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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 09 Days

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Region : Annapurna
Trip Duration : 09 Days
Max Altitude : 3193m (Poon Hill)
Starts at : Kathmandu
Ends At : Kathmandu
Trip Grade : Easy
Meals : B|L|D on Trek, |B| in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Accommodation : Teahouse & Hotel
Transportation : Private Vehicle & Tourist Bus
Details

Ghorepani Poonhill, easily known as one of the most popular destination of Nepal in the contemporary tourism activities, is a short and easy trek in the famous Annapurna region. Located at 3,193 meters of altitude from the sea level you can take in the views of many phenomenal snowcapped mountains such as Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Nilgiri, and Tukuche, and the Annapurna range, which includes Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna I (8,091m) and Annapurna South (7,219m). Even though the trek goes up to the remote region, due to the traffic of travelers, you can find many facilities along the route. Teahouses and hotels can also be easily found along the way, where you can get familiar with the local foods, culture, and your welcoming hosts. You also get to experience the unique homestay experience in Ghandruk, where you live in local’s homes, conversing with them, eating their own handpicked and hand cooked foods. This surely gives travelers an authentic experience of Nepalese remote lifestyle.

The trek commences with a half day drive to Pokhara, “the heart of Nepalese tourism”. The city widely popular for its nightlife, lakeside walks, boating, mountain views, bungee jumping, paragliding and many more adventurous activities is the best place in Nepal to spend your free days. We officially begin the trek on your third day of arrival with a short drive to Ulleri and hike to Banthanti. We then move onwards to famous Magar and Gurung settlements of Ghorepani, the Poonhill viewpoint, Tadapani, Ghandruk and Siwai before finally coming back to Pokhara. The major highlights of these phenomenal trek is not only the mountain views, but the exploration, jungle walks, Gurung and Magar settlements and nevertheless Nepal’s national flower “Rhododendron”.

Trip Highlights
  • The dawn over the Dhaulagiri range, which includes Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), and Tukuche, and the Annapurna range, which includes Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna I (8,091m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) , as seen from Poon Hill.
  • Rhododendron Forests: Traditional settlements like Ghandruk and Ghorepani, home to the indigenous Gurung and Magar populations, provide cultural experiences. One of Asia's largest rhododendron woods, which is most vibrant during the springtime flowering season, is traversed by the route.
  • Moderate Difficulty: The Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is characterized by a nice combination of steep climbs and gentle ascents, making it excellent for a wide variety of trekkers, including novices.
  • Typical mud cottages and spectacular terraced fields can be seen in the village, which is connected by stone-paved pathways.
Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day in Kathmandu (1400m / 4593ft)

On your arrival, you’ll be greeted by our Airport Representative. They’ll transfer you to your accommodation and brief you about the journey ahead.

Day 2Drive to Pokhara (7-8 hours by bus) 827m / 2713ft

Early in the morning, we take our private vehicle to Pokhara. As you travel, you’ll get to see a lot of lovely scenery, and when you get in Pokhara, you’ll be taken to your hotel. You may stroll through Pokhara’s Lakeside neighborhood.

Day 3Drive to Ulleri (1960m / 6430ft), ~3 hours, trek to Banthanti (2210m / 7250ft), ~1 hour

We’ll head to Banthati after a little drive to Ulleri, where our journey will formally start. We only need to take a brief hike before stopping for the night in Banthanti.

Day 4Trek from Banthanti to Ghorepani (5 to 6 hours) 2750m / 9022ft

Today, after breakfast, we travel to Ghorepani, one of the area’s well-known tourist spots and a Magar village. Magars are the indigenous people of Ghorepani. As we go to Ghorepani, where we will spend the night, you can take in numerous spectacular mountain views.

Day 5Early morning hike to Poon Hill, trek to Tadapani (6 to 7 hours) 3193m / 10476ft (Poon Hill) 2630m / 8629ft (Tadapani)

Early in the morning, in an effort to see the stunning sunrise, we travel to Poonhill. Located at 3,193 meters of altitude from the sea level you can take in the views of many phenomenal snowcapped mountains such as Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Nilgiri, and Tukuche, and the Annapurna range, which includes Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna I (8,091m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) from the poonhill viewpoint. We arrive to Tadapani and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Day 6Trek to Ghandruk (2 to 3 hours) 1940m / 6365ft

Our next destination today is Ghandruk, a picturesque community well-known for its homestays and ethnic Gurung community. We take pleasure in the delectable meals that our local hosts prepare for us and get a restful night’s sleep.

Day 7 Trek to Siwai, ~1.5 hours, drive to Pohara, ~3 hours (1530m / 5020ft at Siwai) (827m / 2713ft at Pokhara)

We do a short hike down to Siwai and finally, we head back to Pokhara. We go for cultural sightseeing and boating in the evening. You can also go a short lakeside walk at late night. Spend the night at a charming hotel in Pokhara.

Day 8Drive to Kathmandu (~7 hours) 1400m / 4593ft

Today, we take the same route back to Kathmandu. After being escorted to a charming hotel, you can spend the evening shopping for trinkets. This wonderful journey comes to an end today, and tomorrow you’ll be returning to your home.

Day 9Departure from Kathmandu

At last the trip comes to an end. We’ll drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. Hope the journey was fruitful and you’ve created the memories of a lifetime. We’ll meet up when you return to this quaint, stunning, and wonder-filled nation. Farewell.

Include / Excludes

Price Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop
  • 2 nights accommodation in Apsara Hotel, Kathmandu or Similar - 3 Star Standard (Breakfast Included)
  • 2 nights accommodation in Hotel Batika, Pokhara or Similar - 3 Star (Breakfast Included)
  • Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu transfer on a Deluxe Tourist Bus
  • 4 nights accommodation in Local Tea Houses during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
  • Accompany of Licensed English-speaking trekking guide for the entire trip (Trained in First-Aid and Emergency Evacuation)
  • One porter for every two clients (13 Kg luggage per person) - salary, insurance and personal expenses covered
  • A cup of tea/coffee (three times a day) and seasonal fruits after dinner on the trek
  • Attached bathrooms and hot showers wherever available
  • Pokhara to Ulleri (Day 3) and Siwai Pokhara (Day 7) drive on a shared jeep
  • Trekking permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit for the trek
  • First-Aid box with medicines (Carried and handled by the guide)
  • All applicable government charges

Complementaries

  • Farewell dinner at a fine restaurant in Kathmandu
  • Certificate of Adventure after the completion of the trek
  • Chlorine solution/tablets for water purification on the trek
  • Free service of borrowing Down Jacket and Sleeping bags, (rated up to - 20 degrees Celsius)
  • Arrangements for Emergency Helicopter evacuation services (paid by your Travel insurance company)

Price Excludes

  • Nepal Visa and International airfare
  • Travel Insurance (Compulsory) - must cover helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, and Trip Cancellation charges
  • Meals in Kathmandu except for breakfast and farewell dinner
  • Personal equipment and other personal expenses such as beverages, confectionaries, laundries, etc.
  • Extra meals, extra porterage service, Wi-Fi, charging of your electronic devices, etc.
  • Tips to your guide, porters, driver and other field staff as a token of appreciation
  • Any other expenses or charges not mentioned in the 'Trip Includes' list
Departure Date
Additional Info

Passport & visa requirements

All visitors to Nepal (except Indian nationals) require an entry visa. Please make sure you have a visa to cover the entire length of your trip, including buffer days. A 30 day visa adequately covers the trip duration for most of our packages. Visa can be acquired at your local Nepalese Embassy or consulate or on arrival in Kathmandu. However, some Asian and African nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance. It is better to obtain the visa prior to your arrival to avoid delays at the airport. The visa is valid for 6 months.

On Arrival Visa Fee:

Multiple entry 15 Days – 30 USD

Multiple entry 30 Days – 50 USD

Multiple entry 90 Days – 125 USD

Note: It is advisable to carry some cash (in US$ or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.

Click here to stay updated on any changes in rules and regulations.

Click here to download the online visa application.

Please make sure the validity of your passport is 6 months post your arrival in Nepal. We recommend that you keep with you a photocopy of your passport separate from the original to help you in case you lose your passport. It is mandatory to carry your passport on the trek with you as it is required for internal flights.

Permits required for a trek in the Annapurna Region

32 would obtain all required permits for trekking on your behalf. Also, the costs of permits are already included in your package cost. No extra payment is required to obtain them. The following information has been compiled for your understanding.

To embark on a trek in the Annapurna region, you need to secure two permits: Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and TIMS permit. In case of restricted regions, a restricted area permit would be required instead of the TIMS permit in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area permit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit

The charge is NPR 2000 for international trekkers and NPR 200 for SAARC nationals. The charges are per person per entry.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest in Nepal spanning 7,629 sq.km. It offers a safe haven to 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles and 23 amphibians. It is also home to people from several culture and ethnic groups.

TIMS Card

The charge is NPR 2000 for international trekkers and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals. The charges are per person per entry.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the trek will be mountain lodges run by local entrepreneurs. The rooms on offer generally include two single beds with a mattress, warm blanket and pillow each, accommodating two persons. The rooms are reasonably decent and clean given the remoteness of the trekking regions. At most of the camps especially in lower regions along the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trails, attached bath with hot shower is offered. The rest of the camps have common bathrooms. At higher camps (like Deurali and Himalaya in the ABC trail and Thorung Phedi along the Circuit trail), although we would do our best to avail a separate room, you might have to manage in dormitory-styled rooms, in case separate rooms are not available, especially during busy seasons.

Food

The package includes one course each of breakfast, lunch and dinner with a cup of tea/coffee. Most of the teahouses on the trail (with exception of more remote ones) offer some variety of Nepali, Oriental and Western cuisine. Breakfast options include: cereals (oat porridge, muesli, cornflakes, roasted barley or wheat flour), bread (toast, sandwiches), pancakes, eggs, and chapatti (Indian styled wheat bread). As for lunch and dinner: dal-bhat (staple Nepali food comprising a set of steamed rice, vegetable curry and lentil soup), hashbrown, mashed potato, noodles, dumplings, spaghetti, soup, pizza among others. Breakfast and dinner would be served at the lodge/teahouse that we overnight in. We would stop for lunch at one of the teahouses in between the day’s trek. After dinner, some fruits will be provided.

Your guide can advise you on the best diet to maintain sound health and fitness level. If you have a special dietary requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.), please communicate it to your guide so that necessary arrangements can be made. Additional orders would attract extra costs payable directly to the respective lodge.

It is worth noting that most of the places on trek are deprived of electricity and they do not have proper refrigeration facilities. Therefore, it is recommended that you maintain a vegetarian diet during your trek as the meat available may not be fresh.

As transport of supplies to the mountain lodges and teahouses involve considerable manual labor and costs, trekkers are expected to be extra careful to keep wastage of food to the minimum.

Drinking Water

While on trek, please drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration while on trek can lead to fatigue and other unpleasant experiences that can take the fun out of trekking. It is advisable to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day, mostly during the day time. Please carry a water bottle along and some water purification pills which can be bought at the shops in Thamel. You may refill your bottles at the lodge or at natural water sources. Please, only fill from places that your guide recommends as safe. Also, please make sure you purify it before drinking. If available, you can also buy bottled water at the lodges where you stay. Please note that the cost of the bottled water increases as you reach higher. It may cost from USD 1 to around USD 4 per 1 liter bottle.

How often to drink water?

Drink half a liter of water as you wake up on an empty stomach. You can have another half-liter within an hour of waking up. When you start trekking, have regular sips of water in brief intervals before you experience dryness in your mouth. Your water intake while trekking should be 1.5 to 2 liters. When you feel tired, take a break and hydrate. When you reach your camp site, have a liter of water in small breaks.

Nepalese Currency for personal (extra) expenses

It is advisable for you to carry extra cash for your personal expenses. As far as possible, please carry the cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu itself, so that you get a fair exchange rate. The amount of money to carry with you depends on your personal spending habits. However, we suggest you to carry cash in Nepalese rupees equivalent to USD 15 to 20 per person, per day.

Health and safety concerns

When it comes to offering a fulfilling trek or a safe one, we tip a little in favor of safety. As you ascend higher, chances are, you may be affected by altitude sickness (also, Acute Mountain Sickness). We strictly follow certain safety guidelines that ensure a gratifying, but more importantly, a safe trek for our guests. Although the itinerary itself has been designed to allow your body 2 days of rest and acclimatization in appropriate intervals and the average walking hours has been set at a comfortable 5-7 hours a day, we do take extra precautions to avert any health issues during and after the trek. Our experienced trekking guides are also trained on ‘Mountain sickness and first aid’ and know how to prevent mountain sicknesses and also act in case of emergencies.

Pre-trek check-up

We urge you to get yourself medically examined before taking on the trekking challenge. Please make sure you are cleared by your doctor to make this trip, which involves flying, hiking and trekking. If you are given a conditional clearance or have a special medical condition (asthma and others) or allergy that may be induced in specific conditions, be sure to let us know in full detail so that we can plan accordingly.

Physical fitness

Although the trek is not technically challenging, a prior experience of altitude hike/trek is preferred. A good level of mental and physical fitness needs to be developed and maintained. It is advisable to train your body at least two months prior to the trek with cardiovascular workouts. Practice hikes with a pack of weight roughly equivalent to your actual pack would be really helpful. While on trek, do not let your determination wither and maintain a positive attitude at all times.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness can be triggered in high altitudes (generally higher than 2400m/7874ft) where there is less oxygen than lower altitudes. It happens when you ascend much height in a short time, before your body can adjust to the change. Symptoms which take anywhere between 6 hours to a few days to develop, include: severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and others. The illness may cause a medical emergency, especially when the condition worsens to High altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) or High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE).

AMS DO’s

  • Stay hydrated. Drink frequently in small quantities before the onset of common symptoms of dehydration which include thirst, dry lips, nose or mouth, headache and fatigue.
  • Make sure you eat well, ensuring at least a light meal (soup or others) when you lose your appetite which is a common occurrence in high altitude region.
  • Follow your guide’s instructions and monitor your body’s responses to the cold and altitude.
  • Acclimatize properly and take rest days when necessary.
  • Stay clear of smoking and alcohol consumption at all cost.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise.
  • Take a first aid kit containing medication for altitude sickness and other common illnesses.
  • Medication like Diamox may be taken prior to the trek upon consultation with your physician.

AMS DON’Ts

  • Do not climb up too high too quickly. Avoid walking at a hurried pace and do not ignore your rhythm of breathing. Slow and steady with a calm breathing is the way to go.
  • Do not overcommit yourself which might risk altitude sickness or injury.
  • Do not wader away without your guide knowing.
  • Do not skip your meals.

Environment, Local Culture and Lifestyle

The Annapurna Mountain range is a significant part of the great Himalayan range, consisting of one peak over 8,000 meters high – Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), 16 peaks above 7,000 m, and 13 peaks over 6,000m. The glaciers feed numerous springs, streams, and rivers which in turn instills life in the hills and basins down below. The varied geographical terrain ranging from the deepest gorge to the high Himalayas, high altitude freshwater lakes to the hilly hot springs, and mountain deserts to the largest rhododendron forests make for a wide possibility of hiking terrains. The biological diversity of the area is protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Trekkers are urged to abide by the rules and regulations and play the part in the preservation of the pristineness of the region for future generations.

Blessed with perennial rivers, majestic mountain scenery, and fertile earth, people identifying with a diverse ethnicity and culture have thrived here for centuries. As diverse as the landscape, the cultural experience is no exception. The Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakali, Manangi, and Tibetan ethnic groups dwell here and have their own unique sets of language, culture, lifestyle, festivals, and dances. The flamboyant annual festival of Tiji celebrated in Lo Manthang is unique in this region. It is a 3-day festival celebrated during April-May to commemorate the saving of the ancient Mustang kingdom from destruction and the victory of good over evil. Other major national festivals are also celebrated here–Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Lhosar, Maghe Sankranti, to name a few. The lifestyle here is as diverse as the culture and landscape. While agriculture, livestock, and trade are major occupations of the inhabitants, the population engaged in businesses and services assisting tourism activities also makes up a significant stratum. Being a mountainous region, lodge operators, expedition leaders, trek leaders, porters, and camping cooks are some of the roles that you would find the population here engaged in.

The communities here cherish and maintain a close affinity to nature. They approach the natural environment with a   sense of reverence. Some communities have a deity and maintain a shrine in their locality. The locals are friendly and welcoming and love to have guests come over. However, while exploring the Annapurna region, visitors are expected to be respectful of cultural sensitivities.

Electricity and Charging of your devices on trek

Some of the lodges (in more remote areas) are powered by solar panels and the energy supply is limited. You may be required to pay a minimum price (USD 1 to 3 per full charge) for charging of the cellphones and other electronic devices which will be directly collected by the lodge owner.

Internet

Local mobile network operators like Ncell and NTC offer limited coverage along the ABC trek. You can avail a local sim for as low as NRs. 100 (less than 1 USD) with a limited validity and internet data volume. On an average NRs. 100 to 500 would take care of your internet usage for the duration of the trip.

Additional/Special gears

A good quality sleeping bag and down jacket would be required to withstand the drop in temperature in the high altitude on trek. A minimum rating of -15 C (5 F) would be advisable for the gears. 32 offers the option of free borrowings of a decent quality sleeping bag and down jacket. These are rated up to -20 C (68 F). The gears are checked thoroughly for quality and cleaned after each usage. Please, let us know in advance once you have booked your trip with us to enable us to arrange one for you. Also, please remember to return them once you are back from your trek.

Stay with the group

Always walk in a group. The guide will try to stick around with everyone. However, there is a possibility that some people walk faster than the others. If that is the case, he shall be walking in turns with the participants. The rest of the group will be accompanied by the porter/s or an assistant guide in a bigger group.

Insurance

To ensure a safe and secure trekking experience in the Himalayas, it is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance. As you embark on your journey, you may face various challenges like altitude sickness, harsh weather, accidents, and flight cancellations. By purchasing travel insurance, you will have coverage in case of any unforeseen events and enjoy a worry-free trekking adventure. A specialist travel insurance would be required to guarantee you are adequately insured. In addition to cover for medical expenses and trip cancellation, please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. Coverage in an event of emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment and hospitalization in case of injury, death is mandatory.

At 32, we recommend that you do your own research to select the insurance company. A valid proof of your insurance certificate should be brought along during the trek. While we don’t have any affiliations with insurance providers, we’re happy to offer advice and assistance if you need help understanding your insurance policies or selecting an insurer. Please note that the insurance poilicy is a contract between you and the insurance company and we cannot be held responsible for any dispute between you and your insurance company. Failure to provide proof of insurance may prevent you from joining your program and you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund.

Rescue/Evacuation situation

In an event of a rescue/evacuation situation, your guide will be handling your rescue situation in co-ordination with the base office. In case an evacuation situation arises, the helicopter companies are contacted immediately. However, due to recent change in regulations, the rescue helicopters can only respond to a rescue call once the Guarantee of Payment (GOP) is received from the client’s insurance company. It is therefore mandatory to carry with you a summary of your insurance policy containing the policy number and details along with the Specialty Assistance (24X7) helpline number. Please, make sure you share the insurance policy information with us before you depart for the trek.

Disclaimer (Disruption due to Weather or other unforeseen conditions, Possible change in itinerary)

We do our best to ensure the above itinerary is adhered to, but cannot fully assure you of the same. The conditions in the remote Himalayan regions can be volatile, susceptible to unforeseen weather change and natural disasters, rendering the existing trails unsafe and may also affect the health of the trekkers. In case of any emergencies due to afore mentioned reasons or any other, you are requested to respect any decision that your team leader (guide) makes which is in the best interest of your safety. We humbly request for your full co-operation should such a situation arise.

Transportation

32 arranges for your transportation to the trek start and end points as part of the package services. A private car with a professional driver is generally arranged for the transfers. However, for transfers along the trekking trail and depending upon the circumstances a shared vehicle would be utilized due to ease of availability. The transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice-versa would be in a deluxe tourist bus with an option of private car or flight transfers subject to additional costs.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

While it is feasible to do a trek in the Annapurna region at any time, the most favorable times to undertake it are from March to May and September-end to November, when the weather is expected to be at its best. The weather during these months are generally clear with bright sunny days making for an ideal trekking condition. The temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20°C, while at night, they can drop to as low as -15°C. However, the climate at higher elevations is highly unpredictable, and it can get quite cold and windy. It is best to avoid the monsoon season from June to August, as the trails can be slippery and hazardous, and the views are often obscured by clouds and mist. However, the Annapurna region has options of trekking in the rain-shadow region north of the Annapurna range: Annapurna Circuit trail, Nar-Phu Valley trek and the Upper Mustang trek.

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