Poon Hill trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal that attracts thousands of trekkers each year. It is one of the easiest in terms of both duration and difficulty.
As November settles in, the weather in Poon Hill begins to get colder, much like the rest of the country.
However, Poon Hill is situated at a low altitude and the weather during November and December does not become unbearably cold compared to other treks such as Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Additionally, the chances of altitude sickness on this trek are very low.
With low precipitation during this time, you can enjoy awesome views of the surroundings.
Moreover, from late November to December, Poon Hill experiences fewer tourists, so you can relish the tranquility the trail has to offer during these months.
In fact, the best part of this trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill to witness a spectacular view of the sunrise over the Himalayas. Here, you can take some amazing pictures of the view.
With a little bit of preparation, Poon Hill trek in November and December will definitely offer you a memorable experience.
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Nepal’s Trekking Culture and the Popularity of Short Treks like Poon Hill:
Nepal, the land of the Himalayas is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture and most importantly, warm hospitality.
The trekking culture in Nepal has gained global recognition, attracting adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts from all corners of the world.
Trekking in Nepal began several decades ago when early explorers were lured by the majestic peaks and driven by the desire to unlock the mysteries of these high Himalayan mountains.
Various trekking regions offer some of the world’s most iconic trekking routes, making this country a trekker’s paradise.
Over the years, the trekking industry has flourished and millions of trekkers have already enjoyed various trekking regions in Nepal.
In earlier days, more challenging treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit trek were popular among adventure seekers. However, with changing times, there are some people interested in trekking but unable to undertake long treks.
That’s when the culture of doing short treks like Poon Hill emerged, making Nepal’s mountains accessible to people who are not into challenging treks.
These shorter treks provide a fantastic opportunity for those who want to experience the beauty of the Nepalese mountains without the demands of longer and more difficult journeys.
Recent Developments and Changes on Poon Hill Trek Area
In recent years, Poon Hill trek has become more popular because it’s easy to access, offers stunning mountain views and has a moderate difficulty level.
Local communities, government bodies and trekking authorities have noticed the increasing interest in the region and have made improvements to the infrastructure and facilities for trekkers.
Improved Teahouses: Teahouses and lodges along the Poon Hill trek route have upgraded their facilities to cater to all types of trekkers.
Many teahouses now provide comfortable rooms, hot showers and even Wi-Fi access, making the trek more comfortable and enjoyable. This is especially helpful for those who need internet access for their online work during the trek.
Trail Marking: Trekking trails have been well marked with signboards and directions, making it less likely for trekkers to get lost and ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey.
Environmental Conservation: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has been actively involved in promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in the region.
Local teahouse owners receive regular training to increase their knowledge about sustainable tourism practices and how to run their teahouses in an environmentally friendly way.
Overall, Poon Hill trek continues to be a popular destination for trekkers seeking a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences and the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people. Its popularity is expected to grow as more travelers discover the charm and allure of this picturesque trekking route and the beautiful sunrise view in the heart of the Annapurna region.
Poon Hill Weather in November and December
November is the last month of the autumn season. With winter just around the corner, you will feel the chill from November and the temperature starts to drop a bit.
The months from November to December is mostly dry with very few chances of rain. The average precipitation during November is just 6mm.
The average temperature of Poon Hill during the day is around 5 degrees Celsius. This is quite a nice time for trekking. It will start to get colder as December approaches.
Hence the average temperature during December in Poon Hill is 2.7 degrees Celsius.
The maximum temperature during a day is around 8.1 degrees and the minimum drops to minus 3.4 degrees.
However, some places along the trekking trail can reach the temperature below 0 degrees too. But this temperature drop shouldn’t bother you as there are tea houses along the way that are cozy and warm.
And you will mostly be indoors during the night and it is very likely for you to feel the chill.
Though December is a winter month in Nepal, do not worry as the winters in Poon Hill are gentle as it lies in low altitude.
So the overall weather to do Poon Hill trek during November and December remains pretty good.
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Duration and Route of Poon Hill trek
The duration of the Poon Hill trek can range from 4 to 10 days depending on your walking pace and the places you want to explore. The duration can also vary depending on the starting point of the trek.
Therefore, it is up to you to decide the duration of the trek.
If you are short on time and planning to trek at the beginning of November, you can consider the shorter options. However, if you cannot acclimate to the altitude or have a physical condition, trekking in December can be slightly difficult due to the cold.
Choosing a longer duration would be a better option as you can take more breaks and have more time to adjust to the altitude.
Here are the two best-suited itineraries for the Poon Hill Trek in November and December:
Option 1: 10-Day Nepal Trip including Poon Hill Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines
After a long flight from your home country, you’ll arrive at Kathmandu’s airport. From there, you’ll go to your hotel in Kathmandu and start your Nepal adventure.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (860 m) 220 km – 7-8 hours
On this day, you’ll take a beautiful scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It’s a long journey, around 7 to 8 hours by bus or car, but you’ll see changing landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty along the way. If you prefer a quicker option, you can book a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive to Nayapul (1,100 m) and begin a trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m) – 4 hours
The real adventure begins as you drive to Nayapul. From there, your trek starts and you will walk through green valleys and charming villages. After about 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach the village of Tikhedhunga, which is at an elevation of 1,540 m.
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m) – 6 hours
Today’s trek takes you higher into the hills and you’ll be amazed by the beautiful forests and rhododendron flowers. After around 6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Ghorepani, located at 2,840 m.
Day 05: Morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise, then walk to Tadapani (2,520 m) – 6 hours
Get ready for an early morning hike to Poon Hill. From there, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise, where the Himalayan peaks are painted with golden hues. It’s a moment you’ll never forget! After that, you’ll trek for about 6 hours to reach Tadapani. The journey will take you through enchanting forests and beautiful landscapes.
Day 06: Trek to Ghandruk (1,951m) – 4 hours
Today, you will trek to the charming village of Ghandruk, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a 4-hour trek, and you’ll get to experience the local culture and warm hospitality of the village.
Day 07: Trek to Pothana (1,900 m) – 5 hours
The trek continues through lush forests and you’ll catch glimpses of the majestic Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (AKA Fishtail) mountains. After around 5 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Pothana, situated at an elevation of 1,900 m.
Day 08: Trek to Kande and drive to Pokhara – 2 hours
Your trek is coming to an end and you’ll head to Kande. From there, you’ll take a scenic 2-hour drive back to Pokhara, where you can relax and reminisce about the amazing trek you’ve completed.
Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu – 7-8 hours
On this day, you will depart from Pokhara and return to Kathmandu. It is a long journey, lasting around 7 to 8 hours. During this time, you can think back on the natural wonders and cultural experiences you’ve encountered during your trip. If you prefer a faster option, you can book a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Day 10: International departure
Sadly, your Nepal adventure comes to an end. You will say goodbye to this enchanting country, taking with you memories of stunning landscapes, warm hospitality and the joy of conquering Poon Hill.
Option 2: 8-Day Nepal Trip including Poon Hill Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines
After a long flight from your home country, you’ll arrive at Kathmandu’s airport. From there, you’ll go to your hotel in Kathmandu and start your Nepal adventure.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (860 m) 220 km – 7-8 hours
On this day, you’ll take a beautiful scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It’s a long journey, around 7 to 8 hours by bus or car, but you’ll see changing landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty along the way. If you prefer a quicker option, you can book a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive to Nayapul (1,100 m) and begin a trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m) – 4 hours
The real adventure begins as you drive to Nayapul. From there, your trek starts and you will walk through green valleys and charming villages. After about 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach the village of Tikhedhunga, which is at an elevation of 1,540 m.
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m) – 6 hours
Today’s trek takes you higher into the hills and you’ll be amazed by the beautiful forests and rhododendron flowers. After around 6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Ghorepani, located at 2,840 m.
Day 05: Morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise, then walk to Tadapani (2,520 m) – 6 hours
Get ready for an early morning hike to Poon Hill. From there, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise, where the Himalayan peaks are painted with golden hues. It’s a moment you’ll never forget! After that, you’ll trek for about 6 hours to reach Tadapani. The journey will take you through enchanting forests and beautiful landscapes.
Day 06: Trek to Ghandruk (1,951m) – 4 hours, then drive to Pokhara
Today, you will trek to the charming village of Ghandruk, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a 4-hour trek, and you’ll get to experience the local culture and warm hospitality of the village. After a short exploration of Ghandruk, you can take a jeep drive to Pokhara, a journey that lasts about 2.5 hours.
Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu – 7-8 hours
On this day, you will depart from Pokhara and return to Kathmandu. It is a long journey, lasting around 7 to 8 hours. During this time, you can think back on the natural wonders and cultural experiences you’ve encountered during your trip. If you prefer a faster option, you can book a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Day 08: International departure
Sadly, your Nepal adventure comes to an end. You will say goodbye to this enchanting country, taking with you memories of stunning landscapes, warm hospitality and the joy of conquering Poon Hill.
If you are in Pokhara and looking to book a 4-day trek that covers Poon Hill, look no further because we offer this incredible trek. We have departures every day throughout the year. To book, simply click here, click on check availability, choose date that works for you and proceed with the booking process easily.
If you are interested in either of the above two itineraries and would like to book it, please contact us. You can book the exact same itinerary or we can also customize it according to your preferences.
Advantages of Poon Hill trek in November and December
Suitable for all kinds of trekkers
Poon Hill trek is suitable for all kinds of trekkers, from novice to experienced. You can even take this trek with your family or a group of friends in November and December.
This is moderate to easy trek that doesn’t require any technical climbing. Yet, the steep climb up to the stone staircase (3,300+ steps in total ) from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani can be slightly challenging.
Hence a little training prior to the trek can be helpful.
Other than that, the trails are well maintained with signboards on various parts of the trails. Trekkers who can walk for about 4 to 6 hours daily up and downhill can easily complete this trek.
Less Risk of Altitude Sickness
The altitude of Poon Hill trek is a major reason why this trek is suitable all year round, and November and December are no exceptions.
Poon Hill trek starts from a very low altitude. The actual trek starts from Nayapul which lies at an altitude of 1070m. From there you will walk gradually and gain altitude as you go along the Poon Hill trek.
Generally, altitude sickness starts taking a toll on your body as you go over 3,000m. And in the Poon Hill trek, the highest you will reach is only 3,200m.
So the chances of getting altitude sickness in November and December is quite low and it should not be a matter of concern.
Thrilling View of Mountains
November and December are dry months with low precipitation. In summer, rains make the trail wet, muddy, and slippery, with unclear views. During this time, hikers can fully enjoy mountain views, greenery, and clear skies without any problems.
Less Crowd
Trekking to Poon Hill in peak months like March to May and September to October means more crowds. With more people on the trail, you don’t get peace and solitude, and there is more rush in the tea houses as well.
However, trekking to Poon Hill from late November to December, you will encounter fewer people on the trail and have more time to enjoy what nature offers. Hence, this is a great time to take the Poon Hill trek, especially if you are someone who seeks a peaceful and quiet trekking experience.
Accommodation and Service
The number of trekkers and accommodation are directly linked to each other. Fewer crowds mean no need to rush for accommodation, and you can choose the room of your choice.
As there are fewer tourists, the service you will receive during these months will be better too. You can also use facilities such as charging batteries without having to wait too long for your turn.
Packing for Poon Hill trek in November and December
It is essential to pack wisely for the best trekking experience, especially in November when winter begins. You should pack well to tackle the cold.
Additional Information
Guided or Independent Poon Hill trek
There are different ways to complete Poon Hill Trek, depending on your budget, timeframe, and hiking experience.
In November and December, you can book a fully guided tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara. This can be a great option if you prefer someone else to take care of logistics.
For those with previous trekking experience, it is always possible to go to Pokhara and jump on public transport to the trailhead, and then start hiking. However, we recommend hiring a guide, which will only cost you about USD 45 per day and USD 30 for a porter.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the Poon Hill trek is generally in tea houses or lodges. These tea houses are traditional and beautiful, reflecting an authentic Nepali vibe. They also provide you with nice food and drinks.
The rooms in the tea houses usually cost around USD 8 to 12. Unlike the busy months, you can get rooms with some discounts during November and December.
These tea houses provide basic necessities like a bed, pillow, and blanket. In December, since it is cold, you can ask for extra blankets. You can also enjoy a hot shower at an additional cost.
Food and Drinks
It is important to understand that as the altitude increases, the price of meals also increases.
For breakfast, you will usually get Tibetan bread or toast, hash brown potatoes, and eggs. For lunch and dinner, the most common food you will get is dal bhat, chowmein, and momo.
In the cold nights of November and December, you can try thukpa (local hot noodle soup) that will help you stay warm. The staple meal will cost you anywhere from USD 2 to 6.
Drinks that you will get at higher altitudes are mostly hot drinks like tea and coffee.
As for water, you can carry a reusable water bottle with you. Bottled water costs USD 1, so it is best to carry a bottle along with a water purifier.
Cost of Poon Hill Trek
The Poon Hill trek is much cheaper than most other treks of similar duration because it falls in the Annapurna region and is one of the most popular trekking sites.
There are many tea houses, lodges, and homestays along the way, so the accommodation cost will not be so high.
However, several factors might determine the Poon Hill trekking cost, such as the duration, route, and the season you are planning to trek. And since the trek may last from 4 to 10 days depending on your specifications, it is one of the most affordable treks.
All in all, the total estimate of the 4-day Poon Hill trek can be around USD 380 and can increase based on your needs. The cost includes accommodation, food, drinks, and permits.
Tips for Poon Hill trek in November and December
- Pack all the necessary clothing to tackle the cold and do not forget to carry sleeping bags.
- Dress in layers to stay warm.
- Wear comfortable hiking boots.
- Start your trek early since it gets dark very soon during winter.
- Drink enough water while trekking. Since it is cold, you may not feel the urge to drink, but keep reminding yourself.
- Walk slowly and take enough rest. Do not rush on the trails.
- Keep extra days in case of any unplanned situations.
Final Say:
Poon Hill is a great short trek that is appropriate for anyone regardless of their fitness level.
Despite being a short trek, you will not have to compromise on the thrill and natural beauty.
This is a great trek to do during November and December in Nepal, while the rest of the trekking regions experience extreme cold.
All in all, the Poon Hill Trek is a blissful experience, and with a little bit of preparation, it is definitely worth trying in November and December.
For further questions or queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you with the best of our knowledge.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Raj is the co-founder of Mosaic Adventure who have immense knowledge of all the trail throughout Nepal. Working on the trekking industry for more than three decades Raj knows the country like back of his hands. If you need more information or help to plan any trips to Nepal, feel free to get in touch with Raj through his email [email protected] or whatsapp him on +9779851090836.
