This trek is rated Challenging (Level 3 on our scale). You walk 4 to 6 hours a day on well-marked trails with one genuinely hard day — the stone-step climb from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani, which gains 1,320m over 13km. The maximum altitude is 3,210m at Poon Hill, well below where serious altitude sickness becomes a concern. No prior trekking experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking uphill for several hours with a 4 to 5kg daypack. If you can manage stairs for 90 minutes without stopping, you can manage Ulleri. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for both the ascent and the knee-heavy descents. See our full trek difficulty guide for where Poon Hill sits against other Nepal routes.

Yes. It is one of Nepal’s most beginner-friendly treks. The maximum altitude is 3,210m, daily hiking averages 4 to 6 hours on well-marked trails, and you sleep in teahouses with hot meals every night. The steepest section is the 3,000-step climb on Day 4, which is challenging but short. If you can walk uphill at a steady pace for 5 to 6 hours, you can complete this trek. We recommend 4 to 6 weeks of preparation with regular cardio and stair climbing before you arrive.

You should be comfortable hiking 4 to 6 hours per day carrying a daypack of 3 to 5kg. Prepare with cardiovascular training three to four times a week for 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Hiking, jogging, stair climbing, and cycling all work well. Practice hikes of 3 to 5 hours on varied terrain are the best preparation. Pay particular attention to downhill training — the descents from Tadapani to Ghandruk put real pressure on the knees. You do not need to be an athlete, but better fitness means a more enjoyable trek.

The two best seasons are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn brings clear skies and excellent mountain visibility after the monsoon clears. Spring is equally good with warmer temperatures and the rhododendron forests in full bloom between Ghorepani and Tadapani, most spectacular in March and April. Winter (December to February) is possible but cold above Ghorepani with some risk of snow on the trail. The monsoon (June to August) brings heavy daily rainfall and is generally not recommended.

Altitude sickness is unlikely at the maximum elevation of 3,210m, but some trekkers arriving from sea level experience mild headaches, fatigue, or disrupted sleep above 2,500m. Stay well-hydrated, maintain a steady pace, and avoid rushing the ascent to Ghorepani. Our guides are trained to monitor symptoms and will always recommend descending if anything more serious develops. For a full breakdown of symptoms and prevention read our altitude sickness guide.

Yes. Poon Hill is one of Nepal’s most family-friendly treks, recommended for children aged 12 and above. Daily distances are manageable at 4 to 6 hours, teahouses provide warm meals and basic comfortable accommodation throughout, and the maximum altitude of 3,210m is safe for healthy children acclimatizing gradually. The one exception is Day 4 — the Ulleri stone steps are steep and long and demand patience from younger trekkers. Contact us to discuss your group and we can adjust the daily pace accordingly.

Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included in the MountainKick package price. You do not need to visit any permit office yourself — we handle all paperwork before you leave Kathmandu. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos. Permits are checked at Birethanti at the start of the trail and at several checkpoints along the route, so carry them throughout the trek. For current 2026 permit fees and rules read our Nepal trekking permits guide.

Yes. Since April 2023 Nepal requires all foreign trekkers on designated routes including the Annapurna region to trek with a licensed guide. Trekking independently is no longer permitted and checkpoints on the trail enforce this. Your MountainKick package includes an NTB-licensed, English-speaking guide for the full trek. Beyond the legal requirement, having a guide who knows the trail, the teahouses, and the local conditions makes a real practical difference — especially on the pre-dawn Poon Hill climb.

All city transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara use private vehicles. The Kathmandu to Pokhara journey both ways is by tourist bus, departing at 7am and taking 8 to 10 hours. Transport between Pokhara and the trek start and finish points is by private vehicle. All transport listed in the itinerary is covered in the package price. If you prefer to fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara (25 minutes) or travel by private vehicle, both are available as optional upgrades.

Teahouses along the Poon Hill route serve dal bhat, noodle soup, fried rice, pasta, eggs, pancakes, momos, and garlic soup. Dal bhat is cooked fresh to order and is the safest and most nutritious option at every stop. Vegetarian food is available everywhere. Avoid meat above Ghorepani — freshness cannot be guaranteed at that elevation. For drinking water, use boiled water from teahouses (small charge) or bring purification tablets. Budget $25 to $35 per day for meals on trail.

Budget for: international flights, Nepal visa (15-day $30 / 30-day $50 / 90-day $125), travel insurance, all meals on trek ($25 to $35 per day), hot showers and Wi-Fi ($2 to $5 each), and tips for your guide ($8 to $12 per day) and porter ($5 to $8 per day). Most trekkers spend an additional $350 to $450 on top of the $550 package price.

Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover emergency helicopter evacuation to at least 4,000m. Even on a moderate trek, evacuations happen — a bad fall or acute illness can require helicopter rescue from terrain with no road access. A single evacuation without insurance can cost $2,000 to $4,000. Make sure your policy also covers trip cancellation and medical expenses. Carry a printed or digital copy of your policy and emergency contact number throughout the trek. For a full guide on what to look for read our travel insurance guide.

Poon Hill (9 days, $550) is the shortest and lowest of the three, reaching 3,210m with a focus on the sunrise panorama and Gurung village culture. Mardi Himal (10 days, $615) is slightly longer and reaches 4,500m at the high camp, with a quieter trail and closer views of Machhapuchhre. Annapurna Base Camp (15 days, $820) continues into the Sanctuary, reaching 4,130m in a dramatic glacial amphitheatre surrounded by 8,000m peaks. Poon Hill suits limited time or a first Himalayan trek. Our Poon Hill vs Mardi Himal comparison and Annapurna region guide break down the differences in detail.