The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking adventures in Nepal. The Annapurna range gives many perfect sets of geographical locations for trekking and traveling. The trek to base camp and treks around the Massifs (circuit trek) are some examples. We at My Everest Trip propose a trip that combines both a trek to the base camp and the circuit trek. This is the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill takes you to two very popular major destinations. They are the base camp of the mountain and the Poonhill station.
This trip to Annapurna Base Camp trek via poon hill is an exciting adventure in the Himalayas. It specifically aims to take you to the western Himalayan highlands. Trekking this route is renowned for its remarkable scenery, breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, abundant wildlife, and lively cultural legacy. One can see picturesque, isolated mountain settlements and thick forests along the way. The ascent of Annapurna Base Camp, the tenth-highest mountain in the world, is one of the primary attractions. Along with that, you also get the most aesthetic views of your lifetime from the Poon Hill station.
The trek takes you through the trails comprising the Annapurna Conservation Area. This region is inhabited by various species of wildlife. You might get a sighting of some rare birds and animals during your trip. These trails are heaven on earth for biologists.
During your climb up the trails, you will also get immensely beautiful mountain views. You get views of mountains like peaks of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Hiuchuli, Machhapuchhre, etc.
The trails take you to several traditional hamlets. While walking through these villages, you can experience the local lifestyle and culture. The trails are inhabited by various indigenous communities like Gurungs, Magars, etc. They hold certain values, cultures, norms, and traditions that would be interesting to observe. There are various ancient temples and monasteries reflecting their culture that you will visit en route.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill begins from Kathmandu and ends at Kathmandu. We first fly or drive to Pokhara and head to Nayapul. Then, we start our trek and first head to Ghorepani. Our trek will continue as we aim to reach the Annapurna base camp. Then, we make our way back to Pokhara via trails that pass through Bamboo and Jhinu Dada. The trip officially ends with us traveling back to Kathmandu.
If you’re looking to do this amazing trip, make sure to stick around. We have explained in detail everything you need to know about this package.
Trip Highlights
- Take a scenic flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, absorbing the beautiful landscapes of the Nepali hills.
- Get a chance to experience the local culture in the beautiful village of Ghorepani.
- Walk through rhododendron forests along with beautiful snow-capped mountain views on the horizon.
- Witness beautiful backdrops of the mountains via the Poon Hill station.
- Observe rare flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Learn about the Gurung and Magar culture of Nepal
- Get to the lap of one of the highest peaks in the world, Mount Annapurna.
- Immerse and relax in the natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
- See mountains like Annapurna Range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Machhapuchhre, etc up close.
Table of Contents
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Poon Hill
The finest times to visit the Nepali Himalayas are in the spring and fall. We strongly advise you to schedule your journey to the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill at a comparable time. These seasons occur in the months of March, April, and May for springtime. Likewise, autumn includes September, October, and November. On the other hand, current patterns indicate that monsoon rains can fall in September. So, base your plans on the prediction of the weather.
Spring and autumn are also the greatest seasons for your walks because of the availability of unobstructed views. Unhindered views of the neighboring mountains are available. Moreover, there is less likelihood of snowfall and rainfall during these seasons. As a result, the trails get safer. You will be safer because trails prone to snowy and slick routes become dry and reduce accidents and injuries.
The weather is very wonderful and mild at this time of year. Autumn also brings the festival seasons of Dashain and Tihar in Nepal. The Nepali calendar starts a new year in the spring. As a result, everything will be happy and pleasant, which makes a trip to Nepal perfect. Make sure your calendar is set up to allow you to complete your Annapurna Base camp trek via poon hill during such fun times.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Poon Hill Difficulty Level
Following the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, one of the most well-liked trekking routes is the Annapurna Base Camp trek. This trip combining EBC and Poon Hill trek sound rather terrifying because of the reputation of base camp excursions. But you don’t have to be extremely afraid to embark on this walk. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a moderate difficulty level. The Poon Hill more less. This trek doesn’t require you to be an athlete to finish. But it’s a good idea to stay in shape, go on quick treks, and engage in cardio exercises to increase stamina.
People of all ages who engage in moderate daily activity are eligible to participate in this expedition. Still, altitude sickness precautions need to be followed. The elevation difference is the hardest aspect of this trek. In the Himalayas, you have to trek uphill, which increases your risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, planning an itinerary to avoid it and traveling more slowly are required.
Our trek schedule is perfect because it takes you via Ghorepani to the base camp. It helps you adjust to the Himalayas and enables you to exercise for greater altitude gains. You will both take pleasure in exploring unusual places and acclimatize your body to the isolated Himalayas.
See also: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Permits Needed
Your requirements for the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill are two major permits. The permits in question are the ACAP and TIMS.
Trekker’s Information Management System Permit, known by its acronym, TIMS, is one of the permits. For any foreign hiker visiting Nepal, this general permit is required. It guarantees one’s security when hiking the Annapurna circuit’s inaccessible trails.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, also known by the acronym ACAP, is the other permit. The protected area in the Annapurna region is where this permit is enforced. It makes certain that the local flora and fauna will continue to exist and thrive.
Food and Accomodation
The options for food and accommodation vary based on where you will stay for the day. Our stay in Kathmandu or at Pokhara will be in hotels. However, in the remote hamlets of the trek, we will stay in a tea house. Hotels will have a wider range of amenities, but tea houses have limited resources. The more remote you travel, the less access to basic resources. Hence, the facilities will not be on par with the city and will be more expensive due to freight charges for commuting for rations in the remote trails.
The food and drink options also vary and change based on where you are on your trip. Pokhara and Kathmandu have a wider range of cuisines. However, the local tea house in remote trails provides mostly Nepali staple food. You will likely get regular Nepali meals like rice, lentils, and vegetable curry. Other foods like thukpa(soup noodles), chowmein, momo(dumplings) etc are also available. Drinking options will also be available, like soda, tea, coffee, etc.
Itinerary
Day 01 Drive/Flight to Pokhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Place: Pokhara
Altitude: 860 Meters
Time taken – 7 to 8 hours drive or half an hour flight
Pokhara, the stunning city of lakes, will be our first stop of the trip. We’ll take you via picturesque paths that curve alongside Nepal’s hills on a meandering road. As you travel the Prithvi Highway, you will see numerous hills, rivers, and villages. The stunning Himalayas of the city will greet you after a five-hour drive. You could also choose a short half an hour scenic flight to get to the city.
Numerous lakes may be seen in the city’s heart, including the captivating Phewa Lake as you enter. For the day, we’ll be based in one of the lakeside hotels.
Day 02 Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedunga [1,560m/5,116ft]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Tikhedhunga
Altitude: 1650 Meters
Time taken – 5 to 6 hours
We shall start walking today. However, before that, we’ll quickly drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, where our journey begins. We shall start our walk from Nayapul along the subtropical paths that border Modi Khola. There is a checkpoint near Birenthanti, where the trail leads. This is the checkpoint for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, and this is where you should process your permits. After that, we carry on walking uphill towards Tikhedhunga via terraced rice paddies.
We will spend the night at the neighborhood tea house after arriving.
Day 03 Tikhedunga to Ghorepani [2,860m/9,380ft]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Ghorepani
Altitude: 2860 Meters
Time taken – 7 to 8 hours trek
Today, we are going to walk from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani. There is a route that crosses a small stream during the walk. After passing that, you have to ascend an inclined staircase that takes you to Ulleri, a hamlet that is 2070 meters high. The local Magar community lives in this Hamlet. Then, via Nangethanti, we go through numerous rhododendron and oak-filled forests until arriving at Gorepani. Once more, we will spend the night at a nearby tea house.
Day 04 Ghorepani to Tadapani [2,630m/8,626ft]
![Ghorepani to Tadapani [2,630m 8,626ft]](https://myeveresttrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ghorepani-to-Tadapani-2630m-8626ft.jpg)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Tadapani
Altitude: 2360 Meters
Time taken – 7 to 8 hours trek
Our journey to the base camp will be continued on the hike of today. Our goal for today is to get to Tadapani. There will be paths with thick rhododendron trees along the trek once more. In addition, there are waterfalls, a variety of wild animals and birds, and beautiful natural landscapes.
We will make our way to a nearby tea house upon arriving and end the day there.
Day 05 Tadapani to Chhomrong [2,170m/7,176ft]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Chhomrong
Altitude: 2170 Meters
Time taken – 6 to 7 hours trek
The trek will take us downhill through an oak and rhododendron-filled alpine woodland today. We shouldn’t have much trouble making it to Chhomrong by midday, where we will have lunch. This hamlet, called Chhomrong, is home to the Gurung people. This permanent habitation is among the highest in the area. You will have expansive views of mountains like Annapurna South and Machhapuchre from the settlement.
We will spend the night at the hamlet’s tea house.
Day 06 Chhomrong to Himalaya [2,902m/9,577ft]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Himalaya
Altitude: 1460 Meters
Time taken – 6 to 7 hours trek
Today’s walk is a long, steep stone staircase that leads from Chhomrung to Kuldi. The trail will once more lead through breathtaking rhododendron forests to Sinuwa. We’ll take a quick stroll from Sinuwa to Bamboo. During our stroll today, we will witness Langur monkeys leaping from one tree to another.
Next, we’ll proceed to the Himalayan Hotel, one level above our base camp for the day. The walk leads you along a steep, rock- or bank-side path that descends. The village of Doban will subsequently be reached by meandering steps through bamboo and rhododendron trees, after which you will trek along fairly flat paths once more. After five to six hours of hiking, we will reach the Himalayan Hotel, where we will stay for the night.
Day 07 Himalaya to Annapurna Base camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Annapurna Base Camp
Altitude: 4130 Meters
Time taken – 6 to 7 hours trek
Today, we will arrive at Annapurna Base Camp, our much-anticipated location. On our way out of the Himalayan Hotel, we’ll cross a river. Next, we traverse a lateral moraine and descend to a glacier on the other side. Before reaching Annapurna Base Camp, you will ascend to the glacier’s bed.
Day 08 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo [2,310m/7,576ft]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Bamboo
Altitude: 2310 Meters
Time taken – 7 8 to hours trek
After we finish exploring the majestic Annapurna Base Camp, we will make our way back. Today, we retrace our steps and descend to Bamboo.
Day 09 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda [5838 ft, 1780m]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Jhinu Danda
Altitude: 1780 Meters
Time taken – 7 to 8 hours trek
As we follow the trails today, there will be a mix of climbs and descents. Our path takes us back to the Gurung hamlet of Chhomrong. Our destination for the day will be reached by a quick downhill hike to Jhinu danda. It is a natural hot spring and, hence, the reason for the place’s fame. Relax and let go of your fatigue by submerging yourself in the hot water. We will have a great time at the location before calling it a day.
Day 10 Jhinu Danda to Pothana [6199 ft, 1890m]
![Jhinu Danda to Pothana [6199 ft, 1890m]](https://myeveresttrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jhinu-Danda-to-Pothana-6199-ft-1890m.jpg)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Place: Pothana
Altitude: 1890 Meters
Time taken – 7 to 8 hours trek
We will trek to a hamlet called Pothana today. After having a well-relaxed day in the natural hot spring, we will go ahead with a thrilling day throughout trails with beautiful Himalayan vistas and landscapes. Explore the wilderness as much as you can as we arrive at almost the end of our trip. The trek to Pothana starts downhill but ultimately finishes off with an uphill trek. The village is a well-known overnight destination for hikers in the area, nestled atop picturesque hills.
Day 11 Pothana to Pokhara [2690 ft, 1400m]
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Place: Pokhara
Altitude: 860 Meters
Time taken – 3 hours
We will head back to Pokhara from Pothana. This requires a short walk to Dhampus and then a drive to Pokhara from Dhampus. Upon arrival we will check into a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 12 Drive/Flight to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Place: Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400 Meters
Time taken – 7 to 8 hours drive or half an hour flight
Today we will head back to Kathmandu, the same way we arrived Pokhara. This marks the official end of our Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill’s journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill?
The ABC trek via Poon Hill can take anywhere from 10 to 15 days. We plan on taking 12 days to complete this trek.
Can a beginner do this trek?
Yes, people with any level of experience in trekking can do this trek. But we do suggest you to get physically fitter before starting the trek.
How fit do I need to be for the ABC trek via Poon Hill?
You need to be fit enough to endure around 10 days of walking for 5 to 6 hours. Most of it will include an uphill walk for most of the trip.
What is the highest point of this trek?
At 4130 meters, the Annapurna base camp is the highest point of the climb.
Do you need a guide for the trek?
Yes, you need to bring a guide for this trek. The trekking of remote mountain trails is forbidden without the company of a licensed guide. We will ensure you have guides with you for the trip.
Do you need porters for the trek?
For your trek, porters are not a compulsion. However, they do make your travel much easier; you’ll carry less gear and have more stamina for the trek.
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill cost?
This trek will cost you USD 725.
Is there an age limit for the ABC trek via Poon Hill?
Please refrain from bringing kids younger than seven years old. Additionally, elderly individuals with health concerns shouldn’t walk the area.
Is the ABC trek via Poon Hill dangerous?
Although ABC Trek is not risky, improper planning could be deadly. Thus, be sure to follow every advice that the team and your guides provide. Practice caution and have a safe trip.
Is the ABC Trek the same as the EBC Trek?
Although both treks take you to the foothills of one of the tallest mountains, they are different. ABC trek is rather simpler compared to the EBC trek.
