9 Days • 8 Nights
Poon Hill Trek & Pokhara
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Kathmandu's temples, trek up through terraced hillsides and forests ablaze with rhododendron (in spring), climb Poon Hill for a dawn panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and relax by the lakes of Pokhara. Village hospitality, mountain views and gentle adventure fill the days.
With comfortable hotels and teahouses, an expert guide and porters, and all logistics arranged, it is a wonderful first taste of trekking in Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- Kathmandu's temples and the great stupas
- The classic Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
- A dawn Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panorama from Poon Hill
- Gurung villages and rhododendron forests
- Lakeside Pokhara beneath the Annapurnas
- A friendly, achievable Himalayan trek
- Mountain sunrises and village hospitality
- A blend of culture and gentle adventure
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Arrive and settle in, with a welcome dinner and a trek briefing.
Fly to lakeside Pokhara beneath the Annapurnas, with a boat ride on Phewa Lake and final preparations.
Drive to the trailhead at Nayapul and trek up alongside the river and the stone staircase to the Gurung village of Ulleri.
Trek up through beautiful rhododendron and oak forest to the ridge-top village of Ghorepani, with fine mountain views.
A pre-dawn climb of Poon Hill for a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then trek through forest to Tadapani.
Descend to the lovely Gurung village of Ghandruk, then to the road and drive back to Pokhara for a well-earned rest.
A relaxed day in Pokhara — the Peace Pagoda, the caves and waterfalls, or simply the lakeside cafes.
Fly back to Kathmandu for a final evening in the bazaars of Thamel.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 1N Kathmandu, 3N Pokhara (split), 4N in teahouse lodges on trek
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board throughout the trek
- A Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour and Pokhara lakeside time
- Round-trip flights Kathmandu-Pokhara
- An experienced trekking guide and porters
- All national park permits and the TIMS card
- All trek logistics and transfers to the trailhead
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa fees (visa on arrival or online)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, with high-altitude and helicopter evacuation cover for treks)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and personal trekking gear
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities for guides and porters
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online in advance; bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee. Your passport should be valid at least six months
- Currency: The currency is the Nepali Rupee. Cards work in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but carry cash for trekking, villages and small purchases — ATMs are only in the cities
- Best season: October to November and March to April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and the best mountain views. The monsoon (June to September) brings cloud and rain; winter is cold at altitude but clear in the lowlands
- Altitude: High treks reach serious altitude (Everest Base Camp over 5,300m), where altitude sickness is a real risk. We build in acclimatisation days, ascend slowly, and your guide watches for symptoms
- Trek insurance: For any trek, travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is mandatory — this is essential and non-negotiable
- Trekking life: On trek you stay in simple teahouse lodges with basic rooms and shared bathrooms; hot showers and charging often cost extra. A good level of fitness and broken-in boots make all the difference
- Mountain flights: Domestic flights (including the famous Lukla flight for Everest) are weather-dependent and delays are common, so we build in buffer time; a helicopter option can be arranged
- Temple etiquette: Remove shoes and leather items at Hindu temples, walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, and note that some temple interiors are open only to Hindus
- Health: Drink only bottled or purified water, carry any personal medication, and consult a travel clinic about altitude medication and vaccinations. Comprehensive insurance is essential
- Power & connectivity: Power cuts are less common than before but carry a power bank; a local SIM gives data in towns and along popular trails. Nepal uses type C/D/M plugs at 230V
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on trek and at the Chitwan jungle lodge, plus a welcome dinner in Kathmandu. Elsewhere, lunches and dinners are left free to explore Nepal's food.
Are guides and transfers arranged?
Yes — you have private guides and drivers for sightseeing, and an experienced trekking guide (and porters) on any trek, all arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online beforehand. Bring a passport photo and US dollars in cash for the fee; we guide you through it.
When is the best time to visit?
October-November and March-April are the prime seasons, with clear skies and superb mountain views. The monsoon (June-September) is cloudy and wet; winter is cold high up but clear in the lowlands.
Do I need to be fit for the treks?
The trekking itineraries require a good level of fitness and preparation, with several hours of walking a day on hilly terrain. We grade each trek clearly and build in acclimatisation; the cultural tours need no special fitness.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, treks, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a scenic Everest flight, a jungle safari, a luxury lodge or a shorter or longer trek. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Is insurance really mandatory for trekking?
Yes — for any trek you must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. This is essential for your safety and is non-negotiable.
How hard is the Poon Hill trek?
It is a moderate, achievable trek with several hours of walking a day (including many stone steps) but at relatively low altitude, making it ideal for first-time trekkers and those with limited time.
When is the best time for Poon Hill?
October-November and March-April are best. Spring brings the added magic of rhododendron forests in full bloom, while autumn offers the clearest mountain views.
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