How Much Does the Poon Hill Trek Cost? A Full Budget Breakdown
A guided Poon Hill package runs about NPR 40,000–80,000 per person, while an independent teahouse trek can cost much less. Here is where every rupee goes.
The Short Answer
Poon Hill is one of the cheapest treks in Nepal because it is short, low and lined with teahouses. Your total depends almost entirely on one choice: buy a fully guided package, or trek independently and pay for each piece yourself.
| Style | Typical total (per person) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Guided package | NPR 40,000–80,000 | Licensed guide, all permits, transport, teahouse lodging and meals |
| Independent teahouse trek | NPR 15,000–30,000 | Permits, transport, rooms and meals, no guide |
| Guide only (you pay extras) | +NPR 3,500–4,500 / day | A licensed guide on top of your own permits, transport, food and lodging |
| Porter (optional) | +NPR 2,500–3,500 / day | Carries up to ~20 kg so you walk with a light daypack |
Figures are 2026 estimates and vary with group size, season and agency. Confirm current rates before you book.
Permits
Two permits are compulsory, and both are officially priced in Nepali rupees:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals (less for SAARC citizens).
- TIMS card: NPR 2,000 for foreign trekkers (less for SAARC citizens).
That is roughly NPR 5,000 in permits per person. A guided package folds these into the price. Full detail is in the Poon Hill permits guide.
On-Trail Daily Costs
Once you are walking, your day-to-day spend is food and a bed. Prices rise gently with altitude but stay modest on this low route.
| Item | Typical price (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Teahouse twin room / night | 500–2,000 (cheaper if you eat in) |
| Dal bhat (the trekker's staple) | 450–900 |
| Momos / noodles | 350–700 |
| Tea / coffee | 50–180 |
| Hot shower | 150–300 |
| Wi-Fi / device charging (each) | 100–300 |
| Bottled / treated water | 60–200 |
Realistically, budget NPR 2,500–4,500 per person per day for food and lodging. Carry purification tablets or a filter to cut both plastic and cost.
Guide, Porter & Transport
Since 2023 a licensed guide is the standard, recommended way to trek the Annapurna region, so budget for one.
- Guide: around NPR 3,500–4,500 per day, plus their food and lodging (usually covered by teahouses free with your custom).
- Porter: around NPR 2,500–3,500 per day to carry your main pack.
- Transport: a jeep or bus from Pokhara to the Nayapul/Ulleri trailhead and back is short and cheap, typically a few hundred to a couple of thousand rupees each way depending on private vs shared. Getting to Pokhara first: a tourist bus from Kathmandu is ~NPR 1,500–2,000, or a domestic flight ~NPR 13,000–16,000.
- Tips (customary): roughly NPR 1,000–1,600 per day for a guide and NPR 800–1,200 per day for a porter, split across the group.
How to Keep Costs Down
- Trek in a small group. Splitting a guide, porter and jeep across 2–4 people slashes the per-person cost of a package.
- Eat dinner and breakfast where you sleep. Teahouses often give the room cheaply, sometimes free, if you take your meals there.
- Treat your own water rather than buying bottled, and carry a power bank to skip charging fees.
- Bring enough cash. There are no reliable ATMs on the trail, so carry rupees for the whole trek plus a buffer.
Because it is so short, even a fully guided Poon Hill trip is excellent value next to longer routes like the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Plan your dates around the clearest skies using the best time to trek guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Poon Hill trek cost in 2026?
A guided package typically costs NPR 40,000–80,000 per person, covering a licensed guide, all permits, transport, teahouse lodging and meals. Trekking independently can bring the total down to roughly NPR 15,000–30,000, though a licensed guide is now the recommended approach.
How much are Poon Hill permits?
Two permits are required: the ACAP at NPR 3,000 and the TIMS card at NPR 2,000 for foreign nationals, about NPR 5,000 total. SAARC citizens pay less. A guided package includes these in the price.
How much should I budget per day on the trail?
Around NPR 2,500–4,500 per person per day for food and lodging. A teahouse room runs NPR 500–2,000, dal bhat NPR 450–900, and extras like hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging add NPR 100–300 each.
How much does a guide cost for the Poon Hill trek?
A licensed guide costs around NPR 3,500–4,500 per day, and an optional porter around NPR 2,500–3,500 per day. Customary tips are roughly NPR 1,000–1,600 per day for the guide and NPR 800–1,200 for the porter, shared across the group.
Is the Poon Hill trek cheaper than Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes. Because Poon Hill is only 3–5 days, it is one of the cheapest treks in Nepal, costing well under a longer route like Annapurna Base Camp. A guided Poon Hill package of NPR 40,000–80,000 is excellent value for the mountain views it delivers.
By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated July 1, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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