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Ghode Paani Poon Hill Trek
Overview
Ghode Paani Poon Hill trek is arguably the most beautiful of the short treks in the Annapurna conservation area. It offers reasonably straight forward hiking, splendid scenery and unrivaled close up views of the Annapurna mountain range. The 6 day trek takes you through the varying ethnic communities of the Magar and Gurung people, giving the chance to experience their everyday life and adding a fascinating cultural element to the trek. Beginning with an hour’s drive from the lakeside city of Pokhara, the walking trail sets off from Naya Pool. The Poon Hill trek route gently climbs through lush countryside passing through a number of small Magar villages. As the trail continues further up, trekkers are welcomed with ever changing views of the snowy peaks of the Annapurna range. In Spring, there is the added bonus that much of the trail winds it’s way through magnificent rhododendron forest in bloom. At Poon Hill itself 3210m, we have the opportunity to observe sunset and sunrise over the breathtaking Annapurna mountains. This trek is ‘family friendly’! It is suitable for first time trekkers, and for those with lower levels of fitness. It is also ideal for a school trip looking for a cultural experience and some low altitude trekking. The nature of the topography in the region, however, mean that this trek can still offer some spectacular Himalayan views , despite its relatively low altitude.
As with all our treks, we can be flexible with the itinerary and can adjust many details according to your time, availability and special interests.
Highlights
Easy & short classic trek in Annapurna region to all begginers to regaular trekkers
Stunning sunrise view over 8000m above mountains Annapurna & Dhaulagiree from Poon hill top
Mesmerizing view of Fishtail & 360 degree angle of Annapura and Dhaulagiree Himalayan range
Enjoy th rice terrace in Ghandaki region, water fall, lush forest, ethinc Gurung & Magar village
Explore Ethnic Gurung & Magar communities life style and tradition
Explore beautiful and multicultural lake city Pokhara
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International airport Kathmandu. Pick up by Sherpa Brothers treks representative, transfer to hotel check in and welcome drink from receptionist. Rest and briefing about trip trip. In the evening welcome dinner at Nepalese cultural restaurant, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 2 : Drive to Pokhara 7 hours by tourist bus, check in hotel, sightseeing around lakeside, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 3 : Drive 1 hours 15 minutes to Birethaiti from Pokhara, trek start and walk to Ulleri (1960m / 6430ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hours
Day 4 : Trek to Ghode pani (2,860m / 9,384ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 3 hours
Day 5 : Hike to top of Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,528ft) for Annapurna and Dhaulagiree mountain ranges view with sun rise, back to tea house. After breakfast trek to Tadhapani (2,630 meters / 8,629 ft), O/N in tea house : Approx 6 hours
Day 6 : Tadapani to Ghandruk walk to Kilyu trek ends and drive to Pokhara, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast : Approx 5 hours
Day 7 : 7 hours drive to Kathmandu. Rest, free time and last minute shopping in Kathmandu, O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 8 : Departure from Kathmandu to home; as per flight time, pick up from hotel and drop 3 hour earlier to international airport for home departure
Services Includes
- Accommodation and 3 times meals breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/ coffee during 4 days Ghodepani poon hill trekking period
- Professional and experience license holder trekking guide salary, insurance
- Porter salary, equipment and insurance
- Tourist bus transportation to Pokhara/Kathmandu
- Private transportation to Nayapool and back to Pokhara
- Standard hotel with deluxe BB in Kathmandu for 2 nights
- Standard hotel in Pokhara with deluxe BB for 2 night
- Private transport for airport receive and departure
- ACAP and TIMS permits
- Trip route map
- Duffel bag for packing daily trek gear
- Warm sleeping bag
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
Services Excludes
- Personal nature expense such as WIFI internet, data pack, telephone calls, bar and beverage bills bottled drinks including (cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water, laundry)
- Personal insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara
- Unforeseen accidental rescue
- Days beyond the itinerary
- Gratitude to staff
Additional Information
The trail incorporate easy ranking of usual 6-7 hours walking every day. Annapurna Poon hill is the relatively shorter duration of trek which makes it an ideal choice for those with time constraints but still seeking an unforgettable Himalayan experience. This trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the Gurung society cultural heritage of Nepal, as trekkers have the chance to interact with local communities and experience their traditional way of life. Furthermore, the trek is suitable for both experienced trekkers and beginners, as it provides a easy – moderate level of difficulty that can be easily managed by individuals without any previous hiking experience.
Accommodation and Food
In Kathmandu and Pokhara: 3 star hotel Deluxe with bed and breakfast on with sharing.
On trek: 4 days twin sharing accommodation in a tea house (trekking guest house) with meals, (Break fast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea/ Coffee) on full board. The tea houses along the trekking route provide basic but comfortable accommodations, with twin sharing rooms available. These tea houses also offer a variety of delicious home cooked meals to keep you energized throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy hot drinks such as tea or coffee to warm up after a long day of trekking.
Travel insurance
Sherpa Brothers Treks and Expedition Pvt/ Ltd. take every care to make our treks safe and enjoyable. All our routes are scouted to ensure the trails are safe and the facilities along route are of an acceptable standard. In addition, we have vast experience of trekking at altitude and are trained to deal with Acute Altitude Sickness. However, due to terrain, weather and altitude, risk is not always predictable in the Himalaya. To ensure you have a worry free time with us, personal travel insurance is essential to cover the cost of unforeseen accident, illness or rescue. The costs involved can be large and personally overwhelming in the unlikely event of accident or injury.
All Nepalese staff, guides and porters employed by Sherpa Brothers Pvt. Ltd. are covered locally but we regret that we cannot offer insurance for our clients.
Sherpa Brothers Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is not liable should anything go wrong due to unforeseen circumstances.
When choosing an insurance policy be sure to confirm with your insurer that your policy covers adventure holidays and trekking at high altitude. Some insurers makes special exception for these types of trip so please read the small print and contact your insurer if you are unsure.
When is the best time to do Poon Hill Trek in general ?
While the best times to go walking and trekking to Poon Hill are in the spring, summer (late February – May, June, July) and autumn (late September-Mid December).
Autumn; The best time of year to do Poon Hill trek is supposedly in the autumn. With dry weather and crisp, clear skies, the mountain views are at their best. Since the summer monsoon, the countryside has been lush and green.
Spring; As the weather warms up in late February and May wide variety of trekking options become available. The gorgeous magnolia and rhododendron will be in bloom, even though the skies may be cloudier than in the fall. If you want to trek in Poon hill in the both fall and spring time, you should book well in advance because the popular trails can get crowded during this time and flights fill up fast.
Winter; Generally, winter brings bright, dry days, though the evenings are bitterly cold at altitude and snow. Well-prepared with the right gear and equipment for colder temperatures. Winter can be an excellent time to do Poon Hill trek because there are fewer tourists.
How many permits will I need for Poon Hill Trek ?
If you’re planning to trek to the Ghorepaani Poon Hill, you require the Annapurna conservation area permit ACAP entrance Permit and TIMS Trekkers information management system permit. These permits are mandatory to enter the areas along the trekking route in order to protect trekkers’ data and for their safety. The permits also help fund conservation efforts and support local communities.
Required gears check list for Poon Hill Trek.
Having the right gear ensures that you are prepared for adventure and all challenges or emergencies that may arise during your mountain adventures. From proper clothing and footwear to essential tools and safety equipment, your gear provides the necessary support and protection needed to navigate through rugged terrains and unpredictable weather conditions.
Below we present you a require complete packing list suitable for this trek.
Hiking gears for Poon Hill Trek.
Day bag 1 – A porter will carry your primary gear in duffel bag (up to 12kg per trekker). You’ll need to bring your own daypack. 30–35L is adequate.
Dry Bag 1 – This protects your bag and clothing from potential moisture, wet object and rain.
Walking pole 1 – ( if necessary) Trekking poles can decrease the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are excellent for knees while going down. We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles.
Water bottle or camel bag 1 – Capacity to carry 3 litre of water. Options: 2 x 1.5 litre wide mouth nalgene bottles or 2 litre platypus + 1 litre water bottle.
Head light 1 – You will need a headlamp with a good light output for any late-night restroom trips, as well as importantly for Poon Hill Hiking for Sunrise day. Petzl make renowned and affordable headlamps.
Knife / Multi tools – 1
Cloth and body wear
Down jacket 1 – You’ll need this for the Poon Hill Hike as well as in the evenings at lodge camp when you’re tired, you feel the cold a lot more.
Sleeping bag 1 – rated 0°F, -20°F.
Light or medium wight warm hiking trouser 2 – an option of convertible trousers.
For the colder parts of the trek you’ll need good winter hiking pants – just make sure they are breathable.
Warm liner 1 – For extra warmth in sleeping bag.
Warm sun hats 1 – lot of heat is lost through your head, so be sure to get a warm thermal hat as well as one that protects your neck from the harsh rays of the sun.
Fleece / jacket and pants 1 – Modern technical fleeces (such as Polartec) make excellent insulation layers.
Windproof jacket and Pants 1 – pants with full-length zips make getting them on and off quick and easy.
Long and half sleeve hiking shirt 3 – As per you body size lightweight, moisture wicking long and short sleeved shirts.
Buff for (neck and head) – 1
Walking boot 1 – We recommend light- to mid-weight waterproof boots with good ankle support. You don’t need to go full-mountaineering boot.
Gloves / mittens 2 – For the cold nights through the trek and for the larke pass day, we recommend heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant gloves.
Warm hiking socks (wool / synthetic) 3-4, pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for larke day.
Gaiter 1 – Help keep your trousers clean in dusty, wet and muddy trail conditions
Flip flap/ Sandal 1 – To wear around after a day’s trek we recommend bringing a pair of sandals
Sun protection, health hygiene and water
Sun cream 1 – SPF 40+ Sunscreen is very important as the sun’s rays are much stronger at altitude.
Sun glass 2 – (incase of one broke) choose high UV protection glasses of any brand as sun intensity after 3500 is very high.
Sun hat 1 – if possible go for a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection, and has a neck cover if you aren’t going to be wearing a neck gaiter
Lip guard 1 – To keep your lip moisturized in dry air and the stronger sun ray
Tooth brush – 1
Face wash soap – 1
Sanitizer wipes – 2/2, if you won’t be showering at altitude, so anti-bacterial ‘wet wipes’ are a good way of maintaining personal hygiene.
Towel – 1
Electrolyte/Sports drink powdered formula for adding to your water Water can get pretty boring, so it’s a good idea to bring along an electrolyte formula that’s flavored to your liking.
Snacks energy bars of your preference – plan for 2-4 per day Snacks such as energy bars, trail mix, and candy can help give you a quick energy boost while on the trail. Just avoid anything with caffeine in it.
Ear plugs – For light sleepers. Snoring travels in quiet high altitude lodges
Prescription medicine
Water purifier tablet / lightweight pen filter
Toilet paper – Bring two rolls of toilet paper, one to keep in your daypack for use on the trail, and one in your duffel for use at tea house camp. Taking the cardboard center out makes it easier to transport.
Menstrual product for her
Diamox (if using)
Blister plasters – different shapes and sizes
Antibiotic cream or ointment
Hairbrush/comb
Foot powder
Nail cutter
Personal belonging items
Passport
Cash Visa / credit card
Cell phone
Power bank backup and charger – The standard voltage of electricity in Nepal is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric or electronic appliances in Nepal without a voltage converter.
Camera / Gopro
Reservation cancellations policy
There will be no fees associated with cancellations made more than 45 days prior to departure.
A penalty of 30% of the total trip cost will apply for cancellations made between 30 and 44 days prior to departure.
60% of the total trip cost will be lost for cancellations made between 15 and 29 days prior to departure.
If a cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure, there will be no reimbursement.
Additional specifications
When making your reservation, please let us know about any special needs you may have so that we can make responsible efforts to accommodate your requests and special requirements, as long as the locations and resources allow.
Tour Cost & Schedule
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