Trekking in Nepal is the perfect way to experience the country’s natural beauty, mountain scenery, and warm hospitality, without needing to be a hardcore mountaineer.
Our Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal.
Over just a few days, you’ll pass through charming villages, rhododendron forests, and terraced hillsides, stay in cozy teahouses (local guesthouses offering meals and accommodation) and enjoy breathtaking Himalayan sunrises, especially the one from Poon Hill, where the first rays of sunlight touch the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Since this trek doesn’t involve camping or high-altitude expeditions, you can travel light. But what you pack will depend a lot on the season you choose. Here’s a handy guide to what to bring.
Backpack
25–35L daypack (if porter carrying big bag)
40–50L backpack (if carrying everything yourself)
Rain cover
Clothing
2–3 quick-dry trekking shirts
1 warm base layer (thermal top & bottom)
1 fleece or light down jacket (for chilly mornings/evenings)
1 windproof/waterproof jacket
2 trekking pants (convertible to shorts is handy)
1 set comfortable clothes for teahouse evenings
4–5 pairs moisture-wicking socks
1 warm hat/beanie + sun hat/cap
1 pair gloves (light fleece or windproof)
Footwear
Broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support.
Lightweight sandals/slippers for teahouse evenings
Sleeping & Comfort
Sleeping bag (0°C to –5°C comfort recommended; teahouses provide blankets, but extra warmth helps) WE WILL PROVIDE THIS
Lightweight sleeping liner (optional)
Toiletries & Personal Care
Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm with SPF
Toothbrush & toothpaste, soap or biodegradable wipes
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper (not always available in teahouses)
Small quick-dry towel
Health & Safety
Water purification tablets or filter*
Basic first aid kit (plasters, pain relief, rehydration salts, altitude medicine if needed)
Personal medication
Gadgets & Accessories
Headlamp/torch with extra batteries
Phone + power bank
Camera (optional, but sunrise at Poon Hill is worth it!)
Trekking poles (helpful for downhill sections) better to get this from Thamel or Pokhara
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Reusable water bottles (2L total capacity)*
Essentials
Cash (Nepalese rupees – ATMs not available on trail)
Copy of Passport, Nepal Visa and insurance
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)
*On treks in Nepal, you’ll find drinking water available at tea houses, lodges, and small shops along the trails — but it’s usually either untreated tap water, spring water, or boiled water. Here’s how it works:
Tea houses: Most sell boiled water (safe to drink), usually for NPR 100–300 per liter depending on altitude.
Taps and streams: Common in villages and along the trail, but not safe to drink untreated due to risk of bacteria, parasites, or chemicals.
Plastic bottled water: Available, but discouraged since waste management is difficult in the mountains.
Best practice: Bring a reusable water bottle + filter/purifier (Sawyer, Katadyn, Grayl, or even chlorine/iodine tablets). This way you can refill anywhere and make it safe. Some trekkers also carry a wide-mouth bottle and Steripen (UV purifier).
Photo: Image by Tobias_Federle from Pixabay
