Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill
- 10 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) & Spring (Mar–May)
We traverse Gurung villages and rhododendron forests to reach the foot of Mt. Annapurna at 4130 m.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our ten-day itinerary to Annapurna Base Camp combines deep river valleys, terraced farmlands, and high-altitude alpine terrain within the Annapurna Conservation Area. We walk through the traditional Gurung and Magar settlements of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong, ascending alongside the Modi River toward the high glacial sanctuary.
This route suits hill walkers with a solid level of cardiovascular fitness who are comfortable walking six to seven hours a day over stone staircases and uneven mountain paths. We maintain a steady pace to allow natural acclimatisation before we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3900 m and our ultimate destination at Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m).
Throughout the journey, we experience a transition from subtropical forests of rhododendron and bamboo to the austere, snow-draped amphitheatre guarded by Annapurna I (8091 m), Machhapuchhre, and Himchuli. We stay in local teahouses run by mountain families, eating standard lodge meals as we move deeper into the sanctuary.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Annapurna Base Camp
We stand inside the glacial amphitheatre at 4130 m, surrounded by towering peaks including Annapurna I and Hiunchuli.
Poon Hill Sunrise
We climb to the 3210 m viewpoint before dawn to watch the first light hit Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Gurung Culture
We spend evenings in hill villages like Chhomrong and Ghandruk, learning about the local traditions and heritage.
Natural Hot Springs
We rest our tired legs in the natural thermal pools located by the Modi River near Jhinu Danda.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use this day to check your trekking gear and complete the necessary permit paperwork.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive
Meals: B / L / D
We board our transport for the road journey west along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trisuli and Marsyangdi rivers through terraced hillsides. By afternoon, we arrive in Pokhara and take a walk along the shores of Phewa Lake.
Day 3
Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga
Meals: B / L / D
A short drive brings us from Lakeside to Nayapul, where our walking journey begins. We follow the trail alongside the Modi River through small farming hamlets before reaching Tikhedhunga for our overnight lodge stay.
Day 4
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Today we climb the steep stone staircase of Ulleri, consisting of over three thousand steps, before entering oak and rhododendron forests. The trail levels out as we approach the ridge village of Ghorepani.
Day 5
Poon Hill Excursion and Trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Poon Hill Excursion and Trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
We start before daylight with a 45-minute climb to the Poon Hill viewpoint (3210 m) for panoramic mountain views. After watching the sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South, we return for breakfast and continue our trek through dense forest trails to Tadapani.
Day 6
Tadapani to Chhomrong
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Tadapani to Chhomrong
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail drops steeply through forested gullies before crossing a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. We then make a sustained uphill pull to reach the large Gurung village of Chhomrong, set beneath the massive peak of Annapurna South.
Day 7
Chhomrong to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chhomrong to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We descend stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola, cross another bridge, and climb past bamboo and oak forests through Dovan and Deurali. The valley narrows as we approach Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3900 m, where the peaks tower directly above our lodge.
Day 8
Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
A gentle morning walk brings us out of the alpine scrub and into the vast glacial basin known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. We arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) by midday, spending the afternoon observing the surrounding ice walls and peaks.
Day 9
Annapurna Base Camp to Jhinu Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Annapurna Base Camp to Jhinu Danda
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our steps down the valley, losing altitude rapidly as we descend past Deurali and Dovan back toward Chhomrong. From there, we take a descending side trail down to Jhinu Danda, where we can visit the hot springs by the river.
Day 10
Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B
Day 10
Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B
Our final day of walking takes us along the Modi River through lower hillside villages to Nayapul. We meet our vehicle here for the return drive to Pokhara, concluding the trekking portion of our journey.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Twin-share teahouse rooms on trek
- All meals on the trekking days
- Experienced lead guide and porters
- ACAP entry permit and TIMS card
- Transport by private vehicle and bus
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude helicopter rescue
- Hot showers, device charging, and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Personal trekking gear and bottled drinks
- Tips for guide and porter crew
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our itinerary reaches its maximum height at Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m). Because we ascend gradually via Poon Hill and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, our bodies have adequate time to adjust to the thinner air.
We advise drinking plenty of fluids and maintaining a slow, conversational walking pace once we cross 3000 m to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness.
Accommodation standards
We stay in local teahouses run by mountain families along the entire trail. Rooms are basic and twin-share, featuring wooden beds with foam mattresses and blankets.
Electricity for device charging and hot water for showers are usually available for a small extra fee set by the local lodge management.
Physical preparation
This is a moderate trek involving daily walking durations of six to seven hours over uneven terrain and stone steps. We recommend building your cardiovascular endurance with running, cycling, or stair climbing for at least a month prior to departure.
Meals on the trail
Teahouses serve a mix of traditional Nepali dal bhat, noodle soups, momos, and basic western dishes like pasta and porridge. Dal bhat provides reliable energy and allows for free refills, making it the preferred choice among our guides.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to the trip to prevent blisters on stone steps.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for cold mornings and evenings above 3000 m.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Essential protection against sudden mountain rain or snow.
Sleeping bag (-15°C rated)Essential
Camping
Teahouse blankets are provided, but a warm sleeping bag is necessary for high camps.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Crucial for protecting knees on steep descents from Ulleri and Chomrong.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for early morning starts like the walk up to Poon Hill.
Reusable water bottles and purifying dropsEssential
Safety
To maintain hydration along the trail.
Passport and insurance papersEssential
Documents
Must include high-altitude emergency rescue coverage.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitRequired tracking card for trekkers in Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude on this trek?
The highest point we reach is Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous multi-day hiking experience is helpful, but the trek is suitable for fit walkers prepared for daily ascents and descents on stone stairs.
Are permits included in the trip?
Yes, we handle all paperwork for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and your TIMS card.
How cold does it get at night?
Above 3000 m, nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing, especially during autumn and spring months.
Can I charge my phone along the trail?
Most teahouses offer electricity in the dining hall to charge devices, though lodge owners charge a small per-hour fee.
What group size do you operate?
We run our treks with small groups to ensure personalised attention from our lead guides.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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