Poon Hill is short and low, so you can pack light. The two things people forget are a headtorch for the pre-dawn climb and a warm layer for waiting at the top before sunrise.
Clothing
- Base layers: two sets, merino or synthetic
- Fleece or light insulated jacket
- Warm jacket for the sunrise on Poon Hill (it’s cold before dawn)
- Waterproof jacket, especially outside October and November
- Trekking trousers, and shorts for the lower trail
- Warm hat, sun hat and light gloves
- Trekking socks, three pairs
Footwear
- Comfortable, broken-in trekking shoes or boots with good grip for stone steps
- Light shoes or sandals for the evenings
Other kit
- Headtorch for the Poon Hill sunrise climb
- Trekking poles for the stone steps up to Ulleri and down to Ghandruk
- Sleeping bag or liner (teahouses provide blankets, but they can be thin)
- Water bottle, plus purification tablets or a filter
- Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF and sunglasses
- Cash in Nepali rupees
You can rent or buy most gear in Lakeside, Pokhara.
