Poon Hill is the easiest Himalayan trek for Indian travellers to plan: no visa, no flights beyond Pokhara and a walk of four or five days. It suits families, first-timers and anyone with limited leave.
Entry and documents
Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal and may arrive by air or by land. Carry a valid passport or voter ID card, which are the documents normally accepted, and check the current rules shortly before you travel because requirements can change. Keep photocopies and a digital copy in a separate bag. The trek needs the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a registration card, both easily arranged in Pokhara by your operator or lodge. Keep photocopies and a few passport photos.
Money and daily costs
Nepali rupees are the currency on the trail. Small Indian notes are accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but villages prefer Nepali cash and higher Indian denominations are not allowed in Nepal, so withdraw or exchange before you start walking. Pokhara has ATMs and money changers, and it is wise to withdraw before you start because machines above Ghorepani are unreliable. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and phone charging are sold separately, so keep small notes handy.
Food and diet
Poon Hill is excellent for vegetarians. Dal bhat, vegetable momos, noodles, pancakes and porridge are available at every lodge. Jain and no-onion-no-garlic meals are possible if you tell the lodge ahead, though choices are limited. See teahouses and food.
Fitting it into your leave
Most itineraries take four or five days from Pokhara, so a week away from home is enough including travel. October and April are busy, and a spare day helps if sunrise is clouded out. See the 4 to 5 day itinerary.
Families and seniors
The trek is popular with families and older travellers because stages are short and altitude is mild, but the long stone stairs at Ulleri tire the knees. Read the guide for beginners, families and seniors before you book.
A first Himalayan trek
Poon Hill, about 3,210 m, is a popular first trek for Indian travellers because it is short, low enough for most people and easy to organise from Pokhara. The sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna rewards a climb of about an hour from Ghorepani. Carry a warm jacket, since mornings are cold even in autumn.
