Intermediate
Annapurna Base Camp with Poonhil
- 10 days
- Group Size:
- 4130 m/13,550 ft
₹+GST
Description:
The beauty of combining two Himalayan treks into one!!!
There are very few Himalayan treks in India and Nepal that actually brings you closest to a mighty mountain peak. Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the them and actually you can say that you have been closest to the Mt Annapurna without climbing it. The ABC trek or the Annapurna Base Camp trek is undoubtedly the most renowned trek in Nepal that has large footfalls every year from all corners of the world. And the icing on the cake is that when you combine your ABC trek with Poon Hill. Trust me, the best way to explore Annapurna Sanctuary with all of its stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences is through Poon Hill.
Being face to face with an eight-thousander is literally a different feeling altogether and cannot be explained in words. This spectacular view is actually so close that you literally feel like touching the mountains. So imagine, if the view is so beautiful, how dramatic and beautiful the sunset and sunrise would be in this magical region over those snow-capped peaks. But the excitement does not ends here as we will first explore the Ghorepani Poon Hill region first and witness astounding views of the mountains from a lower elevation as well.
Not only is this region beautiful and heavenly, but it is also rich in history and steeped in mythology. The mighty Annapurna mountain is named after the Hindu Goddess Annapurna, who is known to be the provider of food and nourishment. In Sanskrit, Anna means food and Purna means filled which in together means everlasting food. In fact, the entire Annapurna Sanctuary is considered to be a very holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists which is located just at the base of the Annapurna Massif. There is also the Annapurna temple located in this place. Even the people of the Gurung community still live in this region since the 6th century and believe the mountains to be their only provider of food, wealth, and well-being. Its history dates back to ancient times and the trek route was originally used as the only pilgrimage route to this region and also the only trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The famous peak Machapuchare is believed to be the home of the Hindu Lord Shiva and the plumes of snow placed on the peak is believed to be the smoke of the divine incense of the Lord Shiva.
The trek to the Annapurna Base Camp region became commercialized in the 1960s after the successful expedition to the base camp in 1950 by a group of French climbers led by Maurice Herzog. However, over the years there have been significant changes in the trekking experience as initially the trek was considered to be extremely grueling and difficult since amenities were not available and the trekkers had to carry everything. However, the current scenario is completely different now as the entire trek has become more accessible and there are many routes and trails used now and different types of accommodations are available along with all the amenities. Not only this, but along the way to the base camp, you will find many restaurants, cafes, trekking gear shops, and local gift shops as well. So from these developments, you can understand how popular this particular trek has become in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Not only this trek is renowned for its astounding scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, but this region also has a rich cultural heritage. This region is also famous for its traditional dances like the Maruni and Ghatu dances.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill will provide mountain views that will literally make you spellbound in true sense. When you will be in Poon Hill, apart from the views of the entire Annapurna Massif, you will also get spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri range and Manaslu. On your trail, when you will be in the Ghandruk village, you will get the best views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare. The icing on the cake is that Machapuchare will actually walk with you all the way. Not only this, there is more on your plate and there will be a natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda.
In fact, there are very few treks in the Himalayan region that provide stunning vistas, the oldest and richest cultural encounters, and dramatic landscapes making it a must-do trek for trek lovers across the globe.
Pick-Up and Drop Time
On Day 1, you should arrive to Pokhara as per your schedule and contact our team. On Day 2, our journey for ABC trek will start from Pokhara at 9 am after breakfast. On the last day, we will checkout from Pokhara in the morning after breakfast.
Best Time to Visit
Pre-monsoon – March and April
Post-monsoon - October, November, December
The Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill is usually done two times a year. One is during the spring season in the pre-monsoon months of March and April and another is the autumn season or the post monsoon months of October, November, and December. During the spring season, you will find some traces of snow on the high altitudes of the trek, and during the autumn season, there won’t be any snow. However, in both seasons there is a higher possibility of clearer skies and magnificent views of the mountain peaks. During the spring season, the temperature would be between 20 °C and 24 °C during the daytime, and at night, it will fall down between 10 °C and 5 °C. And during the autumn season, the temperature would be between 15 °C and 18 °C in the daytime, and at night, it will fall down between 5 °C and -5 °C. So make sure to have the proper gear with you to sustain the temperature in any season you go.
Suitable Age Group: The suitable age group to do this trek is between 13 years and 60 years. ABC trek via Poon Hill has long walking hours hence your fitness level should be at its best. If you are between 13 to 17 years old, you should accompany your parents or guardian on this trek. If you are above 55 years of age, you need to carry a medically fit certificate from a doctor in order to go on this trek.
Mobile Network Availability
NCell, the local network is available in the lower altitude areas during the trail and the large villages. You will get network signal as well as mobile data services in these places however the coverage is patchy and not at all reliable in the remote areas. So it is best to inform your family about network issues and the best is to inform them in Pokhara itself.
How to Reach
By Air
Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport located in Kathmandu, Nepal. From Kathmandu, you need to reach Pokhara. There is no airport available in Pokhara but there is a landing field and you need to book an additional flight to reach Pokhara. The popular airline companies that run flights in this route are Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Simrik Air and you need to book the tickets in advance which are quite expensive. The total air distance is 200 km and can be travelled within 30 minutes.
By Train
There is no railway option available in Nepal and you need to reach Gorakhpur, Raxaul, or Jaynagar, New Jalpaiguri in India. From Gorakhpur, you need to reach Sonauli border, or from Raxaul you can reach the Birgunj border or from Jaynagar you can reach the Panitanki border. From these places, you can book a car or take a bus to Pokhara via Kathmandu.
By Road
If you are coming from the Gorakhpur side, Pokhara is 275 km away from Gorakhpur and would take around 8 hours to reach. If you are coming from Raxaul, then the distance covered is 259 km and would take around 7 hours to reach Pokhara. If you are coming from Panitanki, you need to reach Kathmandu first which is 457 km and will take 12 hours to reach. From Kathmandu, you need to reach Pokhara which is another 200 km in distance and will take 6.5 hours to reach.
Included
-
Accommodation while trekking in tea house.
-
Transportation to Hille from Pokhara and to Pokhara from Jhinu.
-
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 times tea/coffee) while on trek. Day 1 lunch from Day 9 breakfast excluding reserve day.
-
Trekking permits (TIMS and ACAP)
-
First aid medical kits.
-
Qualified & experienced trek leader, nepal government certified guide.
Exclude
-
Hotel at Pokhra.
-
Porter to carry personal luggage.
-
Entry fee.
-
Insurance for clients.
-
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Highlights of The Trek
The highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill are as follows:
What To Pack
- Trekking pole
- Water bottle
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Power bank
- Rain cover for rucksack
- Sun cap
- Windproof jacket
- Sunscreen lotions
- Trekking shoes
Tour Plan :
Day 1
Pick up from Pokhara, drive to Hille. Then trek to Ulleri.
On the first day, we will start our journey from Pokhara. You are suggested to reach Pokhara on the previous day on your own. In the morning You can also enjoy the boat ride on Pokhara Lake and enjoy the stunning sunset from the lake over the mountains surrounding. Pokhara is also a nice place to explore with numerous cafes and local shops. Our transport will reach you at Hille via Nayapul. It is 111 KM distance and will take around 2-3 hours. Then we will trek to Ulleri (6724 ft) and the distance covered is 7 km and will take around 5 hours to reach. Overnight stay at a tea house in Ulleri after having lunch on the way at Hille.
Day 2
Trek to Ghorepani
On the 2nd day, we will trek to Ghorepani(9446 ft) from Ulleri (6724 ft). We will start our trek after breakfast and the total distance covered today will be 11 km which will take around 6-7 hours to reach. The trail today is mainly a gradual ascent with some steep climbs in some areas. The most attractive part of today’s trek is our way through the dense Rhododendron forest accompanied by stunning waterfalls and streams. In April the blooming trees will definitely steal your heart. It is very important to adapt to the altitude gain and acclimatize properly in order to avoid any types of altitude sickness.
Day 3
Early morning hike Poonhill, a vantage point for sunrise, then trek Tadapani
Today is the first important day of the trek when we will trek to Poon Hill (10,529 ft) from Ghorepani (9446 ft) early in the morning. Today we need to start early in the morning for our ascent to Poon Hill so that we can get the best views. Today you will get the most picturesque view of the Himalayan vistas of snow-capped mountains among which three 8000-meter peaks – Annapurna south (7219 meters), Dhaulagiri (8167 meters), and Hiunchulli (6441 m) along with other remarkable peaks. All I can say is that after you witness the magnificent 360° view from the top, you will know that all the hard work is indeed worth the effort.
After spending some quality time in Poon Hill, we will have a downhill trek to Tadapani (8628 ft). On the way, you will pass through beautiful Rhododendron forests and quaint little villages that will give you a glimpse of their simple remote life. Overnight stay in a tea house with some stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 4
Trek to Chomrong
Today we will trek to Chomrong (7118 ft) from Tadapani (8628 ft). We will cross a stream named Kimrong Khola where you can have your lunch. With the view of the Annapurna range all through the trail and walk through the Oaks and Rhododendrons, we finally reach Chomrong – a small hamlet known as the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The total distance covered is 10 km and will take around 5-6 hours to reach Chomrong. From Chomrong we will have a stunning view of Macchapuchare also known as Fish tail (6993 m). Sunset on the backdrop of this peak makes the most dramatic landscape. Overnight stay at a tea house.
Day 5
Trek to Upper Dovan
Today we will trek to Upper Dovan (8,202 ft) via Bamboo (7660 ft) from Chomrong (7118 ft) and the distance covered is 11 km which will take around 5-6 hours. We will start the trek after breakfast and will descend down to Chomrong Khola. After crossing a suspension bridge there is an uphill trek towards Sinuwa. After walking through bamboo and rhododendron forests, we will reach Upper Dovan Overnight stay at Upper Dovan today.
Day 6
Trek to Macchapuchare base camp
Today we will trek from Upper Dovan to Macchapuchare Base camp (3700m) via Deorali and Himalaya. Today is an uphill trek to Himalaya, a perfect spot for little refreshment. Walking through dense forests, crossing river streams, waterfalls and slowly reaching towards snow-capped mountains. After Himalaya steep ascent starts towards Hinku Cave, a large hanging rock. We will walk by the river and after that will ascend towards Deurali. The vegetation begins to thin as you gain altitude. Moss-covered boulders and alpine shrubs dominate the landscape. Deurali offers astounding views of the valley along with sparse vegetation, rocky cliffs, and waterfalls. Beyond Deorali the valley opens dramatically. The trail traverses landslide-prone areas and moraine zones, requiring careful footing. You’ll notice signs reminding trekkers of potential avalanches, especially in winter and spring.
From MBC there is a spectacular view of high Himalayan mountains Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, Annapurna Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharva Chuli, and Gangapurna. Today we will stay at MBC with a magical surrounding of snow capped massifs.
Day 7
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Today we will trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), our showstopper of the trail. It is a gradual short walk from MBC, but feels challenging due to thinner air. Be cautious of icy patches and loose rocks, especially during the winter and early spring seasons. The valley is filled with glacial moraine and scattered boulders. After a trek of 2-3 hours, you will finally reach Annapurna Base Camp. As you near ABC, prayer flags and stone cairns mark the trail, symbolizing the spiritual significance of the region. From ABC, the Annapurna ranges are actually so close that you literally feel like touching the mountains. It is actually the closest you can reach Annapurna without climbing it. ABC offers massive panoramic views of the Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Annapurna I (Main), Hiunchuli, and other notable Himalayan peaks. Annapurna I is only visible from the camp in this trek. Today we will stay at ABC in the tea house.
Day 8
Trek down to Upper Dovan
After witnessing the outstanding sun rise from ABC we will get ready for our downhill journey following the same way back. Today we will trek down to Dovan which is 13km in distance and will require 6 hours to reach. Since the trail is mostly downhill, it won’t be much difficult. Overnight stay at Dovan.
Day 9
Trek to Jhinu, then drive to Pokhara
Today will be the last day of our trek and we will start our trek to Jhinu Danda (5838 ft) from Dovan (8218 ft) which will take around 5 hours. This is the only place where you can enjoy a shower in the natural hot water spring and give a much-needed relief to your sore feet and legs. After the much-needed shower and having lunch, we will drive back to Pokhara by the evening. Explore the evening in different cuisine cafes and visit the local shops to buy souvenirs and other beautiful stuff. Our trek ends with a pot full of beautiful memories. You can make your further arrangements to return back home.
Day 10
Buffer day
We advise to keep a buffer day in this trek for any unforeseen situations. Our trek leader will guide you properly in any adverse situation. Buffer day can be used anywhere in the trek as per expert’s decisions. Cost of the buffer day is excluded.
Guest Speak
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp was a great chapter of my life. I chose the itinerary with a beautiful detour of Poonhill. The journey dramatically changed my life. I fell in love with himalayas. The trek started from Hilley, where we reached by driving from Pokhara. The uncountable stairs made the trek a bit tiresome, but the view of the mighty Himalayas at the end of the trek is truly rewarding. The magical sunrise at Poon Hill, where the first golden light kissed the snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri left me mesmerised. As we walked through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and charming Gurung villages, tea houses I felt a deep connection with the mountains. The night stay at Machapuchare base camp was an exciting one. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp, standing in the heart of the towering Himalayas, was an overwhelming moment—I was surrounded by peaks soaring above 7,000 meters, their icy faces glowing under the sun. Sitting there at the tea house sipping a hot cup of tea while staring at the mighty Annapurna massif, I knew this journey had changed something within me. Every evening at the tea house the gossips over mountains made some new bonds in my life. This trek was more than an adventure—it was a soul-stirring experience, and I left with memories that will forever call me back to the Himalayas.- Tiyasha Sen
Customer Review
overall Ratings
Out of 5
Overall
Rating
5.0
Client’s Review
0 Reviews
(0 out of 5)
Recent News
