The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is not too difficult, a relatively short time adventure in the Himalayan range that includes nature, culture and adorable teahouse lodging. Being aware of the major requirements, the difficulties, and the best time to go to the track will help you prepare adequately and enjoy your trip.

Permits

To hike in the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is necessary and can be purchased in Kathmandu, Pokhara or at the trail junctions. Also, every foreign trekker should have a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card that can also be purchased in Kathmandu or Pokhara. These certificates will keep you safe and in line with the local rules.

Difficulty

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is of a moderate level and thus can be undertaken by beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The trail consists of moderate steeps and downs in forested trails and terraced fields, and a strenuous climb to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Trekkers also average a daily walk of 4-6 hours, and the teahouse lodging along the trail offers sufficient rest and comfort.

Best Season

The hike is best enjoyed in spring (March-May), when rhododendrons are in blossom, skies are clear, and temperatures are pleasant; or autumn (September-November), when the weather is reliable, air is brisk, and mountain demographics are out of this world. December to February is not as crowded, yet it's cold, and sometimes there is snow that can make the trails icy. The monsoon (June -August) season is not typically advisable as it is usually raining heavily, with landslides and leeching.

Travel Insurance

It is advisable to have travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers:

• Hospitalization and medical emergency
• High altitude helicopter evacuation
• Flight cancellation and/or delays
• Delayed or lost luggage

Insurance can range between USD 90 and 140, depending on how long you need it. A 2-week trek is common, and that requires a cover.

Physical Fitness

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is fairly difficult, a trek that a beginner in decent shape can handle.

Note:
The daily progression through the field takes 5 to 6 hours, along rough tracks including some steep ascents.
Fitness level: Ability to jog 5 km in 30 to 35 minutes or cycle 15km in 45 minutes to feel at ease on the trail.
Training: It is recommended that you do cardio and leg/core strength training 2-3 weeks in advance to make the trek more enjoyable and easier.

Accommodation

The fact that there are plenty of tea houses on the way to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek makes this trek easy since you do not have to carry the tents and cooking material with you. Lower altitude and more utilized trails feature pleasant tea houses that have electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and packing bathrooms, whereas higher up the slope, the simpler lodges have main rooms with fundamental squat toilets. Some minor charges for Wi-Fi or hot water usually exist.

To help you stay warm at night when it is cold, you will have a clean sleeping bag which has a warmth rating of -20 degrees Celsius.

Meals During the trek

You will find food on the trail delicious and plentiful. Traditional Nepali food such as Dal Bhat with unlimited refills, fried rice, noodles, Mo Mo dumplings, and Thukpa noodle soup can be enjoyed, as well as western meals like pasta, pizza, burgers and potatoes. Breakfast choices include Tibetan bread and chapatti with curry to eggs, porridge, muesli and pancakes. The trek would be vegetarian, vegan and special dietary needs can be communicated with your guide.

Included in your package are dinner in Kathmandu before starting the trek and three meals per day on the trail, including tea or coffee, with additional snacks, desserts, or other special drinks available to purchase.

Transportation

All your transport will be included in your trekking package. Pokhara can be reached by bus, microvan, tourist bus, private vehicle or flight (USD 105 per person) from Kathmandu. Base points of the trek are Nayapul, Birethanti, Hile, Tikhedhunga and Banethanti. Local buses are more immersive, though they can be very slow and crowded, whereas renting your own vehicle will be more comfortable and flexible.

Charging, Connectivity and Internet

The majority of tea houses also offer electricity or solar power to charge devices, but it is better to bring a power bank. Cell phone coverage is largely serviced by NCELL or Nepal Telecom, with cell phone SIM cards fairly readily available in Kathmandu. Most tea houses have Wi-Fi available (2-3 dollars/night), but the connection may be unreliable depending on the weather and location.

Porters

It is not necessary, but highly recommended to hire a porter as you travel with a light day pack. A porter can only carry 20 kg of weight shared between the two of you, and this gives you time to concentrate on the trek rather than burdening yourself with a heavy load. Your guide can also facilitate the hiring of a porter in the event that he/she is required.

Nepali Currency Payments

Nepal is on the rupee, but currencies such as USD, AUD, GBP, CAD, SGD, and Euros could be easily converted in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit and debit cards at a 3.5 per cent surcharge. There are numerous ATMs, mainly in Thamel, with a limit of withdrawal on a daily basis between Rs 10,000 and Rs 35,000 and standard fees.

Trekking Gear

Clothing

• Rain coat, poncho or combination jacket/trousers
• Down jacket / Gore-Tex jacket
• Down jacket (unless you have a down vest)
• Rainproof, or windproof trousers
• Hiking pants (2 pairs are recommended)
• Shorts (2 pcs)
• T-shirts (4-5, as per the day of trek)
• MIT/fleece jacket
• Base layers (thermal down-jacket)/thermal coats (1-2 sets, depending on time)
• Gloves: light fleece and waterproof/windproof (2 pairs)
• Underwear

Footwear

• Water-resistant, ankle support trekking boots
• Bare feet or moisturizing sandals and sneakers (to spend the off-time around camp)

Accessories & Equipment

• Sunglasses
• Lip balm and Sunscreen
• Sun hat, woolen/beanie/fleece hat
• Neck gaiter
• First aid kit
• Swiss army knife (optional)
• Luggage cover
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• Gaiter (optional)
• Micro crampons (not mandatory)
• Chlorine detoxification tablets or Steripen
• Spare batteries and travel adapter
• Power bank
• Bottles of water/camel bag/thermos
• Multi-purpose soap /Shampoo
• Tiny towel, antiseptic wash
• Hygiene products, and wet wipes
• Mosquito spray (optional)
• Whistle & earplugs
• Reading books, cards/chess

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag -15/20
• Sleeping bag liner (cotton, silk, or fleece)

Bags & Packs

• Join Backpack (60 liters)
• Daypack (25 -30 liters)