Can I extend my holiday like a day trip in Kathmandu or other Activities?
Yes, both before and after your trekking, Kathmandu provides various thrilling experiences to enhance your Nepal trip. Among many here we recommend some of the best things to do :
Kathmandu Sightseeing City Tour
Visit ancient temples, busy markets, UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Durbar Square,Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.
Day Hike to Nagarjun Hill
Experience a refreshing hike through pine forests to panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan peaks.
Trishuli River Rafting Day Tour
Experience thrilling whitewater rapids just a few hours from Kathmandu, perfect for first time and intermediate rafters.
- Chisapani Nagarkot Hiking ( 2 nights/3 days)
Trek through the traditional villages and rhododendron forests. Enjoy with the Mountain views.
Explore the off-road trails and village areas on the outskirts of the valley.
Uncover hidden trails and local communities on two wheels across the valley’s varied terrain.
- Shivapuri National Park Day Trip
Hike through thick pristine forest with chances of wildlife and bird watching in protected area.
- Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)
Sight rhinoceros, crocodiles and if you’re lucky, tigers in their natural habitat.
You can also explore nearby countries, take Tibet or Bhutan tours for more cultural sightseeing.
Free airport pickup and drop from the company
Free airport pick up and drop from the company
We offer you a complimentary airport transfer service that will ensure your arrival to our hotel is smooth and comfortable. Our representative will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport.
ARRIVAL ASSISTANCE
A staff of ours will meet you at the arrival with your name board to lead you to the car and also help you with the luggage.
HASSLE-FREE TRANSFER
We will be there for you at the airport in Kathmandu and ensure a comfortable drive to your hotel. The same way, we will ensure that you reach the airport on time when your Nepal vacation will come to an end.
Please let us know all your flight details before and we will work to arrange the pick up for you in the best possible way.
Can I store my luggage/Suitcase in Kathmandu?
Happy Land Treks also provides the facility of a luggage store in Kathmandu at our office, or you can keep it at your Hotel, which will let you get back your belongings after you finish your trek. You can leave your extra stuff that is not required during the trek so that you will feel comfortable and travel light without carrying that extra stuff and ensure their security back in Kathmandu.
We at Happy Land Treks take all necessary measures to safeguard your belongings throughout the trek. We know how important peace of mind is while you are on an adventure holiday and on physically arduous treks. Our long-term clients have appreciated our keeping their luggage safe until they come back to us.
Differences between solo trek, private trek, and group trek
Solo Trek
Solo trek, as the name suggests, is trekking independently. While you are trekking solo, you can hire a porter or guide or both, who shall be with you throughout the trek. The main advantage is complete freedom – your own pace, schedule and style of stay. The dedicated guide and porter will take care of all your needs & worries during your journey with no stress about logistics. For example, if it’s taking 12 days to do a particular trek, you can extend it to 14 days or more without any issues till time & stamina are permitted from your side, as everything has been personalized only for ‘you.’
Private Trek
Private treks are suitable for small groups of friends, families and colleagues who wish to trek together. With a private trek, you have the flexibility to:
- Choose your own departure dates.
- Customize the itinerary to suit the needs of your group.
- Additional locations or side trips Visits
- Privacy and peace throughout the journey
- Trek with as many mates as you like without any restrictions.
Group Trek
Small Group Adventures are for people who love the idea of meeting fellow travelers from all over the world. Essential features:
- Traveling with a group size usually somewhere between 2 and 10 like-minded people
- Fixed departure dates and itineraries
- Set a specific date, duration, or month of preference for traveling on your mind. Here is our selection.
- Opportunities to meet and get to know other international travelers.
Family Trek
Family treks are designed specifically for families traveling together. These treks include:
- Enhanced security around kids
- Different fitness levels and health issues considered
- Itinerary flexibility for the family
- Pacesetting according to need
- Guides are dedicated and trained to take care of family-specific needs.
Is it safe for solo or female travelers?
Solo Females can safely travel New Year Trekking in the Annapurna Region. There will not be any issues apart from if there are any unpredictable natural happenings. It is suggested we take a local guide as the safety would be much greater. On top of that, taking both a guide and an agency locally makes your Solo much safer. We have been guiding solo travelers and female solo travelers since our establishment; we have been providing wonderful journeys in Nepal throughout the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions.
A Typical Day on New Year Trek in Nepal
Morning Start
The adventure begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. On trekking days, you will wake up early in the morning, around 7:00 AM, take your breakfast in a teahouse, and your daily trek starts around 7:45 AM fresh and energized.
Daily Trek Schedule
Normally, hiking time is 5-7 hours every day in the beautiful landscapes of Nepal. Your guide will lead you at your own pace, and you’ll get frequent time to rest and for photography. Lunch spots will be chosen at the best available teahouses on the way.
Evening Routine
Towards the end of the day, you’ll arrive at your overnight teahouse. Dinner is usually served around 7:00 PM, leaving you plenty of time to rest, chat with other trekkers and get ready for the next day.
Drinking water on the New Year Trekking in Nepal to Poonhill
In the Annapurna region, you need to think about water safety and plastic. Plastic bottles are allowed up to Ghorepani but banned from Chhomrong onward. So, you can’t buy bottled water beyond Chhomrong. But don’t worry; all teahouses and guesthouses on the trail provide boiled or filtered water, which is safe for drinking without producing plastic waste. To drink tap water safely, you can use purification tablets or SteriPEN-kind gadgets, although these gadgets are more convenient if bought in your own country. Water purification tablets are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara pharmacies as well. Opting for boiled water at the teahouses is both environmentally friendly and safe for your health – especially at higher altitudes.
What to expect on the New Year Trekking in Nepal?
A New Year trek in Nepal is an incomparable experience. From Kathmandu's bustling streets, we head to the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara, where we start our trek into the Annapurna region. Every day brings new landscapes and cultural experiences before a breathtaking mountain sunrise at Poon Hill offers one of many highlights. We have a rest day with relaxing opportunities at natural hot springs before returning via Gurung villages to Pokhara. With clear winter skies, the mountain views are at their best, and as we pass through some Hindu settlements, this festive period becomes even more interesting.
Accommodation during the New Year Trekking in Nepal
During the New Year Trekking in Nepal, accommodation is simple, comfortable and clean. You usually sleep in twin or triple-sharing dormitory-style rooms with up to four beds per room. The idea is to have a warm, cozy place to rest your head after daily trekking.
Though the accommodations are basic, they are cozy and offer a friendly space to connect with other like-minded trekkers. Rooms typically do not come with attached toilets or showers; these are usually shared and outside the room but kept clean. Despite being basic, the teahouses and guesthouses are designed to give you an authentic taste of Nepal.
Training requirement for New Year Trekking in Nepal to Poonhill
Poon Hill New Year Trek in Nepal is considered a relatively short and low-altitude trek. It does not require training; however, a little light preparation one or two weeks in advance would add immensely to your comfort and stamina on the trek. Light cardio exercises-like regular hiking or fast walking-can keep you fit for treks. Although no hard training is required, prior trekking experience can prove to be an added advantage. The trail, however, is pretty gentle in elevation gain and laid-back in pace, thus making it pretty manageable and enjoyable by all, even for the first timer in trekking.
Mountain Sickness and Prevention
Poon Hill is a moderately high trek. Most of the time, the trek stays below 3100 meters above sea level, hence reducing the possibility of serious altitude sickness. Due to elevation and physical exertion, if the trekkers get altitude sickness, the symptoms may include mild symptoms like headache, nausea, or fatigue. In any case, listening to your body and hydration will reduce those effects as much as possible.
Prevention Tips
Mountain sickness can be prevented by pacing oneself and not hurrying uphill. Hydrating is very important; plenty of water, including electrolyte drinks, to maintain the energy level. Nutritional meal intake and avoidance of alcohol help the body adapt better. Furthermore, rest well and take a break whenever necessary. Gradual ascend and rest days would let your body adapt. When one starts experiencing the symptoms, one descends to the lower altitude. It is often the case that even slight decreases in altitude make a big difference in symptoms and greatly help improve the trekker's experience.
What is the Best Season for Poon Hill - New Year Trek?
The Poon Hill Trek can be done at any time of the year. However, the weather conditions can change overnight and even during the day in the Annapurna region. The peak seasons (March to May and September to October) have more trail visitors and better facilities.
Spring (March to May)
In the springtime, the trail is in full bloom as rhododendrons splash across mountainsides in shades of red and pink. Temperatures are mild and great for trekking. Mornings are usually clear, with great mountain views. Afternoons can sometimes be cloudy.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August)
This is kind of off-season because of the monsoon rains. Trails are slippery, and leeches will suck your blood, but there would be fewer tourists and so lower prices. Most of the time, mountains will be in the clouds, but overall, you get the best landscapes.
Autumn (September to October)
The best time for Poon Hill Trek is during autumn. The weather is stable, and the mountains are visible. The sky is at its clearest, with a stunning sunrise view over the Annapurna. But be ready to expect many travelers and higher accommodation prices on the trial.
Winter (November to February)
Though mornings are usually clear and mesmerizing, the temperature can sometimes fall beyond imagination, especially at higher elevations. The trail sees moderate traffic — more than off-season but less than in peak months.
Equipment and trekking kit necessary for New Year Trekking in Nepal
Basic/essential equipment and trekking that you will need for this trek:
- Trekking Boots: Sturdy, water-resistant boots with good ankle support.
- Backpack: A comfortable daypack in which to carry essentials.
- Clothing: layered - thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for cold temperatures
- Trekking Poles: Useful when stability on uneven terrain is an issue.
- Water Purification: Tablets or filters for drinking water.
- First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries
See our blog here for more extensive listings and information.
Food during the New Year Trekking in Nepal
During the Ghorepani Poonhill trek for New Year, you’ll find varied dining options at every teahouse. Though the food is simple compared to cities, each teahouse has its own menu with several choices. The local specialty Dal Bhat (a traditional Nepali dish) will be served; it’s a plate full of steamed rice, lentil soup, curry vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat, which is great energy for trekking. Other menu options are Momos (dumplings), Noodle soups, Pasta dishes, Fried rice, Pancakes, Pizza, Eggs and toast, Porridge, and Garlic soup (really good if you’re going higher). Etc. The food is clean and well-cooked wherever we eat. But the taste may not match what you had expected after eating in Kathmandu or Pokhara or from your country. They also mostly serve hot beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to keep you warm.
Toilet and shower in the mountain lodge
Toilet Facilities in Mountain Lodges
Your teahouses also have both Western-style WCs and traditional squat toilets. Nowadays, most lodges have been installing Western-style toilets for tourists who visit them. But it's good to be prepared for both. These may be shared facilities with toilets located outside the teahouses.
Showering facilities
Most of the tea houses en route offer hot shower facilities. Of these, the two most common types are as follows:
Note that the hot showers are available at extra cost, each ranging from $3 to $5 per head. Cold showers are available but are not recommended due to the mountainous weather and health issues.
Personal Toiletries Recommendations
We strongly advise that you prepare your personal toiletries. The important things to take along with you are toilet paper, shower gel or soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, and a personal towel. Having personal toiletries in service will ensure comfort and hygiene during the trek. Teahouses located along the way usually have these basic supplies available but are more than often limited and lack standards. Toiletries and personal things are more hygienic and easy to use when facilities should be shared.
Mobile, Camera Battery Charge and WIFI on the Trek
Charging Facilities
In mountain teahouses, the electricity facility for device charging is accessible in a common room or dining room; however, it is not in your room. Whenever you charge your devices fully, you need to pay an additional charge of USD 3-5 each time. We recommend you bring power banks/spare batteries (as a backup source of power) and not be dependent on the teahouse's electricity.
WiFi Connectivity
Although teahouses have WiFi services available at an extra cost ($3-5), mountain connectivity can be unreliable. The signal strength and consistency vary a lot based on weather conditions and the altitude of the place. To stay connected with the internet for emergency communications, it is advisable to buy a local SIM card before starting your trek as the local mobile networks usually have better reception than teahouse WiFi; this could be critical if you want to check in with your family or there is an emergency back home. The most common mobile network providers are Ncell and NTC (Nepal Telecom).
What is the highest altitude of the trek?
The highest altitude you reach on Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) at Poon Hill viewpoint, where you will see the sunrise view over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. You will be going that high on Day 5 when you hike to Poon Hill for sunrise and then continue to Tadapani.
Money exchange in Kathmandu
Currency exchange facilities are available throughout Kathmandu, with numerous money exchange counters and over 1,000 ATMs located in the tourist district of Thamel itself. Currency can be easily exchanged at hotels, banks or through tour operators, where you will be offered the best rates possible.
Important Note: Since currency exchange facilities won't be available throughout your trek as we hike in the mountain, please exchange enough Nepali rupees before you depart for the trek. Thamel has lots of competitive money exchange shops and is a traveler's hub, probably the best place in Kathmandu for all travelers to do their money exchanges.
New Year Trekking in Nepal to Poon HIll difficulty level
The Poon Hill trek for New Year is graded as moderate, so it's achievable for any walker and family with reasonably good fitness. You will be walking 4-6 hours per day on a good trail, sometimes with stone steps and gradual ascent. The maximum altitude of 3,210m at Poon Hill has no risk of altitude sickness, but you will need to do some physical preparation. In the winter, around New Year, the skies are clear for views, but temperatures are quite cold, especially at night; if you ensure that you have proper clothing and basic fitness, you can do this scenic trek comfortably.
Weather in the New Year Trekking in Nepal
The weather is not the same all year in the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in Nepal, plus mountain weather can change all of a sudden. Although the weather is different from month to month, autumn and spring-from March to May-are considered peak seasons for trekking because of clear skies, mild temperatures, and the views seen. Winter, too, is not so bad a time to trek, though it might be colder and the trails sometimes covered in snow. The monsoon season is not quite favorable since it faces heavy rain, muddy trails, and consequential poor visibility.
January
The peak of winter, clear sky and lesser crowd. Night temperature goes down to -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, and day temperature remains between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Quite cold but manageable with good clothing. Snowfall occurs at higher altitudes.
February
The days are a bit warmer, but the nighttime temperature is below freezing. There will be snow on the trail, and the views are excellent.
March
March brings the onset of spring, and the daily temperature rises to 10-15°C in that time, and rhododendrons start blooming, making the trails colorful! Clear sky allows stunning mountain views!
April
April is one of the nice months, with mild temperatures, pretty blossoms and clear sky. Daytime temperature would be around 15-20°C, which will make your trek comfortable.
May
May Month marks the end of the spring season. The temperature may rise to a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius. Skies mostly remain clear.
June
The monsoon season begins this month, meaning heavy rain almost every day and high humidity. Trails can be very muddy, and clouds often cover the mountains, making for poor visibility on treks.
July is the peak of the monsoon, and you will encounter heavy rainfall. You can hardly view the mountains, and the trek path becomes slippery, which makes it difficult to trek. The temperature varies from 15-20°C.
August
August is still considered the monsoon season, but the rains start to taper off in the later part of the month. Trails will still be muddy, and views will often be obscured by clouds, but the landscape is a vibrant green, and it feels incredibly peaceful.
September
The monsoon has normally come to an end, and the skies are generally clear. Daytime temperatures range from 15-20°C, making for some very nice trekking weather. It’s a little greener after the rains.
October
October is the peak season for trekking. The weather is pretty stable, with crystal clear skies and temperatures ranging from 10-15°C. Views are the best you'll get, and trails are busy with trekkers.
November
Conditions similar to October with slightly cooler temperatures. Sunny days are perfect for trekking, and nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing at higher altitudes.
December
December marks the beginning of winter. It usually has a clear sky and fewer trekkers. Temperatures go beyond freezing at night, but with the sun shining brightly, it will be cool walking during the day with spectacular, panorama mountain views.
Travel and trekking insurance in the high-altitude
Trekking insurance is always highly recommended for Trekking in Nepal. Even though the Ghorepani Poonhill trek does not go over 3,000 meters, travel insurance can be a lifesaver in emergency situations such as helicopter evacuations and medical emergencies. Also, if you lose your luggage / have it stolen, travel insurance will be able to cover those expenses, too. If you’re not insured and want coverage for helicopter rescues and medical care refunds, then it can be a tough and costly upfront expense here in Nepal, so make sure your policy covers you before committing financially to what can often be very expensive procedures.
How are the Trails of New Year Trekking in Nepal to Poonhill?
The trek involves traditional wooden bridges and a tough trail with steep ascents to Poonhill and descends the same way back. During the course of your trek, you will be making ascents and descents while crossing beautiful green valleys and slopes. From Ghandruk to Nayapul, you have to walk on mixed terrains that consist of gravel and paved roads. You have to walk on this trail for three hours on the last day of the trek, or you can take local buses instead if you like. You will also encounter Buddhist villages en route, where you can get an insight into their culture.
Nepal visa information
The first thing you need to organize travel to Nepal is a valid passport. When you arrive in Nepal, your passport must have at least six months of validity and full pages for the immigration officers. You will also need passport-sized photos. Tourist visas are available upon arrival at the airport and at various border entry points in Nepal, so it’s very convenient to travel. The duration of the visas varies, but 15, 30 or 90 days are most commonly given, with an option to extend if required. Just make sure your papers are organized, and this will be no problem.
Tipping - Tips to the guide and porter
You should tip your guide and porter after the trek. There is no hard rule on how much you should give; it’s solely up to you and your satisfaction with their service. Tipping is a kind way to show your appreciation and also help them support them since they work incredibly hard in order to make your adventure successful.
Trekking Feedback
At the end of your once-in-a-lifetime trek, please join us for a special farewell dinner in Kathmandu hosted by Happyland Trek Company. It’s the perfect time to relax and share your wonderful experiences and stories with other like-minded trekkers. We really appreciate hearing what you thought about your adventure with us, so please feel free to leave us feedback, as we’d be genuinely thrilled to hear what you have to say. Also, we’d love it if you could share your experience with future trekkers and put up a review on our trip advisor page or Google Reviews. Your feedback will help us grow, but more importantly, it is great for future travelers to read before they decide again to join an adventure of a lifetime.
