Seasons(Time) for Poon Hill Trek 8 days
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be done all year round, however it’s easier when there isn’t rain or snow on the trails. So, the best time to do the Poon Hill trek is from March to June and September to December. In these months, the weather is clearer and the temperature moderate, when only the morning and evenings are a bit chilly, leaving the days perfectly clear for splendid views of the mountains.
Poon Hill Trek-Altitude Sickness Risk
The 8 days Ghorepani Poon hill trek has a very low chance of altitude sickness. The highest point is Poon Hill at 3250 meters high. Here you might experience some mild symptoms like being tired and more easily out of breath. However, as you will descend to lower altitudes on the same day this should not pose a problem.
Passport and Visa
All foreigners except Indian nationals need a visa to enter Nepal. You can get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or Nepal border regional offices. For a visa application, you need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport size photo, and visa application fees.
The current visa cost for 30 days is US$50 which you have to pay in USD cash. Children under the age of 10 will get a free visa. Chinese citizens and citizens of SAARC countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka get a free visa. The citizen of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan will not get visa on arrival in Nepal.
Tip for Poon Hill Trek
Nepali culture accepts tipping and views it as proof of good service. However, tipping is at the traveler’s discretion and should reflect the quality of service provided. We advise you to tip at the end of the trek.
Trip Extension
After completion of Poon Hill Trek, if you have extra days, we can arrange sightseeing tours around Kathmandu. Also cater your 2 nights 3 days Chitwan Jungle Safari tour, paragliding, rafting, canyoning, Everest Mountain Flight, Heli tour to ABC, EBC and Langtang.
Money Matter
Nepali Rupees (NPR) is the local currency and 1 USD = 132 NPR. You can exchange most foreign currencies in banks and other financial institutions or money exchanges in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Money exchanges display exchange rates visibly for the public.
Please note that only Indian Rupee Notes (INR) of 100 and 2000 denominations are legal in Nepal. We recommend you to bring cash and exchange them for Nepali Rupees at money exchanges instead of traveler’s Cheque are not accepted now in Nepal. You can also withdraw cash in Nepalese Rupees using your credit/debit card from ATMs in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can withdraw up to NPR 35,000 for a fee of NPR 500. Most banks in Asia do not accept old, torn and faded foreign currency notes so bring clean new notes.
Travel Insurance for Poon Hill Trek
Travel insurance is compulsory for 8 days Poon Hill Trek. Though this is an easy trek with low risk of AMS. However, this mountain journey is not a normal visit due to the possibility of unforeseen or unexpected events such as injury, illness, flood, landslide and sudden climate changes. All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes.
We kindly request you to send your detailed insurance policy copy before trekking departures. In case of emergencies, we will use the documents you sent us for rescue. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please make sure with the insurance company that they cover helicopter evacuation at high altitude trek along with medical costs.
Expenses of Personal Nature
Our package does not include meals and accommodation costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Moreover, all our valuable clients need to bring personal spending money to cover visa fee, travel insurance policy purchase, beverages, snacks for the trek, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, tips to guide and porter, souvenirs and so on. We recommend you to bring cash in major currencies which you can easily exchange for rupees in Nepal. Poon Hill Trek accept only Nepalese currency.
Water and Electricity
Electricity is available for camera and mobile battery recharge at an extra cost. You can buy either packed mineral water from local lodges and en route shop or fill your water bottle with boiled water at an extra cost. If you require, we can provide you with water purification pills. You shouldn’t drink water from rivers, taps and wells in trek as the water might not be drinkable.
Solo Travelers
Single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a our tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
- No extra charge for a solo traveler.
- It is highly unusual to get a single room on the trek. Expect to share with someone of the same sex.
- Meals on the trek are included in the price, but does not include hot or cold drinks, alcohol, snacks, or extra food.
- Drones are not permitted unless you have a special permit to fly them. It is tricky to obtain permission, so leave it at home unless you need a drone.
- Please arrange trekking insurance before leaving your home country. We do not provide insurance for our clients.
Equipment for 8 days Poon Hill Trek
It requires good quality and appropriate equipment. Especially, a good pair of hiking boots and breathable hard-shell rain jacket. We highly recommend below packing list to hike the 6-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
- Hiking Trousers
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
- Bandana (optional)
Hand Wear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added (optional)
Footwear
- Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
- Trainers or Crocs, to wear at camp (optional)
- 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
- 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Poncho, during rainy season (optional)Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended
- Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended)
- Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
- Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
- Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
- Trekking Poles (recommended)
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
- Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
- Toiletries (Option)
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper (To be provided)
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
- Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
