At the end of your journey on the Annapurna Circuit, which includes Poon Hill, you must provide a tip to your guide and your porter as gratitude. There are no formalized guidelines for tipping, so you can decide the amount yourself.
Tipping your guide and porter is a way to show gratitude for the work that your guide did for you in relation to your experiences during the trek. That's one of the main reasons you trek with a guide; they provide context to the experience and ensure your safety on the trek. The porter is also responsible for carrying all your gear and facilitating you to simply engage in the trek.
Trekking Feedback
After you've completed your Annapurna Circuit via Poon Hill trek experience, we will invite you to sit and have a meal with us in Kathmandu and share stories and feedback from your trek. This is a great opportunity for you to reflect on the trek and let us know how we can improve future treks.
We also appreciate your taking the time to write and share your experience on either TripAdvisor or Google Reviews to help other trekkers who are planning their trek. Your feedback is an important part of our improvement plan and developing adventures that we hope others can enjoy as much as you enjoyed your adventure with us.
