Poonhill Trek 07 days

• You can see spectacular sunrise/sunset views giving the mountains different shades from Poonhill.
• Panoramic views of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri ranges, Machhapuchhre Himal, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Mardi Himal.
• Explore Gurung Culture and Hospitality.
• Walk through the lush forests, scattered Magar settlements, and the amazing mountain views, rivers and waterfalls. 

Overview Poonhill Trek 07 days

Ghorepani Poonhill is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Ghorepani Poonhill trek is considered as relatively easier trek for beginner trekkers. The original trekking to Ghorepani Poonhill starts from Birethati. Almost 45 minutes drive from Pokhara will take you to Nayapul and from there about 1 hour and 50 minutes drive will take you to Birethati which is the main starting point of the trek. There is a checkpoint they check the permits before starting the trek to Ghorepani Poonhill. This trek leads you to lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, dense forest and colorful villages. The views during the trek are awe-inspiring. During the trek to Poonhill you will encounter the warm hospitality of the Gurung people. Also you can encounter their cultures and traditions as you will visit the largest Gurung settlements of Annapurna Region, Ghorepani and Ghandruk.

One thing that makes Poonhill the most popular trekking destination is the sunrise and sunset views over the mountains. During the sunrise and sunset you will see different amazing colors in the mountains which keep on changing until it becomes sparkling white. Other than the sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna Range you will also cherish the incredible views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) Fishtail (6997m) Annapurna South, Himchuli, and many more. The fascinating views of the mountains, hills and picturesque villages makes Poonhill  a ‘Photographer’s Paradise’. Ghorepani Poonhill trek is suitable for the people of every age group and can be a best destination for family trek, friends trek, couple trek and solo trek as well. 

Poonhill Trek Difficulty

The elevation of Poonhill is only 3210 meters so there is very less chance of getting altitude sickness even if you are a beginner trekker. Poonhill is considered relatively one of the easiest trekking destinations of Annapurna Region. You will have to climb 3000 steps after crossing a suspension bridge from Hile to Ulleri. The climb up to Ulleri is only the difficulty of this trek. After you complete the steps, the trek starts getting easier and much better. You will then walk through the forests blanketed with Rhododendron trees where enchanting sounds of birds and species will be entertaining you throughout the way.

Best Season for Poonhill Trek

The weather in Poonhill is unpredictable. Although it can change speedily the temperature remains normally mild. The best seasons for Poonhill trek are October to November and March to April. These seasons offers the best views and remarkable weather. However, Ghorepani Poonhill can be done during any time of the year.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Permit

Ghorepani Poonhill trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Two separate permits needs to be obtained for this trek i.e. Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System permit (TIMS).  The permits will be provided by the company before your departure from Kathmandu.. 

Best Time to trek to Annapurna Region

The best time to trek to Annapurna Region is during autumn (September- November) and Spring (March – May). Annapurna Region is beautiful throughout the year but during these seasons you get to see the most beautiful pictures of Annapurna Region. Some of the places of Annapurna Region like Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Kagbeni and Jomsom can be visited any time during the year. 

Autumn in Annapurna Region 

Autumn season gives you the most favorable weather for trekking with warm and dry climate. Autumn seasons falls during the months of September, October and November. Autumn season is also the season of festivals. You can feel the festival vibes everywhere while trekking in Nepal during Autumn. On the other hand you can get the best pictures while trekking Annapurna Region during Autumn Season. 

Spring in Annapurna Region

Spring in Nepal is regarded as one of the best season for trekking and mountain climbing. Spring season occurs in Nepal in the months of March, April and May. You can have a heavenly experience trekking in Annapurna Region during spring. You can see varieties of blooming wild floras and forests blanketed with rhododendron flowers during your trials. The mountains look absolutely stunning and the temperature is warm and moderate. You can expect lots of trekkers during the trial during spring season in Annapurna region.

Summer in Annapurna Region

Summer season is not very popular season for trekking in Annapurna Region. Summer season in Nepal takes place in between the months of June to August. The monsoon seasons combines with summer in Nepal. Thus, Nepal receives a wet summer with hot temperature. Although the temperature gets cooler as you gain altitude but the trials can be affected by heavy rainfall and mudslides.  However, some of the regions which lie in the rain-shadow area like Upper Mustang, Jomsom, and Muktinath can be visited throughout the year. If you love challenges and thrill then this season can be the best for you to explore Annapurna Region. In spite of the challenges you can get the best views and true colors of nature while trekking to Annapurna Region during summer.  

Winter in Annapurna Region

Winter Season takes place in Nepal in the months of December to February. Since it is freezing cold and some of the high passes are closed in the higher altitudes due to snow this season is not recommend for trekking in Annapurna Region. However, if you want to enjoy peaceful trekking trials with fewer trekkers then you can choose this season with proper gears and clothing equipment. Despite the challenges, the winter season in Annapurna Region gives you the best view of snowcapped mountains. 

Accommodations

Our accommodation will be in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek you will be staying in tea houses or lodges. All accommodations are on twin share basis. Single supplement rooms can be provided on request with an additional charge. Although the rooms are easily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara it is very difficult to arrange single supplement rooms during the trek. In such case Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd will look for the best alternatives. 

Meals

All meals will be provided during our Ghorepani Poonhill Trek including welcome or farewell dinners in Kathmandu. The meals during our stay in Kathmandu will be provided in high class typical Nepali restaurants which serve you with delicious Nepali cuisines whereas we will have our breakfast and dinner in the tea houses/ lodges on trek. We will spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination.  We suggest you to try out the most popular local foods like Thakali food while you are trekking in Annapurna Region. The local foods are healthier and give a lot of energy during your trekking trials. 

• Welcome or farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant with live cultural program.
• Stays in 3 star standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and clean lodge/guest houses during the trek. (as per availability)
• Every meals during the trek.( breakfast, lunch, dinner, including tea and coffees)
• Seasonal fresh fruit.
• Experienced, well trained, English speaking guide with all his expenses, insurance, equipment during your travel period.(4:1)
• One porter for each two member in a group (with all his expenses, insurance, equipment during your travel period)
• Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per itinerary.
• Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (national Park Permit, TIMS)
• All government and local taxes.

• Tips for guides porters and drivers
• Nepalese visa fee.
• Extra night accommodation due to any reason in Kathmandu.
• Extra luggage charge.
• Hot showers during the trek. 
• Personal trekking equipments.
• Personal travel insurance.
• International Airfare fees. 
• Extra costs for internet and phone calls (if any). 
• Person expenses not included in the itinerary.

Physical condition & Requirements

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is relatively easier than any other treks in Nepal. Anyone with sound physical fitness and who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day can easily complete the trek.  Gorepani Poonhill trekking does not require any prior trekking experience however if you have it can add up a plus point for you.  Ghorepani Poonhill trek can be a great choice for beginners’ trekkers as well.

Nepal Visa Information

Visa in Nepal can be acquired on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu and also at the border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki border of Nepal - India and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also acquire at the nearest Nepal Embassy. For visa renewal purpose you can contact at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan

 at Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

Visa Facility         Duration       Fee

Multiple entry       15 days          US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry       30 days          US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple entry       90 days          US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Gratis (Free) Visa

For first visit in one visa year (January to December), gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the visa can be extended from the department of immigration with respective fares.

 Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

Nepal Visa for Chinese Nationals

As per official circular of the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China, Chinese nationals applying for tourist visa to Nepal are being provided “gratis tourist visa” from Jan. 5, 2016, from following Nepali missions in the People’s Republic of China:

• Embassy of Nepal, Beijing
•  Consulate General of Nepal, Lhasa
• Consulate General of Nepal, Hong Kong
• Honorary Consulate of Nepal, Shanghai
• More Information

Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan will need to obtain visa from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions in their respective countries, as they do not get visa on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal