DESCRIPTION:

Poon Hill Trek (12 days)

Length of trip: 12 days

Price: $3400 AUD Per Person.

When: 22nd October to 2nd November 2022

Grade:Moderate

Highest Alt: 3221m

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COVID 19 Entry.

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•This tour will only run if Nepal keeps its borders open to international travel. This is allowed if you are double vaccinated and trekking, If of course the borders close and aren’t open 90 days before tour departure. All deposits and payments will be refunded in full, or a credit will be issued if you want to join another tour.

•It is highly likely that entry into Nepal will be only allowed if you are double vaccinated and you'll also need to hold a valid visa to enter. You will also need a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to entry in Nepal

 

Poonhill Trekking is a colorful short foray into the Annapurna region. The trail winds through patchwork valleys, dense mossy forests and past icy waterfalls where you can stop to cool your face. Around every corner is a tantalizing glimpse of the high mountains, whole horizons of which will be revealed to you as you reach the high points of your trek.

This trek in the Annapurna foothills to the view point on Poon Hill offers all the best of trekking in Nepal. Enjoy trekking in the spectacular mountain scenery through charming villages inhabited by the Gurungs,Magars dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below the Annapurna with the picturesque peak of Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Peak) dominating the skyline. At the climax of this trek you will climb Poon Hill at dawn to enjoy one of the most spectacular mountain scapes on Earth. As the sun touches the snow-capped summits the Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) along with a maze of other peaks, slowly begin to appear, like magic, before our eyes. A rewarding trek that can be enjoyed by every lover of nature and beautiful landscape.

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Poon Hill Trekking Itinerary:

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Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1345m) and transfer to hotel.

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Day 2: Fly from Katmandu to Pokhara (25 mins flight) have the afternoon to relax at the Byron bay of Nepal. Stay over night at pokhara.

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Day 3: One hour drive to Nayapul from Pokhara and Trek to Tikhedhunga. 5- 6 hours trek.

 

Day 4: Tikhedhunga to trek Ghorepani..5-6 hours Trek

 

Day 5: Hiking Poonhill for sunrise – then have remaining day to rest at hotel in Ghorepani.

 

Day 6: Ghorepani. Trek to Tadapani. 6-7 Hours Trek.

 

Day 7: Tadapani to Ghandruk 5-6 hours Trek

 

Day 8: Ghandruk to Birethanti 4 hours Trek

 

Day 9: Birethanti Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

 

Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu and have the afternoon to go shopping for souvenirs,

 

Day 11: Sightseeing tour with guide in Kathmandu

 

Day 12: Departure from Nepal

 

 

 

Detailed Itinerary:

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Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu, overnight at hotel • As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our representatives will be there at the airport to welcome you to Nepal, pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. 

 

Day 02: Fly to Pokhara, 25 minutes flight, overnight at hotel

 

After having breakfast, we will drive to the airport to catch a flight to Pokhara. The 25 minutes flight offers panoramic Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Check in at the hotel and leisure the rest of the afternoon.

Pokhara is known as the Byron Bay of Nepal. Its a relaxed city with great bars and chilled out people.

 

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga, 1.30 hours drive and 5 hours walk, overnight at guesthouse

 

Today, a 42 km drive for nearly 1.5 hours will take you to a place called Naya Pul. Then, the trek begins by ascending through the beautiful rice, millet and maze farms of local people. Walking all along the major trail of Birethanti allows us to pass through beautiful petite waterfalls.

 

The path takes us to Sudame and then we gradually walk by the side of valley and reach at Hile (1495 meter). Eventually, we will reach at Tikhedhunga (1525 meter) for overnight stay

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Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani 4.30 hours walk, overnight at guesthouse

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Today, we start climb 3500 stone steps to reach Ulleri (2073 meter) from Tikhedhunga.

 

We will then walk from Ulleri to reach Ghorepani, one of the renowned spot of Annapurna region situated at an altitude of 2856 meter. Our hike simply moves up to Banthanti (which is 2250 meter above the sea level) going across oak and rhododendron forest.

 

We keep on trekking until we reach to our ultimate destination Ghorepani through Nangethanti (2460 meter).

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Day 05: Poon Hill Sunrise View and back to Ghorepani, 2 hours walk, overnight at guesthouse

 

Early morning we march to Poonhill (3210 meter) where nature allows us to view the striking mountains and beautiful sunrise.

 

After a few hours, we descend from Poonhill and enjoy rest of the day at Ghorepani and explore surrounding.

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Day 06: Trek to Tadapani, 5 hours walk, overnight at guesthouse

 

We continuously walk to Tadapani taking around 5 hours.

 

Tadapani exactly refers to 'Far water' which means water is provided in this village from far away. The track rise all along ridges and through rhododendron, pine woods to Deurali.

 

We descend arrive at Banthanti, walk further on the twisting way to Tadapani.

 

Day 07: Trek to Ghandruk, overnight at guesthouse

 

Our journey continues to Ghandruk which takes almost 2.5 hours.

 

It is considered as one of the most inspiring village, the home of Gurung people. The track primarily passes through forest. And we stay overnight at Ghandruk.

 

Day 08: Trek to Birethanti, overnight at guesthouse

• Today we move ahead from Ghandruk to Birethanti with the view of Annapurna south and the gigantic Himalayan peaks.

 

Day 09: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara, overnight at hotel

 

We move ahead from Birethanti. The trail continues Naya pul where the transportation are available. You can see the breathtaking Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre during the walk. We then return back to Pokhara by car.

 

Day 10: After having breakfast at Pokhara, we will catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

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Day 11: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

 

After having breakfast, head out for a sightseeing trip around Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu temple of Nepal.

 

Then head to the second largest stupa in the world, Boudhanath. Next, visit Swayambhunath Temple, which is believed to be self born. An elegant view of entire Kathmandu valley can be observed from Swayambhunath Temple area.

 

Also visit Kathmandu Durbar squares, which are utterly preserved and elucidate the prehistoric era of Nepal.

 

Day 12: Departure from Nepal

 

Today, our airport representative will drop you to the airport and then you will depart from Nepal.

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Accommodation:

 

All accommodations for Poon Hill trek are in local guesthouses on twin sharing basis, included in the trip cost and are chosen based on standard of hygiene, standard of service and food, as well as standard of location. Most guest houses are small but comfortable. Rooms are basic with a bed and main group dining area with warm fire.

 

For accommodation you will be provided with a twin share room.

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The Trek:

 

Normally you will walk about 5-7 hrs a day. You will have plenty of time to stop for refreshments. Your Aussie Bike or Hike tour guide, world endurance champion, Alex Cudlin and local guide will be there to assist you every step of the way during your trek.

 

 

Aussie Bike or Hike has arranged a local Nepalese guide to come with us who will act as your interpreter and be able explain about their culture and traditions and any other queries you may have.

 

The local guides are well versed in English and their main duty is to help you in any way at all times. Aussie Bike or Hike has also arranged porters who will be well equipped and there to carry your heavy luggage. We want to you to feel safe and taken care of so that your trek is as enjoyable as possible.

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The cost includes:

• All airport and hotel transfers (Tribhuwan International Airport)

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• All accommodation during the trek

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• All meals during the Trekking (Breakfast, lunch ,dinner ,breakfast with tea/coffee three times a day). (Please note, this doesn’t include lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara- We like to let our customers enjoy there lunch and dinner where they feel suits them. Some customers will eat at hotels while others like to explore to little cafes and eatery’s on those days)

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• An experienced trekking guide, assistant trek leader and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:2 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging

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• Annapurna Conservation Area project (ACAP) entry permit

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• kathmandu-pokhara-kathmandu by plane

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• All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)

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• Aussie Bike or Hike T shirt and Beanie

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• Emergency rescue arrangement (Makes sure your insurance will cover it)

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• Necessary equipment for guide & porter

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• First aid kits

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• Boiled water for drink bottle. (If you want to use only sealed bottles water- you can purchase in any town for around $1-2 USD per litre bottle) 

 

The cost excludes:

• Nepal Visa fee

Covid 19 tests to enter and exit Nepal.

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• International airfare to and from Kathmandu

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• Excess baggage charges

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• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara

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• Travel and rescue insurance

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• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle etc)

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• Tips for guides and porters (around $100 USD).

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• Alcohol drinks on trek, sealed water, soft drinks etc

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• All expenses of a personal nature e.g. toilet paper, medicines, confectionery etc

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Country Information (About Nepal):

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Nepal is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People’s Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181 square kilometers (56,827 sq mi) and a population of approximately 20 million. Nepal is the world’s 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the capital of the nation and a treasure house of ancient art and culture.

From the garland of white snowcapped Himalayas in the North, the calm blue Indian Ocean in the South, the Burmese and Sulaiman arcs in the east and west respectively, a flourishing culture has survived since the dawn of Civilisation.

 

There is the the elixir of Ganga-Brahmaputra-Indus water and the whole encompasses six sovereign states (Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan , Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives) from the countries of South Asia. Geologically the major part lies on the edge of the Indian plate and the minor part of the northern region on the Euro-asian plate.

 

 

The Mechi river runs along the eastern border between Darjeeling district of west Bengal of India and Nepal, while the Mahakali river (Sarda) runs along the western border between Garhwal of India and Nepal. The southern border lies on the northern edge of the Indo-Gangetic plain ie about 20 to 40 km south from the edge of the hill range.

 

 

Geometrically the country has roughly a rectangular outline located between Latitude 26°22′ and 30°27;’ and longitude between 80°4′ and 88° 12′, with average east-west axis being 885 km and north south being 193 km.

 

The total area of the country is 147181 sq km (83% of hill and 17% of the flat terrain of Terai).

 

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity, due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometres, resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic.

 

 

The mountainous north has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, called Sagarmatha in Nepali.

 

It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level.

 

The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 93 languages and dialects.

 

Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Nepal is the most beautiful and stunning Himalayan country in the world. Though small in size, it is known in the world as a nation of colour and contrasts-a hidden Shangri-La of nature, culture and adventure.

 

In the countryside the way of life is still traditional, nature is at its best, high mountains and lush valleys are ideal places for trekking and mountaineering, flora and fauna invite a nature lover for a rendezvous with them.

 

Nepal and the Himalayas-the two names go side by side. Nepal, in political maps, is one of the smallest countries of the world but has amazingly diverse geography, landscapes, culture and traditions. Nepal, situated in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, is regarded as Dev Bhumi, the land of gods and the country’s two major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, co-exist in perfect religious tolerance. Nepal is rich with traditions of art and culture.

 

By some measures, Hinduism is practised by a larger majority of people in Nepal than in any other nation. Buddhism, though a minority faith in the country, is linked historically with Nepal. Many Nepali do not distinguish between Hinduism and Buddhism and follow both religious traditions.

 

Nepal Visa and Entry Information:

 

Nepal makes things easy for foreign travellers. Visas are available on arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu and at all land border crossings that are open to foreigners, as long as you have passport photos to hand and can pay the visa fee in foreign currency (some crossings insist on payment in US dollars). Your passport must be valid for at least six months and you will need a whole free page for your visa.

 

Customs Regulations:

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All baggage is X-rayed on arrival and departure, though it’s a pretty haphazard process. In addition to the import and export of drugs, customs is concerned with the illegal export of antiques.

You may not import Nepali rupees, and only nationals of Nepal and India may import Indian currency. There are no other restrictions on bringing in either cash or travellers cheques, but the amount taken out at departure should not exceed the amount brought in.

Officially you should declare cash or travellers cheques in excess of US$2000

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About Travel Insurance:

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Nepal is one of the most popular trekking havens on the planet & the mighty Himalayas beckon the bold & the brave year in & year out. Kathmandu is the capital and the primary base for backpackers and offers everything & anything you would need for a trek in the outback…

Nevertheless, Nepal does have her own problems & is not an entirely safe destination. Travel insurance is essential and you should also consider that many travel insurance policies will only cover you up to 4000m in altitude if trekking.

 

For many of the more popular treks such as the Everest Base camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek you will need travel insurance that will cover treks that go over 5000m.

 

Best Time to Visit Nepal:

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Nepal's climate varies with its topography and altitude. It ranges from the tropical to the arctic. The low-land Terai region with its maximum altitude to approximately 305m, which lies in the tropical southern part of the country, for instance, has a hot and humid climate that can rise above 45 Degree Celsius (113 Degree Fahrenheit) during summer. The mid-land regions are pleasant almost all the year round, although winter nights are cool. The northern mountain region, around an altitude above 3,300m has an alpine climate with considerably lower temperature in winter as can be expected.

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Seasons:

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Nepal has four climatic seasons

Spring (between March – May): The temperature is mildly warm in low lands while moderate in higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom and the national flower of Nepal , rhododendron, sweeps the ascending altitudes with its magnanimous color and beauty.

Summer (between June – August): This is also the monsoon season in Nepal. The weather is hot and wet at times. It rains almost everyday with occasional thunderstorms in the evening. The rain spreads the pleasantness around with lush green vegetation.

Autumn (between September – November): This is the best tourist season in Nepal with the summer gone by and the winter to set in. The weather is highly pleasant so are the mountain views. This is the peak season for trekking as mountain views are guaranteed so better book your flight in advance. This is also the season of festivities as Nepal celebrates the biggest Hindu festivals Dashain followed by Tihar.

Winter (between December – February): The weather is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls at higher elevations. This season is good for trekking in lower elevations. The morning and night is cold and the days are warm when sunny.

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Temperature and Rainfall:

Nepal is the country of extremes. The low-land plains of the Terai can have tropical temperatures and also the mosquitoes. The Himalayas can get to sub-zero temperatures, but the sun blaze can bring some warmth during the day, even in the mountains. The temperature of Kathmandu goes below 1 Degree Celsius (34 Degree Fahrenheit) in winter and rises to an average of 25 Degree Celsius (77 Degree Fahrenheit) in summer.

The average temperature in Kathmandu during the four seasons:

• Spring season ranges between 16-23 Degree Celsius (61-73 Degree Fahrenheit)

• Summer season ranges between 23-25 Degree Celsius (73-77 Degree Fahrenheit)

• Autumn season ranges between 15-24 Degree Celsius (59-75 Degree Fahrenheit)

• Winter season ranges between 9-12 Degree Celsius (48-54 Degree Fahrenheit)

 

Travel Tips:

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Monsoon in Nepal is not the typical monsoon of Asia. Rains usually occur during the night-time leaving the sky clean and clear by the morning making the Himalayan view even more dramatic. Some parts of the Himalayas in Manang, Mustang and Dolpo are in rain-shadow areas; the mountains are high enough to block the clouds. Tibet's high travel season also corresponds to Nepal's monsoon.

 

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Accomodation Types:

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Guesthouses

Many tourist-oriented places to stay in Nepal call themselves Guesthouses. This category covers everything from primitive flophouses to well-appointed small hotels. Most places offer a spread of rooms at different prices, and sometimes dorm beds too. By and large, those that cater to foreigners do so efficiently: most innkeepers speak excellent English, and can arrange anything for you from laundry to trekking/porter hire.

Despite assurances to the contrary, you can’t necessarily count on constant hot water (many places rely on solar panels) nor uninterrupted electricity (power cuts are a daily occurrence, though some establishments have generators).

Kathmandu and Pokhara have their own tourist quarters where fierce competition among budget guesthouses ensures great value. In these enclaves, all but the very cheapest places provide hot running water (though perhaps only sporadically), flush toilets, foam mattresses and clean sheets and blankets. Elsewhere in Nepal, expect rooms to be plainer. Most guesthouses also offer some sort of roof-terrace or garden, a phone and TV. They’re rarely heated, however, making them rather cold in winter.

 

 

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Trekking in Nepal:

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The Himalaya, the "abode of snows", extends from Assam in eastern India west to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and it encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people. A trek in Nepal is a special and rewarding mountain holiday.

Just as New York is not representative of the USA, so Kathmandu is not representative of Nepal. If you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave Kathmandu and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of Nepal.

 

Fortunately for the visitor, there are still only a few roads extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit the remote regions of the kingdom is in the slowest and most intimate manner - walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater. Instead of zipping down a freeway, racing to the next "point of interest," each step provides new and intriguing viewpoints. You will perceive your day as an entity rather than a few highlights strung together by a ribbon of concrete. For the romanticist, each step follows the footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Herzog and other Himalayan explorers. If you have neither the patience nor the physical stamina to visit the hills of Nepal on foot, a helicopter flight provides an expensive and unsatisfactory substitute.

 

 

Many of the values associated with a hiking trip at home do not have the same importance during a trek in Nepal. Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience but in Nepal it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations. Environmental concerns must include the effects of conservation measures on rural people and the economic effects of tourism on indigenous populations. Even traditional national park management must be adapted because there are significant population centres within Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) and Langtang national parks.

 

While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The terrain changes from tropical jungle to high glaciated peaks in only 150 km. From the start, the towering peaks of the Himalaya provide one of the highlights of a trek.

 

As your plane approaches Kathmandu these peaks appear to be small clouds on the horizon. The mountains become more definable and seem to reach impossible heights as you get closer and finally land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.

 

 

During a trek, the Himalaya disappears behind Nepal's continual hills, but dominates the northern skyline at each pass. Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Gauri Shankar and Everest will become familiar names.

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Hiking in Nepal:

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Nepal is bestowed with immense natural and cultural beauties. Such geographical and cultural diversity within a small breadth is remarkable indeed. Equally interesting are its people renowned the world over for their festive mood and hospitality. 

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