10-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill: A Journey into the Himalayas
Trip Duration: 10 Days
Trip Grade: Moderate
Group Size: Min 2 Person - Max 12 Person
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Start Point: Kathmandu
Ending Point: Kathmandu
Max Altitude: 4130m
Transportation: Jeep, Tourist Bus
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most spectacular Himalayan adventures, combining breathtaking mountain scenery, beautiful Gurung villages, lush rhododendron forests, and the magnificent Annapurna Sanctuary. This 10-day itinerary takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara before following the scenic trail through Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, Chhomrong and the Modi Khola valley to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a private jeep ride toward the trekking trailhead. From Banthanti, the trek gradually climbs through beautiful forests and traditional mountain settlements to Ghorepani, where you prepare for an early-morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m).
Poon Hill is famous for its spectacular Himalayan sunrise, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges. After enjoying the sunrise, the trail continues through rhododendron forests toward Tadapani and then to the picturesque Gurung village of Chhomrong.
From Chhomrong, the route enters the dramatic Modi Khola valley and continues through Bamboo, Himalaya, Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. As the landscape becomes increasingly alpine, you enter the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary and finally reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
Standing beneath the towering Annapurna massif is the unforgettable highlight of the trek. Surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks, you can enjoy sunrise and sunset over the mountains before beginning your descent back through the valley.
After returning to Bamboo, you continue toward the roadhead and drive back to Pokhara. The following day, you travel by tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu, completing your unforgettable Annapurna adventure.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill is ideal for trekkers who want to experience diverse landscapes, authentic Himalayan culture, spectacular mountain views and one of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations within a relatively short period.
Highlights
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant tourist hub of Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest and relax or explore the nearby streets of Thamel. In the evening, you will receive a briefing about your upcoming Annapurna Base Camp trek.
After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus. The scenic journey follows the winding Prithvi Highway alongside rivers, green hills, villages and terraced farmland. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the lakeside city.
After breakfast, drive by private jeep from Pokhara toward Banthanti, the starting point of today's trek. From Banthanti, begin walking through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. The trail gradually ascends toward Ghorepani, one of the most famous villages on the Annapurna–Poon Hill route. Upon reaching Ghorepani, check into your teahouse and enjoy spectacular mountain views.
Wake up early in the morning and hike approximately one hour to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to witness one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Himalayas. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges. Poon Hill is widely recognized as one of Nepal's famous sunrise viewpoints. � Himalayas Trek After sunrise, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Continue trekking through beautiful rhododendron forests and mountain trails toward Tadapani.
After breakfast, begin your trek from Tadapani toward Chhomrong. The trail descends through dense forests before crossing the Kimrong Khola. From there, you gradually ascend toward the beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong. Chhomrong is an important gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary and offers magnificent views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the surrounding mountains.
After breakfast, descend through the stone staircase toward Chhomrong Khola and cross the suspension bridge. Continue through the lush forest along the Modi Khola valley. The trail passes through Sinuwa, Bamboo and Dovan before reaching Himalaya. As you gain altitude, the landscape gradually changes from dense subtropical forest to a more alpine environment. Note: Many standard itineraries split this section differently, commonly staying at Bamboo, Dovan and/or Deurali before ABC. Your proposed schedule combines a longer section into one day, so it is suitable for trekkers who are comfortable with longer walking days.
Today is the highlight of the entire trek. After breakfast, continue ascending through the narrow Modi Khola valley toward Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). From MBC, the trail gradually leads into the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary. Continue walking toward your ultimate destination, Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Upon arrival, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree mountain views surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.
Wake up early to enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna range. After breakfast, begin descending through the Annapurna Sanctuary and retrace the trail through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali and Himalaya. Continue descending through the Modi Khola valley until you reach Bamboo. The descent is considerably easier on the lungs than the ascent, but the long downhill sections can be demanding on the knees.
After breakfast, continue your descent toward the roadhead. After approximately four hours of trekking, meet your private jeep and drive toward Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening around Phewa Lake or explore Lakeside Pokhara.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Depending on your international flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
Elevation Profile
Altitude Variation Chart
What's Included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Tourist bus transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Private jeep transportation
- Licensed and experienced trekking guide
- Basic first-aid kit carried by the trekking guide
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days
- Necessary trekking permits
Excluded
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Any expenses caused by natural disasters, flight/road cancellations, strikes or unforeseen circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered moderate to challenging. You should be comfortable walking approximately 5–7 hours per day on mountain trails, including stone steps and uphill/downhill sections. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory if you are physically fit and well prepared.
The highest point of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level. You will also visit Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, one of Nepal's most famous Himalayan sunrise viewpoints.
Yes. The trek is suitable for reasonably fit beginners who prepare properly. Our guides maintain a comfortable pace and provide guidance throughout the trek. Regular walking, hiking and cardiovascular exercise before the trip are recommended.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months generally offer clear mountain views, pleasant trekking conditions and stable weather.
Winter can also provide beautiful views, but temperatures are much colder at higher elevations. The monsoon season brings rain, clouds and slippery trails, although the trek can still be possible with appropriate preparation.
The trek provides spectacular views of several Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, depending on weather and visibility.
Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters, is famous for its spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. On this itinerary, you make an early-morning hike to Poon Hill before continuing toward Tadapani.
The journey begins in Kathmandu. You travel by tourist bus to Pokhara and then by private jeep toward the trekking trailhead before beginning the trek.
Accommodation during the trekking section is provided in local teahouses/lodges. Rooms are generally simple and comfortable, usually with twin-sharing arrangements. Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are provided according to the selected package.
Wi-Fi and electricity are available at many teahouses, although the quality and availability can vary depending on the location and weather. Charging facilities may also be available for an additional fee.
A licensed trekking guide is highly recommended for safety, navigation, local knowledge and assistance during the trek. Porters can also be arranged if you prefer to trek with a lighter backpack.
Trekkers generally require the necessary Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS documentation. Adventure Life Nepal can arrange the required trekking permits and documentation as part of the package.
Essential items include trekking boots, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, trekking trousers, thermal clothing, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, sleeping bag, personal medication, toiletries and a small daypack.
Your guide will provide additional packing recommendations before departure.
The trekking days generally involve approximately 4–7 hours of walking, depending on the day's destination, trail conditions and walking pace.
Because the trek reaches 4,130 meters, altitude-related symptoms are possible. Our guides monitor trekkers throughout the journey and recommend maintaining a steady pace, staying hydrated and informing the guide immediately if you feel unwell.
Yes. The itinerary can be customized according to your available time, fitness level, preferred accommodation, transportation and trekking requirements. Private and customized trekking arrangements can be discussed with Adventure Life Nepal.
Mountain weather can change quickly. If weather, road conditions or other unforeseen circumstances affect the itinerary, our team will work with you and your guide to make the safest possible alternative arrangements.
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