Annapurna Basecamp with Poonhill
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- Trip Duration: 9N / 10D
- Max altitude: 4,130 m / 13,550 ft
- Grade: Moderate
- Start/End point: Pokhara
Annapurna Basecamp with Poonhill — Two Himalayan Experiences, One Epic Journey
Some Himalayan journeys give you a beautiful trek. This one gives you two. Combining the iconic Annapurna Basecamp with Poonhill, this route brings together spectacular mountain views, diverse landscapes, rich Gurung culture, and the unforgettable experience of entering the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Overview
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.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The maximum height you will reach in Annapurna Basecamp with Poonhill is 4130 meters or 13, 550 ft and there will be long trekking distances every day, hence it is considered to be a moderate-level trek. However, this trek is not suggested for beginners and prior experience with high altitude is required in order to do the ABC trek. Most importantly, it is very important to acclimatize your body in this trek to avoid any kind of altitude sickness. However, we recommend to come down whenever you feel sick. Even the total distance that is covered is 115 km which is no joke. Hence, please make sure that irrespective of your age, your fitness should be at its peak in order to do the trek safely. Since this is a high-altitude trek, the best is to take frequent breaks, drink enough water to remain hydrated, and eat a balanced diet.
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.
Pick Up point- Pokhara (Nepal)
Drop point- Pokhara (Nepal)
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.
How to Reach
Via 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.
Via 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.
Via 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.
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.
Highlights
- The Poon Hill Sunrise: Witness an unforgettable 360° sunrise over 8 high Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
- Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC): Stay at MBC surrounded by towering massifs before making the final push to ABC.
- The Annapurna Amphitheater: Stand at 4,130 meters, completely encircled by 7,000m and 8,000m icy peaks in the heart of the sanctuary.
- Jhinu Danda Hot Springs: Celebrate the successful completion of your trek by relaxing your muscles in natural geothermal hot springs.
Itinerary
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
So its time to trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill with Altitude Adventure Holidays and give a treat to your sore eyes!!!
What's Included
- Accommodation while trekking in tea houses.
- 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.
- Experienced trek leader.
What's Not Included
- Porters/Mules to carry personal luggage (Available at an extra cost).
- Hotel at Pokhra.
- Entry fee.
- Insurance for clients.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ABC Trek via Poon Hill is graded as moderate. While it does not require technical mountaineering skills, it is a demanding trek covering approximately 115 kilometers over 10 days. The trail involves long daily walking hours, high altitudes (up to 4,130m), and thousands of steep stone steps (especially near Ulleri and Chomrong). Excellent physical fitness and cardiovascular stamina are required.
While highly fit beginners can attempt this trek, it is generally recommended for individuals with prior high-altitude trekking experience. The continuous climbing of steep stone stairs and the thinning air above 3,500 meters can be exhausting for absolute beginners. We highly advise a strict cardio and leg-strengthening workout regime at least two months prior to the trek.
Combining Poon Hill with the ABC trek gives you the ultimate Annapurna Sanctuary experience. While ABC places you right at the base of the mountains looking up, Poon Hill (3,210m) provides a world-famous vantage point looking across. It offers an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic sunrise view of eight Himalayan giants, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, which you cannot see from the Base Camp itself.
Yes, because the trek reaches an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp, the risk of AMS is present. However, our 10-day itinerary via Poon Hill allows for a highly gradual altitude gain, giving your body ample time to acclimatize naturally. Staying heavily hydrated and pacing yourself on the ascents are the best ways to prevent altitude sickness.
Yes, trekkers require two mandatory permits for this route: the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) Card and the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit. Note: When you book with Altitude Adventure Holidays, our team handles all the necessary permit paperwork and fees for you!
Yes, the Annapurna region is famous for its steep stone staircases. On Day 1, you will climb over 3,000 stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri. You will also encounter massive staircases descending to and ascending from the Chomrong Khola. Bringing a sturdy trekking pole and wearing high-quality trekking shoes are absolute necessities to protect your knees!
Gear Checklist
Trekking pole
Water bottle
Head lamp
Sunglasses
Power bank
Rain cover for rucksack
Windproof jacket
Sun cap
Trekking shoes
Sunscreen lotions
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