How much does it cost to trek to Poon Hill: Cost Divided

Poon Hill Trek: A Travel Guide

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking, or Poon Hill Trek, is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal in Annapurna Region. The Poon hill trek is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and a must-visit place for all trekking lovers. The trek passes through picturesque villages like Ulleri, Banthnati, Nangethanti, Lower Ghorepani, Ghodepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk village, dense rhododendron forests of Annapurna conservation Area, and scenic views. It is a fairly simple, easy and short trek relative to other high-altitude treks in Nepal and can be done by beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The trek provides an ideal blend of culture observation and nature and is done within a short period, generally 3 to 5 days from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Here are some FAQs and their answers on Poon Hill Trek

1. What is the worth of Poon Hill Trek?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is particularly suited for an individual seeking a short but worthwhile trek with exquisite mountain views. It provides magnificent panoramas of Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and the other Himalayas. The trek also provides an experience of rural life in ethnic Gurung and Magar settlements.

2. What unique experience of the Poon Hill Trek can I get?

The trek is of mixed scenery, from dense forests to agricultural terraces. The highlight is the stunning sunrise trek to Poon Hill (3,210m), when the Himalayas are greeted with a spectacular sunrise. The path is well marked and easy and safe to walk.

3. Where does the trek begin and end?

The trek begins at Ulleri after a short drive( 2,5hrs) from Pokhara by jeep and ends at Ghandruk and you will do use the jeep ride and public bus ride from ghandruk back to Pokhara. Trekkers usually do the Poon hill circuit from Nayapul, so it is a loop trek.

4. What is the total distance covered from Ulleri to Ghandruk?

The Poon hill trek distance is approximately 35-40 km from Ulleri to Ghandruk, depending on the trail.

5. What are the transport options for Poon hill Trek?

Trekkers can choose to take a private car or public bus from Pokhara to Nayapul and a short jeep ride to Ulleri. One can directly take a jeep ride from Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti from Pokhara in dry seasons ( Winter and Spring). When returning from the trek at Ghandruk, a jeep or bus is an option back to Pokhara.

6. What are permits required for Poon hill trek?

Trekkers need to acquire two different permits for Poon hill Trek:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)- Rs 3000

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card- Rs.2000

7. How are the accommodations and food facilities on the Poon hill Trek?

There are tea houses on the Ghorepani Poon hill trek where basic but comfortable comfort can be relished along with a variety of meals such as Dal Bhat, noodles, momos, and Western meals. Actually, the villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk have more options for meals with popular continental, Indian, Chinese and Japanese dishes.

People also can get vegetarian options and also glutton free foods during the Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

8. How difficult is the Poon Hill Trek?

The Poon hill trekking is easy to moderate involving some going up and down but not technical trekking. The trek is suitable for first-time trekkers. Most of the beginners take Ghorepani Poon hill trek as the preparation for other challending trek in Nepal like Manaslu Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.

9. What is the highest point of the Poon Hill trek?

The highest point of Poon Hill Trek is Poon Hill (3,210m) and the second highest is Ghorepani (2870m).

10. When is the best time to trek to Poon Hill?

The best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for clear skies and pleasant weather.

11. Is a guide or porter compulsory for Poo nhill Trek?

A guide is not mandatory but recommended for navigation and cultural insights. A porter can be hired to carry luggage, making the trek easier.

Ghorepani Trekking will be an experience that one will never forget, mixing adventure, culture, and stunning Himalayan scenery all in the span of few days.

How much does it cost to trek to Poon Hill?

Poon Hill Trek is a budget-friendly but fulfilling trek in the Annapurna range with excellent sunrise vistas of the Himalayas. Cost varies based on services, but the significant expenditures are permits (TIMS and ACAP) that cost $30-$50, transportation from Kathmandu to Nayapul and back ($20-$30), and jeep transportation from Ulleri to Ghandruk ($10-$15) on the sharing basis. Food and accommodation cost $20-$30 per day, and drinks like bottled water and tea are an additional $5-$10 per day. A guide costs $25-$30 per day and a porter around $20-$25. Hot showers, charging, and snacks are additional costs that can range from $5-$15 per day.

Now let’s see each title on which you spend your budget during your Poon Hill Trek in detail:

How much is the permits for Poon Hill Trek?

For the Poon Hill Trek, trekkers need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. The ACAP costs NPR 3,000 (~USD 22.5) for foreigners, NPR 1,000 (~USD 7.5) for SAARC nations (including Indians), and NPR 100 for Nepali nationals.

TIMS card costs NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) for foreign nationals, NPR 1,000 (~USD 7.5) for SAARC citizens, and is free for Nepali nationals. Trekkers can obtain these permits in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board, Pradarshani Marg) or Pokhara (Nepal Tourism Board Office, Lakeside) by providing a copy of the passport, passport-sized photos, and filling out a form. Some trekkers also get their permits from the TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) office in Pokhara.

The most comfortable way of getting required permits for Poon hill Trekking is via local trekking companies located in Kathmandu and Pokhara. They won’t charge any commission for obtaining these permits. No worries.

There are two check posts on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek at Birethanti (near Nayapul) and Ghorepani where officials inspect the required permits. Failure to produce them can result in fines or denial of entry in Annapurna Conservation Area. It's best to bring physical copies of both permits along on the Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

How much is the foods and accommodation for Poon Hill Trek?

Food and accommodation on the Poon Hill Trek can be fairly priced considering altitude and season. A simple teahouse accommodation in Poon hill trek averages $5–$10 a night, and food is $10–$25 a day based on meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). Teahouses at higher altitudes like in Ghorepani and Tadapani are a little more expensive due to the increased transport cost. Simple but satisfying meals, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, are served for trekkers.

Breakfast in Poon hill trek for the trekkers could be porridge ($3–$5), Tibetan bread with honey/jam ($3–$5), pancakes ($4–$6), chapati with omelet ($4–$6), or boiled eggs ($3–$4). Tea or coffee would cost $2–$4 per cup. Lunch and dinner include dal bhat ($6–$10) (rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickle with free refills), noodles ($4–$7), fried rice ($5–$8), momos ($5–$7), or pasta ($6–$9) or Pizza($7-$9) Mineral water in a bottle costs $1–$3, and a refill of boiled water is $0.50–$2.

Trekkers are free to have their own treats on Poon hill trek such as energy bars, nuts, and chocolate as teahouse treats are expensive (e.g., Snickers $2–$4). Vegetarian food is in plentiful supply, while gluten-free items (such as rice, eggs, dal bhat) are available but scarce. Packing gluten-free foods from Pokhara or Kathmandu is advised if you really want them during your Ghorepani Poo nhill Trek.

How much is the guide and porter for Poon Hill Trek?

Hiring a porter and guide for the Poon Hill Trek is not obligatory but could be greatly beneficial to your trekking experience. A licensed guide will cost between $25 to $35 per day, while a porter will range from $18 to $25 per day. If you employ a porter-guide (a person who has light loads to carry and also guides), it normally ranges between $25 to $30 per day. These pay for their food, accommodation, and insurance usually but tipping is mandatory.

You can trek Poon Hill independently as the route is well-trodden, brief, and not very technical. There are many teahouses along the trail, so the trek and accommodations are easy to find. A guide does, however, provide local information, cultural perspective, and safety, especially in the case of an unexpected incident such as injuries or poor weather. A porter is handy if you want to trek light and enjoy the experience without having the weight of a heavy backpack on your back.

Until now, a guide for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is not necessary, as it is in some of the closed areas of Nepal. But if you are willing to have an easy and confortable Poon hill trekking with the help of local knowledge, then it is wise to engage a guide and a porter.

How much is the transportation for Poon Hill Trek?

The transportation cost of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek differs based on the transportation means and whether you take shared or private transportation. The journey consists of a few sections: Kathmandu to Pokhara, Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti, and Ghandruk to Pokhara.

1. Kathmandu to Pokhara

Two direct methods of traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara are by air or road.

Flight: A domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes approximately 25–30 minutes and costs $100–$130 per person. It's the most comfortable and fastest means.

Tourist Bus: The most common road transportation is a tourist bus, which can be priced from $10–$30 per person, depending on the bus category (standard, deluxe, or luxury). It will take 6–8 hours to cover the 200 km distance.

Private Vehicle: A private car costs around $120–$150, and a jeep or Hiace van costs around $180–$250, ideal for groups.

2. Pokhara to Ulleri/Banthanti (Trek Starting Point)

Jeep Ride: From Pokhara to Ulleri, a shared jeep costs around $10–$15 per person and a private jeep costs $90–$120. The drive takes 3–4 hours.

Banthanti: If you go farther, private jeeps may cost an extra $20–$30.

3. Ghandruk to Pokhara

After the trek, you can go from Ghandruk to Pokhara by jeep.

Shared Jeep: $10–$15 per person and 3–4 hours.

Private Jeep: $90–$120.

These are comfortable means of going to and from the trek.

How much do the drinks cost in Poon Hill Trek?

Prices for beverages on the Poon Hill Trek differ in relation to elevation and geography, with the prices getting higher the higher you trek because of transportation challenges. Water in bottles will cost between NPR 100–150 at lower altitudes such as Nayapul and Tikhedhunga but as much as NPR 250–400 close to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. To be more economical and ecological, trekkers utilize refilling points where boiled or filtered water is filled for NPR 100–300 per liter.

Tea and coffee are the most common beverages on the Poon hill trekking trail. Black tea or milk tea usually ranges from NPR 100–250 per cup, while herbal teas like ginger lemon honey can range from NPR 150–300. Coffees are priced differently, with instant coffee being offered for NPR 150–300, while a cup of fresh ground coffee can reach up to NPR 400–600 in villages at higher elevations.

Fresh fruit juices are less common but available in larger teahouses, which range from NPR 300–500. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite range from NPR 200–400 per bottle. Alcoholic beverages like local raksi (local homemade liquor) range from NPR 300–500 per glass, and bottled beers like Everest or Tuborg range from NPR 600–1,000. Prices increase with altitude, so everything gets more expensive as you ascend to Ghorepani and Poon hill.

Do you know how much does a cup of tea or coffe cost at Poon hill? It’s Rs. 200-300 for a cup of coffee and tea at the top of the Poon hill. You can enjoy a beautiful tea or coffee with the stunning sunrise at the top of Poon hill.

What are the extra expenses during Poon Hill Trek?

The Poon Hill Trek is moderately charged, although the trekkers need to consider extra spending over the Poon hill package rate. This consists of drinks, extra meals, gratuities for the guide and the porter, and donations.

One of the significant extra expenditures in ypur Poon hill Trek is beverages. While tea and coffee are always included in the meal package, other beverages like bottled water, soft drinks, and beer come at an added cost. A liter of bottled water costs NPR 100–300 ($0.75–$2.25), but tea or coffee costs NPR 100–250 ($0.75–$2) a cup. Beer and soft drinks cost NPR 500–800 ($3.75–$6) for a bottle.

Other a additional; meals or snacks, such as sweets, chocolates, or local specialties, will add to the cost. Dal Bhat is usually included in meal packages, but soups, pancakes, or momos will be NPR 300–600 ($2.25–$4.50) per serving.

One Hot shower in Poon hill trek costs between Rs.400-500 and there won’t be any extra charge for Wi-fi during the Ghorepani Trek. The local lodges will offer you an excellent quality of Wi-fi all roung the trek.

Optional but appreciated donations during the Poon hill trek at monasteries or local schools on the trek are NPR 100–500 ($0.75–$4).

Tipping in Ghorepani Poon hill is customary to trekking personnel. A decent tip for a guide would be $5–$10 per day, and for a porter, $3–$7 per day.

Generally, trekkers will need to budget an extra $10–$20 per day, or around $50–$100 for a 5-day Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

Final Words

The total cost of the Poon Hill Trek depends on aspects such as trekking time, accommodation type, transport, and personal preference. Budget trekkers can afford to pay on average $250–$400 per person for a 4–5 day trek, whereas mid-range trekkers pay $400–$600 with better accommodation and food. Luxury trekkers, who book high-end lodges, hire private guides, and enjoy extra facilities, spend $700 and above.

Other costs that can be incurred include the permits (TIMS & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: $30), transportation (bus from Kathmandu–Pokhara: $10–$25; flights: $100–$120), accommodation ($5–$20/night), food ($15–$30/day), and guide/porter charges ($25–$30/day for a guide, $20–$25 for a porter). Other expenses such as tips, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging points can add up. Trekkers who are low budgeters should budget $40–$60/day, while those who prefer comfort can budget $70–$100/day for a hassle-free Poon hill trek.

One should be ready to spend USD 500-700 for Ghorepani Poon hill Trek for 3-5 days.

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