Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek - 10 Days

  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Group: 1 - 25 people
  • Max Altitude: 3,210M
  • Best Time Feb - May, Sep - Dec
  • Pick-up: Private Vehicle

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites sightseeing around the Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • A scenic drive from Kathmandu city to Lakeside Pokhara.
  • Trek through colourful lush forests of oak and rhododendron.
  • A dramatic sunrise and majestic panorama mountain views from Poon Hill.
  • The exciting traditional culture of Gurung and Magar.
  • Gurung museum and Monastery at beautiful Ghandruk village.
  • Fantastic peaks view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
  • Explore beautiful Lakeside Pokhara.

About Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek

Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk is a major attraction beautiful easy limited adventure trekking destination in around massif Annapurna, it is perfect options for those trekkers who wanna fantastic Himalayan experience of the low region and discover the peaceful traditional ethnic settlements with unique culture and magical panorama mountain sceneries. This Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghandruk Trek is popular by the wonderful viewpoint of Poon Hill (3210m), where you get to see a glorious sunrise and awesome Annapurna with Dhaulagiri ranges, then another famous is largest Gurung community village Ghandruk for enjoying the interstices inhabitants culture with costumes, Monastery, and Gurung Museum. This classic Poonhill with Ghandruk trekking is the best experience of local lifestyle, mountain villages, Himalayas, nature, culture, and rare flora with fauna. The highlight of this trek is captivating natural and cultural aspects of Nepal.

This Poonhill Ghandruk trek - 10 days leads you close with some of the world’s highest peaks and follow the ancient trails of connecting local community villages with passing the rice paddies, deep sub-tropical valleys, and lush rhododendron forest, overnight you stay at comfortable trekking lodge in beautiful villages during the trek. This moderate trek is a great trip for family, solo, and first-time visitors to the Himalayan Kingdom. Delightful Ghorepani Ghandruk Circuit Trekking route being foothills of the massive Annapurna, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk which offers picturesque peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and many other mountains as well as enjoy the various cultural villages of Gurung and Magar.

This trekking is an easy and sweet memories journey in Nepal and Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek (10 Days) itinerary begin from Kathmandu valley with sightseeing around the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and you will take a scenic drive to Nayapul via Pokhara. From Nayapul, you start the trek and walk through the rice terraces along the Modi Khola to beautiful villages of Tikhedhunga via Hile, then cross a suspension bridge and ascent stone steep to Ulleri with enjoying the magical Mount Annapurna and exciting landscapes. Leaving Ulleri behind, you walk on lush forests of juniper, oaks, and rhododendrons to reach Ghorepani, where you explore real local lifestyle, culture, and mountain views. Next day, early morning you hike amazing viewpoint, Poon Hill for seeing fantastic sunrise over the Himalayan and panorama views of Annapurna and Dhularagire ranges.

Then our Poon hill and Ghandruk trekking route pass the Ghorepani village and go to Tadapani by crossing the different colours of Rhododendron forests and small teahouses, then you descend to Gurung village Ghandruk, where you will visit the Gurung Museum, traditional culture, Monastery, and also include seeing picturesque fluted peaks of Machapuchare and Annapurna. After having hot breakfast at Ghandruk, the trek drops down to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, in the evening, you can explore beautiful Lakeside Pokhara. Finally, when you have drive back to Kathmandu and our 10 days Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghandruk Trekking package will be complete. If you want to join Annapurna base camp also, let click this link Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 14 Days.

Itinerary

Expand all + Collapse all -
Upon arrival at Kathmandu international airport, our team members will meet waiting at the terminal gate, we will display a Himalayan Frozen Adventure with your group name signboard outside the airport terminal. Later, you transfer to Hotel and meet your trekking guide, he will give some great information about the trip before what you have to take for trekking. Overnight you stay at the Hotel.
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1,350m
  • Kathmandu
Today morning your guide will pick up from the hotel and take you to sightseeing UNESCO world heritage sites of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambunath and the Durbar Squares. This day is the most fantastic and you can see the diverse religion, heritage culture, art, and architecture of the temples and palaces, during the sightseeing. Finally, you drive back to the hotel and be ready for tomorrow trekking.
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1,350m
  • Kathmandu
Pokhara is the first place you have to reach before moving towards the starting point of the trek. A long and scenic drive takes you to Pokhara, where you spend a night. Pokhara is a beautiful city, and the place where you are staying is like Thamel of this city. You can see a lively market and many other people from around the globe relaxing and enjoying the night. Don't forget to enjoy the peaceful boat ride on the tranquil Fewa Lake.
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 860m
  • Pokhara
After having breakfast, you will take a short scenic drive to Nayapu about one an half hours, which is starting and ending points of this trekking. Leaving Nayapul behind, the trail leads us through rice terraces along the Modi Khola and lush forest to beautiful villages of Tikhedhunga via Hile, where you stay overnight at trekking lodge.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 1,570m
  • Tikhedhunga
Leaving Tikhedhunga behind, you cross a suspension bridge over the Modi River and climb 3000 stone steps to Ulleri. The glorious views of the mountains make more excited this day. From Ulleri, you walk through the local villages with nature, farms, and streams, then pass the colourful forest of Rhododendron before reaching Ghorepani, where you explore the around village, traditional culture, and wonderful mountain views. Overnight you stay at the Ghorepani trekking lodge.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 2,840m
  • Ghorepani
Today is most excited of this trek. Wake up early morning and hike to the wonderful viewpoint, Poon Hill 3,210m, where you get to see an amazing sunrise over the massif Annapurna and mesmerize panorama views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and many others. After relishing the poon hill, the trail descends to Ghorepani village. After having breakfast, you walk through dense different colours of Rhododendron forests and small teahouses with enjoying the natural landscapes. Finally, after about 5-6 hours from Ghorepani, you reach Tadapani, where you stay overnight at lodge.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 2,610m
  • Tadapani
The trek to Ghandruk is a short and easy walk from Tadapani. Passing the Tadapani, the trail descends through the lush forests, small teahouses, ridges, and streams. As well as the drop down the stone steps to reach the historic and largest Gurung village of Ghandruk. Here you can discover the inhabitant's local hospitality, unique culture, Gurung Museum, and Monastery. You also get to see picturesque fluted peaks of Machapuchare and Annapurna. Overnight you stay at Ghandruk Trekking lodge.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 1,940m
  • Ghandruk
Passing the Ghandruk, the trek descends through the stone steps amidst terraces and fields leading to Syaulibazaar, then you go to Birethanti with enjoying the changing views of the various mountains. After a short hike from Birethanti, you reach Nayapul and take a scenic jeep or taxi drive to Pokhara. In the evening, you can visit the famous lakeside valley and market, then let enjoy your dinner with team members.
  • Hotel
  • Brekfast/Lunch
  • 860m
  • Pokhara
After having breakfast at Pokhara hotel, you take around 6 to 7 hours of drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you transfer to your hotel and relax. Today we all join the farewell dinner organized by the company for you.
  • Hotel
  • Brekfast/Lunch
  • 1,350m
  • Kathmandu
You will pack up your belongings and check out of the hotel. One of our team members will drop you at the airport for your flight back home.

Notices

Himalayan Frozen Adventure will fully support your whole trip. Sometimes come these kinds of the problem; Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, and unexpected natural disasters. These conditions we make extra or rest day, which is not available in this itinerary but if you have time then it is possible to make more extra day at trekking. You have to pay a package for extra days.

Cost Details

Included Excluded
  • Pickup/Drop from Airport – Hotel - Airport a private vehicle.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu 1 night and 2 nights Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Teahouse/Lodges accommodation during the trek.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Tourist bus or domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu).
  • An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trekking leader and assistant Guide.
  • Kathmandu- Pokhara- Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • leader (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide).
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
  • Seasonal fresh fruits and Supplementary snacks.
  • Guide & Porter costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation.
  • Emergency rescue operation assistance in arranging in case of complex health conditions (funded by your Travel Insurance).
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion).
  • Himalayan Frozen Adventure bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map are yours to take.
  • Annapurna trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS).
  • First aid box.
  • Farewell Dinner.
  • Nepalese visa fee (15 days - $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110).
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal trekking equipment for this trek.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Personal clothing and gear.
  • Tips for guide, porter, and driver.

Departures & Dates

Himalayan Frozen Adventure is a responsible travel company in Nepal. Our all dates are 100% guaranteed if there no political unrest and natural disaster then. Is there not any error then you can use this date it's better for your trip.  We try our best to ensure this information.

FAQs

Is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty?
This trek is easy than another trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is Difficulty through the Poon Hill (3,210m). Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is classified as easy, any trekkers can do easily this trek. 

Is it necessary to need travel Insurance for this trek?
The travel insurance will cover emergency evacuation as Helicopter rescue and the hospital charge. If you fell an accident and Acute mountain sickness then, at this condition, your travel insurance will immediately provide the helicopter. 

Electricity does available on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Yes, electricity is available in the lower region of the Annapurna region, where you can get to charge your camera and mobile batteries, etc.

Is possible to take my children to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Of course, all of the ages can do this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Is possible to get a hot shower the trekking?
Yes, the hot shower is possible to get many lodges and teahouse but above the 4,000m is not available and not good for your health.

Can I found Wi-Fi through the trek?
Of course, Wi-Fi is available many lodges and teahouse, but you have to pay extra.

Is it safe for a solo female traveler?
Of course, the solo female traveler is fully safe, Himalayan frozen Adventure is responsible teams, who leading many solo trekkers through the Himalayan and made successfully.

How can I respect the culture?
During the trekking, we can get Different kinds of culture, there we can see some notice, we have to follow that notice rule and regulation.

Is possible to get ATM through trek?
No, is not possible to get ATM and bank through the trek, so you have to takes Nepali money from Kathmandu.

Do I have to take sleeping bags on the trek?
Yes, is necessary to take sleeping bags on the trek because the lodges don't have enough blanket.

How high the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek high elevation is (3,210m) above the sea level. 

Is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek permit necessary?
Yes, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek TIMS and Permit are necessary.

How many hours I have to walk each day?
For this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek per day maximum of 7 hours and a minimum of 5 hours, you have to walk.

Is possible to make an extra day on the trek?
Yes, if you have time then the trekking is always flexible, you can easily add.

Without any trek can I do it? 
Yap, many trekkers succeed without any trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of easy adventure in Himalayan Nepal

Booking trip can I do cancel?
Yes, you have the option to cancel this trip but there are some certain conditions:

  • If you cancel your trip before 60 days the full amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel your trip before 30 days the 30% amount will be refunded.
  • If you cancel your trip before 1 week the 5% amount will be refunded.

How to manage drink water through trekking?
The Langtang region can get normal free tap water, for this water you have to use purification medicine. Bottled water or boiled water also available to buy at lodges and teahouse. Per day you have to drink about 4-6 liters water for your health.

Is possible to pick up me from the airport?
Yes, when you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, our airport representative will wait for you at the airport, we will display a Himalayan Frozen Adventure with your group name signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our car.

Can I exchange my money in Nepal?
Of course, You can exchangers your money at the Airport, ATM, and money exchange by a better rate. And you can get enough Nepalese cash for your trek.

What do I have to carry on the trekking?
You have to carry the perfect size trekking bag where you can put your personal belongings item, snacks, sunscreen, water, camera,  gloves, hat, and jacket. Our porter will carry your 20 kg bigger packs.

Is possible to store my extra things in Kathmandu Hotel?
Yes, it's possible to store your extra things in Kathmandu Hotel, We have a safe place to store your luggage.

Can I get an experienced guide?
Of course, we'll provide an experienced guide, who has the deepest information about Himalayan Nepal, and government license holder English speaking guide. Our guide and porter are fully helpful and friendly and make your trip fantastic.

 

Useful Information

Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory to have to join an adventurous trip in the Himalayas. It is for your safety. The travel insurance must cover things like illness, medical emergencies, accidents, death, trip cancellation, and loss of personal baggage & items. All costs for Emergency Evacuation must be paid in cash in Nepal unless an insurance company has agreed to pay all the cost on your behalf. Make sure that your travel insurance covers activities in the Himalayas if you are participating in them.

*Note: Foreigners are not allowed to purchase an insurance policy in Nepal. So make sure to purchase good travel insurance in your country, and it is your responsibility to check whether your insurance policy is adequate or not.

Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek Accommodation

Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek accommodations are Lodge and Teahouse. Around Kathmandu and Pokhara, we can find a good facility with comfortable accommodation at the Hotel. The Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek all accommodations are on the twin-shared basis. During the trek, Himalayan frozen Adventure will manage room with attached washrooms. In the teahouse, we have to share the toilet. Single room is available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the lower elevation trekking region but might be impossible to higher elevations.

Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek Meals

At the Kathmandu and Pokhara have included only breakfast. During the Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek, all meals will be provided. In the Annapurna region, we can enjoy Nepalese food with international cuisine like Tibetan, Continental, Indian, Tibetan, Italian, etc. Through the trek, we have breakfast/lunch at the teahouse and Dinner will be at the lodge. You can choices different kinds of breakfast, lunch, and dinner by the menu. 

Safe to Travel 

Make you safe to travel is our top priority responsibility

During the trek, you will be the best training and experienced guide, who came from the high region of Himalayan. Our guide will carry all necessary paper and essentials equipment with a first aid kit. In case, if our clients come to some emergency problems of mountain sickness and accident then we immediately send a rescue helicopter. Any region of the Himalayan treks will demand good health and fitness, so make healthy your body before joining the trip.

Trekking Guide

We, Himalayan Frozen Adventure provides the deepest knowledge leader through the Himalayan Trekking, who has the ability to face challenges. The Nepal route is an adventure challenge where has different types of risks. During the trekking, you have might some risks like altitude sickness, weather conditions, wildlife attack, and Fear of getting lost. But don't worry, the guide will solve this problem and make you feel safe with a free and delightful trip. The guide has a big role to play in making the journey contextual and excellent. The guide will make your journey pleasant and accompany you in times of danger, who will succeed in winning your heart.

Trekking Porter

The Trekking porter is an adventurous person who will carry 20 to 35 kg of stuff during trekking. When you carry less, you will be able to walk and enjoy the beautiful valley of the Nepal region, which makes our trek meaningful. The porter will safely carry your bag pack. Maybe you will feel hard to carry the bag on a high elevation, so hire a guide is the best option. Those who have the ability to face challenges. A porter does not only carry the bag, who provides entertainment and fantastic throughout the trip. The porter will carry all of your luggage and you can explore the magnification view of mountains.

Last-minute trip booking

The last-minute booking can be difficult for us but we'll accept, whatever reason Himalayan Frozen Adventure has a special provision for a last-minute booking. You have to give full details and 100% percent trip payment before 24 hours, but we can't be responsible for flight, weather, and availability of lodging delay due to changes beyond our control but we try our best. As you can last-minute trip booking directly with us from email (info@himalayanfrozen.com), Whatsapp (+977 - 9840396708), and by calling. 

The necessary document you should carry

  • Insurance papers which are depending on the agency
  • Some booking and payment details.
  • passports sized photos
  • TIMS and Permits
  • Passport
  • Visa

Drink water

The Himalayan region can get normal free tap water, for this water you have to use purification medicine. bottled water or boiled water also available to buy at lodges and teahouse. Per day you have to drink about 4-6 liters of water for your health.

Passport & Visa

A passport with at least six months of validity from the return date is mandatorily needed. You can get the Nepalese visa from the Nepalese Embassies or Consulate in your country. You can also get the Nepalese visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Do know that there are few countries that have to apply for the Nepalese visa from their own country. Obtaining your visa is entirely your responsibility.

While booking, make sure to put full and correct passport information so that we can get all the necessary permits, tickets, and pay fees on your behalf. If you do not provide the correct information when you make your booking, we will not be able to make the necessary bookings on your behalf and cannot be held responsible.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

AMS or altitude sickness is one of the main risks while traversing in the high altitude. The main region behind getting AMS is when the body doesn't adjust to the lower level, and the result can be deadly. So it is very important to take proper measures on time. Gaining altitude with constant pace and proper acclimatization days will help reduce the chances of getting AMS.

Similarly, you also have to keep yourself hydrated during the trek, therefore, drink enough water and avoid alcoholic drinks as it dehydrates the body. If you are planning to trek in one of the adventurous trails of Nepal then do keep above things in your mind.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath with exertion

Preventive measures

  • Include an adequate number of rest days in the itinerary
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages
  • Do not gain more than 500 meters in a day
  • Try to spend the night in lower altitude
  • Acclimatize properly at a lower altitude
  • Inform your guide immediately if any of the symptoms you see
  • Do not push yourself

Ghorepani poon hill and Ghandruk Trek Best season

The climatic condition of Nepal differs from place to place depending upon geographical regions. One can have warm and hot wear in the terai whereas can observe the chilling arctic-like weather in the Himalayas. Nepal’s weather is influenced by a maritime and continental factor and has four different seasons, Autumn (September to November), followed by Winter (December to February), Spring (March to May), and finally, there is Summer/Monsoon (June to August).

The best time to go on an adventurous journey in the Himalayas is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (mid-September to November). These are the best times to go on any treks and climbing trips because of stable weather and a moderate climate. There is only one place in Nepal, where you can go trekking in even monsoon (July to mid-September) and that is Upper Dolpo. This region lies in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and therefore does not receive rainfall in the monsoon.

Autumn (September To November)

Autumn (September-November) is one of the perfect seasons to trekking with hiking in Himalayan Nepal, so thousands of trekkers choose these months. In fact, September, October, and November months are will be full of excellent atmosphere as well as beauty, enjoys your journey with joy and beauty. The Autumn season provides reference weather with clear magnificent mountains. The temperature is good than another season. September-November is a great time to express your adventure in Himalayan Nepal. It will also be free from natural disasters such as floods and landslides these months. It's the most famous season to goes high altitude area of Himalayan. 

Winter (November To March)

Winter (November-March) is also possible to trek in Himalayan Nepal, the weather condition is stable and the days are clear. December, January and February are the cold months in Nepal. Days temperatures are cool but the nights are much cold. During the winter trek is risk winds and colder temperatures. Above 3,000m altitude being usually snowfall and freezing. If you are looking for wonderful scenery, let choose the lower elevation trek in Nepal.

Spring (March To May)

Spring (March-May) is the second famous trekking season in Himalayan Nepal. March, April, and May is also a great option to mountain climbing and high altitude trek. At spring morning weather condition will be clear, but the afternoon sky covered by the cloud, and sometimes can be rain. You can get to see beautiful flowers like jasmine, pine, and rhododendron with wild flora. During the Spring, lower altitude trek is mildly warm and above 3,000m quite a moderate temperature. This season also best to express your adventure in Nepal.

Summer (June To August)

In the summer season, the trekkers are less crowded in the Himalayan region will be less. June, July and August are the main raining season in Nepal which involves monsoon. Bad weather can hamper travel, maybe some problems during the journey due to heavy rain. Some travelers prefer to travel at this time as this is also not an emergency period. The weather is hot and almost everyday rains. This season is better for the tour to Tibet and in Himalayan Nepal like Mustang, Dolpo region, and Nar-Phu valley because these regions are in the rain-shadow.

Trekking Equipment

Trekking equipment is the essential material used during the trip to the Himalayas, which is used on a daily basis. Without trekking equipment, your trip may be unsuccessful so we request you please follow the list. If you have not time to buy in your country, so don't worry we can help to buy trekking equipment in Kathmandu. Himalayan Frozen Adventure Pvt.Ltd will make your precious time reference and entertainment.

Trekking Equipment Lists

HEAD

  • Headlight
  • Sun hat
  • Warm hat and scarf

FACE

  • Face wipes and towels
  • Sunscreen +40
  • Sunglass

Hands

  • Waterproof & Snowproof Gloves
  • Lightweight gloves

Body clothing

  • Sleeping bag
  • Down jackets
  • Sport hiking t-shirts, preferably quick-drying
  • Fleece jacket and sweaters
  • Poncho and rain jacket
  • Socks preferably cotton –mix
  • Lightweight cotton trekking pants with folding option

Lists of Footwear

  • Water/Snowproof Trekking Boots
  • Socks preferably cotton sports socks but take some extra pairs
  • Crampon (optional)

Essential gear

  • Day Backpack above the 30 L
  • Pack covers
  • Thermos Bottel- hard bottle that can be used for boiled drinking water

Water peals

  • Umbrella / Poncho
  • Walking pole if you need it
  • Thick Sleeping bag
  • Deodorant
  • Laundry soap
  • Antibacterial Gel
  • Toiletries
  • Toothbrush
  • Shampoo

Personal accessories

  • Cell phone
  • Watch
  • Camera
  • Money wallet with Money
  • Padlocks
  • Plastic bag
  • Sewing kit
  • Extra p photos and passport photocopies

First-aid Kit

  • Diamox (acetazolamide)
  • Lozenges
  • Elastic bandages
  • Moleskin
  • Cotton bandages and band-aids
  • Lancing needle
  • Antibiotic eye-drops
  • Thermometer
  • Sling
  • Paracetamol
  • Antiseptic antibacterial cream or solution
  • Painkillers
  • Anti-emetic for nausea (not at high altitude)
  • Loperamide to control diarrhea
  • Norfloxacin or Cipro to cure diarrhea, other infections
  • Oral rehydration salts

Himalayan Frozen Adventure Pvt. Ltd porter is available for (2 trekkers a porter) who will carry up to 20 kg at maximum; therefore, keep this in mind before you pack your bags!!!