Nepal may have abundant prime trek routes but none of them even close to what Annapurna Base Camp is. The only quintessential campsite, Annapurna is an iconic mountain that has everyone gawking all day.
It is nature's grandest and most stunning creation that leaves every human lost for words. From the elevated mountains to glistening glacial lakes and historic monasteries, there is so much to experience here.
Come out of the natural world and you have traditional mountain villages inhabited by multicultural people to explore. You might also want to give a lookout to the customs and tradition practiced by these locals and indigenous group.
The base camp itself is an oval-shaped highland located almost 40 km north from Pokhara. The only way into the campsite walks through a narrow valley placed between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.
Annapurna Base Camp through Poon Hill trekking is one of the most exhilarating hiking trips. Its trail will take you deep through the valley and Himalayan forest covered with different species of flowers.
The wonderful Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill Trekking initiates from Kathmandu. As rules go by, you take a flight to Pokhara the very next day and drive to Nayapul.
Roughly after two days, your trek to ABC officially starts with a short hike to Tirkhe Dhunga. Before reaching the destination, you’ll meet many remote villages including Chhomrong, Bamboo and Deurali.
After the trail approaches the base camp, you begin climbing down the hill to Bamboo again. Three days again to travel on a rugged path through Jhinu Danda and Nayapul before you reach Pokhara.
There’s just about no stress from Pokhara as you have a direct flight from the city to arrive at Kathmandu Valley.
For a beauty like Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill Trekking, any day is an ideal day. You can travel the region any month of the year or any day of the month and still feel riveting.
There is no diminution in visiting monasteries, roaming around the villages or interacting with locals in any month. The only thing you’ll perhaps find unusual in the region amidst the changing season is the scenery.
Hence, you probably want to give a second thought before deciding to visit the place during monsoon or winter. As a prime trekking season, spring indeed has a splendid view with green foliage all around.
Trees and flowers are too in full bloom during the season which makes the entire valley dazzle. Weather at Annapurna Base Camp in spring is warm with sun bestowing its smile from the very early morning.
After spring it’s autumn that equally counts as the ideal time to travel to Annapurna Base Camp. The season starts from mid-September in Nepal and lasts until three months before fleeing the valley.
Roasted by summer’s scorching heat, dry leaves start to fall off the trees in Autumn. By the end of the month, the region seems all prepared to welcome the winter as it begins to get cold.
The days are still much better than the nights when the temperature instantly ranges from 12-21 Degree Celsius. Although not so magical like autumn, winter also sees a sprinkling number of trekkers travelling ABC.
That’s perhaps because the views are astonishing in winter even though it's cold outside. Even the minimum temperature in the month is -20 Degree Celsius which results in chilly mornings and nights.
Similar Trips you may like: Ghorepani Poonhill short trek | Ghorepani- Poon Hill Trekking | Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
As per the trip planned, today you’ll arrive at Kathmandu Valley. Just not to have you waiting, our officials will be there at the airport almost half an hour before the flight lands.
I am sure they’ll have no hard time finding you have arrived early. Reflecting the Nepalese culture, they’ll greet you in a traditional style.
From there you’ll be driven to your respective hotel where you can rest as long as you want. For the dinner lunch and any other facilities, you can have the hotel staff in your service.
Since it’s your first day in the city, we won’t trouble you a lot except having a short briefing. In the night, you can take a tour of the city or have dinner in any of your favourite restaurants.
Flight Distance: 200.9 km
Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Maximum Altitude: 1400 meters
Technically, it’s the first day of your Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill trekking. This might want you to get all the stuff in your backpack and frankly it’s the right thing to do.
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll board on the flight to Pokhara. It lasts no longer than 30 minutes but even in such a short time, you have a picture of the entire Himalayas spinning around.
While at Pokhara, you can go sightseeing at Mesmeric Phewa lake and visit Tal Barahi Temple. You don’t have all day to yourself to travel all through the city so make it quick. Return to the hotel on time and have dinner before calling it a day.
Drive Distance: 40.8 km
Trek Distance: 13 km
Drive Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Maximum Altitude: 1570 meters
It’s only third for the Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill trekking and things are already starting to get exciting. After a relaxing night at Pokhara, you’re about to head to Nayapul today covering a distance of 40.8 km.
It takes nearly 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Nayapul driving alongside Modi River. But the sigh of relief is that you have a scenic view of lofty mountains and gushing rivers with colourful valleys to relish.
Not too long after the wonderful ride, you’ll start trekking to Tirkhe Dhunga. The ultimate distance of the hike is 13 km so you’re to have a busy time walking.
On your way to the village, you’ll get a taste of Nepalese culture in the form of terrace farming. It’s quite a sight with green pasture, lovely waterfalls, and locals putting mules and donkeys into service.
Arrangements are made at a local lodge in Tirkhe Dhunga so you’ll have a peaceful night for the first day of the hike.
Trek Distance: 13 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3210 meters
It’s your first morning at Tirkhe Dhunga and sadly you haven’t even enough time to travel through the village. The trek to Ghorepani can take almost 7 hours before coming to an end.
Hence, you must start trekking right after having breakfast. Morning hours start with you ascending a steep hill then a long staircase to Ulleri.
Throughout the trek, you can witness old-style remote villages with slated roofs. The further you walk, the more you get inside the dense forest full of pine trees and rhododendron.
Few miles to walk from here and you’ll reach Ghorepani Village. Above the village are hills with thick forest and rhododendrons in spring.
The village mostly has a settlement of Poon people of Magar. For the night, you’ll stay at a guest house in Ghorepani and continue hiking the following day.
Trek Distance: 6.5 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2640 meters
The perfect view of sunrise from Poon Hill can be only spotted very early in the morning. So, you need to wake up before dawn as well as trek almost 1 hour to arrive at Poon Hill.
Lying at an elevation of 3210 meters, Poon Hill has the most beautiful view of the sunrise. The hill station can offer you the sight of as many as 12 snow peaks including Machhapuchhre and Dhampus.
After the fascinating vista of Annapurna, you’ll retrace the steps back to Ghorepani. Take breakfast and join the trail that goes uphill with plenty of stairs to climb before descending.
Next, you get through a forest where if lucky, can spot different species of flora and fauna. At Tadapani, you’ll rest the night at a guest house where the keeper is quite affable.
Trek Distance: 7.6 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 1951 meters
Finally, it’s the sixth day of Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill trekking. Nevertheless, you still have more than half a trek to accomplish so again start trekking from as early as you can.
For the hike to Chhomrong, you’ve relatively easy trails to walk as it descends the hill. As you climb down the slope, there are ample villages to explore including Chuile and Ghurjung.
The landscapes on the hillside with a heart-warming view of the mountain will keep energizing you. After almost 6 hours of trekking, you’ll eventually put up with the village in Chhomrong.
Since there is no point walking any further, you’ll spend the night at a guest house in Chhomrong.
Trek Distance: 9 km
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2310 meters
There simply is no trek route as soothing as the one leading to Bamboo. On that account, you’re going to have a great time walking the trail out of Chhomrong.
From the minute you took the path, it scrambles downhill through stone stairs. The trail is followed by a swinging suspension bridge over Chhomrong Khola.
On the other side of the bridge is a straight uphill climb to Sinuwa Danda. From here, you surmount a lush green forest heading to Kuldihar and walk downhill before arriving at Bamboo.
Overnight stay at a guest house in the village and keep on with the hike the next day.
Trek Distance: 7.8 km
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3230 meters
After Chhomrong, it’s time to start our trek to beautiful Deurali. But before leading the way, you have your breakfast and pack all the stuff.
Coming out of the village, you pass via bamboo forest which is moist and dampened. The trail then walks a narrow hill and ascends up to Himalaya Hotel.
It’s from here the trail widens and also provides an astounding view of the sunrise and gleaming snow peaks. The route further has you climbing a dense forest but this it’s drier to arrive at Hinku Cave.
From here, you go down the hill to the river before ascending the ridge to Deurali. Stay the night at a lodge in the village.
Trek Distance: 8 km
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 4130 meters
It surely is your day today as we finally head to Annapurna Base Camp from Deurali. Reading the trail, don’t make haste move instead take a gentle step through a riverbank
Next, it’s a strenuous uphill walk to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Since the trail is quite long, you may have a tiring day but that’s nothing in front of the view of Annapurna.
From the campsite, you get an alluring view of a wide range of snow peaks like Annapurna I and Mt. Hiunchuli. Also, not to forget the picturesque view of surreal landscapes and glacial lakes that the base camp has to provide the visitors.
Trek Distance: 18 km
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 1700 meters
From Annapurna, you go back walking the same trail to Bamboo. But this time, you’ll have an easy walk coming downhill compared to what previous was.
As usual, today also you have a company of dynamic landscapes and mountains to cherish. Beyond that, you too have a whole valley filled with trees and flowers to enjoy.
Upon reaching Bamboo, you can explore the village and even communicate with the native people. Overnight at a lodge in Bamboo.
Trek Distance: 8.5 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 1760 meters
The trek is going to be a lot easier today with the sloppy hills to descend except for the first few hours. Starting from the early morning you ascend uphill to Kuldihar.
The trail then descends until Chhomorng Khola and climbs the stone stairs up to the village. From here, you start walking downhill to Jhinu Danda and book a room in the hotel.
Almost 20 minutes away from the hotel, you have a hot spring bath to enjoy. Upon returning, you’ll have dinner in the hotel and call it a day.
Drive Distance: 39.7 km
Trek Distance: 13 km
Drive Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3445 meters
On the 12th day of Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill trekking, you walk approx. 5 hours to reach Nayapul. To begin with, the trail passes through a beautiful forest with bamboo trees and rhododendron.
The route then descends the steep hill and down to the river following a narrow walkway. After arriving at Nayapul, you have a jeep arranged that’ll drive you up to Pokhara.
With no more walking the steep stairway, the trip is going to be quite pleasing. You also have beautiful scenery with green terrains to enjoy throughout the drive. Overnight in Pokhara.
Flight Distance: 146 km
Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Maximum Altitude: 1400 meters
Unfortunately, it’s the second last day of trekking Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill. But still, you’re going to have a wonderful time sightseeing magnificent Pokhara City.
Early morning, you’ll have breakfast and short trip to the nearby Rara lake. Then it’s a straight drive to Pokhara airport as you have a flight to catch.
It takes almost 30 minutes from Pokhara to reach Kathmandu. But even in such a short time, you’ll be able to recollect all the memories and also the panoramic view of Annapurna.
As soon your flight takes down at Tribhuvan International Airport, our officials will drive you to your hotel. It would be best if you call it for a day then as you may have been exhausted.
It’s the last day of your Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill trek and as well as in Kathmandu city. So, if you wish, you can shop at local stores and malls for the souvenir or visit your favourite restaurant.
But if your flight is scheduled early in the morning then you can’t take a trip to the city. Our representative will pick you from the hotel and drive till the airport to see off. For your convenience, they’ll assist you up until you board the flight.
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It is really unforgettable journey on the ABC trip. The company gave us a good arrangement, The trek guide, Ram, is quite experienced in the trek and also a good photographer, see our pictures
Kisan was able to organize just about everything in Nepal for my two-week stay. Booking everything for me in advance. Helping with trek advice. Helping with shopping advice. Trekked ABC with the great guide of his Dilip. Went to Chitwan. Toured Kathmandu with his driver. Dinner at the end was a bonus.
We went to Nepal without a plan. We knew we had to choose one out of so many choices for the hiking trails. Good thing happened in the airport; We met Kisan, who is the managing director of the company. He explained to us and gave us a good offer. He made our trip easier and convenient. He arranged a driver to bring us to the places we want in Kathmandu and the driver knows really good place for Momo (the best one we ever had!!) Kisan also invited us to have authentic Nepalese dinner on our last day to ensure a good exposure on Nepalese food and culture. Ram and Sauruz were our guide and porter. They were awesome, really thoughtful and kind to us, especially when i fell sick from the start of the hike. Ram made sure that i had hot drink while i hiked as i caught really bad flu, ensure that we had thick blanket at all tea houses, that we would not be sleeping in cold. Both of them will always ensure that our meals were served fast and satisfied with it. They went out of their way to give us a comfortable hike. Perhaps just one thing to improve is the recommended hike is too short for us as we both love mountains and love to take photos. We would prefer longer time to spend on the hike and going slow than rushing the whole trek in 8 days. It would be perfect if we were told in details about the itinerary of the hike to make an informed decision on how long we would want for the hike. We were told that we would only hike 4-5hours/day if we complete in 8 days. We understand that it varies according to individual speed. However, It would be more comfortable if the length of trek is recommended after a good assessment of what we wished to see/do/our speed preference during the trek. We were given a choice of 8-9 days despite that we have 14 days in total. So, I would not recommend 8 days for people who can afford, has longer time to travel and would love to enjoy the culture of different villages.
We (4 of us) came across Good Vibe Adventure on a cab to Thamel from the airport in Kathmandu. On recommendation and also because of tight schedule, we did an 8 days trek to and fro ABC. But I felt that 9 days would have been better and less rushed, especially to cater for contingency such as bad weather. The guide and porter assigned to us were patient, professional and diligent in helping us out throughout the trip and ensuring that we were okay in the cold. One special aspect about it was the cultural meal that they brought us to on our last night back in Thamel, which was an interesting experience. It was an enjoyable trip overall and I would look them up again should I go back to Nepal. Thank you for your hospitality!
I travelled to Nepal during the 3rd week of 2017 with my girlfriend. On board the airplane enroute to Nepal we met another Singaporean couple after having some conversation we decided to also share a taxi to Kathmandu central after landing in Nepal. It was at the arrival gate of the airport that we were greeted by Mr Kisan (Owner of Good Vibe Adventure). He was eloquent and seemed to be able to speak many languages. He was also friends with a taxi driver who ferried all 4 of us to Thamel street, along the way we soon learned that he was able to arrange hiking trips/tours in Nepal for us as at competitive prices. After much discussion in his office at Thamel, we decided to sign up for the ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) 8D/7N package from him. This came with a guide + porter. Our guide and porter were professional, honest & polite nepalis people. We are thankful for their guidance and care during the entire hike. They always ensured there was someone at the front to look after the faster hikers and someone at the back to care for the slower ones. The ABC trek was quite an eye opener for me personally, the scenery really starts to get very beautiful on the second and last day where you will hike from Deurali (3200m) to MBC and finally to ABC (4180m). We only took 2 days to descent from ABC to Nayapul. Personally i felt this should have been done in 3 days as we were on the road for almost the whole day, but there was snow on day 1 so that contributed to the extended hiking time as well. Also we would have appreciated a much more detailed documented itinerary as well, instead of itinerary via word of mouth mostly. But nevertheless we still highly recommend Good Vibe Adventure to plan your next hiking trip/adventure. Their guides & porters are knowledgable and good honest people. If we return to Nepal again, we will definitely not hesitate to approach Good Vibe again. Thanks guys!! :)
Good Vibe Adventure was recommended to me through a friend and it was a good recommendation to begin with. Kisan was absolutely helpful through email when we were planning the trip. He listened carefully with our requests, catered the details according to our comfort level and provided us with a package with great value. During our trek, our guide and potter - Ram and Nando took great care of us. They were supportive for us on our every step, literally. They were kind, charming and made great jokes. After the trip Kisan and co offered fantastic follow-up and help during our extended stay at Nepal. Can't thank them enough.
We found Good vibe Adventure via a friend's recommendation. Comparing to most trekking agency out there, we believe this is the most reasonable priced, well organised company. Just before our departure we have communicated with Kisan, the owner via emails to customise our plan.Our plan was to trek to ABC and requesting to have a slow climb so we can take lots of photos. He has been so helpful and professional to ensure we are comfortable with the plan. We met up with Kisan on the first day of arrival in Kathmandu, after a proper briefing and chat, we were introduced to our guide and potter, Ram and Nando, the next day off we go to the real deal. The overall experience is just so mesmerising.The view is breathtaking, we enjoyed every sec of our climb to ABC. Since both my partner and I are into photography, we find that almost every single step is picture perfect for us to shoot. Ram, the guide, is a funny bloke that speaks good english and even my home language BAHASA. Nando is a helpful potter that is being supportive whenever I am tired too. Trekking with them is almost like traveling with 2 comedians, we had lots of fun and laughter! I will not hesitate to come back. Nepal is just way too beautiful to just visit once. And will definitely do the trekking again. Thank you Good vibe Adventure!
My first time in Kathmandu and pick this travel company as my whole journey in Nepal , The service and safety journey was my concerned.And this travel company give me very comfortable and reliable.And this guy Mr.Kisan can speak Chinese ! Amazing! This coming August again I'm planning a trip to Nepal ,already send him a email to arrange 10 days hiking near Pokhara area. Thank you Mr.Kisan and hope to see soon. Cheers!
There is no way a trek in the Himalayas comes without spellbinding views. But when it's Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill Trekking, the picture is completely different.
The campsite is a real treasure in every sense while the routes are no less than spectacular. From the moment you land at Pokhara, you can spot an incredible view of Annapurna all along the way.
The trail to the base camp provides you with more than a dozen snow peaks vista. From the Poon Hill alone, you can witness the breathtaking view of Dhampus, Gangapurna, and even Annapurna II.
If you want to know what Nepalese culture is like then don't miss exploring the villages near and far to Annapurna Base Camp. For many years, the region has had remote villages inhabited by indigenous tribe and ethnic groups.
Hence, traversing even one of these villages would mean to track down every little and big detail of their culture. You can simply learn about the cultural assimilation here and how different castes respond to the same festivals.
The suburbs in the Annapurna region signifies what melting pot of cultures means. You can easily notice that the people here are unified and how different ethnic groups are integrated.
Blessed with such magical forest and amicable locals, how can one not fall in for Ghorepani Village. It won’t take seconds before you feel the place as better as to be in the home.
The place is completely otherworldly with a stunning forefront view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. During spring the village looks nothing but terrific with full bloom rhododendrons all through the valley and hills.
Every house in Ghandruk is intact and looks identical to others. They are styled like a typical Nepalese remote village with slated roofs.
Only a few places as Poon Hill have the dynamism to attract such many travellers who’re on their way to Annapurna Base Camp. The hill station is a heaven on the earth from where you can discern so many incredible views at once.
First would be the sunrise vista which is what Poon Hill is so famous for. Next, it’s the phenomenal sight of snow peaks like Dhampus, Annapurna III and Gurja Himal.
Like it's sunrise, the viewpoint also has the best sunset with dynamic landscapes to offer. Fortunately, Poon Hill always manages to have better sunshine that provides dazzling views. It’s fascinating how you can see the entire valleys from the hill and even the nearby forests and woods.
Hot spring bath in Jhinu Danda is one of the best things to happen during Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill Trekking. Exhausted from walking miles long trails and for so many days, the bath works as a healer.
Within minutes after dunking into the pool, you start feeling relaxed. This is the reason most trekkers stop by Jhinu Danda while retracing steps back from Bamboo.
The natural spring bath is just 20 minutes far from the village where you’ll also spend the night.
Pokhara is undoubtedly the most pleasant escape to have from the city hussle. There isn’t a place in Nepal that offers as much natural diversity and tranquil lakes as much as this city.
So, it’s always comforting to visit Pokhara on return from Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill Trekking. Given that, it’s not compulsory that you must visit the city neither it’s prescribed on the itinerary.
It’s great if you trip through the markets of Pokhara and also visit the lakes and waterfalls. But not doing so would as well make no difference either to your trip.