- AddressG21b, The Pier, Pier Point Road, Cairns QLD 4870 Australia
Nepal, the trekker’s paradise, welcomes thousands of trekkers and climbers alike every year. If you love mountains, you’ve definitely dreamed of embarking on unparalleled adventures to the Himalayas of Nepal at least once in your lifetime. Whether you choose the popular Everest Base Camp Trek, the challenging Annapurna Sanctuary/Base Camp Trek, or the best-short-trek Poon Hill Trek, Nepal’s Himalayas will leave you spellbound. The Poon Hill trek invites first-time trekkers and families with children to admire breathtaking 360-degree views of the snow-capped mountains and cherish unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
The Poon Hill trek is often considered one of the best short treks in Nepal and for good reasons. Nestled in the Annapurna region of Nepal, the Poon Hill trek can be completed in less than a week, making it an ideal choice for all age groups, including families with children. The Poon Hill Trek’s accessibility is one of its most notable features. This trek rewards incredible panoramic views of the mountains, including Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri ranges, and surrounding peaks. Poon Hill Trek is especially renowned for its stunning sunrise and sunset vistas. Trekkers also get the opportunity to immerse in the local lifestyle of Gurung and Magar communities. Furthermore, this trek is budget-friendly and an all-season trek.
Yes, you need a guide for Poon Hill Trek. Since April 1, 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board has banned independent trekking to the mountain region of Nepal. This means that a Nepal government-licensed guide or porter must accompany a solo or a group of trekkers. Remember that you must hire a guide through government-authorized trekking companies in Nepal. You can expect to pay $25 per guide per day, which is subject to change depending on his experience and the nature of the trek.
It is clear that the new legislation by the Nepal Tourism Board prohibits trekkers from doing solo treks. And hence, there is no question about a solo trek to Poon Hill or any other trekking destination. Now, let’s look at trekking with a guide to Poon Hill. It is obvious that hiring a guide is beneficial to you in many ways. First and foremost comes your safety and overall trekking experience. Your guide will provide valuable insights into the local lifestyle, culture, and history. Furthermore, a guide will assess your physical strength, pace, and acclimatization. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about food, accommodation, and logistics.
No. In terms of difficulty, it is graded as an easy to moderate-level trek, beginning at the popular town of Nayapul, only a short drive from Pokhara. If you’re a beginner trekker, this trek is a perfect choice. The Poon Hill Trek is ideal for anyone seeking an introduction to Himalayan adventure. Even an experienced trekker can embark on an adventure to Poon Hill. Unlike other high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp Trek or Langtang Valley Trek, the Poon Hill Trek features a gradual gain in elevation. Similarly, the trail of Poon Hill is well-maintained, and undoubtedly, anyone can complete the trek without any major issues.
Let’s compare Poon Hill trek maximum elevation with Everest Base Camp trek and Langtang trek.
From the above table, it is clear that the Poon Hill Trek is ideal for beginner trekkers with a basic level of fitness. While this trek is considered relatively moderate, it’s crucial to prepare, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle or have never hiked at a higher altitude. Unfit and unhealthy individuals, even from cities like Sydney, may face altitude sickness if they don’t adequately prepare for this trek. If you are from Sydney and not accustomed to physical activity in your daily life, this adventure can be challenging for you.
That said, if you want to plan and prepare for this adventure, you can start by focusing on cardiovascular exercises like jogging, walking, or cycling. It would be best if you practiced your fitness routines for at least two months before the trek. You can find local trails or hills around your hometown and go for short hikes or walks. To increase flexibility and mobility, incorporate stretching activities like Yoga. And most importantly, develop a positive mindset.
The cost of the Poon Hill Trek can vary depending on many factors, like the trek duration, services, routes, and trekking agency. As for the cost of the Poon Hill trek, it ranges anywhere between $375AUS and $1500AUS This is a general and rough estimate. For instance, a trekking agency can charge you $600AUS for a 5-day Poon Hill trek. Similarly, the same trekking agency can charge you $1000AUS for a 7-day Poon Hill trek. A luxury Poon Hill trek is on the costlier side. Please keep in mind that the price can also vary from travel agency to travel agency.
The weather in the Poon Hill region significantly depends on three prime factors: season, time of the day, and altitude. Since Poon Hill Trek covers the altitude (low altitude) ranging from 800m to 3,210m, it’s never too cold or hot. That means you can trek to Poon Hill all year round. However, spring and autumn are the best time of the year for Poon Hill Trek. During these two seasons, the weather generally is mild and pleasant with clear skies and crisp air. Winter brings cold weather with the possibility of snowfall. Summer, with high chances of rainfall and slippery trails, is usually deemed off-season.
One of the best short treks you can do in Nepal. Mountain peaks, local villages and more.
read moreAlthough it’s not stringently necessary to train for the Poon Hill Trek, it is highly advised to do so to improve your overall trekking experience and to assure your safety. Depending on your own health and previous hiking experience; you may need to be physically fit. Poon Hill is located at an elevation of about 3,210m, which is not particularly high compared to some other treks in Nepal, but careful planning can significantly improve your comfort and success. A training regimen may include cardiovascular workouts like cycling, and jogging to improve your endurance. Additionally, carrying a loaded backpack and hiking around your hometown will definitely help you a lot for the Poon Hill Trek.
Yes, it is. As we mentioned earlier, Poon Hill Trek is suitable for families with kids. Poon Hill Trek’s relatively low altitude compared to other Himalayan trek makes it suitable and safe for everyone, including children. There is less chance of altitude-related sickness. The trek covers approximately 50km, doable in the time frame of 4 to 5 trekking days. There are many family-friendly teahouses along the trail. It is absolutely imperative to plan carefully to ensure a safe and sound experience. And make sure to schedule the trek during spring or autumn.
