Lost in the Clouds: My Misadventures on the Poonhill Trek (And How You Can Avoid Them)

Lost in the Clouds: My Misadventures on the Poonhill Trek (And How You Can Avoid Them)

Trekking to Poonhill sounds dreamy: sunrise over the Annapurna range, crisp mountain air, and peaceful trails. What could go wrong? Well… plenty, as I learned the hard way.

1. The “Oops, I Took the Wrong Turn” Moment Even with maps and guides, it’s easy to wander off. I once ended up on a muddy trail going nowhere. My tip: stick with your guide or group, and double-check trail signs. Trust me, it saves a lot of extra steps and mud.

2. Weather That Changes Its Mind Every 10 Minutes One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s raining cats and dogs. Layers are your best friend. Waterproof jacket? Check. Extra socks? Double check. And always carry a tiny umbrella if you’re dramatic like me.

3. Underestimating the Stairs Those “gentle uphill paths” are actually endless stone stairs! My legs hated me by day two. Tip: pace yourself, take breaks, and enjoy the tiny villages along the way, they’re perfect excuses to rest.

4. Getting Hangry at 3 PM Snack smart. Energy bars, chocolate, or dried fruits saved me more than once from becoming a grumpy trekking monster.

Despite all the hiccups, Poonhill was magical. The sunrise made every misstep and muddy sock totally worth it.

So, learn from my mistakes, pack smart, pace yourself, and don’t forget to look up and enjoy the view because that’s why we trek.