Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an easy and affordable trek. The Ghorepani Poon Hill is in western Nepal near Pokhara in Annapurna Region. Poon Hill is the highest point on this trek. It is at 3,210 meters of altitude above the sea level.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can cost from $350 to $700. You can complete this trek in 4 days or lengthen it to a week depending on your requirements.
A lot of factors determine the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost like
- Duration
- Route
- Mode of transportation
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Seasons
- Permits
- Guide and porter
Overall, the total cost of this trek is entirely based on your choice. It depends on how comfortable and relaxed you want to be during your trek.
Now, let’s get into the details of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek cost
Transportation Cost
There are many modes of transportation available like tourist buses, local buses, jeeps or flights.
The trekking costs vary according to the modes of transportation. If you book your trek through the travel company you can solely depend upon the company for transportation fees.
Public Buses
You can choose the local transportation. The public transportation is cheaper. It is a unique way of experiencing the adventure journey.
Kathmandu – Pokhara
USD 3.5-5 ( NRs 350-600) depending on the modes of transportation like bus, microvans etc.
Pokhara – Nayapul
USD 1-1.5 (NRs 100- 150)
Tourist Buses
This is another option. You can choose a deluxe bus or a super deluxe bus ( tourist bus). The price range of these buses is higher due to different factors. These usually come with facilities like wifi, comfortable seats, provision A/C, towel and so on.
Kathmandu – Pokhara
USD 8-30 (NRs 800-3000) depending on the standard of bus, availability and seasons you travel in.
Pokhara – Nayapul
USD 5 (NRs 500)
Deluxe Buses
Kathmandu – Pokhara
USD 7-8 (NRs 700-800) per person for one way.
Private Jeeps/Cars
Depending on your choice, you can also rent private cars and jeeps in different areas on the journey.
Kathmandu – Pokhara
USD 40-60 ( NRs 4000-6000)
Pokhara – Nayapul
USD 20 ( NRs 2000)
Accommodation Cost
Accommodation cost varies according to the trekking route and seasons. There are many tea houses and lodges throughout the trail to Poon Hill.
You can find 5-star hotels to the basic lodges in Kathmandu and Pokhara. These costs rely on your choice.
Cost of Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Accommodations cost in Kathmandu and Pokhara can be within the range of USD 50-250 (NRs 5000-25000). This vastly depends on the choices of 3-star hotel you choose to stay in.
This range is due to the wide range of hotels and lodges. These costs of accommodation also vary according to the season and your bargaining skills.
Cost of Accommodation in Ghorepani Poon Hill
On this trail, you will have limited choices in accommodation. You can choose from the teahouses to local lodges. These cost around USD 3-5 (NRs 300-500) per night.
Almost all the tea houses offer blankets, pillows, and mattresses. Some also have the hot shower facilities which you have to pay an additional charge.
Cost of Food and Drinks
You have to pass through several small villages on the journey to Poon Hill. And it’s easy to find teahouses on this trail.
Almost every tea house serves typical Nepali food: Dal-Bhat and vegetables. Teahouses also offer a variety of choices in your meals. You got to choose from traditional Nepali staple food to Asian and Continental foods.
The meals are all fresh, hygienic, and home-cooked.
Meals can cost you around USD 2-5 (NRs 200-500) depending on the choice of your food and where you eat.
You can also add some energy bars like chocolate and snacks to your packing lists.
There are also wide variety of choices on drinks like local tea, coffee, green tea, soft drinks, bottled water, and so on.
The prices of bottled water can cost USD 0.4-1 (NRs 40-100).
The prices of drinks can cost USD 0.5-2 ( NRs 50-200).
However, the cost of the food and drink also varies according to the place. The prices of foods and drinks are slightly higher in the remote area than in the city.
The prices also depend on the peak and low trekkings seasons.
Cost of Guide and Porter
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is generally regarded as an easy trek. So, it is possible to trek without a guide and porter.
However, it is highly recommended to have a guide and porter with you especially if it is your first time. It can be very beneficial throughout the trail. The guides can be very helpful in showing the easier routes.
A guide can provide you with a lot of information regarding the places and routes. You could get to know about the mountains, local villages, culture, and so on. They can help you to negotiate with the local people in teahouses, homestays etc
A licensed or professional guide can cost USD 25-40 (NRs 2500-4000) per day. It includes their fee, accommodation, food, and insurance.
Porter can also be very helpful to lighten your load. If you are not in the condition to carry your bag, the porter can do it for you.
A single porter can carry a maximum weight of 25 kg. The cost of hiring a porter can range from USD 20-25 ( NRs 2000-2500) per day.
You can also have an option to hire a porter-guide. A porter-guide is a person who does both the work of guide and porter.
The cost of a porter-guide can cost USD 25-30 (NRs 2500-3000) per day.
Cost of Trekking Permits
Before heading to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you will need to have two types of trekking permits. And the cost of these permits adds to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
USD 20 (NRs 2000) for foreigners – per person
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP)
You will need to enter the Annapurna region. So you will need to have ACAP.
USD 20 (NRs 2000) per person
Note: anyone below the age of 10 is not liable to purchase ACAP.
Activities During the Trek
There are a variety of things you may want to do during your trek. You can enjoy sightseeing, adventure sports, national parks, and so on.
The types of activities that you choose to do also add up to your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost.
There are many beautiful and small villages, museums on the trail. You can visit and relax in any one of the villages or in the hot spring along the journey.
Pokhara Sightseeing and Adventure Sports
You can enjoy and relax in the city of lakes, Pokhara. There are many popular spots in Pokhara where you can visit and enjoy the day.
You can also choose activities like paragliding, Zipflying, and a lot of other activities during your stay.
Hence, the cost of the overall trek varies according to these extra activities.
Gurung Museum
This is a beautiful museum in the Ghandruk village run by the local people. It is one of the traditional museums.
It represents the art, culture of the ethnic Gurung people. You can see many beautiful and traditional dress, ornaments, pictures in the museum. The proud, Gorkhali weapon used by the Gurkhas are also on the display.
Traditional Costumes and Jewelry center
On your way to Ghorepani Poon Hill, there is a traditional costume and jewelry center. The local Gurung costumes and pieces of jewelry worn are on display.
If you choose, you can also try on the local Gurung dress with the jewelry for pictures. These make great memorabilia to take home. This center is again run by the locals.
Any of the extra activities you wish to get engaged in will add to the total cost of your trek.
Duration of the Trek
The average duration for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is 4 to 10 days. The number of days of the trek determines the overall cost of your trek. Longer the trek, the higher the Ghorepani Poon hill trek cost.
The accommodation cost, food, and drinks cost, transportation cost all depends on the duration of your trek.
Miscellaneous Costs
Some other costs that you need to consider for your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are:
Cost of Travel Insurance
You need to get travel insurance from your home country. Good travel insurance needs to cover the following:
- Emergency rescue and evacuation services
- High altitude treks.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an easy trek. The risk of high altitude sickness and injuries are less compared to other treks. Yet, this trek requires walking on rough terrains for 4/6 hours on a daily basis.
Having travel insurance is a great safety precaution for unpredictable situations.
Tipping Cost
Tips are also expected and appreciated for the services provided. This includes your guide, porter, cook, tea house. It is not mandatory. So, you can tip according to the satisfaction you had from their services.
A normal amount of US $3 — $5 per day for your guides and US $2 — $4 per day is usually expected.
Cost of Wi-fi or Internet Connection
Most of the lodges, restaurants in the lower regions of the trek have free wifi.
Some places in Ulleri and Ghorepani charge you for using wifi. This can be around USD 1 for a day and so on.
Recharge Cost
Once on the trails, you may have to pay for charging your electronic devices. The electronic devices can include your phone, camera, laptop.
For the cost of USD 1, you can charge your electronics for an hour or two. The cost may differ from place to place.
Cost of Souvenirs
Shopping for souvenirs can be an endless journey in Nepal. From handmade local clothing to carved jewelry, Nepal has something for everyone.
Souvenirs can be great memorabilia of your trip or something to take home to your friends and family. The cost of souvenirs can start from a few pennies and go a lot higher.
Some Tips to Manage Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost
- The costs during the peak seasons are slightly more than the non-peak seasons. This can be due to discounts on tour packages, flight tickets, the cost of tea houses, meals, and so on.
- Have enough small denominations of the local currency to last you for the duration of the trek. Cash is the way to go on the trails. ATM’s are few and far between on the trails. These are not reliable either.
- Most of the tea houses, restaurants, and cafes on the trails do not accept cards of any kind. Use your credit cards while in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
- Bargaining for the cost of your rooms, souvenirs, guide, and porter is acceptable. Remember USD 1 is equivalent to NRs. 113.
Last say
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is as identified as being short and easy with panoramic views where anyone can do easily this trek.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an affordable and budget-friendly trek. Many factors determine the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost. You can adjust these factors according to your needs and requirements.
You can probably find a way to spend less money while trekking.
If you have any further queries or questions related to this trek, feel free to contact us.
