Free Airport Pickup and Drop From The Company
As a part of our commitment to deliver an easy and comfortable stay, we offer complimentary airport transfers. Our representative will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal with a placard of your name. He will help you with your baggage and guide you to a comfortable vehicle for hotel transfer. When leaving, our representative will also schedule your transfer to the airport so that you reach sufficiently well in time for your flight back home. For sure, rest back as we ensure complete assistance on arrival and departure.
Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu?
Yes, you can leave your luggage or suitcase in Kathmandu while you go on trekking.
Store in the Office of Happyland Treks
HappyLand Treks provides luggage storage in the office. This comes in handy for trekkers as not everything might be in use within the duration of the trekking. You can travel lighter and at ease by leaving the extra baggage you will not be needing or in use. The office keeps your goods safe, this allows you to begin your Annapurna adventure without wasting any time.
Hotel Rooms
Most hotels in Kathmandu will provide a service of luggage storage for their customers. You can leave your suitcase or backpack in the hotel's secured storage area. This is a good option if you are returning to the same hotel after your trek.
Can I Extend my Holiday like a Day Trip in Kathmandu or other Activities?
Of course, there are numerous other activities and exciting interests close by in Kathmandu that allow for an extended holiday after the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek. Perhaps you want to see a bit more of the cultural sites or day adventures, or even see another country's ideas are endless. Here are some suggestions:
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Patan Durbar Square.
Nagarkot Sunrise and Day Hike
Enjoy great sunrises with the vistas of the Himalayas and hike through magnificent scenery.
Bhaktapur and Changunarayan Day Tour
Ancient architecture, exploration of traditional Newari culture.
Trishuli River Rafting
Experience a day full of rafting excitement in the Trishuli River.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek 2 Nights/3 Days
A quick, short trek from Kathmandu. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and panoramic mountain views.
Mountain Biking Adventure
Guided mountain biking day tour around Kathmandu uphill and on trails.
Shivapuri National Park Hike
Short day hike into the dense forest to spot wild animals.
Chitwan Jungle Safari-2 Nights 3 Days
The rich wildlife of Chitwan National Park is seen on an elephant safari, jungle walk, and canoe ride for an unforgettable experience.
Short trips to Bhutan or Tibet
Take a cultural tour of Bhutan or Tibet.
Differences Between Solo Trek, Private Trek, Group trek and Family Trek
Solo Trek
Solo trek provides the highest level of independence and flexibility. You trek solo with the help of a guide and/or a porter. This means you can take your time, reorganize the itinerary whenever you want, and savor every bit of the journey. For example, you can spare a few more days to cover those appealing sections or extend the 9-day trek to 10 or even a 12-day trek, if you wish.
Private Trek
Private treks are designed for a small group of friends or family members. You are free to choose the departure date and change the program to the interests of your group. Surely this means that you can include or exclude places, and change the length of a trekking tour. Private treks combine companionship with sufficient personalization that they are suitable for those who want to enjoy traveling with their loved ones.
Group Trek
Group treks are a gathering of 2-10 travelers from different parts of the world. The departure dates and the itineraries are fixed so you have a planned schedule to stick to and bond on your way to the mountains. There will be other travelers who will be traveling with you, co-existing with you throughout the trek, hence more opportunities for socializing, meeting new people exchanging cultures, and also sharing experiences as adventurers.
Family Trek
Family treks are tailored to the special requirements of the travel of families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Safety, relaxation, and freedom are prioritized in such treks. Guides are trained and experienced in handling family groups and can alter the pace for all the members. Family treks can include options such as free days or other engaging activities. Such treks offer a very friendly environment for family and those who have varying levels of fitness so that everyone can participate in the trekking endeavors as a group.
Is Annapurna Poon Hill Trek Safe for Solo or Female Travelers?
The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is safe for solo and female travelers. We can’t predict what happens but Poon Hill trail is popular and many people have done it before you successfully. In HappLand Treks, we have been organizing treks for solo travelers including female trekkers. As we have enough experience in Annapurna as well as other destinations like Everest and Langtang, we make sure your trek is safe and enjoyable with our prepared team helpful along the way. Here are a few things to think about when traveling alone or as a female trekkers:
- We highly recommend hiring a local guide Add an extra level of security to accompany you on your trek
- Local Guides and local agencies both can be hired to make sure that you have secure trekking.
- Stay within marked trails and don’t walk alone after darkness.
- Make sure you have the right trekking insurance.
Accommodation During The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek
The accommodation along the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is simple to satisfy the trekkers’ needs while also subjecting them to the local culture. Accommodation largely comprises tea houses located on the route that offers coziness and hospitality. The rooms are mostly twin or triple shared with some places having dormitories accommodating four people in a room. The facilities are spartan yet decent offering a place to sit back and ease the body after a long hike. The restrooms are sited away from the rooms and are communal. Trekkers need to be open-minded about the accommodation because such factors are what define the real trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
There is not much that one is likely to enjoy in terms of amenities, but the small and intimate setting as well as the welcoming nature of the hosts are a big plus. Most of the tea houses also have the dining area with seating space to accommodate trekkers and other travelers, and they serve heavy meals where trekkers can share their experiences with other people.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention On The Trek
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek altitude wise is not very much prone to altitude related sickness compared to other treks like Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit Trek, however, it is better to take some precautions especially if it is the first time one is being involved in a trek. The viewpoint of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3,210 meters and despite this height is not very high one might have some breathing difficulties due to low oxygen levels. The symptoms that are associated with this include headache, dizziness and shortness of breath whenever the body is not in harmony with the environment.
Nevertheless, as it has been noted above, the risks of altitude are slightly lower and yet, it is essential to know how you are influenced by it and what precautions should be taken if this is your first time at high altitude, if you are going hiking.
How To Prevent Mountain Sickness?
In order to prevent altitude sickness; one should not be in a hurry and should take some time on the trek so that the body can be acclimatized to the new altitude. It is also advisable to take a lot of water and also eat lots of healthy meals to assist the body to adapt to the new altitude. Alcohol and smoking should not be taken during the trek since they make the symptoms of the disease worse.
Drinking water on the Annapurna Poon Hill Trekking
Safe drinking water is provided at all points of the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek. Filling of boiled water, or serving any kind of filtered water is available at the teahouses and guesthouses on the way. To prevent any kind of illness, we advise you to drink purified water. You can fill up your bottle from the taps and use the SteriPen water purification unit, or the purification tablets. In case you need purification tablets during the tour, we advise you to buy them in advance from marts in Kathmandu and Pokhara rather than on the spot. A better option would be to buy a SteriPen in your home country.
Travelers cannot take plastic in the Annapurna region. Plastic water bottles are only permitted up to Ghorepani. After this settlement, environmental conservation practices prohibit the use of plastic bottles. As a result, carry a water bottle that can be filled during the hikes. Simply, you will contribute to the maintenance of the region’s beauty, as well as the safety of drinking water.
What To Expect on the Annapurna Poon Hill Trekking?
The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is well known for the picturesque views of the mountains and the variety of terrains coupled with the rich cultural aspects. Moderate hiking is to be expected through the rhododendron forests, terraced farms, and local settlements along the way. Most importantly, the view of sunrise from Poon Hill blessed with a close to a 360-degree view of the range of Annapurna to Dhaulagiri is legendary. You are guaranteed to meet some of the beautiful people and sleep in warm tea houses enjoying Nepali warmness. This trek is perfect for novices and children along with well-maintained pathways and less steep climbs.
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek Difficulty
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is moderate and thus it is recommended for first-timers. The trekking is not very strenuous but involves walking for a number of hours each day, sometimes on rough surfaces or steep slopes at that. The maximum altitude of this trek is at Poon Hill which stands at 3,210m; this point does not only offer you a view but it demands a lot of energy to get there. However, before attempting to go trekking, it is advisable to go for some light exercises like jogging and exercises that strengthen the legs so that they will be in a position to undertake the trekking.
Besides training the body, it is also very important to have a packing list prepared in order to make the trekking as comfortable as possible. Some of the necessary items include good quality trekking boots, layered clothing as the weather can change, good quality sleeping bags, and trekking poles. Carrying the right attire also improves your comfort and above all, the safety you will experience on the journey. The first-time trekkers will be able to enjoy this trek with some approaches toward the trekking as it is the best initiation to the Himalayas.
Equipment and Trekking Kit Necessary for Annapurna Poon Hill Trek
Clothing:
- Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket
- Trekking pants (convertible to shorts)
- Lightweight thermal wear for cold nights
- Trekking socks (multiple pairs)
- Comfortable trekking boots (broken-in)
- Gaiters (optional, for snowy or muddy conditions)
- Hat or cap (sun protection)
- Warm hat/beanie (for cold weather)
- Gloves (thermal and waterproof)
Trekking Gear:
- Trekking poles (adjustable, with rubber tips)
- Daypack (20-30 liters, with rain cover)
- Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C to -15°C)
- Backpack (50-60 liters, if carrying your own gear)
- Hydration system (water bladder or bottles)
- Hydration filter or water purifying tablets
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
Accessories:
- - Trekking map or GPS device
- - Multi-tool or knife
- - First aid kit (personal medications, blister care)
- - Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes)
- - Quick-dry towel
- - Portable charger/power bank
- - Lightweight travel blanket (optional)
- - Reusable bags for packing and waste management
Typical day on The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek
While the scenery and mountain views change daily, the general routine for each day on Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is relatively similar. The journey starts with the drive from Pokhara to Nayapul which will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The following day's breakfast in the teahouse dining room around 7 am. Put water bottles, sunscreen & snacks into your daypack to start the trek at around 7:45 am. Your main duffel is looked after by a porter for you. You’ll be walking anywhere from 5-7 hours a day with a lunch break at the teahouse en route. Arrive at tonight’s teahouse, order dinner off the menu at around 7 pm, and relax.
Food During Annapurna Poon Hill Trek
During the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek, you can have various meals from the teahouse menus. Travelers can get everything that’s on the menu. It may not taste the same as in Kathmandu or Pokhara cities but it will be hygienic and good quality food for your trek.
While touring the villages en route the trek, the main diet you will get to taste will be Nepali food. The daily staple diet is called the ‘Dal Bhat Tarkari’, which comprises boiled rice (Bhaat), pulse soup (Daal), and a range of vegetable curries (Tarkari). This staple is usually topped with pickles, papad, and at times meat and therefore makes a healthy energizing meal perfect for the trekkers. These meals are very basic and are often eaten in small teahouses giving a good insight into Nepali village lifestyle.
In terms of food, the choice increases dramatically when you are in Pokhara since there are many restaurants that serve different types of dishes. Some of the Nepali foods include Momos which are Nepali dumplings that could be filled with vegetables or meat, international foods include pizza, pasta, burgers, and other Western foods. The food and drinking establishments of the Pokhara area are as diverse as lakeside cafes, restaurants, and bakeries where you can eat after the trek.
Training requirement for The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is a short trek with a moderate elevation that does not require rigorous training. But light training for a couple of weeks before the trek can certainly make your experience better. We suggest you start hiking or doing cardio exercises in your homeland one week before the start of the trek. No vigorous training is required but if you have done trekking in high altitude regions previously then it would be very helpful. Although without any preparation most people do this trek easily.
What is The Best Season for The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek?
While the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek can be undertaken throughout the year the best time for this trek is considered in spring from March to May and autumn from September to October. Those who trek during the off-season see fewer crowds with limited services whereas peak seasons have better facilities, though with crowds. The weather conditions are pretty unpredictable here; it changes over in seconds, at any time during the season. And trek members must always be prepared for sudden shifts in conditions, whatever the season.
Spring Season [March to May]
The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek can be done at any time of the year depending on the trekker's choice, and one of the best times is in the spring. This season is characterized by mild weather and clear atmosphere to give one excellent view of the various Himalayan mountains. The climate of lower altitude is favorable for trekking with temperature varying between 50 and 68 F. It can also get cold the higher you go but nothing extreme if you put on the right gear.
Autumn Season [September to November]
Another perfect time for Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is Autumn which is considered as one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal. The climate is good and dry without clouds that may obscure the view of the surrounding snow capped mountains. The climate is mild and dry with the average daytime temperatures of 15-20 °C while the nighttime temperature drops lower up to 15 °C especially on high terrains. The post-monsoon period is ideal because the air is clear, offering some of the best views of the mountains you are likely to ever come across. It is also the time of major festivals in Nepal like Dashain, Tihar etc which gives a cultural aspect to the trekking.
How are the Trails of Annapurna Poon Hill Trekking?
The trails of the Annapurna Poon Hill trek are both paved and uneven, and the trek consists of frequent ascents and descents. When approaching Poon Hill, the ascent can be felt more, though the downhill trek increases after reaching the Poon Hill viewpoint. The route waves, so each day, we would be trekking uphill and downhill. In addition, the surrounding landscapes of the green hills and valleys add beauty to this trek. The Ghandruk to Nayapul trail consists of both gravel and paved roadways. On the final day, the trekker will walk 3 hours on the road to reach Nayapul, although from Ghandruk local transportation is available for those not wanting to walk.
Toilet and shower in the Annapurna Poon Hill Mountain Lodge
Bathroom facilities: During the Annapurna Poon Hill trek, mountain tea houses have squat as well as western toilets. However, the western toilets are mostly common in these lodges.
Showers: Hot shower facilities are provided and encouraged as they contribute to the level of comfort and maintain hygiene. Usually, hot showers are taken from a hot water bucket or a gas geyser system. The cost for the hot shower varies from 3-5 dollars per shower for this comfort in the mountains.
Personal Toiletries: It is important to carry your personal hygiene items with you. Things like toilet tissues, soap, shampoo, and other toiletries. This is because it ensures availability of the necessary supplies during that journey which makes the experience at the mountain lodge better and healthier.
Mobile, camera battery charge and WIFI on the Trek
Charging
On the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek, there does need to be some planning regarding your electronic devices. Teahouse rooms do not have charging facilities for mobile phones or cameras; there is a communal area where this can be done and requires an extra $3-5 per full charge. This minor inconvenience can be compensated for by bringing a portable power bank with you, whereby you can charge your devices anywhere.
Wifi Facility
Teahouses will have WiFi, although may not be reliable. Generally, trekkers have to pay $3 to 5 for the service. Far better and highly recommended is buying a local SIM card, which guarantees better connectivity and is useful in case of an emergency to communicate with family. Usually, local SIMs have better internet quality compared to sometimes unreliable mountain WiFi.
What is The Highest Altitude of The Trek?
The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek reaches its highest point at Poon Hill, which is at 3210m above sea level. As one gets to this viewpoint trekkers can get a stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Money exchange in Kathmandu
There are a lot of easy options to exchange currency in Kathmandu. Often, your hotel is a good starting point, and most hotels offer exchange services for their guests. Thamel, one of the popular tourist districts in Kathmandu, has enough exchange counters, not to mention over 1,000 ATMs, making it rather easy to have local currency. Of course, banks all over town also provide easy exchange.
If you want even more convenience, your tour operator may well be able to assist in exchanging some money. Such facilities are mainly available in Kathmandu because mountain areas lack such money exchange facilities. It is, therefore, important to have enough money exchanged well in advance before starting on the trek so that one is not short of Nepalese Rupees.
Weather in The Annapurna Poon Hill Himalaya Trek
The weather in the Annapurna Poon Hill Himalaya trek can go bad anytime. The most ideal weather is during autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May) with clear skies, and bright and warm days but cold nights. It is also possible to trek during winter December to February, Monsoon. But July to August brings rain all day making it less suitable for trekking due to slippery trails, mud washing out paths/roads, and chances of landslides.
January: The temperature is cold and snowfall occurs. Night temperatures can drop below zero.
February: Same as January, with more sun and colder nights.
March: Spring starts to slowly take over, with somewhat warmer weather and blooming rhododendron forests. You will be able to see the mountains more often.
April: One of the best times for trekking as it is very comfortable during the day and the weather is nice and clear. There are generally a lot of trekkers in April.
May: This is the Late spring month where the temperature is warmer. Some haze may begin to obscure distant views but the weather is still ideal for hiking.
June: It is a Pre-monsoon season with increased humidity and occasional showers. The whole area will be enlivened by fresh greenery.
July: Monsoon showers begin. Rain is heavy, and the tracks are muddy. But the valley becomes fresh and alive.
August: The monsoon weather conditions continue. There is heavy rainfall with the possibility of landslides.
September: Monsoon starts to withdraw. Due to less rain, clearer skies and fresh mountain perspectives start to appear.
October: Best time for trekking. The mountain scenery is crystal clear, temperatures pleasant, and weather conditions stable, hence ideal for many trekkers.
November: It is one of the ideal months for trekking as days are still warm with great trekking conditions. Colder nights and mornings with crystal clear skies.
December: Winter is setting in, the climate is colder than November especially at night/morning. Snowfall is possible on higher altitudes. Clear blue sky and snow-capped mountain views are really good for photography.
Travel and Trekking Insurance in The High-Altitude
It is highly recommended for tourists and travelers to get trekking and insurance on high-altitude trips in Nepal. It is a very important insurance one should by no means not skip, including possible helicopter evacuations in case of emergencies. This secures one from medical bills, problems with your luggage, or any other sudden incident. Besides, managing emergencies at high altitudes without such insurance is tough and costly. When properly insured, one can have peace of mind to enjoy the trek and climb without continuous stress over unfortunate accidents or health problems that may come with financial burdens. It is the most responsible preparation for any trip. Read further about how to choose the right travel insurance for your trek in Nepal in our deeper article on this topic.
Nepal visa information
Your passport should have more than six months of validity and should have blank pages to enter Nepal. You also need a passport photo when you are applying for the visa. You get a visa from Tribhuvan International Airport or from different land border entries. A visa's price would be determined by time factors. The same kind of visa can also be pre-obtained from the Nepalese embassies or consulates. Please make sure you have all the documents, otherwise, it may be problematic for you upon arrival.
Tipping - Tips to the guide and porter
You should give the guide and porter tips after you are done with your trekking. The amount to be given as a tip isn't fixed; it totally depends upon your liking. Giving out a tip means giving an appreciation of the service provided by the porter or guide. It is one way to show your appreciation-a thank-you approach. Tipping is expected and respectful as they go the extra mile, carrying your luggage, guiding you, explaining Nepali culture, and many more. Tip what you feel is appropriate to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication throughout your trek.
Trekking Feedback
Happyland Treks will host a formal dinner in Kathmandu for the trekkers after the trip is over. A great opportunity to share about the trek and suggestions regarding the trips for us to learn and improve. We would be highly obliged if you could leave a review on our Google Review, TripAdvisor Review, or directly on our website.
Your review becomes invaluable to us; it always guides future trekkers to plan their adventures. We look forward to hearing about your thoughts and experiences over dinner with us and then reading them online in the reviews. Thanks for choosing Happyland Treks, and we look forward to seeing you again on another adventure soon.
