Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill
Introduction
Head out in Nepal’s most beautiful trekking region, and book today Nobel Holidays’ Annapurna Base Camp trek of 15 days. This amazing trek in Nepal takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary to the legendary Annapurna Base Camp! See incredible views of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Manaslu and the Annapurna Massif I to IV! The trail is suitable for young and old and is trekked every year by people from around the world.
What can you expect?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers incredible views, Magar and Gurung culture, and amazing natural trails through forests and rocky valleys! Nobel Holidays has carefully planned out the perfect route to get you there, with a special visit to Poon Hill to see a breathtaking sunrise view over the Annapurna Himalayas!
Starting the Annapurna Base Camp trek with a scenic flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you’ll quickly notice Mt Machhapuchhre, also known as the Fishtail Mountain, rising from behind the city. We’ll spend the evening here and enjoy dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants before starting our trek to Annapurna Base Camp!
The next morning, we take a short drive towards Nayapul, the official starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. After checking our permits and gear, we head out on the trail to our first overnight destination at Tikhedhunga (1,570m/5,151ft). Today we face the 3300 stone steps leading to Ulleri.
After reaching Ulleri, we continue on the trail towards Bhanthati village. The trail heads into one of the largest rhododendron forests and is exceptional during springtime, when the flowers are blooming in all colors! The trek heads further to Ghorepani Deurali, from where you can see incredible views of Mt Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himalayan Range.
Ghorepani is a charming hillside village located just below Poon Hill, in the morning we head out during dark, and hike up to the view point to catch one of the world’s most scenic sunrise views! Now we make our way east to the Annapurna Base Camp trail at Chhomrong, before making an overnight stop at Tadapani. Chhomrong lies just on a mountain’s ridge and has some nice valley views as well as views of some Himalayan snow-capped mountains.
From Chhomrong, it’ll take us 2 days to reach Deurali, our last stop before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. Along the way, we’ll pass the mysterious Hinku Cave as well as the Himalayan Hotel. On day 9 of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, we head up via the Machhapuchhre Base Camp to our final destination, Annapurna Base Camp.
Directly recognizable by its blue-walled buildings, Annapurna Base Camp lies deep within the Annapurna Sanctuary and is surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains! We spend the night here and enjoy the views every second. The remaining 3 days of the trek take us back to Pokhara, but first we make a stop at the hot springs of Jhinu Danda!
From Pokhara, we either drive or fly back depending on your booking, and in Kathmandu we have one extra day for leisure before concluding this amazing Annapurna Base Camp trek of 15 days in Nepal. Nobel Holidays can book extra activities such as rafting, paragliding, or sightseeing to make this trek even more exciting! Contact us during your booking of the Annapurna Base Camp trek to discuss any additional requirements!
Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft):
Well known for its incredible views of the southern Annapurna Mountain Ranges as well as Mt Dhaulagiri and Mt Machhapuchhare. Poon Hill truly is a photographer’s paradise! It is the main highlight of the famous short trek in Nepal, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek and a popular stop on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Reachable from Ghorepani, Poon Hill is just a short hike away from the mountain town. Best visited in the early morning to catch one of the world’s most scenic sunrise views, Poon Hill is one of the major highlights during the Annapurna Base Camp trek!
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft):
Just two hours away from Machhapuchhare Base Camp, deep in the mountains lies Annapurna Base Camp. Directly recognizable by its blue colored buildings, ABC is one of the most popular base camps in whole Nepal! While trekking from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll gradually ascend deeper into the sanctuary. You’ll be passing by a memorial point, dedicated to the fallen heroes who tried to climb these mountains.
Furthermore, you’ll get a 360° degree view of some of the highest mountains in the world, including; Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft), Annapurna III (7,555m/24,787ft), Gangapurna (7,454m/24,455ft), Singu Chuli (6,501m/21,329ft), Tharpu Chuli (5,695m/18,684ft), Khangsar Kang (7,485m/24,557ft), Bhara Chuli (7,647m/25,089ft), Patal Hiunchuli (6,441m/21,132ft), Gandharwa Chuli (6,248m/20,499ft), Machhapuchhare (6,993m/22,943ft), and the amazing South Annapurna Glacier. ABC is also accessible via helicopter and has its own helipad for transits to and from Pokhara!
Jhinu Danda hot springs (1,780m/5,840ft):
These healing hot springs are a welcome sight after a long trek and are used for healing aching muscles and soothing your body. Jhinu Danda’s hot springs are just a few minutes’ walk downhill from the village and can be used by anyone. There is a small entrée fee, about 100Nrs to help maintain the springs.
Located in the Modhi Khola Valley, the Jhinu Danda hot water springs are made with cemented walls and form a big hot water tub outside, with an amazing natural view of the valley and hills. While it is commonly visited on the way back down from Annapurna Base Camp, it can also be visited before heading up by making a small detour from Chhomrong village.
Trip highlights
Scenic flight/drive to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu
Enjoy the sights of Pokhara and Phewa Lake
See a stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill
Trek through some of Nepal’s most beautiful trekking trails
Incredible views of the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and other high-altitude peaks
Reach and stay overnight at the famous Annapurna Base Camp
Day-by-day itinerary
Day
01Arrival in Nepal + trek preparationHotelBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerThamel+
• Upon your arrival our team member will be there to receive you
• Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu and check in
• Meet and greet with your guide
• Trek preparation and safety briefing
• Evening welcome dinner with a live culture show
• Overnight stay at your luxury hotel
Traveler’s note: Did you know that when you exit the airport, Nobel Holidays’ team will already be awaiting you with a small welcoming ceremony? Entering Kathmandu for the first time can seem chaotic with all the small streets and busy crossroads, buts it actually quite easy to navigate through the city, especially Thamel.
Day
02Drive or fly to PokharaHotelBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerPokhara Lakeside+
- Hotel breakfast + check-out
- Drive to Pokhara (4-5 hrs.) / Fly to Pokhara (35min.)
- Hotel check-in
- Rest of the day is free at leisure
- Overnight stay at your hotel
Traveler’s note: Did you know that if you choose to fly to Pokhara, you can save a lot of travel time? This will allow you to enjoy more things in Pokhara. Contact your Nobel Holidays representative to book any additional activities. Pokhara has a lot to offer; highly recommended are some of the lakeside restaurants.
Day
03 Drive to Nayapul (1,010m/3,314ft) + trek to Tikhedhunga (1,570m/5,151ft)TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerTikhedhunga+
- Breakfast and check-out
- Drive to Nayapul
- TIMS check and final gear check at Nayapul
- Follow the trail towards Birethanti
- Slowly ascend further to Tikhedhungga
- Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: As today marks the first day of trekking, do make sure that your gear is all in order before departing from Pokhara. In case of emergency, you can always buy or rent gear in Pokhara. Today’s trek is quite light and lets you get accustomed to the Annapurna hills.
Day
04Trek to Ghorepani (2,840m/9,318ft)TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerGhorepani Village+
- Breakfast and check-out
- Start by climbing the stone steps up to Ulleri
- Continue through the Rhododendron forest trail
- Head a bit further towards Ghorepani
- Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that the stone steps leading up to Ghorepani count in the 3000! Once you reach the top and look down, you can truly see the accomplishment of your second day of trekking. The next morning, we leave while it's still dark to hike up to Poon Hill; make sure that your torches are charged!
Day
05Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft) + trek to Tadapani (2,520m/8,268ft) TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerTadapani+
- Wake up around 4 am
- Start to hike up to Poon Hill
- See an incredible sunrise view over the Annapurna Himalayas
- Hike back to Ghorepani
- Breakfast and check out
- Descend to the east and follow the trail to Tadapani
- Continue up and down trails
- Arrive at Tadapani
- Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that Poon Hill is also dubbed as Photographer’s Paradise? This is mainly due to the incredible sunrise views that Poon Hill offers. You get to see the sun rise and light up the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre!
Day
06Trek to Chhomrong (2,140m/7,021ft) TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerChhomrong+
- Breakfast and check out
- Follow the trail north to Komrong
- Continue to Kimrong
- Ascend slowly further north to Chhomrong
- Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that today’s trek goes mainly through amazing Rhododendron forests and jungle trails, crossing various streams? Depending on the season you get a high chance to spot some local wildlife as well!
Day
07Trek to Dovan (2,500m/8,202ft) TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerDovan+
- Breakfast and check out
- Start by crossing the Chhomrong Khola River to the north
- Follow the trail passing Sinuwa and Kuldhi Ghar
- Pass by Bamboo
- Ascend until Dobhan
- Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that today we also cross the Modi Khola River before ascending to Dovan? We’ll pass by Bamboo, where we’ll be overnighting on our way back from the Annapurna Base Camp.
Day
08Trek to Deurali (3,200m/10,499ft)TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerDeurali+
- Breakfast and check out
- Follow the trail north, passing Himalaya Hotel
- Head further north, passing the Hinku Cave
- Continue on the trail until reaching Deurali
- Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: Today we follow the west bank of the Modi River until reaching Deurali, our final overnight place, before reaching Annapurna Base Camp! The Hinku Cave is said to be a special and ancient meditation cave; during our trek, we’ll pass by here to explore!
Day
09Trek via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,140ft) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft)TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerAnnapurna Base Camp+
- Breakfast and check out
- Start by ascending to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Enter the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Hike further upwards for about 2hrs
- Reach ABC, Annapurna Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing views from Base Camp
- Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that from Annapurna Base Camp you can see incredible views of Annapurna Mountains I to IV, Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Manaslu, Tilicho Peak and the iconic Fishtail Mountain, as well as other high-altitude peaks!
Day
10Trek to Bamboo (2,345m/7,694ft)TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerBamboo+
- Breakfast and check out
- Head back down to Deurali
- Follow the trail back down to Bamboo
- Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: An interesting fact is that when your trekking back down, the views change as well, offering you different scenes of the Himalayas from the same trail!
Day
11Trek to Jhinu Danda (hot spring) (1,780m/5,840ft)TeahouseBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerJhinu Dhanda+
- Breakfast and check out
- Re-enter the jungle trails
- Continue back to Chhomrong
- Take the trail to Jinghu Danda
- After guesthouse check in, enjoy the soothing hot springs
- Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse
Traveler’s note: Did you know that the hot springs of Jinghu Danda are said to have a natural healing effect on aching bodies? After a hard trek, this is certainly welcome. There is a small entrance fee for the hot springs, so make sure to keep some cash for that; you don’t want to miss it!
Day
12Trek to Siwai (1,230m/4,035ft) /Nayapul (1,010m/3,314ft) + drive back to PokharaHotelBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerPokhara Lakeside+
- Breakfast and check out
- Continue back southwards towards Siwar
- Depending on the time, we can hike further down back to Nayapul as well
- Drive back to Pokhara city
- Check in to your hotel
- Rest of the evening is free at leisure
- Overnight at Pokhara
Traveler’s note: Although today marks your last day of trekking, you can still enjoy the amazing city of Pokhara. There are a lot of activities to do here, and Nobel Holidays will help you with booking any of them!
Day
13Drive back to KathmanduHotelBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerThamel+
- Hotel breakfast and check-out
- Transfer to Pokhara’s bus park
- Drive back to Kathmandu
- Enjoy lunch on the way at one of the Trishuli River-side restaurants
- Arrive back in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel
- The rest of the evening is free at leisure
- Overnight stay at your hotel
Traveler’s note: Did you know that you can also choose to fly back to Kathmandu? This will save a lot of travel time, but you’ll miss out on an incredible scenic drive along the Trishuli River.
Day
14 Leisure dayHotelBreakfast | Lunch | DinnerThamel+
- Hotel breakfast
- Today is completely free
- Enjoy some last shopping in Kathmandu
- Book an additional activity with Nobel Holidays
- Relax and rest from a successful trek to ABC
- Overnight stay at your hotel
Day
15Departure+
- Hotel breakfast + check out
- Our team member will transfer you back to the international airport about 3hrs before your departure
- Nobel Holidays wishes you a safe journey and hopes that you enjoyed our 15 days Annapurna Base Camp trek
Click a map marker or use Start trek to follow the itinerary route.
Packing essentials
Clothing
Moisture-wicking T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, trekking pants, thermal underwear, fleece jacket, down jacket, waterproof jacket, warm hat, sun hat, gloves, underwear, and trekking socks.
Footwear
Comfortable trekking boots, camp shoes or sandals, and gaiters.
Trekking Gear
Daypack, duffle bag, trekking poles, sleeping bag, headlamp, water bottle or hydration bladder, and waterproof backpack cover.
Sun & Personal Care
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, toiletries, quick-dry towel, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
Health & Safety
Personal medications, basic first-aid kit, blister treatment, water purification tablets or filter, and a small emergency kit.
Electronics
Mobile phone, camera, power bank, charging cables, and a universal travel adapter.
Documents & Money
Passport, permits, travel insurance documents, emergency contact details, and Nepalese cash.
Optional Items
Binoculars, snacks, energy bars, earplugs, book or e-reader, and a small dry bag for valuables.
