Travel Insurance is a must thing to fix before the departure for a particular trip. In case you face sudden and unpleasant incident during the trip, you may need recue evacuation and medical expenses. For that, you must have travel insurance. Actually, life is more important than your trip. As long as you have life, you have everything. So that, have a authentic travel insurance that covers all rescue evacuation and medication expenses in case you have got some nasty accidents during 2 days Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.
If you have got some idea about travel insurance and the companies who do travel insurance for you, you can go with them, otherwise, you can search on Google and will easily get the travel insurance companies who will help you doing insurance for your trip.
Actually, it’s not good to rush and bustle for the travel insurance here and there after your arrival in Nepal. However, you still can do it here in Kathmandu. There are some international insurance companies here in Kathmandu and they will do your travel insurance and you can simply fills up the forms on online and prepare your travel insurance.
Your travel insurance must be capable to cover entire expenses from minor to major sudden accidents including rescue from the mountain and the cities by helicopter and all treatment expenses in hospital. For example, if you are going higher in the mountain and you have got a terrible accident or acute mountain sickens, you may need immediate rescue form the spot and more importantly, your treatments in hospital. Until and unless your travel insurance covers entire expenses for the rescue and medical expenses, you are not rescued and cannot get medical treatments on time. Its matter of life and you must do prepare and do authentic and valid travel insurance before you board on the trail for a particular trip. Nobody knows the future and mountain are always wild and unpredictable. Please take it seriously.
If you have got some idea about travel insurance and the companies who do travel insurance for you, you can go with them, otherwise, you can search on Google and will easily get the travel insurance companies who will help you doing insurance for your trip.
Additional Information
What I expect at Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek?
Begin your Ghorepani Poonhill Trek from Kathmandu with a drive or domestic flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will head for Nayapool then to Ulleri or Banthanti with Poonhill Jeep Ride. The drive from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti takes 2.30 hrs.
Begin the Poonhill Trek officially from Ulleri or Banthanti where the jeep is located. Or optionally, you can begin it from Birethanti which is a classical Poonhill Trek.
You will traverse through spectacular trekking trail through local settlements, natural water falls, mountain summits, chortens and colorful prayer flags. You will enjoy walking through massive and grand Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area of the world. You will enjoy experiencing all diverse and rare species of flora and fauna including black bear, musk deer and Himalayan Thar.
Enjoy ascending to Ghorepani (2900m) and Poonhill(3200m) through Nangethanti and Lower Ghorepani Village. Ghorepani and Poonhill and have the thrills of adventure being entirely surrounded by all snow-fed mountain peaks including entire Annapurna mountain range, Machhapuchhre Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.
Enjoy local authentic cuisines al local lodge and guesthouse with local people. Also, you can have the delights of staying overnight at local lodges and teahouse in Ghorepani. Taste the foods items which are freshly cooked with all organic local ingredients.
Walk 6 hours in average in a day covering 10-12 kilometers in Poonhill Trek. Encounter some steep climbs and steep descents along the trek while ascending from Banthanti to Ghorepani and walking down to Banthanti from Deurali and another steep climb from Riverside to Tadapani village.
Enjoy exploring the largest and massive Gurung People’s village, Ghandruk, with traditional houses, museums, local authentic cuisines, German Bakery and many other facilities like Banks, ATMS and restaurants.
Explore Pokhara, the city blessed with freshwater lakes like Phewa and Begnas, Davis Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, World Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot Shiva Statue and Talbarahi Temple.
Celebrate your Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek which formally ends in Pokhara with clubs, pubs, souvenirs collections and enjoying your favorite dishes in your favorite restaurants with stunning Phewa Lake view in the evening.
What I expect from Haven Holidays in Poonhill Trek ?
Haven Holidays will provide you a very professional and highly experienced trekking crew all round the Poonhill Trek. The will be very knowledgeable and informative regarding mountain peaks, local culture, foods and accommodation in Ghorepani- Poonhill Trek, weather and the possible challenges on the trail and altitude sickness. Moreover, they have very deep knowledge about Annapurna Conservation and the diverse species of flora and fauna. The Haven Holidays Trekking crew will be great communicators so that you can communicate with them very well and can share the things the way you like in Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek. The Haven Holidays Trekking Team will altogether assist you in every step of your walk during the trip.
We provide you sleeping bag, trekking poles and Haven Holidays T-shirt or Cap as a gift. We provide you a world class services including meals, accommodation and transportation all round Annapurna Base Camp Trek so that you can feel safer and can enjoy Poonhill Trek in more exciting way. In case of emergency, we will be there in no time to rescue and proceed for the further medical treatment.
A Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara will be of 6 hours along the Prithvi Highway covering 201 km. This drive will be with luxury tourist bus with full AC. If you want, you can go with private jeep or car as well. The cost for private car and jeep will be higher than luxury bus ride for Pokhara from Kathmandu.
The tourist bus station is located at Kaldhara near Thamel. Kaldhara is 10 minutes walk from center of Thamel.
Pass through Kathmandu valley, drive past Thankot, a hill station and Chandragiri Cable Car and you will love this drive through country villages and landscapes. You begin to drive alongside of Trishuli River which is very popular for river rafting in Nepal.
You will have lunch on the way to Pokhara at Mungling Area. There are plenty of restaurants for lunch and snacks on the Pruthvi Highway. You will also have tea/coffee/light snacks and toilet breaks on the way to Pokhara.
You will pass Mungling, AAnboo Khaireni, Bandipur, Dumre and Damauli before approaching Pokhara.
Arrive at the tourist bus station in Pokhara and transfer to the hotel buy private car or jeep.
A flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is only for 25 minutes. The flight takes off from Kathmandu airport, domestic terminal and heads for Pokhara. On the way to Pokhara, one can witness magnificent mountain peaks and landscapes including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The flights will be operated by Buddha Air, Sita Air, and Yeti Air, Simrik Air and Shree Air.
It will be very exciting and safe to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara to escape 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara with heavy traffic on the way.
A Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti
The trekkers, these days, can have the access of jeep ride to Ulleri/Banthanti from Pokhara directly to begin their Poonhill Trek. One can get this jeep service and the ticket at Harichowk near Bindhyabasini Temple. The drive is total 27 km long and it takes around 3-4 hours as the condition of rural road is not good as you are approaching to Ulleri/ Banthanti. However, the drive is very safe with well-maintained four-wheel jeep and experienced drivers. On the, you will pass through Hemja, Naudanda, Nayapool, Birethanti, Matathanti, Sudame, Hile and Tikhedhunga. You will love this drive along the country road with greenery all round, Modi Khola and local settlements and picturesque landscapes.
One can get two types of jeep services drive from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti. These are: Private Jeep and Sharing Jeep. If you go with sharing jeep, you have share the jeep with other 6-7 people and if you want to go with Private jeep, you can leave Pokhara anytime you like and you don’t have to share the jeep with other people. It ups to you whether to share the jeep or not.
Popular Places/Destinations you explore During Poonhill Trek
Pokhara
Pokhara city largely fed by freshwater lakes and spectacular mountain panoramas is a popular tourist hub in Nepal located at the lap of Annapurna Mountain panoramas. Both domestic and international tourist love tasting Pokhara spending at least a couple of days. You can visit and explore Phewa Lake with Talbarahi Temple in the middle of it, Davis Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, Seti Gorge, Begnas Lake, Chamere (bat) Cave, Bindhyabasini Temple, World Peace Stupa and Pumdikot Shiva Statue. Besides, trekkers can also go to visit Mountain Museum and Tibetan Refugee Camp where you can collect some special souvenirs of special woolen things.
Along with this, you can go up to Sarangkot for mountain views including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal and giant Manaslu with spectacular sunrise.
Also, one can do adventurous activities in Pokhara like paragliding, Zip Flyer, Avia-Ultra Light flying, bungee jumping and boating in Phewa Lake.
Driving to Begnas Lake and staying a couple of days there will be a spectacular experience for you when you are in Pokhara.
Ghorepani Village (2800m)
Ghorepani Village is the last village settlement with lodges and hotels during Poonhill Trek. The village is located at an elevation of 2800m above the sea level. It serves spectacular views of mountain peaks inlcduing Machhapuchhre, Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. People stay overnight at lodges in Ghorepani Village and climb Poonhill next morning or even some people climb it in the evening.
The trekkers who are doing Poonhill Trek make Ghorepani Village as the base camp of Poonhill. Ghorepani also paves the way to Tatopani and Jomsom for Mustang and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The village accessible by jeep, car, motorcycle drive from Tatopani directly but not from Pokhara via Ulleri and Banthanti. The road from Ulleri and Banthanti to Ghorepani is very rough and it is not possible to drive in Ghorepani from Ulleri and Banthanti.
Nowadays, Ghorepani Village has luxury accommodations, all varieties of foods including continental, spa and massage and even money exchangers.
Poonhill (3200m)
Poonhill is the last, highest and the final destination of Poonhill Trek. The top of the Poonhill is located at an elevation of 3200m above the sea level offering the people spectacular views of mountain summits including Annapurna mountain range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli and Manaslu. Also, the top of the Poonhill is perfect destination for performing yoga and meditation in the early morning and in the evening. Poonhill is directly facing towards Annapurna Himalayan Range, Dhaulagiri and spectacular Machhapuchhre. There is not such mountain viewpoint like Poonhill in whole Annapurna Region.
Ghandruk Village ( 2012m)
Ghandruk Village is the largest Ghurung People’s ( an Indigenous people in Nepal) with age-old civilization and culture. The village has all typical Nepalese houses with slope roofs and most of the houses are lodges and guesthouse for the travelers. The local people will cook the authentic local ethnic foods for the travelers and offer them in a distinct way. The village has more than 200 houses with different ethnic and indigenous museums. You can visit museums, enjoy local authentic foods; enjoy the view of Mt. Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. People, normally, stay couple of nights to explore this village while they are in Nepal for their vacations. Ghandruk Village will be an ideal destination to stay at least a couple of days to maximum one week. Even, people can enjoy authentic German Bakery in Ghandruk village with cool and fresh air of mountains including Machhapuchhre and Annapurna.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Annapurna conservation Area is the largest protected area of the world serving the travelers various opportunity to observe the diverse species of flora and fauna including Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, antelope, langoor, several species of birds and plants like pine, fir, rhododendron, pine, birch and juniper.
You enter into Annapurna conservation Area from Birethanti through Nayapool for your Poonhill Trek and make an exit from the same place.
The Annapurna Conservation Area covers the total area of 7,629 sq. km abode to over 100,000 residents of different cultural and linguistic groups. People travelling through Annapurna conservation Area can hugely be benefitted with wider and comprehensive understandings and experiences of local culture, history, civilization, language, authentic local cuisines, diverse wildlife and plants’ lives. Poonhill Trek is entirely based in Annapurna Conservation Area beginning from Birethanti and taking you to Poonhill and ends at Nayapool/Birethanti again before you drive back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.
Poonhill Trek- Is this right for you?
Poonhill Trek is an easy hike up to the to the top of Poonhill(3200m) as the final destination. Ascending up to 3200m in the mountain is taken as an easy hike. So, Poonhill Trek is an easy trek in Annapurna region near Pokhara in Nepal for the fresher and beginners. You know what people do? People who are planning their moderate or challenging treks in Nepal, do and experience Poonhill trek first and go for other adventurous treks in Nepal like Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.
One doesn’t require any kind of special skills of hiking and trekking for Poonhill Trek. One can accomplish and achieve victory over Poonhill Trek without any hiking and trekking skills. However, one requires doing regular joggings, walks and regular exercises like aerobics and cardio. Moreover, outdoor sports like football, volleyball, tennis, badminton and other outdoor activities help you in your Poonhill Trek. There is no any kind of threats of high altitude sickness in Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.
The beginners who are looking for an easy and short hike in Nepal near Pokhara can find Ghorepani-Poonhill Hiking trip the most rewarding.
How is Ghorepani- Poonhill Trekking Trail ?
The Poonhill Trekking Trail is entirely based in Annapurna Conservation Area beginning from Ulleri or Banthanti (2200m) or some people like to begin it from Birethanti as well as they love classical Poonhill Trek, taking you to Ghorepani and finally Poonhill and takes you back to the same destination, Birethanti/Nayapool to end the hiking officially. The Poonhill Trekking Trail is not technical; it is easy all round the trip. It seems an easy hike covering at least 10-12 kilometers distance each day with working hours 6 in average. The Poonhill Trekking Trail is safe; no threats of avalanches and landslides and even no threats of wild animals of Annapurna Conservation Area.
For more comprehensive information about Poon Hill Trekking Trail, you can visit our blog post,
Poon Hill Trek Route and can prepare your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek accordingly.
The Poonhill Trekking Trail is mostly through the pine, birch, juniper, fir and rhododendron and local villages with teahouses and lodges. If you go Ghandruk and Poonhill in Spring, you will enjoy magnificent rhododendron flowering in different seven colors which entirely blankets the Poonhill Trekking Trail till from Ulleri/Banthanti to Ghandruk Village.
Sometimes, the steep descent from Deurali to Banthanti will be challenging for the trekkers as it is a steep descent for 2-3 hours, Otherwise, there is no any challenging trekking trails in Poonhill Trek.
The Poonhill Trekking Trails passes through Nayapool, Birethanti, Ulleri, Banthanti, Ghandruk, Deurali, Banthanti and Ghandruk Villages before coming back to Pokhara.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is also known as Poonhill Circuit Trek among the trekkers.
Note: Some people like walking down to Banthanti/Ulleri directly from Ghorepani after visiting Poonhill and end their Poonhill Trek in two days from Pokhara to Pokhara. It also can be done if you like.
Cultural Highlights on Poonhill Trek
-Meet local people and interact with them
-Be familiar with local life style of the people located on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Trail
-Participate in celebrations of major festivals of Nepali People like Dashain and Tihar if you are travelling in Autumn( Sep-Nov)
-Enjoy having authentic local dishes prepared the local ethnic people on the trail
-Visit and explore Pokhara’s cultural and religious places like World Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot Shiva Statue, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, Bindhyabasini Temple and Talbarahi Temple.
Natural Highlights on Poonhill Trek
-Ascend and step at Ghorepani Village (2800m) and the top of Poonhill(3200m) and celebrate this adventurous victory
-Walk through Annapurna Conservation Area and experience diverse species of wildlife and plants including Himalayan Thar and musk deer
-Witness and capture mesmerizing mountain views including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli and Manaslu
-Traverse through deep woods, cascading waterfalls, winding rivers and streams, local villages and spectacular landscapes
-Enjoy exploring Pokhara city with Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Davis Fall and Seti River Gorge
-Taste authentic local cuisines staying with local people’s lodges
-Visit and explore Ghadruk Village with museums and cultural dresses
-Enjoy German Bakery at Ghandruk
The Guide and Porter For Poonhill Trek
The guide and porter you hire for Poonhill Trek will be our own trekking crew and Haven Holidays Team. They are very professional, helpful and caring all the time. You can ask help in need whenever you require and they will be very delighted to help you. They are fully authorized with valid license to lead the trekkers/travelers in the mountain and in the city.
The team of guide and porter we provide you are well-known to local culture, accommodation, foods, elevation trekking distance per day, different breaks (water, toilets, tea/coffee and light snacks, lunch etc) during the day-walk, first-aid applications, acute mountain sickness, rescue if necessary and arrangement of transportation during the trek. The team who you are with is eco-friendly and great communicators. You can enjoy merrymaking and share your things if you like.
If you are confident that you can carry your stuffs during your Poonhill Trek, you don’t need to hire porter. However, it is suggested to hire porter for your Poonhill Trek to ease and make it more convenient in carrying your luggage.
Emergency Evacuation/Rescue in Poonhill Trek
There is no any kind of threats of high altitude sickness in Poonhill Trek as it takes you 3200m as the highest point of the trek which is the top of Poonhill. In case you are critically suffered of any causes while ascending to Ghorepani and Poonhill or anywhere on the Poonhill Trek trail, you will immediately be rescued by the helicopter or jeep and admitted at the hospital of Pokhara City or Kathmandu Valley and begin the further treatment. For this, you must allow your trekking partner/ trekking company and your guide to call the helicopter/jeep by presenting authentic travel insurance that covers all rescue and treatment expenses.
Important Note
It is very important to consider whether to go with bus ride to Pokhara from Kathmandu and back or by air. If you have an important schedule and important thing to do right after and before your Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek, it is recommended to go with domestic flight to and from Pokhara. Another big issue will be the issue of heavy traffic on Prithvi Highway and the 6 hours drive from and to Pokhara may prolong like 10-12 hours sometimes. Again, if you have travel sickness, please try your best to escape this 6-8 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
Another important thing to consider is: Poonhill Trek is an easy hike in Nepal in Annapurna region near Pokhara city. There is no age bar for Poonhill Trek. Even the beginners and fresher can do Poonhill Trek successfully without any interruptions and obstacles.
Safety Measures for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
-Carry Comprehensive First-Aid Kit
-Carry Right and Reliable Trekking Gears ( not comprehensive, just few but reliable)
-Listen to your Trekking leader and follow his/her instructions properly
-Stay hydrated and have balanced diet
-Stay calm, cool and confident
-Try to avoid alcohol and smoking if you can during the walking days
-Drink safe water (bottled and properly boiled)
-Address any serious health issue beforehand the trek by consulting your personal physician or if you have got it on the trail if you have got any immediately
-Share your problems with your trekking leader on the trail if you get any.
-Ask for helicopter/jeep rescue if you think that you are in critical condition. If you have the symptoms of acute mountain sickness and if it gets sever, try to walk down to lower elevations and apply first aid procedures.
What I like most about Ghorepani Poonhill Trek?
Personally, what like most about Poonhill Trek is ascending and stepping at the top of Poonhill and capturing giant Annapurna Massif, alluring Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and massive Dhaulagiri with stunning sunrise early in the morning. Along with this, one can enjoy the walk through Annapurna Conservation Area with diverse species of flora and fauna. Moreover, trekkers will find Pokhara city as paradise for relaxation and refreshment. If the trekkers want, they can enjoy massage and spa at Ghorepani village and do relaxing meditation and yoga at the top of Poonhill. Performing yoga and meditation directly facing towards snow-covered mountain peaks will be breathtaking experience in Poonhill Trek.
How much should I Tip for Guide and Porter?
Tipping for your guide and porter is not mandatory in Poonhill Trek but they expect something extra from you after they work hard for you. Isn’t it? You’d better prepare USD 5-10 per day per individual guide and porter. But, it doesn’t mean that you have to do the same as we recommend you. You reward them with some handsome tipping as well if you are fully satisfied. Sometimes, you don’t need to reward them with tipping if they don’t take a good care of you and try to spoil your trip with some unnecessary personal benefits and interests. Nevertheless, tipping ( little or more) seems to be mandatory in present world while doing a vacation trip.
What are the Meals Available on Poonhill Trek?
You will enjoy, mostly, freshly cooked local cuisines during Poonhill Trek. The local teahouse and lodges will offer you very authentic local cuisines like tsampa, porridge, Tibetan bread, yak meat items, locally grown vegetables and fruits, etc. They also offer some continental, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and popular dishes during the trek as mentioned on their food menu. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no problem, you will have various items of meals in Ghorepani Poonhill Trek and for this, you require informing your trek leader before the trek commences. You can have good, hygienic and freshly cooked meals in Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk in your Poonhill Trek.
You can cook on your own at local lodges while staying overnight during the trip in the mountain on the condition that you won’t disturb and if the kitchen is not crowded if you have this hobby. You can carry the instant noodles and can prepare in your room during your Poonhill Trek. The meals you have on your Poonhill Trek will be freshly cooked and very hygienic in order to ensure your balanced diet and hygiene. Pick up the item from food menu prepared by local lodges and teahouses and ask them to prepare it for you.
Temperature at Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 2 days
The temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill is normally negative in peak of the winter months ( Dec, Jan and Feb) and you have to prepare accordingly. The actual temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill ranges between positive 18 to negative 5 degree Celsius. Though the temperature of Ghorepani and Poonhill rises to 18 degree Celsius in the sunny day and it drops down to neagtive5 at night in winter months and one may face heavy snowfall as well if you go to Ghorepani and Poonhill in pre and post winter months/days ( Early Dec and late Feb). It seems almost impossible to ascend to Poonhill in the peak of the winter as Ghorepani and Poonhill are entirely covered with snow and people cannot stay longer there at the top of Poonhill during the peak of the winter months. However , it will be a very delightful moments to play with freshly fallen snow at Ghorepani and Poonhill during winter months. So, people love travelling to Poonhill in winter months.
Temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill in Autumn (Sep-Nov) ranges between positive 18 to 5 degree Celsius.
Temperature at Ghorepani and Poonhill in Spring (Mar- May) ranges between positive 20 to 7 degree Celsius.
Trekkers who are going to Poonhill are advised to prepare accordingly by consulting their trekking leader and trekking company beforehand. Actually, in Autumn and Spring, trekkers don’t need sleeping bags and if you are travelling to Poonhill in winter, you require carrying your own sleeping bags.
Best Itinerary for Poonhill Trek
The best Itinerary for Poonhill Trek is 7 day Poonhill Trek. This
7 day Poonhill Trek Itinerary has 2 days for driving/flying to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu in the beginning and the end of Poonhill Trek. 2 days will be for your arrival and departure. 3 days will be for real trekking and half a day will be for Pokhara sightseeing and refreshment tours.
Begin your Poonhill trek from Ulleri and you will ascend to Ghorepani on the first day. The second day, you will ascend to Poonhill and then, you will go to Tadapani, After Tadapani, you will head for Ghandruk to end the real hiking on the third day and drive back to Pokhara. While returning, you will directly drive back to Pokhara and do city sightseeing tour in Pokhara with lake activities in Phewa Lake.
The final two days, the 6th one for driving in Pokhara and the 7th day will be driving back to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
This way, you can enjoy your Poonhill Trek with all activities you want to do in both mountains and in the cities like in Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Poonhill and Kathmandu and Pokhara. We really don’t need any acclimatization day for Poonhill Trek as it is an easy trek for the beginners and we are not going above 4000 m like in Annapurna Base Camp Trek,
Everest Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek.