NEPAL TREKKING
POON HILL TREK & CHITWAN EXPLORER
Mountains, wildlife and culture – the perfect Himalayan adventure.
The Poon Hill Trek combined with Chitwan National Park is oneof the best introductory treks in Nepal. This well-balanced adventure offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, followed by an exciting jungle experience with rhinos, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles in Chitwan.
Perfect for first-time trekkers and those who want a mix of mountain culture and wildlife adventure, our Poon Hill and Chitwan Explorer Trek is an excellent choice for a memorable Himalayan journey.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
EXPLORE TRADITIONAL GURUNG VILLAGES AND TERRACED RICE FIELDS
CHANCE TO SEE RHINOS, TIGERS, ELEPHANTS AND MANY BIRD SPECIES
JUNGLE SAFARIS, CANOE RIDES, AND WILDLIFE VIEWING IN CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
SPECTACULAR SUNRISE VIEWS FROM POON HILL OVER THE ANNAPURNA AND DHAULAGIRI RANGES
SMALL GROUP SIZE WITH AUSTRALIAN AND NEPALI GUIDES
Why Choose
This Poon Hill
Trek?
This 13-day trip gives you the best of both worlds – classic Himalayan moutain views from Poon Hill (3,120m) and thrilling wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park. It’s ideal for those who want beautiful scenery without committing to a long and difficult high-altitude trek.
Breathtaking
Scenery
Iconic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
Incredible
Wildlife
Jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park
Perfect for
All Levels
Suitable for first-time trekkers
Rich Culture
Stay in traditional Gurung villages and experience local life
Expert Guides
Small groups with experienced Australian and Nepali guides
A Unique
Combination
Mountains, wildlife and culture in one unforgettable trip
At a Glance
Poon Hill, Pokhara & Chitwan Adventure at a Glance
Duration 13 days in Nepal
Trekking 4 days trekking up to Poon Hill (3210m) for amazing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri 8000m peaks
Chitwan National Park 2 days in a jungle lodge with elephant riding, washing and tours
Kathmandu 2 full days in Kathmandu
Transport 3 days private bus or jeep travel to the trek, Chitwan and return
Guided Sightseeing Guided tours of Kathmandu including Swayambhunath and Bhaktapur with an English-speaking guide
What's Included & Not Included
Inclusions
- Transfers from Kathmandu airport to hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu
- Internal transport to trek start and finish points in a private chartered bus and/or a jeep or tractor, transfers to Chitwan, and jeep and elephant transport in Chitwan
- Accommodation at Hotel Mum's Home in Jyatha, Kathmandu on a twin-share basis. Single rooms available for an extra charge
- Guide for tours of Bhaktapur and Swayambhunath
- Breakfast at Hotel Mum's Home in Kathmandu
- Accommodation in a hotel in Pokhara and in Chitwan on a twin-share basis
- Fluent English-speaking and NMGA-qualified Nepali Guide (Sandesh Tamang)
- Porter to carry all your gear (maximum 15kg each)
- Expedition medical kit
- Expedition kit bag for use on trek
- Down jacket for loan
- Pre-trip gear advice and discounts
- Trekking permits and ACAP entry
Not Included
- Soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Alcohol
- Lollies and snacks
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, on the trek and in Chitwan (approximately $30 a day per person should cover this)
- Taxis/travel in Kathmandu
- Entry to Swayambhunath and Bhaktapur
- Cost of evacuation from the trek
- Personal trekking gear
- Personal medical kit
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Australia
- Tips for staff
Your Poon Hill & Chitwan Adventure Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu (1400m) and transfer to Hotel Mum's Home in Jyatha, Thamel. You will be met by our guide, Sandesh Tamang.
After you freshen up, Sandesh will conduct a gear check before heading into the Thamel district for shopping and dinner at Bon Appetit at approximately 6pm.
Meals provided – None
Day 02 Kathmandu & Monkey Temple
Breakfast at Hotel Mum's Home at 8am. Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) in the morning on a guided walking tour with Sandesh.
The afternoon is at leisure for shopping, last-minute gear purchases and exploring Kathmandu.
Meals provided – Breakfast
Day 03 Travel to Pokhara
Travel by chartered bus to Pokhara (810m), a journey of approximately 7 hours. Stop for lunch along the way and stay overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Meals provided – Breakfast at Hotel Mum's Home
Day 04 Nayapul to Ulleri
After breakfast at 7am, depart by jeep at approximately 8am for Nayapul. The drive takes around 1–2 hours.
From Nayapul, begin a 3-hour trek up to Ulleri, where you will stay in a lodge overnight.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 05 Trek to Ghorepani
After breakfast, trek through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests with tremendous views of Annapurna South (7129m) on the way to Ghorepani.
The afternoon is free for you to explore.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 06 Poon Hill Sunrise & Ghandruk
This is quite a long day. Before dawn, head up to Poon Hill on a trek of approximately 1 hour to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas.
Return to Ghorepani for breakfast before descending to the beautiful old Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 07 Ghandruk to Nayapul & Pokhara
Enjoy a long descent from Ghandruk to Nayapul, with the awe-inspiring Annapurna mountains behind you.
At Nayapul, your jeep will take you back to Pokhara for a well-earned rest and time to reflect on your trek.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 08 Christmas Eve in Pokhara
Pokhara is a lively town on Christmas Eve, and waking up on Christmas morning with views of the Annapurnas is magical.
Spend the day boating on Lake Phewa and shopping. If you prefer an extra day in Chitwan, you can skip this day in Pokhara and travel to Chitwan instead.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 09 Christmas Day – Travel to Chitwan
After your Christmas present allocations, travel by jeep to Chitwan National Park.
Upon arrival, settle into your room before a late-afternoon elephant ride safari into the jungle at sunset. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tharu tribe dance.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 10 Explore Chitwan National Park
There are many things to do in the jungle. You can wash elephants, enjoy a canoe ride at sunset or simply relax and take in your surroundings.
The choice is yours.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 11 Return to Kathmandu
Depart early at approximately 8am for the drive back to Kathmandu, leaving the evening free to relax.
It is customary to take your trekking staff out to dinner in the evening.
Meals – At your own expense
Day 12 Bhaktapur & Kathmandu Sightseeing
Visit Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site just outside Kathmandu, renowned for its fascinating architecture.
Alternatively, you may choose an excursion to Boudhanath Stupa and the cremation ghats at Pashupatinath. The choice is yours.
Meals provided – Breakfast at Hotel Mum's Home
Day 13 Free Day & Departure from Kathmandu
With flights departing late at night, the day is yours to spend as you wish.
Airport transfers will be arranged, and you can keep your hotel room until 6pm. If you would like to stay longer, simply let us know.
Meals provided – Breakfast at Hotel Mum's Home