Poon Hill & Chitwan Safari Tour - Nepal's Best Short Adventure

Let me tell you about this amazing trip that perfectly captures Nepal's magic – where snowy peaks meet wild jungles, all wrapped up in one unforgettable package. Imagine this: You're bundled up in your warmest jacket, sipping steaming masala tea as the sun paints the Annapurna range in golden hues from Poon Hill's viewpoint. No marathon hiking required – just an early alarm and a short walk to witness one of the planet's most breathtaking sunrise shows. Fast forward a few days, and you're in Chitwan National Park, heart pounding as a grumpy-looking rhino with skin like medieval armor stops to stare at your jeep before lumbering off into the tall grass. That's the beauty of this carefully crafted adventure from Explore Nepal Trekking, one of Nepal's most trusted travel operators – they've figured out how to serve up the country's greatest hits without breaking a sweat.

The Poon Hill trek is what we call "real people friendly" – maxing out at a very reasonable 3,210 meters (that's lower than Switzerland's Jungfraujoch railway station!). You'll stay in cozy family-run teahouses where the dal bhat is always hot, the beds are surprisingly comfy, and the shower might actually have warm water (a luxury after a day on the trail). These places ooze charm – think wooden dining rooms smelling of garlic and ginger, where trekkers from around the world swap stories over endless cups of tea. Then comes the jungle chapter: drifting down the Rapti River in a canoe so thin it feels like you're floating on a banana peel, your guide whispering "mugger crocodile at 2 o'clock" while you try not to rock the boat. Evening brings campfire tales and the hypnotic thump of Tharu stick dances under a blanket of stars.

What makes Explore Nepal Trekking's version special? They've nailed the logistics. Private vehicles whisk you between destinations (no chicken buses here), and their local team knows which teahouse makes killer apple pie, which naturalist can spot a sleeping python in a tree, and exactly when to hit Poon Hill to dodge the crowds. One minute you're breathing that crisp mountain air with Dhaulagiri looming overhead, the next you're swatting jungle mosquitoes while elephants splash in the river – and it's all just a few hours' drive apart.

Poon Hill's trails have been trodden for centuries – first by shepherds, then by hippie trekkers in the 70s, now by folks like you walking through rhododendron forests that explode in red blooms every spring. Chitwan tells a different story – where kings once hunted tigers, now jeep safaris track the same beasts with cameras instead of guns. It's one of Asia's great conservation wins, with rhino numbers bouncing back from the brink.

Perfect for first-timers, busy folks, or families with restless teens, this trip delivers maximum wow with minimum hassle. Explore Nepal Trekking has been running these adventures for years, and it shows – they know which lodge has the fluffiest blankets, which mahout can whisper elephants into posing for photos, and how to time your trip for perfect weather. Spring means flower-covered trails, autumn serves up postcard-perfect mountain views, and winter offers cool hikes with empty trails.

You'll come home with stories that'll make your friends jealous: That heart-stopping moment when the Himalayas first caught fire at sunrise. The adrenaline rush when your jeep stalled right beside a grunting rhino. The way your legs ached just enough to make that post-hike Everest beer taste legendary. And those Nepali smiles – from teahouse grannies to safari guides – that stick with you long after the tan fades. Just bring decent walking shoes, a sense of wonder, and maybe some motion sickness pills for those winding mountain roads. Let Explore Nepal Trekking handle the rest – they'll turn your Nepal dream into reality, one rhino sighting and mountain vista at a time.

Why Choose Explore Nepal Trekking For This Trek?

1.Two Iconic Adventures in One Trip 
● Poon Hill Trek: Wake up to golden sunrise views over the Annapurna range—your Instagram feed will thank you! 
● Chitwan Safari: Swap mountain trails for jungle thrills—spot rhinos, 
crocodiles, and if you’re lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger. 
● Bonus Explorations: Pokhara’s serene lakes and Kathmandu’s ancient 
temples round out your Nepal experience. 
2.Small Groups for trekking 
No crowded tours here! With intimate group sizes, you’ll bond with fellow trekkers and get personalized care from your guide—like traveling with friends who know all the secret spots. 
3.Guides Who Feel Like Family 
Their local guides don’t just know the trails—they love sharing Nepal’s culture and ensuring you’re safe (while making sure you’re laughing, too). 
4.More Adventure for Your Money 
Think comfy lodges, delicious meals, and hassle-free logistics—all at a price that leaves you with extra cash for souvenirs (or extra momo dumplings!). 
5.Your Safety is Their Priority 
From altitude checks on the trek to expert safari spotters in Chitwan, they’ve got your back so you can relax and soak it all in. 
6.Perfect for 
First-time trekkers, families, or anyone who wants the best of Nepal without the stress of planning. Ready for mountains, jungles, and memories that’ll stick with you longer than your hiking boots’ tan lines? Explore Nepal Trekking got you covered.

Best Time for visit This Trek 

1.  Spring (March-May) – Nature’s Color Show 
● Crystal-clear Himalayan views – every photographer’s dream! 
● Trails lined with pink rhododendrons and wildflowers 
● Warm days, cool nights – ideal hiking weather 
● Best for: Sunny skies, lush landscapes, and avoiding crowds 
2.  Autumn (Sept-Nov) – Festival Season Magic 
● Post-monsoon freshness – air so clear you’ll see every mountain detail 
● Less rain = better safari chances to spot rhinos & tigers in Chitwan 
● Experience Dashain & Tihar festivals – golden temples, kite flying, and Nepali sweets 
● Best for: Comfortable temps and cultural encounters 
3.  When We Don’t Recommend Going: 
● Monsoon (June-Aug): Slippery trails, leeches, and safari roads can flood 
● Winter (Dec-Feb): Freezing temps at Poon Hill, foggy safari mornings (animals hide!)

Preparation For this Trek 

1.  Weather & Packing Tips 
● Poon Hill Trek: Cool mornings (5-10°C), warm days (15-20°C). Nights can be chilly! 
● Chitwan Jungle: Hot & humid (25-35°C). Light, breathable clothes are a must. 
● Pack Smart: 
○ For Trekking: Warm layers, waterproof jacket, good hiking boots, gloves, hat 
○ For Safari: Light cotton clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent 
○ Essentials: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, personal meds, camera, power bank 
2.  Fitness Prep 
● Start training 4-6 weeks before: 
○ Walk/hike 5-10km with a backpack (build up to 6-8kg) 
○ Include stair climbing & leg strength exercises (squats, lunges) 
○ Cardio (jogging, cycling) helps with endurance 
● Good news: Poon Hill is moderate—no extreme altitude, but stamina helps! 
3. Permits & Logistics 
● Explore Nepal Trekking handles all permits (ACAP & TIMS for trek, Chitwan National Park entry) 
● Just bring: 
○ Passport copies 
○ 4 passport-sized photos 
○ Travel insurance (must cover trekking up to 3,200m) 
4.  What Explore Nepal Trekking Provides 
● Expert guide & porters 
● All meals & accommodation during trek/safari 
● Safe transportation (Kathmandu → Pokhara → Trek → Chitwan → Kathmandu) 
5. Health & Safety 
● Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus 
● Pack: 
○ Basic first aid kit (bandaids, antiseptic, blister pads) 
○ Diamox (for altitude, consult doctor) 
○ Anti-diarrheal meds & rehydration salts

Want a more trekking-focused version of your adventure? Check out the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek , a classic Himalayan journey through rhododendron forests and charming villages, with breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurnas.

🧭Alternative Tours & Packages

• Nepal Adventure Trio: Rafting, Jungle Safari & Mountain Flight Experience
  An exciting mix of adventure and natural beauty, this tour includes a wild rafting ride, immersive Chitwan jungle safari, and a spectacular flight over the towering Himalayan peaks.
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 10 Days
  A beloved trekking route through the Annapurna foothills, this journey features vibrant villages, rhododendron forests, and the famous Poon Hill sunrise over snow-capped giants.
• Mardi Himal Trek
  A serene and less-crowded trek offering sweeping mountain panoramas, peaceful trails, and an intimate look at Machapuchare and the Annapurna range from elevated ridge lines.