Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poonhill

13 Days

starting from $950

$ 900

5 / 5

based on 1 Reviews

Grade:

Moderate

Group Size:

2+ pax

Transport:

Car, Bus, Jeep

Altitude:

4,130m

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotels and Local Lodges

Starts At:

Kathmandu

Ends At:

Kathmandu

  • Best Price Guaranteed
  • Tailor Made Itinerary
  • 99% recommended by previous trekkers
  • Operate by local mountain leaders
  • Instant Online Booking
  • Serving since 2011

Highlights

  • Visit the Annapurna conservation area, which is home to many plants and animals,
  • Hike to the highest point in the Annapurna Base Camp to see the Annapurna glacier
  • Throughout the trek, you can see the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges.
  • Go to the beautiful Poon Hill, which is a great place to watch the magical golden sunrise over the mighty mountains from a high point.
  • Jhinu Danda has natural hot springs where you can jump and relax to get rid of the stress of the day.
  • Celebrate the success of being able to stand with your team at an elevation of 4,130 meters below the mountains.
  • Amazing hospitality of the local Gurung people.

Overview

Extend the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek with an equally popular trail that goes to Ghorepani Poonhill. One of the best classical trekking experiences in Annapurna conservation areas is the journey to Annapurna base camp via the breathtaking Ghorepani Poon Hill route. If you want to see breathtaking mountain views from a lower altitude and like to explore higher to the high Himalayan glacial regions and the Annapurna Base Camp, then the Poon Hill ABC Trek will be the best option for you.

After a scenic drive from Kathmandu, the Annapurna Base Camp Poon Hill Trek begins in a beautiful tourist city at Pokhara. As we make our way from Ghorepani to Tadapani, we’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the mountains. Later, we’ll be watching the sun rise over the mountains from the top of Poonhill. Spectacular views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Mt. Dhaulagiri are available from the top.

After this, we follow the classic ABC Trek which goes through the Annapurna conservation area. The majority of the path winds through a jungle filled with Snow leopards, deer, and countless other species, as well as a rich array of plants. Before reaching Machhapuchre Base Camp, the trail passes through the towns of Tadapani, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bambo, Dobhan, Himalaya, and Deurali. Beyond Himalaya Hotel, the area is revered as a sacred area, where it is not permitted to sacrifice animals, so people also call it the Annapurna Sanctuary and the trek the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

The path doubles back until reaching Chhomrong village, where it then descends to Jhinudanda, where there is a natural hot spring. Gurung community is the main inhabitants of this area and around the entire trek in general.

Therefore we welcome you to join Glorious Himalaya on this amazing hike with both ABC and Poonhill!

Check out our itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill. Or just send us an email and we’ll tailor-make an itinerary based on your requirements.

Best Season for this trek

The Annapurna Base Camp with Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is best done in the springtime (March–April) or the fall (October–November).

Spring is the season before the monsoons and summer, so the weather will be milder than it would otherwise be. Also, since this is the time of year when flowers and foliage flourish, the walkways will be awash in color and life. The forest floor is covered in shades of deep green, and rhododendrons are in full bloom. The ABC trip will therefore feature an array of colors including green, red, and pink.

The months of September, October, and November in Nepal are known as “autumn,” the season that follows the monsoon. Consistently pleasant daytime highs and refreshingly cool overnight lows characterize the current weather pattern. Thanks to the clear sky, the Annapurna range can be seen in stunning detail. The average daily temperature during this time of year ranges from about 12 to 20 degrees Celsius.

How much difficult is the ABC with Ghorepani and is it worth it?

The Annapurna Base Camp with Ghorepani and Poonhill is a 4-day extension to the normal Annapurna Base Camp trek. While the number of days increases, the trail reaches to a relatively low altitude at Poonhill and the extra trail is quite easy as well. Thus the Ghorepani Poonhill extension to the ABC will not make the trek much more difficult due to the addition. However, you may feel slightly more tired as you climb the way to ABC.

We would absolutely say that the extension is worth the extra days. The views from Ghorepani and the view of the sunrise from Poonhill are extremely pretty and the panoramic landscape is so amazing that many take the trek only to Poonhill.

When combined with the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered a Moderate trek. To make it through this journey, you should be healthy and reasonably fit. Trekking requires not only physical fitness but also mental fortitude to ensure a successful journey. Inexperienced mountaineers would do well to plan ahead for this expedition. Those who have been hiking before, especially at high altitudes, shouldn’t have any problems. The trek to ABC serves as a warmup for the more challenging journey to Everest Base Camp.

We have another 10 days Shorten version Annapurna base camp trek package for those travelers who have limited time for this trek and aspire to reach Annapurna base camp within a short period.

Itinerary

01 DAY

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel - (1400m)

You will arrive in Kathmandu on the very first day of your trip. A representative from Glorious Himalaya will be waiting for you outside the terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. Upon arrival in Nepal, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Once you have checked into your hotel, you can relax there for a while or go out and about to get a feel for the neighborhood.

Accommodation:

Hotel

Meals Included:

Breakfast

02 DAY

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (850m) - 7 hrs drive

Get some breakfast and get ready to leave Kathmandu as soon as you can. We take a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara by the lake Fewa. To get to Pokhara, you need to take a bus for about 8 hours. Your lunch stop will be in the town of Malekhu, which is known for its river fish. From Kathmandu’s domestic airport, you can also take a scenic flight to Pokhara. Today’s drive will take you by farms, villages, terraced fields, rivers, streams, lush valleys, rough canyons, and farmlands, all of which are typical of rural Nepal.

When you get to Pokhara, there will be a private car waiting to take you to your hotel. Tonight, our guide will tell you about the trip. On the lakeside in Pokhara, there are great restaurants with a wide range of cuisines and a lively nightlife with dance and music performances.

Accommodation:

Hotel

Meals Included:

Breakfast

03 DAY

Drive to Ulleri - 3 hrs and Trek to Ghorepani (2,874m) - 4 hrs walk

This is the day first of ABC Poon Hill Trek.  The trek commences at  Ulleri (1,960m) after 3 to 4 hours of driving by private/Public vehicle from Pokhara via Nayapul (1,010m), Birethanti, Tikhedhunga (1160m), Hille (1,495m) village.  In the begging, we walk through the village and farm terrace ascending gently, through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti (2,250m).

Occasionally,  the Longgur (long tail black mouth Monkey) jumps in the trees. Then, continue to walk towards Nangethanti (2,460m), after an hour’s walk we arrive at Ghorepani (2840m). Stay overnight at a Teahouse.

Walking Distance:

10.3km/ 6.4 miles

Elevation Gain:

2052 m/ 6,832 ft

Accommodations:

Hotel

Meals Included:

Breakfast

04 DAY

Hike to Poon hill (3,210m) and trek to Tadapani (2,623m) - 5 hrs walk

Without eating breakfast, we get up at the crack of dawn and walk for an hour to the top of Poon Hill. Some of the best sunrises in Nepal can be seen from Poon hill, which offers a breathtaking panorama. Dhaulagiri I and II, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Mardi Himal, and Lamjung Himal are all visible from the peak of Poon hill. Ahead of the mountains are some hills that, come spring, are covered in rhododendron. Enjoying tea atop Poonhill while taking breathtaking photographs is a perfect way the morning. After a long morning walk, we head back to Ghorepani for breakfast.

After breaking for breakfast, we set out on the trail that will lead us down to Tadapani. We can stop for food at Banthanti around noon to eat. Today, the trail is teeming with monkeys. Once we get to Tadapani, we’ll have a fantastic view of Fishtail Mountain.

Walking Distance:

11 KM/ 6.8 Miles

Elevation Gain:

336 m/ 1102 ft

Accommodation:

Tea House

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

05 DAY

Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m) - 5 hrs walk

Today we walk from Tadapani to Chhomrong where the main trail to Annapurna Base Camp is rejoined. We begin descending quite steeply into the valley. At the bottom will be a suspension bridge that we cross. Slowly we reach Taglung village where we can rest for some time. As Chhomrong lies at a lower altitude the descent continues for quite some time till we reach Chhomrong.

We cross through many farmlands and can get to see animals like mules on the trail as well which bring food higher up. Crossing Upper Chhomrong, we have to walk for around 20 minutes more to reach Chhomrong where we stay for the night.

Walking Distance:

11 KM/ 6.9 Miles

Elevation Lose:

453 m/ 1,486 ft

Accommodation:

Tea House

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

06 DAY

Trek to Dovan (2,500m) - 6 hrs walk

We leave Chhomrong early in the morning towards Dovan. Initially, we have to descend many stone steps which seem to go on forever. We then cross the suspension bridge and start the ascent to Sinuwa. Crossing Bamboo so named after the large number of bamboo trees that surround the area we keep walking toward our destination.

Nearby Bamboo you may even get a glimpse of the Red Pandas and bears. A number of waterfalls also deck the route. After crossing Sinuwa the region becomes entirely vegetarian. We then have to start descending to reach Dovan where we will settle for the night.

Walking Distance:

11.2 KM/ 7 Miles

Elevation Gain:

330 m/ 1,082.5 ft

Accommodation:

Tea House

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

07 DAY

Trek to Deurali (3,200m) - 4 hrs walk

Today is a comparatively short day of trekking as we only have to cover around 7-8 kilometers. The trail continues to be filled with Bamboo and Rhododendron trees. As we walk we near the Hinku Bridge. We can go for a short detour to Hinku Cave which is located nearby as well.

We continue following the Modi River until we reach Deurali for lunch. The trek today only lasts 3-4 hours so we can freshen up to explore nearby and relax for a larger push tomorrow.

Walking Distance:

6.7 KM/ 4.2 Miles

Elevation Gain:

700 m/ 2,296.5 ft

Accommodation:

Tea House

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

08 DAY

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp - (4,130m) via Machhapuchhere Base Camp (3,700m) - 5 hrs walk

You’ll get to the Annapurna Base Camp today. The train slowly goes up the mountain in the morning, and then it goes down the mountain quite steeply for some time. After a short hike further, you can get to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. From here, you can see the Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and other mountains in the area.

You start walking and make your way through the region with less vegetation until you reach the Annapurna Base Camp in just under two hours. You’ve reached the top of your hike at 4,130 meters. In the morning, you can watch the sunrise over the steep south face of Annapurna, which rises above you from the lap of this beautiful mountain. Standing at the base of the tenth-tallest peak in the world is a very big accomplishment. We can roam around the Annapurna Base Camp today and check out the area and see the awesome sunset.

Walking Distance:

9.2 KM/ 5.7 Miles

Elevation Gain:

930 m/ 3,051 ft

Accommodation:

Tea House

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

09 DAY

Trek to Bamboo (2,345m) - 6 hrs walk

Sunrise at the Annapurna Base Camp is glorious. Taking numerous pictures, we grab breakfast and begin our descent back after reaching the climax of the trip. In order to reach Bamboo today, you will follow the same path that led you to Bamboo. Following the Modi Khola again we begin our trek after breakfast.

At Bamboo, you’ll drop to an elevation of roughly 1700 meters. These two locations are separated by roughly 18 kilometers, making the journey between them the longest of the entire trip. Here you can get both pickled bamboo and bamboo vegetables. We stay here at a lodge and retire to bed after dinner.

Walking Distance:

15 KM/ 9.3 Miles

Elevation Lose:

1785 m/ 5,856 ft

Accommodation:

Tea House

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10 DAY

Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m) - 5 hrs walk

First thing in the morning in Bamboo, eat some food and then walk for about an hour through the woods to get to Sinuwa. We walk back up the stone steps we descended on the way to ABC from the town of Sinowa. Depending on our hunger levels, we can either stop for lunch at Sinowa or head straight to Jhinu danda.

We arrive at Jhinu Danda, sign in, and immediately head to the on-site hot spring for some much-needed Rest & Recuperation. A cold-water river originates in the glacier regions and flows past the hot spring. The lodge is where we’ll be spending the night after a nice, relaxing bath. After the long journey is over, we can celebrate here.

Walking Distance:

11.7 KM/ 7.3 Miles

Elevation Lose:

1,115 m/ 3,658 ft

Accommodation:

Tea House

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11 DAY

Trek to Siwai (1,230m) and then drive to Pokhara city - 3 hrs walk

After breakfast, we will depart from Jhinu Dada on our final day of hiking. Until you reach Siwai, we’ll be walking alongside the Modi River. It takes around three hours to walk from Jhinu Danda to Siwai, which is located about a few kilometers away. Siwai is accessible from Pokhara by road.

There will be a vehicle waiting for you at Siwai to drive you back to Pokhara. Pokhara is home to a variety of tourist hotspots like Fewa Lake. As the sun sets over Fewa Lake, we can enjoy a variety of cuisines and toast our successful trek at the Lakeside.

Walking Distance:

4.3 KM/ 2.7 Miles

Elevation Lose:

380m/ 1,246 ft

Accommodation:

Hotel

Meals Included:

Breakfast and Lunch

12 DAY

Drive back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu and Pokhara are connected by the picturesque Prithvi Highway. Lunch options include Muglin and Malekhu, both of which are excellent choices.  Malekhu is famous for its fresh fish, caught in the nearby Trishuli River. Travel time can be lengthy, however, due to traffic and road conditions, especially in Muglin and Kathmandu.

As an option, we can visit the Manakamana temple, which is located not far from Kurintar. We’ll walk you back to your accommodation. At last, your journey comes to an end in Kathmandu.

Accommodation:

Hotel

Meals Included:

Breakfast and Dinner

13 DAY

Departure Day

On our final day in Kathmandu, after breakfast, our vehicle and guides will meet you at the hotel three hours before our flight back. It was wonderful to finally meet you at Glorious Himalaya. We shall remember the good times we shared as we pray for your safe return home. In Nepal, we say “Feri Bhetumla,” which translates roughly to “Until We Meet Again.”

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Trip Includes

  • All the airport and hotel shuttles by private vehicles as per the itinerary.
  • 2 nights of 3-star standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive of bed and breakfast.
  • 8 nights twin sharing local lodges accommodation during the trek.
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast.
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the trek in the mountain region.
  • Both way Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu surface transportation by tourist bus.
  • Private jeep transport from Pokhara to Ulleri. (trek starting point)
  • Private jeep transport from Siwai to Pokhara. (at the end of the trek)
  • An experienced and certified local trekking guide for the trek.
  • Supporting local porters to carry your belongings during the trek. (1 porter for 2 people)
  • All the essential trekking permits and paperwork for the trek.
  • If needed, we will provide rain protection duffel bag and sleeping bag to use for the trek.
  • First aid medicine with an oximeter (which is very useful to check your pulse at high altitudes) for the trek
  • An emergency helicopter rescue and treatment in case of your health issues while on the trek.  (Should have your travel insurance)
  • Trip achievement certificate after trip completion.
  • All government taxes and company service charges.
  • At the end of the tour, Nepali food farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a cultural dance program.

Trip Exclude

  • International airfares and Nepal entry visa. Click here for Nepal tourist visa information.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Your personal expenses such as the use of WIFI, hot shower, battery charging, etc in the mountain regions.
  • Tips to the trip supporter. (Guide & Porters)

Book Your Own Date

Choose a Private Trip

If you’d prefer to share this with your own group of friends, we’ve got good news, it’s also available as a Private Adventure!, Our Private Adventure specialists are on hand to give you a quote or talk through some different options. Feel free to give them a call on +9779843760242 or Email us at info@glorioushimalaya.com

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 ) What happens if I need emergency evacuation whilst on the trek?

All our guides are well-experienced and are aware of the possible physical problems and crises that may arise during the trek. They are well-trained with first aid and are already prepared for any sort of emergencies.  

For any minor cases, there are health posts organized by local and foreign doctors.

In case of an emergency, the guides are qualified to deliver the First-Aid and will transfer you to the nearest hospitals possible or alert for immediate Air-Evacuation to Kathmandu. 

For major issues like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the guides provide Diamox and instantly descend the patient to the lower elevation as soon as possible, and if necessary, promptly evacuate to Kathmandu. 

We will cover the initial expenses for the rescue operation since these expenses will need to be recovered either from your insurance company or over cash/credit. 

2 ) What's the success rate for your trips?

We now have a 95% success rate for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

3 ) Where do I purchase trekking gears?

It is not necessary to invest a great deal of money buying gear for your Annapurna Base Camp Trek on your nation, as the majority of those gears can be purchased at reasonable prices in Kathmandu. Besides, we will provide you the high-quality sleeping bags and the rain protection duffel bags for your trek. (No charge, to be returned).

4 ) Do I require to get insured for this trek?

In case of a severe illness or any casualties, while You’re on Annapurna base camp trek (that we think won’t happen), we’ll do everything to move one to the closest hospital to save your life (that has happened to us few times), and you’re utterly accountable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation/rescue, therefore, please be certain these costs are covered by your insurance coverage before assigning to the trek Or even be ready to cover your own after return to Kathmandu. So make sure that you’ve insured yourself with at least 50 thousand dollars of coverage before performing the excursion.

5 ) Do I have to Book this trip early?

We highly recommend you book your trip in a few months’ advance. We need to reserve your hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, especially during the peak trekking season, when there is a large number of trekkers. However, if you arrive and want to organize your trip we can also arrange Last MINUTE BOOKINGS !!!  The earliest is best for us.

6 ) What sort of hotel can I expect in Kathmandu and Pokhara?

In our given package, we provide luxurious Thamel based 3-star standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara city, such as Hotel Thamel Park, Hotel Splendid View, Kathmandu Eco Hotel, etc. However, if you prefer the higher-standard hotels, we will reserve accordingly and it will charge extra costs.

7 ) Food & Accommodation during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

You will spend your night at the common local teahouse or lodges during your ABC trek, which is the classic form of trekking accommodation in the ABC trial. Most are set and operated by local villagers and provide you basic yet optimal facilities like comfortable rooms, westernized washrooms, hot showers, and WIFI. While at dinner, you can also meet other interesting people from different nationalities, with their interesting stories.

While both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are available for meals that are hygienic and healthy. You can order your favorites as per the menu of the teahouse/lodge. On the lower elevations, you can taste a wider variety of dishes like Nepali, Indian, Continental, Tibetan, etc. While Tea, coffee, eggs, bakery items, snacks, bars, etc can easily be found on your trek.

8 ) Do I need a prior Trekking Experience?

Some prior trekking experiences is beneficial.
However, any novice or experienced trekker with moderate fitness should be able to complete the trek.

For those who are used to hiking long distances with a weighted backpack, they might find the trek easy.

Moreover, those who don’t have any such experiences can try jogging, sprinting, swimming, and exercising a few weeks before the trekking which helps to boost your endurance level but also brings your body in proper shape condition. Hike around nearby places, and focus on building your strength. The trek is challenging but rewarding in every way. With a little bit of training and determination, you can conquer the trek and tick it off your bucket list.

9 ) What are the benefits of having a guide for ABC trek?

Hiring a professional licensed guide will add more trekking experience. Some of the ways that having a guide will benefit you are:

1. Lead or suggest the best trails to take.
2. Manage all your permits.
3. Recommend the best spots to rest, eat at, and stay overnight.
4. Monitor your health regularly.
5. Provide first aid treatment in case of emergencies.
6. Assist you to communicate with the locals.
7. Get the latest updates on the weather conditions of the trails.
8. Provide you information on the surroundings such as the names of the mountains/peaks, their height, plus Local names.
9. Give information on the culture, flora and fauna of the region, and some interesting stories.

Besides, having a guide is also having a friend as a guardian who is always there to look after you. You don’t have to focus on making lots of decisions while on the trek and make the most of your trip. Moreover, you are employing someone and also contributing to a local economy.

Read More FAQs

Traveller’s Review


When I went on my trip to the Annapurna region, Prakash was a fantastic guide. I went on my journey with Prakash alone and am a girl of 23 years old. I had originally planned to complete the entire Annapurna Circuit, but Ganesh was helpful in reorganizing my journey such that I would instead complete Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill for a 10-day walk. I had a great day hiking with Prakash, and he was a fantastic guide who looked out for me so well. On days when we finished early, we went on some exciting additional treks, which was amazing. The Mardi Himal base camp was another addition we made, and it was fantastic! Prakash was really accommodating to all of my needs, adding more treks when I indicated a desire, which was amazing, and he handled everything so well.

Additionally, if you are unsure whether to go with a private guide or a group, I would highly suggest choosing the latter so you may enjoy your journey exactly how you want to!

whatsapp image 2023 05 07 at 105842

Katie B
USA

13 Days starting from $950

$ 900

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