Best of Nepal Tour

Additional Information for Best of Nepal Tour

The Best of Nepal Tour combines the cultural heritage of Kathmandu, the Himalayan scenery of Pokhara, the wildlife of Chitwan, and the beautiful Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. You will experience a mix of sightseeing, local culture, nature, wildlife and moderate mountain walking.

Below is some useful information to help you prepare for your trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation is arranged in carefully selected hotels, lodges and teahouses according to the itinerary.

In Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, you will stay in comfortable 3-star hotels with private rooms and attached bathrooms. During the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, accommodation is in locally operated teahouses or mountain lodges, where facilities are simpler than in the cities.

Most trekking accommodation provides twin-sharing rooms. Hot showers and charging facilities may be available at an additional cost in some mountain lodges.

Trekking Equipment

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a Easy to moderate trek, and you do not need technical climbing equipment. However, comfortable trekking shoes and suitable clothing are important.

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
• Lightweight walking shoes or sandals
• Warm fleece or jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Thermal base layers, particularly during colder months
• Comfortable trekking trousers
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Small daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Trekking poles, if preferred
• Headlamp
• Personal toiletries and medication
• Small first-aid kit
• Power bank and charging cables
• Camera or smartphone
• Passport and other travel documents

You can purchase or rent many trekking items in Kathmandu if you do not want to bring everything from home.

Duffel Bag for the Trek

We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for use during the Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek. It will be provided during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu or Pokahra.

Your main trekking belongings can be packed in the duffel bag, while you can carry a smaller daypack with items needed during the day’s walk.

Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket

A sleeping bag and down jacket can be rented from us in Kathmandu or Pokahra if required in winter seasons.

The rental cost is approx. USD 2 each per day for the sleeping bag and down jacket.

A sleeping bag is particularly useful during the cooler months, when temperatures can be low at higher elevations.

Trekking Conditions

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered a Easy to moderate trek and is suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.

The trail passes through forests, villages, stone stairways, farmland and mountain terrain. There are many uphill and downhill sections, including long stretches of stone steps.

You should be comfortable walking for approximately 4–6 hours a day, depending on the itinerary, walking pace and trail conditions.

No previous trekking experience is required, but regular walking or hiking before the trip will help you enjoy the trek more comfortably.

Altitude

The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill at approximately 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) above sea level.

Although this is not an extremely high altitude, some travelers may experience mild symptoms such as headache, tiredness or shortness of breath.

Our itinerary allows time for your body to adjust gradually. Drink plenty of water, walk at a comfortable pace and inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell.

Weather and Clothing

Nepal has four main seasons, and weather conditions vary considerably between Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and the mountain areas.

Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant conditions and good mountain views. Winter can be cold in the mornings and evenings, particularly during the trek. Summer coincides with the monsoon season, when rain and cloudy conditions are more common.

We recommend dressing in layers so you can easily adjust your clothing throughout the day.

A waterproof jacket or rain protection is recommended regardless of the season.

Poon Hill Sunrise

One of the highlights of the trip is the early-morning hike to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

You will normally start walking before sunrise. It can be cold and dark, so bring a warm jacket, gloves, headlamp and suitable footwear.

The sunrise and mountain views are weather dependent, and visibility cannot be guaranteed.

Transportation

The tour uses a combination of private road transportation and other scheduled travel arrangements according to the itinerary.

Private vehicles are generally used for sightseeing and road transfers. Depending on the group size, transportation may include a comfortable car, SUV, van or similar vehicle.

Road conditions in Nepal can vary, and journey times may be longer than the distance on the map suggests. Traffic, road construction, weather and other local conditions can affect travel times.

Meals

Meals are provided according to the inclusions stated in your itinerary.

During the trek, meals are generally served at local teahouses and include options such as dal bhat, noodles, pasta, rice, vegetables, soups, potatoes, eggs and other simple local and international dishes.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will find a wide variety of restaurants offering Nepalese, Asian and international cuisine.

Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies, dietary restrictions or special meal requirements.

Drinking Water

Bottled, filtered or treated drinking water is available throughout most of the trip.

We encourage travelers to carry a reusable water bottle and avoid unnecessary single-use plastic bottles.

During the trek, you can refill your bottle at suitable locations or use a reliable water purification method.

Internet and Mobile Connectivity

Wi-Fi is widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, although connection quality can vary.

Internet and mobile coverage may be limited or unreliable during the Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek, particularly in remote mountain villages.

If you need to stay connected, we recommend carrying a power bank and informing family or friends that there may be periods without reliable internet access.

Electricity and Charging

Electricity is generally available throughout Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan.

During the trek, electricity is available at most lodges, although charging may involve an additional fee and the supply can occasionally be limited.

A power bank is recommended for charging your phone, camera and other electronic devices.

Money and Personal Expenses

Nepalese rupees are used throughout Nepal. ATMs and banks are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but facilities become more limited once you enter the trekking areas.

We recommend carrying some cash with you for personal expenses during the trek.

Additional expenses may include:

• Drinks and snacks
• Hot showers
• Wi-Fi
• Charging electronic devices
• Personal shopping
• Tips
• Optional activities
• Entrance fees or activities not included in the itinerary

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the entire trip.

Your insurance should cover medical treatment and emergency assistance. For the Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek, check that your policy covers trekking at the maximum altitude reached on the itinerary.

Keep your insurance details and emergency contact information easily accessible throughout the trip.

Health and Medication

Please bring sufficient quantities of any regular medication you take.

We also recommend carrying basic personal medical supplies, including medication for headaches, stomach problems, blisters and minor injuries.

If you have any medical condition, allergy or special health requirement that may affect your trip, please inform us before departure.

Responsible Travel

Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage is an important part of this journey. We encourage all travelers to respect local communities, traditions, wildlife and the environment.

Please avoid unnecessary plastic, dispose of waste responsibly and use local water and other resources carefully.

When visiting temples, monasteries and villages, respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people.

During the Chitwan wildlife activities, always follow the instructions of your naturalist or guide.

Photography

This trip offers many opportunities for photography, from historic temples and traditional villages to Himalayan landscapes and wildlife.

Bring extra memory cards and batteries if photography is important to you.

Please ask permission before photographing local people, monks or religious ceremonies.

Wildlife should always be photographed from a safe distance and without disturbing the animals.

Weather and Itinerary Changes

Flight schedules, road journeys, trekking times and activities may occasionally need to be adjusted because of weather, road conditions, local events or other circumstances beyond our control.

Our local team and guides will make the necessary arrangements and keep you informed if any changes are required.

Pre-Trip Meeting

Before the trekking portion of your journey, we will organize a pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

During the meeting, your guide will explain the trekking route, check your equipment and answer any questions you may have.