Poonhill-Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 11 Days
Trip Facts
Overview
Poonhill-Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the famous Poon Hill viewpoint.
- Trek to the spectacular Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and glaciers.
- Explore beautiful Gurung and Magar villages rich in local culture, hospitality, and traditional mountain lifestyles.
- Walk through lush rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, cascading waterfalls, and scenic river valleys.
- Enjoy panoramic mountain views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and other snow-capped giants.
- Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Machhapuchhare Base Camp before reaching ABC.
- Relax your muscles in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda after days of trekking.
- Stay in cozy mountain teahouses and enjoy authentic Nepali hospitality throughout the journey.
- Perfect adventure for both beginner and experienced trekkers seeking culture, nature, and Himalayan beauty in a short timeframe.
- A rewarding 10–11 day trek combining adventure, comfort, and unforgettable mountain scenery in the heart of Nepal.
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic treks, offering a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery. In just 10–11 days, you walk through lush forests, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, high mountain passes, and finally reach the heart of the Annapurna range—Annapurna Base Camp itself.
Your journey begins in Kathmandu, either by a scenic drive or a short domestic flight to Pokhara. From there, the trek starts at Nayapul and takes you through charming villages like Tikhedunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Chomrong, giving you a glimpse of local life, terraced farms, and colorful prayer flags along the way.
One of the highlights of the trek is the early morning climb to Poon Hill, where you witness a panoramic sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges—an unforgettable experience. As you continue, the trail gradually gains altitude through Machhapuchhare Base Camp, eventually leading you to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded by massive snow-covered peaks and glacial valleys.
The trek also offers relaxing moments along the way, like the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, where you can soak your tired muscles and enjoy the serene mountain environment. On the descent, the trail gradually leads back to Nayapul and Pokhara, where you can celebrate the end of your trek with a warm meal, reflecting on the adventure.
This trek is ideal for both first-time and experienced trekkers who want to combine cultural experiences, comfortable lodges, and awe-inspiring Himalayan views—all in a relatively short but highly rewarding journey.
Itinerary
Travel: Scenic drive (approx. 6-7 hours) or a short 25-minute flight.
Experience: Relax by the serene Phewa Lake in Pokhara and prepare for the trek with views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) reflecting in the water.
- Altitude: 1400
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Activity: Short drive to Nayapul followed by a trek/drive toward Tikhedhunga.
The Trail: Begin your journey through terraced fields and small waterfalls, easing your legs into the trekking rhythm.
- Altitude: 1400
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
Challenge: Ascend the famous 3,000+ stone steps of Ulleri.
Scenery: Walk through lush rhododendron and oak forests, arriving at the vibrant village of Ghorepani.
- Altitude: 820
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Highlight: An early morning hike to Poon Hill for a spectacular sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massifs.
Trek: After breakfast, head toward Tadapani through deep forests with constant mountain views.
- Altitude: 1540
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
The Trail: Descend and then climb toward Chhomrong, a beautiful Gurung village perched on the hillside, serving as the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Altitude: 2860
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Experience: The trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola and climbs through bamboo and oak forests toward Sinuwa, eventually reaching the peaceful settlement of Himalaya.
- Altitude: 2860
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
The Big Day: Pass through the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) before reaching the magnificent ABC.
View: You are now surrounded by giant peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
- Altitude: 3210
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Descent: Say goodbye to the high peaks as you retrace your steps down the valley, enjoying the easier breathing as you lose altitude.
- Altitude: 2360
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Relaxation: Descend to Jhinu Danda. After checking in, take a short walk down to the riverside natural hot springs to relax your tired muscles.
- Altitude: 2600
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Final Trek: Complete the final leg of the trek toward Nayapul.
Return: Drive back to Pokhara for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner by the lakeside.
- Altitude: 3200
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Travel: Drive or fly back to the capital, bringing home memories of a lifetime spent in the shadows of the giants.
- Altitude: 4130
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: B/L/D
Our Cost's
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back ( flight in extra cost )
- Sharing Jeep drive to trekking point and return
- Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- Tea house/lodge accommodation and 3 times meal during the trek
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- One porter service for every two trekkers (carrying up to 20 kg combined)
- Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and transportation
- First aid medical kit carried by the guide
- All government taxes and company service charges
- Trekking gears if needed
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal visa fees for entry.
- Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking, including high-altitude medical evacuation).
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and hot showers.
- Trekking gear and equipment like sleeping bags, trekking boots, jackets, and walking sticks.
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Optional activities or side trips not mentioned in the itinerary.
FAQ's
The ideal trekking seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and the Himalayan panorama is at its best.
The trek takes 17 days, covering approximately 110–120 km round trip, including gradual ascents and descents through terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and alpine landscapes.
The ABC trek is considered moderate to challenging. Trekkers should have a good level of fitness due to long daily hikes (5–8 hours) and altitudes up to 4,130 m at ABC.
While experienced trekkers can do it independently, hiring a local guide is recommended for safety, navigation, cultural insight, and altitude advice, especially for first-time visitors.
You need:
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Accommodation is mostly in tea houses and lodges, offering basic rooms and meals. Hot showers are available in some lodges. A sleeping bag is recommended for comfort at higher altitudes.
It is suitable for beginners with moderate fitness, proper preparation, and acclimatization. Prior trekking experience helps, but a guide makes the trek much safer.
Yes, tea houses provide Nepali meals like dal bhat, noodles, soups, and snacks. Water purification tablets or boiled water are recommended for safety.
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