How much does it cost to trek Poon Hill?

Poon Hill Trek 

The Poon Hill Trek is a famous short trek in Nepal's Annapurna region, renowned for its panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas and quite accessible. Starting in Nayapul at 1,070 meters or at Ulleri(1900m), Poon hill trek reaches Ghorepani at 2,860 meters, spanning 40 kilometers over 4 to 5 days. 

Poon Hill Trek’s main attraction is the breathtakingly beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill, 3,210 meters above sea level, with a view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Machapuchare mountains.

Along the Poon Hill Treking trail, trekkers explore beautiful villages: Tikhedhunga (1,540m), Ulleri (1900m), Banthanti(2100m)Ghorepani (2,860m), Tadapani (2,630m), and Ghandruk (1,940m), each with unique cultural experiences and beautiful views. The Poon Hill trekking passes through lush rhododendron, pine, birch, juniper and fir forests, terraced fields, and picturesque traditional houses.

The main mountain peaks seen from Poon Hill include Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machapuchare (6,993m), and Nilgiri (7,061m), among others. These peaks form a spectacular backdrop all round the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.

To do Poon Hill Trekking, trekkers require a TIMS card and ACAP, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. 

The Ghorepani-Poon Hill trekking trail is pretty okay and well-marked. There are plenty of teahouses where basic services like a night's stay are offered, along with basic meal items such as dal bhat, momo, rice items, etc.

The Poon Hill trek is considered of medium difficulty, generally recommended to trekkers with some basic fitness, and there is no requirement for skills in advanced mountaineering. 

Proper preparation for Trekking to Poon Hill should be done well including a good quality pair of trekking shoes, warm clothes, and headlamp. Public and jeep transportation from Pokhara to Ulleri village in Autumn, Winter and spring (820m) well connects the journey to Poon Hill.

Basic skills of hiking will work efficiently to trek to Poon hill. No special skills of trekking is required for Poon Hill Trek as the Poon Hill Trekking route is comfortable with easy ascents and descents. 

However, the section of Poon Hill Trekking Trail from Thaple Danda to Banthanti while heading towards Tadapani is little steeper and slippery. 

You can also visit our Blog Posts related to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Jeep Ride

2. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Route 

3. Poon Hill Trek in October

4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Winter

5. Poon Hill Trek Cost 

6. Annapurna Base Camp Jeep Ride

7. Where is the Best View of Annapurna Range?

8. Poon Hill Trek in December

9. Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek- A Complete Trekkers' Guide

How much does it cost to trek Poon Hill?

Poon Hill Trek Cost ranges between USD 350-555 depending on the services you choose during the trek. 

The cost breakdown for Poon Hill Trek with different subtitles like Kathmandu and Pokhara Accommodation and Meals Costs, permits, guide and porter, accommodation and meals, transportation and other extra personal expenses is discussed below in detail. 

Accommodation and Meals Costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Accommodation and meal costs vary in Kathmandu and Pokhara, from basic to comfortable and luxurious, as per one's preference.

Tourist standard hotels in both cities for budget travelers cost between NPR 1,500 and 4,500 ($12-$35) per night. Such hotels offer a private bathroom, hot water, and Wi-Fi. The cost of a meal in a standard local restaurant would be around NPR 300 to 600 ($3-$5) in both cities and would include dal bhat, or momos (local dumplings).

One also can find vegan and glutton free food items in both Pokhara and Kathmandu cities. 

Luxury stays include 4- to 5-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, which have a price range of NPR 10,000 to NPR 30,000 ($80–$230) per night, depending on the location and the services provided. Such hotels come with facilities like a swimming pool, spa, gym, and high-end restaurants. One meal in such posh places would cost around NPR 1,500 to NPR 4,000 ($12–$30) per person, offering all kinds of international and Nepali cuisine.

Overall, budget travel can be pretty affordable in both cities, while luxurious stays offer comfortable, upscale experiences at higher price points.

The accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara ranges from homestays to 5 star hotels. It depends on the travlers choice on chosing accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu according to their estimated budget. 

Transportation Cost 

The cost of transportation on the Poon Hill Trek depends on your comfort and convenience level. Below is a breakdown:

Pokhara Flight (from Kathmandu): This flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara has a cost of approximately NPR 1,5000–17,000 (USD 125–150). The flying time is about 25–30 minutes, while the distance covered is approximately 200 km.

Pokhara Tourist Bus: The one-way fare by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara will cost around NPR 800-1,500 (8-10 USD), while a night bus takes around 6-7 hours to reach there, traversing 200 km of distance. These buses are really comfortable, with several early morning and late evening bus services.

Private Car from Kathmandu to Pokhara: The cost of hiring a private car for a private, more flexible journey comes around NPR 15,000–20,000 one way, or approximately 115–150 USD, which takes 6 to 7 hours over the distance of 200 kilometers. The drive is along the Prithvi Highway passing through Trishuli River Beach, Mungling and Damauli.

Jeep Drive to Ulleri: You can hire a jeep from Pokhara up to Ulleri, which is the starting point of the trek. It costs about NPR 7,000–10,000 (USD 50–75), and it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to drive 25 km. If you go with the sharing jeep, you just need to pay Rs. 1500 from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti.

Airport Pickup and Drop: The cost of airport pick-up and drop in Pokhara is usually around NPR 1,000–1,500 (USD 8–12), depending on your location in the city.

Each of these options of transportation provides a different level of comfort and convenience in your Poon Hill Trekking route, with flights offering the fastest travel time and jeeps providing access to remote areas.

Guide and Porter Cost

For the Poon Hill trek, a guide can be hired for about NPR 3,000-4,000 per day, while a porter may cost about NPR 2,000-3,000 per day. These costs generally include their accommodation, food, and insurance.

Benefits of hiring a guide in Poon Hill Trek include expert local knowledge, language support, and added safety, especially in remote areas. A porter helps carry your luggage, making the trek easier. 

A guide and porter are not needed for Poon Hill Trek route; however, for experienced trekkers, the trek is quite easily done on their own, although having them along will add both convenience and security, at least to those who are unfamiliar with the trail, local accommodation and meals and the weather condition.

Meals and Accommodation Cost

The cost of meals and accommodation on the Poon Hill Trek varies depending on comfort level and location on the trail.

Accommodation (per night):

Simple tea houses: NPR 500- 1000 ( $4- 8)

High-end tea houses or lodges: NPR 1,500-2,500 (10 - $18)

You can get luxury accommodation with attached bathroom in Poon Hill Trek these days especially in the places like Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages. 

Meals:

Breakfast: NPR 200-500 ($1.50 - $4), usually eggs, toast, porridge, or pancakes.

Lunch: NPR 400-800 ($3 - $6), often rice, dal (lentils), vegetables, and bread.

Dinner: NPR 400 - 800 ($3-$6), similar to the lunch options, but added variety such as soups or noodles.

Hot shower: NPR 100 - 500 ($1 - $4), depending on the tea house and availability of hot water.

Extra food/snacks:

Snacks: NPR 100 - 300 ($1 - $2) for biscuits, chocolate, fruit

Drinks

Tea/coffee: NPR 100 - 300 ($1 - $2)

Soft drinks: NPR 200 - 400 ($2 - $3)

Alcohol: NPR 400 - 800 ($3 - $6) for a local beer or other beverage.

Basic accommodation and meals are inexpensive, but prices rise with facilities and services like hot showers or snacks, and also increase the higher you are up the trail.

Permits Costs

Poon Hill Trek requires two different permits for trekkers, namely the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit and the Trekker's Information Management System.

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit: It costs NPR 1000 for South Asian nationals and NPR 3000 for international tourists. This permit is basically required to enter the area of the Annapurna Conservation Area, which Poon Hill belongs to.

TIMS Card: The fee for a TIMS card is NPR 600 for South Asian nationals and NPR 2000 for international tourists. It helps in ascertaining the movement of trekkers and can help in tracking them for reasons of safety.

Both Poon Hill Trekking Permits are available in Kathmandu at the Tourism Information Centre or at the office of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and in Pokhara at the ACAP office. The TIMS card is available at the Nepal Tourism Board, or at the trekking agencies.

Extrapersonal Costs 

Snacks and Drinks

Along the Poon Hill trek, you’ll find a range of snacks and drinks available at tea houses. Common snacks include chocolate bars, nuts, fruits and biscuits, which cost between NPR 100 to NPR 300. A bottle of water usually costs around NPR 100-150, while a hot drink like tea or coffee is around NPR 150-250.

Souvenirs

Other things you might find in villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani are local handicrafts and souvenirs like scarves, hats, and trinkets. Prices are not standardized, but small things range from NPR 200 to NPR 1,000 depending on the quality and craftsmanship of the item.

Showers

Most of the teahouses have hot showers available for an extra cost. It can cost from NPR 100 to 300 depending on the location and the facility's quality.

Cost of Massage

In Ghorepani, a few of the teahouses offer light massage services to help release muscle tension. A standard massage might be NPR 500 to 1,500 depending on its duration and the experience of the massaging lady/gentleman.

Tipping

Tipping is not binding but appreciated for good service. Guides: NPR 1,000 to 2,000 per day, while porters: NPR 500-1,000 per day are considered fair tips. Additionally, leaving a tip for restaurant workers and at tea houses is expected.

Final Words 

Poon Hill Trek has a lot to offer, starting from the very basic price and ranging upwards depending on the style of the trek and additional services that might be included. For the normal, standard  Poon Hill trek, costs can be in the range of 350-555 USD, where essential expenses include the Annapurna Conservation Area  Entry Permit and TIMS, transportation to and from Pokhara, simple lodging, and meals along the way. For more comfort and ease in the trek, a guide and porter can be hired, adding to the overall cost. 

Personal expenses in Poon Hill Trek for snacks, drinks, and extra gear can add up to the overall cost. For those who want a little more luxury, the cost of the Luxury Poon Hill Trek, which includes higher-end accommodations, meals, and transportation, can range from USD 655 to 766. 

Whether you choose to go on the standard Poon Hill Trek Package or the luxurious Poon Hill Trek Package option, the trek guarantees stunning views of the Annapurna range and a rewarding cultural experiences along the trek.