How to Reach Poon Hill from Kathmandu?

Poon Hill Trek is one of the easiest and shortest treks that doesn’t require any trekking experience. It is an all-time favorite for both local and international trekkers for good reasons.

Poon Hill trek is a 4 to 5 days hike in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Anyone with a moderate fitness level can complete this trek.

Poon Hill is one of the famous vantage points for a panoramic 360-degree view of snow-capped mountains. The trail is famous for the fascinating traditional villages and ethnic communities.

The absolute highlight of Poon Hill trek is the spectacular sunrise views over the chain of the Himalayas. You’ll get striking views of Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Gangapurna, and Mt. Macchapucchre.

If you’re planning  Poon Hill trek in an upcoming vacation, then you can come across with different possible questions.

First of all, you may like to know about how to get from Kathmandu to Poon Hill. Then you may also want to know about different trekking options for Poon Hill trek.

If you’re a novice trekker or you want to trek Poon Hill for the first time, don’t panic! This article will definitely help you to choose the way which is best for you.

Alright, let’s begin!

How to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara?

Pokhara is the main closest access city to begin treks into Annapurna region. So, it is also known as the “gateway to Annapurna region”.

It is the second-largest city of Nepal. It is headquarter of Gandaki Zone and Kaski District. It is also a famous tourist destination.

It has many popular places including Phewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, David Fall, World Peace Pagoda, and Sarangkot. The distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is about 200 kilometer / 125 miles.

Here are few options for traveling between two cities, either by road or air. You can choose on the basis of your budget and travel duration. Finally, choose what is best for you!

Kathmandu to Pokhara by road

Traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus is the most common way.

While traveling via road, the journey begins from Kathmandu along Tribhuvan highway and continues to Pokhara on the Prithvi highway.

The total time to reach Pokhara on a bus from Kathmandu is approximately 7 hours, but it all depends on the traffic situation.

By Local Bus

You can take a local bus from Kalanki in Kathmandu. It directly takes you to the Prithivi Chowk bus station in Pokhara.

There is no fixed departure time as these buses leave throughout the day. The price ranges from USD 5-7, which is pretty inexpensive.

However, these buses are less comfortable than tourist buses. You’ll not get extra facilities like air conditioning, the seats are uncomfortable. Also, it often stops several times for passengers. And, sometimes it can be overcrowded.

But, if you’re traveling Nepal on a tight budget, taking a local bus will be a great option.

By Tourists Bus

This is the second and probably better option if you’re traveling to Pokhara by road.

It is a little expensive and more comfortable than the local bus.

Well! In this ride, you get what you pay for.

The tourist bus is comfortable with extra facilities like WiFi, free water bottles, air conditioning, and frequent stops. It is also a safer option. These buses don’t carry more travelers than seat capacity.

These tourists’ buses take around 7 hours to reach Pokhara. Most of the tourist buses leave early in the morning (at 7 am from Tourist Bus Station). Along the way to Pokhara, you could try Nepalese local food.

Early-bird,  you can pre-buy a ticket from the travel company. It’s a better option, especially during the peak trekking season.

By Car

If you don’t want to travel on the public or tourist bus, then you can hire a private car with a driver.

There are different models of private cars are available.  Depending on your budget and group size you can choose one.

It takes approximately 6 hours to travel by car. But if you take breaks at many stops to enjoy the scenery then it may take quite a long time.

If you want to spend extra days, then you’ve to pay for the overnight charge. After paying the overnight charge, you can return through the same route without any additional costs.

You can arrange it through private tour operators. The cost of hiring a car ranges from USD 90-100.

Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight

The easiest and fastest way to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu is by flight. It takes 30 minutes to reach Pokhara from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport.

Daily flights are available from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu. If you’re time-bound, this option will be perfect as it’ll save a lot of time.

During this short flight, you’ll get to witness some wonderful Himalayas of the Annapurna region.

It costs around USD 124 per person for one way. During the off-season, you might get a discount. You can book your flight through travel agencies or directly from airlines.

 (Note: Especially during the monsoon season, due to bad weather conditions flight cancellation and delay are frequent.)

If you’re planning to travel during this season, it’s a good idea to set some buffer days in your itinerary.

How to go Poon Hill from Pokhara?

Pokhara to Nayapul

Nayapul is famous among trekkers as it is the starting/ending point of most of the Annapurna region treks.

The distance between Pokhara and Nayapul is 45.4 km / 28.2 miles. It is around 1.5 hours drive from Pokhara lakeside.

En route, you pass through Phedi, Kande, Naudanda, and Lumla. During the drive, you’ll get a fantastic view of the beautiful mountain ranges.

There are different options available to get Nayapul from Pokhara.

The first one is a local bus from Baglung bus park. The bus leaves all day every 30 minutes. There is no fixed departure time. These local bus stop at several places to get passengers. So, it is often overcrowded.

Or, you can hire a car, jeep or taxi. Although it is costly, it makes your travel more comfortable and fun. You can stop where you want and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Nayapul to Tikhedhunga

From Nayapul, the only way to continue further is on your own feet.

It is situated at an altitude of 1,480 meters above sea level. The distance from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga is 9.2 km/5.7 miles. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Tikhedhunga.

The trail passes through Birethanti, Sudame, and Hile. It is also one of the common trekking routes in Nepal. It connects many other popular trails of the Annapurna region like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit trek.

Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

The trail between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani provides an amazing view of Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

Ghorepani is situated at an altitude of 2,860 meters above sea level. The distance between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani is 12.9 km / 8 miles. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach Ghorepani village.

It is the largest village located at the boundary of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). During Poon Hill trek, this village offers a breathtaking view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak.

Ghorepani to Poon Hill

The absolute highlight of Poon Hill trek is Poon Hill. Early morning hiking for the best sunrise or sunset view over the Himalayas is a memorable experience.

The elevation of Poon Hill is 3,210 meters above sea level. The distance between Ghorepani to Poon Hill is 1.5 km. It is probably the second famous viewpoints of Nepal after Kala Patthar.

It takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to climb up to the top of Poon Hill. From the hilltop, you’ll get the best 360-degree panoramic views of  Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges.

Trekking Options to Poon Hill

Poon Hill trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many travelers. And choosing the best trekking options can make all the difference.

There are several ways in which you can trek to Poon Hill.

Book through a travel agency

One of the trekking options available for Poon Hill is through a local travel agency. If you’re inexperienced trekker or are unfamiliar with Nepal then this can be a great option.

You’ll find an infinite number of tour companies offering a trek to Poon Hill. However, it’s important to choose your tour operator wisely. While choosing the travel company, you must think about price and quality. Make sure that, the trekking agency you choose is a government registered.

It is one of the easiest options for booking Poon Hill trek. Depending on the trekking agency the Poon Hill Trek cost might varies. While booking through an agency, the cost includes trekking permits, guides, accommodation, meals, and transport to and from Pokhara.

Benefits

• All arrangements regarding flight, accommodation, guide, trekking permits will be made by the trekking company.
• Pre-booking facility. Especially, during the high season, flight tickets and places on the trekking trails are hard to obtain if not booked well in advance.

Hire an independent guide/porter or porter/guide

Hiring an independent guide or porter is another trekking option for Poon Hill. Simply you’ll hire a guide and pay for accommodation, meals, and permits along the way as you go.

This gives you more control over the speed of your trek. Guides are people who have good knowledge of trekking routes, local culture, and languages. They’ll guide you throughout the trek. They’ll suggest you the best places to eat and stay. Hiring a porter makes your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

During the high trekking season, they will get you the best place at a reasonable price. They’ll also help you in the time of price bargains.

Benefits

• A guide will help you at times of emergencies. In case of altitude sickness or accidents s/he will assist you. In the worst conditions, a guide will arrange an emergency evacuation.
• A guide can be very useful while navigating. They’ll lead you through the right trekking path.
• Hiring a local guide or porter means making some contribution to the local community.

Solo Trek

If you’re experienced trekker, you may wish to go on treks alone.  And enjoy solitude in the Himalayas.

Solo trekking in Nepal is legal, except in some restricted regions. If you want to go alone or with your travel partner then you’ll have no problems getting a permit.

Poon Hill trek is one of the famous tea house treks in Nepal. The trails are well-established, there are adequate tea houses along the trail. So, finding accommodation along the way would not be much difficult.

In case, if you get lost on the trail then a lot of friendly faces – locals and tourists will help you out. If you’re planning for Poon Hill trek without guide or trekking company then please note the following;

• You need a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and Annapurna Conservation Area permit. It can be obtained at Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• You need to arrange transportation for yourself. But please note that during the high trekking season, flight tickets to Pokhara or Jomsom are not easily available. For this reason, you have to do advance booking.
• You need to bring a well-equipped trekking gear, equipment, and first aid bag.
• Make sure to bring a good map and a good guidebook.

Benefits

• Less expensive
• Trek at your own pace
• Direct interaction with locals

Poon Hill Trek is best during November and December.  Find out more here.

Additional Information for Preparing for the Poon Hill Trek

Weather and When to Go

When you are planning to trek to Poon Hill from Kathmandu, it’s important to think about the weather and choose the best time to go.

Best times to go are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) when the weather is usually nice with clear skies.

During these months, it is not too hot or too cold and you can see the mountains well. But, other times of the year can be challenging.

For example, in the monsoon season (June to August), there’s lots of rain and the trails can get muddy and slippery, which makes trekking tough and risky.

In the winter (December to February), it can be really cold and snowy, especially up high, so you need good gear. Thinking about the seasons can help you plan your trek so it is safe and fun.

Getting Fit

Before you set off on the trek to Poon Hill from Kathmandu, it is really important to get yourself physically ready for the challenge of trekking at high altitudes.

Even though the Poon Hill trek is not super hard, it still needs you to be fit and strong. You can get ready by doing exercises like walking, hiking or jogging to build up your heart and muscles.

Also, doing strength exercises for your core, legs and upper body helps a lot. You should slowly make your exercises harder to get used to trekking up high.

If you’re not sure how to get ready, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or a fitness trainer to make a plan that’s right for you.

Places to See

Along the way from Kathmandu to Poon Hill, there are lots of cool things to see that make your trek extra special.

You’ll come across traditional villages with fields on hills, old Buddhist monasteries sitting high up and other interesting spots.

Take some time to explore these places and learn about the people who live there.

You’ll also see amazing natural sights like forests, waterfalls and big mountain views.

Don’t forget to check out places like Ghorepani, Poon Hill and Tadapani, where you can see beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the mountains.

Seeing all these cool places makes your trek really memorable and lets you enjoy the Annapurna region even more.

Photography Tips

As you trek from Kathmandu to Poon Hill, you’ll want to take lots of awesome pictures of the amazing scenery and the cool things you see along the way.

To get the best pictures, make sure you have a good camera with you, like a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, with a lens that can take wide shots and closeups.

It is also a good idea to bring a tripod to keep your camera steady, especially when it’s dark or you’re taking long shots like sunrise or sunset.

When you’re taking pictures, think about how you are framing the shot, what angle you’re shooting from and how the light is hitting your subject.

Try out different settings on your camera and see what looks best. And remember, always ask before you take a picture of someone, especially in places that are special to them.

By following these tips, you can take amazing pictures that capture your trek to Poon Hill and keep the memories alive for years to come.

FAQs

Should I complete the Poon Hill trek in 4 or 5 days?

If you’re a fit hiker, then I think this 4-day Poon Hill Trek will be perfect.

But, if you can’t acclimate to the altitude or if you have any physical limitations, then doing the Poon Hill trek in 5 days is the best.

It’s obvious, if you choose 5 days itinerary then you’ll get ample time to explore the village life. You’ll also get to acclimatize well.

So, every trekking package has its own pros and cons you can choose on the basis of your convenience.

Can I book Poon Hill trek online?

Of course, you can.

If you’re a time-bound traveler, you can do online booking for Poon Hill trek. This will definitely save your valuable time.

We, Mosaic Adventure guarantee that there won’t be any hidden charges when you do online booking. So, you don’t have to worry about the extra expenses.

Here are details about terms and conditions for booking a trip with Mosaic Adventure.

What level of fitness is required for Poon Hill trek?

Poon Hill trek is considered moderately challenging and is suitable for individuals with a moderate level of fitness. Engaging in activities like walking, hiking or jogging beforehand can improve cardiovascular health and stamina, while strength training exercises can enhance muscle strength for the trek.

When is the best time to do Poon Hill trek?

Optimal time for Poon Hill trek is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) when the weather is generally clear with mild temperatures, providing excellent mountain views. It’s advisable to avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall and winter (December to February) when temperatures drop and snowfall occurs at higher altitudes.

What accommodation options are available along Poon Hill trek?

Accommodation options along Poon Hill trek include tea houses in villages along the route. These accommodations offer basic amenities such as meals, lodging and hot showers. Booking in advance, especially during peak trekking season, ensures availability.

What health risks should be considered while trekking to Poon Hill?

While trekking to Poon Hill is generally safe, there are health risks such as altitude sickness and dehydration to be aware of. It is crucial to stay hydrated, acclimate gradually to the altitude and heed your body’s signals. If symptoms like headache, nausea or dizziness arise, descending to a lower altitude and seeking medical help if necessary is recommended. Carrying a basic first aid kit and necessary medications during the trek is advisable.

Summary

Poon Hill Trek, a favorite among beginners and experienced trekkers alike, offers stunning views of the Annapurna region’s snow capped Himalayan peaks.

With its easy to moderate difficulty level, Poon Hill trek is accessible to anyone with a moderate fitness level.

Travelers can choose various trekking options, from booking through a travel agency to solo trekking, each offering unique experiences.

Before starting on this adventure, it is essential to understand the best times to go, accommodation options and potential health risks like altitude sickness and transportation options from Kathmandu to Pokhara, including buses, tourist buses, private cars and flights.

Should you have any inquiries regarding Poon Hill trek or require further clarification on trekking options, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Our team is available round the clock to assist you. Feel free to contact us at your convenience.