The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill is one of Nepal’s most iconic Himalayan journeys, combining breathtaking sunrise views from Poon Hill with the majestic amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp. This 13-day adventure takes you through charming villages, lush forests, terraced fields, and glacier landscapes, offering a perfect balance of nature, culture, and adventure. Every step brings you closer to the heart of the Himalayas, where mountains touch the sky and silence speaks louder than words.
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a spectacular journey into a natural Himalayan amphitheater surrounded by towering snow peaks. The trail begins from the vibrant city of Pokhara and gradually ascends through lush valleys, terraced farmland, and dense rhododendron forests.
Trekkers pass through culturally rich villages like Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chhomrong, and Bamboo, inhabited by Gurung, Magar, and other ethnic communities known for their hospitality and deep-rooted traditions. As the altitude increases, the landscape transforms dramatically—from green hills to alpine terrain and finally to the dramatic glacier basin of Annapurna Base Camp.
The highlight of the trek is standing at the base of the 10th highest mountain in the world, surrounded by giants like Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. This trek is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and Himalayan adventure.
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu (1350m)
Day 02: Drive/Flight to Pokhara (820m) – 200km / 6 hrs
Day 03: Drive to Hile (1430m) → Trek to Banthanti (2210m) – 5 hrs total
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2860m) – 4 hrs
Day 05: Poon Hill (3210m) → Trek to Tadapani (2610m) – 6 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Chhomrong (2140m) – 5 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Dovan/Himalaya (2590–2920m) – 5–6 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) – 6 hrs
Day 09: Trek to ABC (4130m) → Return Himalaya (2920m) – 7 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Jhinu/Chhomrong (1780–2170m) – 6 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Matkyu → Drive to Pokhara – 5 hrs total
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu – 6 hrs
Day 13: Departure
The best seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek are:
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
Clear skies, best mountain views, stable weather, ideal trekking conditions.
Spring (Feb–May):
Blooming rhododendrons, colorful forests, pleasant temperatures.
Winter (Dec–Jan):
Cold but peaceful trails, fewer trekkers, snowy landscapes.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug):
Not recommended due to rain, landslides, and slippery trails.
This trek is moderate in difficulty, suitable for beginners with good fitness.
This trek offers deep cultural immersion into Himalayan life. You will meet:
Every village tells a story of resilience, culture, and harmony with nature.
Ready to experience the breathtaking Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill?
Let the Himalayas transform your journey into a lifetime memory.
👉 Contact Ghumnajaau today to book your adventure or customize your trekking package.
Your Himalayan dream begins here!
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, We're grateful for the warm welcome extended by our official. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
Your trekking staff will ensure a smooth transition for you from the hotel to the tourist bus station, beginning your journey to Pokhara at around 7:30 am. Pokhara, often hailed as the gateway to the Annapurna region, is a picturesque valley nestled beside the tranquil Phewa Lake.
Renowned for its breathtaking views, Pokhara offers panoramic vistas of iconic Himalayan peaks like Annapurna and Machapuchare to the north, Dhaulagiri to the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu to the east.
Compared to the bustling energy of Kathmandu, Pokhara is smaller and more serene, making it an ideal starting point for your Annapurna Base Camp (Annapurna Santuary) trekking adventure. With its tranquil setting and proximity to the majestic Himalayas, Pokhara sets the stage for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Annapurna region.
After breakfast drive to Hile. It takes 2.5 hours. And start trek to Banthanti. The trail goes step up with observing Tikhedunga, Ulleri villages and terrace field. Overnight at Lodge.
Trekking to Ghorepani through a rhododendron forest, especially during April-May when the nine species rhododendron blooms, must be an enchanting experience. The vibrant colors of the flowers would surely add to the beauty of the landscape.
Reaching Nangethani for a well-deserved rest before continuing on to Ghorepani sounds like a wise plan, allowing you to recharge and appreciate the journey. Ghorepani, with its picturesque Poon Magar settlement and numerous lodges catering to tourists, offers a cozy retreat amidst the mountains.
Taking in the evening mountain sceneries from the lodge must be truly mesmerizing, with the fading light casting a golden glow over the peaks. It sounds like the perfect way to end a day of adventure in the Himalayas. Enjoy the tranquility and the majesty of the mountains!
Today's itinerary begins with an early morning hike to Poon Hill, a renowned vantage point offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Starting the hike at dawn allows you to witness the spectacular sunrise over the high Himalayas, creating an unforgettable moment amidst the majestic scenery.
After spending 1 to 2 hours soaking in the breathtaking views from Poon Hill, you'll retrace your steps back to Ghorepani, where a hot breakfast awaits. Energized by the meal, the journey continues with a climb along ridges, traversing through lush pine and rhododendron forests towards Deurali (2,960 m/9,711 ft).
From Deurali, the trail descends to Banthanti before turning off towards Tadapani. This part of the trek offers a blend of scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Annapurna region. As you traverse through forests and ridges, you'll have ample opportunities to appreciate the rich biodiversity and serene surroundings along the way.
Overall, today's hike promises to be a memorable adventure filled with breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and the tranquility of nature. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of the Himalayas as you journey towards Tadapani, experiencing the magic of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek firsthand.
Today's trek begins with a descent through steep rhododendron forests from Tadapani. As you make your way down the trail, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest, you'll gradually transition into a more gentle descent as you approach Gurjung, a village inhabited by the Gurung people.
The trail continues with ease as you pass through Gurjung, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and observe the traditional way of life of the Gurung community. From Gurjung, the path leads to Chomrong (2,140 m/7,021 ft), a picturesque village nestled amidst the mountains.
Chomrong serves as a welcome stop on your journey, providing a tranquil setting for rest and relaxation after the day's trek. With its charming atmosphere and stunning surroundings, Chomrong offers a glimpse into the beauty and hospitality of the Annapurna region.
As you conclude your day's trek in Chomrong, take the time to unwind, savor the scenic views, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead on your Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
Today you will have to first go downhill to the river called Chomrongkhola and then uphill to Khudi-ghar. Hiking through dense bamboo forest and rhododendron bushes, amazing landscapes, and the Annapurna Himalaya range, the trail will take you to your final destination of the day, i.e., Dovan or Himalaya.
After breakfast, your day will start climbing the route onwards Himalaya. On the way you can explore the Hinku cave. After lunch, the trail will continue to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp for overnight stay where you can have the closest glimpse of Machhapuchhre along with Annapurna-III and Gangapurna.
This day you will be ascending through a small ridge branching out from the mountain pass to mountainside with widespread terraced fields showcasing tranquil meadows. As soon as you reach Annapurna South Base Camp, you will witness awesome picturesque landscapes, majestic panoramic view of snow-capped mountainous peaks and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif.
We follow the same trail until Chomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar, there is an experimental sheep farm. The trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields.
From Chomrong, the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu. Here we can bath in natural hot springs
Today begins with a gradual descent through rhododendron and bamboo forests, offering a final glimpse of the lush landscapes of the Annapurna region. A short one-hour walk will bring you to Samrong Khola, where our vehicle will be waiting. From here, we drive back to Pokhara, a scenic journey of about three hours. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to relax by Phewa Lake, explore the lakeside, or simply unwind after the trek. Optional extensions are available in Pokhara based on client interests.
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning by Tourist Bus. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
It’s the end of our exciting journey in the Annapurna region Today we conclude our 13 day Annapurna Santuray Trekking . One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home.
We bid you farewell, and hoping you’ll travel to Nepal again.
It is a moderate trek suitable for beginners with basic fitness.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4130m.
No, but regular walking or light fitness preparaton is recommended.
Yes, but gradual ascent and proper hydration reduce risks significantly.
TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are required.
Yes, in most teahouses at an extra cost.
Basic teahouses and lodges with twin-sharing rooms.
Yes, charging facilities are available in most lodges (extra charge).
Nepali, Indian, pasta, soups, eggs, and basic continental meals.
Yes, but limited and slow in higher regions.