Poon Hill Trek Packing List: What to Bring
The Poon Hill trek is short and low, but the pre-dawn sunrise is genuinely cold, so pack warm layers, a headlamp and good footwear above all. Here is the full list.
The Non-Negotiables
Get these four right and the rest is comfort. The trek stays in inhabited country with teahouses, so you do not need expedition kit, but the cold sunrise and the stone stairs demand the essentials.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Warm layers | The 3,210 m viewpoint is below freezing in winter and chilly even in peak season |
| Headlamp | Essential for the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill; bring spare batteries |
| Broken-in footwear | Grippy boots or trail shoes for endless stone steps |
| Trekking poles | Save your knees on the Ulleri stairs and long descents |
Clothing & Layers
Dress in layers you can add and shed: warm forest afternoons, cold ridge-top dawns.
- Warm jacket: a fleece or lightweight down jacket for Ghorepani evenings and the sunrise viewpoint.
- Windproof / rain shell: the exposed ridge is windy, and a light rain jacket handles surprise showers.
- Hat and gloves: a warm beanie and gloves for the cold dawn climb, plus a sun hat for the day.
- Base layers: quick-dry tops and trekking trousers/shorts for warm forest walking.
- Warm socks and a change of clothes; teahouses are basic.
See exactly how cold to expect it in the best time to trek guide.
Gear & Daypack
- Daypack (20–30 L) if a porter carries your main bag, or a 40–50 L pack if you carry everything.
- Water bottle plus purification (tablets or a filter), cheaper and greener than buying bottled water.
- Power bank: teahouses charge NPR 100–300 per charge, so a bank saves money and hassle.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: high-altitude sun is strong even in winter.
- Small first-aid kit: blister plasters, painkillers, any personal medication.
- Toiletries and a quick-dry towel; hot showers cost NPR 150–300.
Documents, Money & Extras
- Permits: your ACAP and TIMS card (and passport), checked at Birethanti and Ghandruk, see the permits guide.
- Passport and photocopies, plus 2–4 spare passport photos.
- Cash in Nepali rupees: there are no reliable ATMs on the trail, so carry enough for the whole trek plus a buffer, see the cost guide.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking and emergency evacuation, even on an easy route.
- Nice to have: a book or cards for teahouse evenings, snacks, and a lightweight sleeping-bag liner.
Because it is short and low, you can pack light, resist the urge to over-pack. If you extend into the Annapurna Base Camp trek, add warmer kit for the higher, colder Sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for the Poon Hill trek?
Warm layers for the cold sunrise (down or fleece jacket, hat, gloves), a headlamp for the pre-dawn climb, broken-in footwear and trekking poles for the stone steps, a rain jacket, sun protection, water purification, and enough cash since there are no ATMs on the trail.
How cold does it get on the Poon Hill trek?
The 3,210 m viewpoint is below freezing at dawn in winter and chilly even in peak autumn and spring, since you climb in the dark and stand still on an exposed ridge. Lower forest sections are mild to warm by day, so dress in layers.
Do I need a headlamp for Poon Hill?
Yes. You climb 45–60 minutes in the dark from Ghorepani to reach the viewpoint before sunrise, so a headlamp is essential. Bring spare batteries, as the cold drains them faster.
Do I need trekking poles for the Poon Hill trek?
They are strongly recommended. The roughly 3,000-step Ulleri staircase and the long forested descent to Ghandruk are hard on the knees, and poles make both the climbs and descents much easier. You can rent them in Pokhara.
Do I need a sleeping bag for the Poon Hill trek?
Not usually, teahouses provide blankets. Many trekkers still bring a lightweight sleeping-bag liner for warmth and hygiene, and a proper bag is worth it in deep winter or if you plan to extend into higher, colder routes.
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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