10 TIPS FOR AN AMAZING TIME IN POON HILL

1. The best time to go to the Annapurna region for clear blue skies is from mid-October to December. You’ll see beautiful flora in mid-April, but the mountain views may be blocked by clouds.

2. Bring your own reusable water bottle. Plastic water bottles get increasingly more expensive as you keep ascending up. It also helps reduce plastic waste.

3. Bring dry snacks during the trek. You are bound to get a bit hungry with the three to four hour trek in between each meal.

4. Trekking poles are your friend. Don’t worry about not looking cool. These handy tools help so much and also prevent any knee damage on the long walks down the steep hills.

5. You can trek up Poon Hill with sneakers, but trekking boots are much safer as they protect your ankles, are waterproof, and are less slip-prone in muddy areas.

6. If you’re not planning on a long extended trip, try to pack as light as possible for your whole trip. Porters are legally allowed to carry only 15kg, so I packed 7kg for nine days.

7. Dress in layers. It’s better to wear multiple thin layers to keep warm or easily remove depending on the temperature.

8. Do have a chat with the guides, porters and locals. It’s a great chance to be humbled by their amazing adventure stories.

9. Bring fibre supplements. We learned this the hard way.

10. You can hike to Poon Hill without a guide and porter, but you must deal with the trekking permits and required documents yourself. It is much more convenient, safe, and helpful to the local community to have a local guide. For example, in high season, teahouses can be packed full, and guides will be able to help reserve spots.