Poon Hill Trek 5 Days

Trek Difficulty

The Poon Hill Trekking Route may be considered a ‘beginner-friendly’ endeavour on paper. However, the trail has its own personality that you will feel in every step you take. The journey is not technical. You won’t need ropes or crampons to overcome this route. But, it demands steady effort and endurance. Each day of this Poon Hill Trekking carries a balance of climbs, descents and flat stretches. You will need to move through villages, terraced fields, stone steps and forested ridges.

The climb from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri is a perfect example: a relentless stone staircase that tests your stamina. But it rewards each step with sweeping valley views and iconic Himalayan peaks. Even the longer ascents, like the early morning hike to Poon Hill, are made manageable by pauses to breathe, absorb the silence of the forests, or watch local farmers tending their fields.

Likewise, the altitude gain in this journey is mild compared to other Himalayan treks. The highest point on the entire route is Poon Hill, which is at an elevation of 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). But, still, you will feel the thin air and cool mountain breeze. Fatigue comes more from consistent walking than from technical difficulty. And, there are frequent teahouses that provide essential rest, warm meals and the comfort of a fire after a long day’s adventure.

In short, the Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani has a moderate level of difficulty. Yes, it is a beginner-friendly adventure, but it would be wise not to take it as an ordinary hike in your backyard. It is a mountain route that demands respect and preparation. This trek challenges your body in a natural and flowing way, demanding enough to feel like an achievement. Still, it is accessible for anyone with reasonable fitness and determination and rewarding at every turn.

Best Time to Trek

The Poon Hill Trek Pokhara can be done almost year-round. But, the experience changes dramatically with the seasons, as each season brings its own rhythm, colors and moods. Autumn (September to November) is widely considered the prime window for Himalayan treks in Nepal. After the monsoon season, the air is crisp and clear, offering unobstructed views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. Likewise, terraced fields and the landscape brim with post-rain greenery and the villages bustle with activity as locals harvest their crops.

Days in autumn are warm and sunny, while nights are cool but manageable. So, it is a perfect season for trekking without the pressure of extreme temperatures. Furthermore, it is also popular as the festive season in Nepal, as some of the major festivals in the country like Dashain and Tihar, are celebrated during this period.

Spring (March to May) transforms the trail into a colorful burst of canvas. Rhododendrons bloom along forested paths, the vibrant shades of pink, red and white surrounding stone staircases and ridges along the trekking trail. Also, the air carries the fragrance of wildflowers and fresh post-winter landscape. Beneath the clear blue sky, the snow peaks glimmer under gentle sunlight, creating postcard-perfect views. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are moderate during this season, which will keep you comfortable throughout the experience.

As for the off-seasons, winter (December to February) brings a quiet and crisp serenity. The trails are less crowded, the clear and cold air delivers dramatic, surreal views of the high peaks. However, mornings and evenings are bitterly cold and higher points like Poon Hill can be covered with a blanket of snow, making some steps slippery. Likewise, monsoon (June to August) covers the trail in mist and rain.

Forests become lush, waterfalls swell and the greenery sparkles in this rainy season. But, frequent showers make trails muddy and slippery and cloud cover often obstructs the mountain views. Thus, this season is only best suited to those who crave solitude and the smell of wet earth, of course, those who don’t mind the challenge of the rainy atmosphere.

Poon Hill Trek Packing List

Even though the Poon Hill Trekking route is short and beginner-friendly, don’t let that fool you. This trail still runs through the heart of the Annapurna foothills, where the weather can be tricky at times. One moment you are sweating under the sun and the next you are wrapped in mist with a cool breeze biting through your layers.

The idea here in the Poon Hill Trek packing list is not about bringing your whole wardrobe, but to carry smart. Every piece you bring should earn its place; light, functional and ready for sudden shifts in weather. So here’s a clean and practical packing list to help you keep your trek smooth, light and comfortable from start to finish.

Clothing

• Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms for cold mornings)
• Breathable trekking shirts and t-shirts
• Long-sleeve trekking shirt 
• Light fleece or mid-layer jacket
• Insulated down jacket 
• Windproof and waterproof outer shell
• Trekking pants  
• Lightweight casual pants  
• Hiking shorts 
• Innerwear and extra pairs of socks
• Sun hat or cap
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Lightweight gloves and a warm pair for chilly dawns

Footwear

• Comfortable trekking boots (well broken-in)
• Trainer shoes or sports shoes  
• Camp sandals or crocs (for evenings around the lodge)
• Trekking socks  
• Sock liners for blister prevention

Gear and Accessories

• Day backpack (30 to 40L for your daily carry)
• Duffel bag ( carried by porters)
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Water purification tablets or a portable filter
• Trekking poles  
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Power bank and universal adapter
• Lightweight rain cover for your bag
• Trekking map, offline GPS, or a guidebook

Personal Essentials

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and travel towel
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Sunscreen and lip balm (with UV protection)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Toilet paper or tissues
• Insect repellent
• Small first aid kit  
• Any personal medications
• Snacks or energy bars for quick boosts
• Reusable bag  
• Copies of travel documents and ID
• Cash in Nepali Rupees (ATMs are not available in the mountains)

Accommodation and Food

While trekking Pokhara Poon Hill, you will spend your nights in cozy tea houses. These accommodation establishments are usually small and family-run lodges that give this trek its heart. You can expect them to be simple, humble and perfectly matched to the spirit of the mountains. You may not find luxury like an urban city here, but you will find warmth that feels just as valuable. Most tea houses along the trail offer twin-sharing rooms with basic wooden beds, clean sheets and warm blankets.

The bathrooms might be shared, but the hospitality is personal. Some places have hot showers (solar or gas-heated); meanwhile, you will have to make do with a bucket of hot water in the remote parts. Electricity and Wi-Fi are available in most villages, although the connection can be slow and the charging ports can be limited. So, it is best to carry a power bank to keep your device active.

When it comes to food, the tea houses offer a mix of Nepali and Western dishes. Breakfast usually starts with porridge, Tibetan bread, or pancakes, eggs and tea or coffee. For lunch and dinner, the classic dal bhat (rice with lentil soup, curry and vegetables) is the heart of the trek. It is filling, nutritious and can be endlessly refilled. You will also find momos, fried noodles, pasta, soups and potato dishes at the teahouses.

Likewise, vegetarian options are widely available and many trekkers choose to stick to them. As meat in higher regions is often carried up from the lowlands and may not stay fresh, it is best to avoid meat items in the higher regions. If you want to snack on the trail, make sure to bring energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits from Pokhara, as they are expensive on the mountainside

Drinking Water

It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day during this high-altitude adventure. You will find water available almost everywhere, from small tea houses to local taps along the route. But, remember, not all of it is safe to drink straight from the source. Mountain streams may look crystal clear, but they can carry bacteria or other contaminants. So, purification is crucial even if you are planning to drink from clean stations.

Most trekkers either carry purification tablets, a filter bottle, or a UV sterilizer to purify water from the clean stations before consuming it. You are not recommended to drink bottled water as it will increase wastage and affect the conservation efforts. Also, the cost for the mineral bottled water increases with the rise in elevation. That’s why the best way to stay hydrated during the Poon Hill Trek Pokhara is to fill your bottle at the teahouses.

You can buy boiled and filtered water at the teahouses along the trail, which are safe for consumption. To stay on the safer side, you can treat the water before drinking it. As you will be walking for multiple hours per day, it is best to carry at least two liters of water with you. Remember to sip slowly and consistently rather than gulping at once. You can also enjoy hot herbal teas like ginger, lemon or mint, a more soothing way to stay hydrated while resting at the lodges.

Training and Preparation

Even though the Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani is considered one of the easiest treks in the Annapurna region, it still demands consistent effort and endurance. During this Himalayan journey, you will be walking for several hours each day, climbing stone staircases, crossing suspension bridges and navigating your way across the forested trails. A few weeks of basic physical preparation go a long way for you to make this journey a comfortable and enjoyable endeavour.

For the preparation, you can schedule a 3 to 6 week calendar focusing on regular cardio workouts such as walking, jogging, cycling, or stair climbing. These exercises will help you build the leg and lung strength that are essential for uphill sections. Combine that with light strength training for your core and legs and you will be able to notice the difference once you hit the trail.

If you can, take short hikes around your area carrying a small backpack. This will help your body adapt to long walking hours and carrying some weight. Also, don’t forget to focus on mental preparation. Trekking Pokhara Poon Hill is more about consistency than speed. You will need to walk slowly, taking breaks and maintaining steady breathing. Following this will make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.

Don’t worry, the Poon Hill Trek doesn’t require high-altitude experience or specialized gear. If you are well prepared and have respect for the mountains, you won’t have to go through any hassles. A few weeks of focused training before your trip ensures you won’t just complete the trail but also actually enjoy every step of it.

Poon Hill Trek Permit

Before stepping onto the trail for the Poon Hill Trek, it is important to know that this route passes through a protected conservation area. So, trekking here without proper authorization is not allowed. But the good news is the permit process is easy, quick and not expensive. You can get the necessary permit sorted either in Pokhara or Kathmandu before your trek begins. Here are the permits that you will need for the Poon Hill Trekking route:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

To explore this section of the Annapurna region, you will need to get an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). It is the only required document for the entire journey. With this permit, you will be able to trek freely within the Annapurna region while supporting local conservation and community development. To apply for this permit, you will need to submit a copy of your passport, two passport-sized photos and your trekking details. 

The permit obtaining process takes just a few minutes at the tourism office. And, if you are trekking through an agency, they will usually take care of the permits on your behalf, saving you the hassle of dealing with paperwork.

Note: Always keep your permit with you, as there are several checkpoints along the trail where you will need to show it. It is best to keep multiple copies and a digital copy as well. 

Is This Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, the Poon Hill Trek is one of the most beginner-friendly routes in the Himalayas. This trek has been designed for anyone with a basic level of fitness and a love for the outdoors. Poon Hill Trek 5 Days itinerary doesn’t demand prior trekking experience or high-altitude conditioning. Instead, this Himalayan adventure will introduce you gently to the rhythm of Himalayan trekking.

The daily walks range from 4 to 6 hours. You will follow well-paved stone steps and forested paths rather than rugged and technical terrain. The highest point of the entire journey, Poon Hill (3,210 m), is well below the altitude where most people experience serious altitude issues. This means you can enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna region, the mesmerizing vistas and immersive culture without pushing beyond your comfort zone.

What makes this journey ideal for beginners is the balance it offers. Poon Hill Trek Ghorepani is physically engaging, but not overwhelming. The teahouses along the way provide good rest, warm meals and cozy beds, which make recovery between days easy. Thus, with a bit of pre-trek preparation and respect for the mountain, almost anyone can complete this trek comfortably.

So yes, if you are new to trekking but dream of experiencing the Himalayas up close, this is the perfect start: short, scenic and deeply rewarding.

Travel Visa

To enter Nepal, most foreign travelers need a tourist visa, while Indian citizens are exempt. The visa obtaining process is simple and traveler-friendly. So, you will be able to focus on your adventure rather than paperwork. Most trekkers get their visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, though land border points are also available if you are entering the country through an overland route.

To apply for the visa, all you need is a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity from entry), a couple of passport-sized photos and the visa fee. After filling in the visa forms, you can obtain it within minutes, giving you a smooth start to your journey into the Annapurna region. Nepal offers a few options depending on how long you plan to stay:

• 15-day visa— US$ 30
• 30-day visa— US$ 50
• 90-day visa— US$ 125

For the 5-day Poon Hill Trek, the 15-day visa will be more than enough. In case if you want to combine the Poon Hill Hike Nepal with other adventures in Pokhara, Chitwan, or Lumbini, a 30-day option gives you extra flexibility. This much duration will let you move through the country without feeling rushed.