1. Meal Availability

The Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek is well-established, so you’ll find teahouses and lodges offering food at every stop along the route. Menus are usually similar and follow a standard format set by the local tourism committees.

2. Common Foods

• Dal Bhat Tarkari (lentil soup, rice, veggie curry): Plain and most filling of foods—refills ad-lib at most restaurants.
• Noodles: Egg or veggie noodle fry.
• Pasta and Spaghetti: Plain stuff with mixed vegetables, cheese, or tomato sauce.
• Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings, veggie, cheese, or meat-stuffed.
• Soups: Mushroom soup, veggie soup, garlic soup (useful for altitude).
• Porridge: Rice porridge or oat porridge with fruits or honey for breakfast.
• Egg food: Omelets, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs with bread.
• Pancakes: Apple, banana, or plain with honey or jam.
• Tea and Coffee: Black tea, milk tea, ginger lemon honey tea, instant coffee, and the occasional real espresso in larger villages such as Ghorepani.

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The permit is obligatory for Nepali as well as overseas trekkers to access the Annapurna Conservation Area.

• Nepali citizens: Free or nominal charge
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000
• Other overseas nationals: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22–25)

Where to get it:

You can receive the ACAP permit from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at the ACAP checkpoint at Birethanti near Nayapul.

2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The TIMS card is used for the registration of trekkers and to help the authorities during an emergency.

• Foreigners trekking with or through a guide or an agency: NPR 1,000
• Independent foreign trekkers: NPR 2,000
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000
• Nepali citizens: Free

Where to get it:

Can be purchased at NTB or TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Additional Information

• No entry fee is required per individual entry for the Poon Hill viewpoint.
• Such permits are verified at multiple checkpoints on the trail, i.e., in Ghorepani and Birethanti.
• Hold the original permits while trekking.

Guide Requirement

From 2023, the Nepalese government requires all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide or porter-guide. The regulation is for safety. It may be exempted in popular and short treks like Ghorepani-Poon Hill, but it’s always better to be safe if the regulation is enforced strictly with a guide.

How to Get Permits

1. Visit the NTB or TAAN office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
2. Carry your passport, two passport-size photographs, and photocopies.
3. Fill up the forms and deposit the fees.
4. If you are trekking with agency assistance, they will arrange everything for you.

1. Trekking Equipment

• Backpack (30–40L) – For day-to-day load
• Duffel Bag (optional) – If you hire a porter
• Trekking Poles – Reduce knee strain on up/down
• Water Bottles (2L total) or hydration bladder
• Water Purification Tablets or Filters – Tap water is polluted
• Map or Offline App (e.g., Maps.me or AllTrails)

2. Clothing (Layering is the secret)

• Moisture-Wicking Base Layer (1-2) – Synthetic or merino
• Fleece or Insulating Jacket – For warmth during morning/evening
• Lightweight Down Jacket – For chilly days (it will get cold at Ghorepani)
• Waterproof Rain Jacket / Windbreaker – Weather changes quickly
• Hiking Pants (2 pairs) – Light and breathable
• Thermal Base Layer (1) – For cold nights
• Rain Pants (optional) – If trekking during monsoon or post-monsoon
• Undergarments
• Moisture-wicking underwear
• Sports bra (for women)

3. Footwears

• Hiking Boots – Broken-in, waterproof recommended
• Camp Shoes or Sandals – For tea houses/nights
• Wool or Synthetic Hiking Socks (3-4 pairs)

4. Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Toiletries – Toothbrush, paste, soap, etc.
• Quick-dry Towel
• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper – Not provided in most teahouses
• Small First Aid Kit – Band-aids, blister pads, painkillers
• Prescription Medications
• Diamox (optional) – For mild altitude discomfort
• Headlamp or Flashlight – Early morning hike to Poon Hill
• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Hat/Cap – For sun protection
• Wool Hat or Beanie – For cold mornings
• Gloves (light fleece)
• Power Bank (10,000mAh or bigger) – Limited charging on trail

Ghorepani Poon Hill is not a particularly hard trek, but it is certainly worth taking precautions ahead of your trek. Having precautions in place will facilitate enjoying your trek without incident. Weather is known to change quickly and trails can become slippery and steep, therefore properly prepared and a grandma’s worth of caution is acceptable. While the trek does not get particularly high, it is still physical, and simply being in good health and in good mental focus is tremendously important.

• Hike in good hiking shoes with an adequate amount of grip for uneven and slippery trails.
• Dress in a good amount of layers and carry a warm jacket: mornings and evenings can be cold.
• Carry a rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella: especially if you are trekking during the rainy season.
• Carry a small first-aid kit that has medicine for the basics and blister care.
• Stay safe with water: use water purification tablets or a filter bottle.
• Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunburn avoidance.
• Carry trekking poles to ease the impact on your knees on forthcoming climbs.
• Take your time and walk at your own pace; stay hydrated to avoid over-tiredness.
• Hire a guide or porter if you feel new at trekking or desire additional help.
• Carry book chargers and a power bank; not all places have power.
• Always have copies of TIMS and ACAP permits with you.
• Check the weather forecast before starting your trek each day.
• Do not trek in bad weather or at night alone.
• Stay on the main trail and respect local customs and nature.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a popular short trek in Nepal and is generally not high-risk for altitude sickness. The highest point along the trek is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), and it is below the point where serious altitude sickness would normally be experienced. But since the comparatively fast ascent from lower elevations, some trekkers may develop mild symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The majority of people successfully trek this route without difficulty, but it is nevertheless prudent to keep an eye on the symptoms, take precautionary measures, and provide your body adequate time to acclimatize.

Key information and tip:

• Highest altitude reached: 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) at Poon Hill
• Novice’s elevation: Approximately 1,070 meters at Nayapul or Tikhedhunga
• Risk for altitude sickness: Low to moderate, particularly if climbing too rapidly
• Typical mild symptoms: Headache, nausea, lethargy, dizziness, shortness of breath, and insomnia

Prevention measures:

• Climb gradually and avoid hurrying the trek
• Drink 2.5 to 3 liters of water every day to stay hydrated
• Do not use alcohol, cigarettes, and sleeping pills while trekking
• Consume light but high-energy food to aid acclimatization
• Rest when unwell and consider adding an additional acclimatization day
• Medication: Diamox (acetazolamide) is not generally required but may be taken as a preventative dose if you are prone to altitude illness
• When to go down: In case of worsening symptoms or confusion, cannot walk straight, continues vomiting, or develops shortness of breath at rest

By climbing slowly and listening to your body, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of altitude sickness and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Annapurna region without concern.