Annapurna Base Camp with Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Highlights
One of the world’s great treks
This is the classic trek to the Annapurna Base Camp the world’s tenth highest mountain
Enjoy meeting some of Nepal’s remarkable ethnic clans in hillside villages and along the trail
Poon Hill (3,210m) is the most visited viewpoint in this list. It offers spectacular sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Annapurna Region. This 12 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary is specially designed for the trekkers who wanted to complete Annapurna Base Camp but are restricted time-wise. If you want to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek more relaxed way, we would recommend you to join our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek–17 days.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered one of the world’s great treks. The walk-in to the Sanctuary provides an experience of the great variety of landscape types which serve to make Nepal such a special trekking destination. You will pass through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with an amazing range of flora and fauna in between.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins from Nayapul (where we start first day of our trek). During the trek, we encounter sub-tropical heat, pretty villages and neatly terraced rice fields. Gaining height gradually, we enjoy several days of pleasant walking with a mix of abundant forest and scattered areas of farmed land. Finally, beyond the last of the bamboo and rhododendron woodland, the valley narrows at the entrance to the world of ice and snow that is the Annapurna Sanctuary. Throughout the walk-in there are outstanding panoramas of the high peaks to the north, and the contrast of the rice-fields and villages with the snow peaks above, makes for very picturesque trekking indeed. Finally, our trips end at Naya Pul, then, you will drive to Pokhara, enhances by its lovely lakes, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas.

Trip Facts
Trip Duration 10 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara)
Trekking destination Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
Trip Grade Moderate to Strenuous
Best Seasons Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May)
Trip Starts/Ends Nayapul/ Nayapul ( Pokhara)
Transportation Private Vehicle
Accommodations 9 nights in local lodge/teahouse during trek

Brief itinerary
01 Nayapul (1011m) to Tirkhedunga (1540m)
02 Tirkhedunga to Ghorepani (2856m)
03 Ghorepani (2856m) to Tadapani (2625m) via Poon Hill (3210m)
04 Tadapani (2625m) to Chhomrong (2020m)
05 Chomrong to Doban (2505m)
06 Doban (2580m) to Deurali (3100m)
07 Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp (3700)
08 Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (for sunrise) to Himalaya (2800m)
09 Himalaya to Jhinu Dhanda (2170m)
10 Jhinu Danda to Nyapul (1070m); drive to Pokhara (1070m)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01-Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Tirkhedunga (1540m)

After breakfast, you will be picked from your hotel in Pokhara and driven in a private vehicle approx 1 hr 30 min drive to Nayapul. The road passes the Tibetan camp, where there is the carpet factory, a monastery and a few hotels, then continues to Hyangja at 1070m. In the morning, there is often a good view up the valley to Machhapuchhare (weather permitting). The road emerges into the broad Yamdi Khola valley at Suikhet .The road snakes its way into the Modi Khola valley, reaching Nayapul.

From Naya Pul you walk 30 minutes to get to Birethanti, go upstream behind a ridge on a level of trail to the Fishtail lodges and steel bridge. On the opposite bank of the Modhi Khola is Birethanti, elevation 1065 m, a large and prosperous town with a winding street paved with large stones. . Birethanti boasts many well-stocked shops, hotels, sidewalk cafes, a bakery and a police check posts.

Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans, the trail reaches Sudami , then climb steadily up the side of Valley , reaching Hille at 1495 m. Lunch will be served at Hille. After lunch, walk 30 minutes from Hille to Tikedungha for overnight.

Day 02 – Trek from Tirkhadunga to Ghorepani (2810m)
We continue following the Burungdi Khola upstream then climb a stone staircase through terraced fields to Ulleri. The trail to Banthanti is less steep and then continues on to Ghorapani where there is a superb mountain view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung among others.

Day 03 – Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poon Hill (2625m)
A true highlight of the whole trek, we’ve got a pre-dawn start to ascend Poon Hill (3210m) for a glorious sunrise view. A 360-degree panoramic masterpiece awaits us as the early rays kiss the peaks of the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri range.

From Poon Hill the trail continues past an array of bamboo, pine and oak forest along an undulating trail, which weaves its way through meandering streams. The sounds of wildlife and rush of water accompanies us as we ascend to the village of Tadopani for the night.

Day 04 – Tadapani to Chhomrong (2020m)
The trail continues through lush terrain with a seemingly endless forest of rhododendron, coupled with steep, dramatic terraced fields growing a variety of fresh produce, including; rice, maize, potatoes and buckwheat. The trek leads us mostly downhill, past fertile valleys, waterfalls and across suspension bridges to Chhomrong, where we’ll spend the night. Stunning views of Annapurna South and the unclimbed holy peak, Machhapuchare are visible throughout the day.

Day 05 – Chomrong to Doban (2505m)
Our journey will take us up towards the village of Doban. We’ll trek through forests, where we’ll hopefully catch a glimpse of the adorable little pika or a cheeky langur monkey. Keep your camera at the ready!

Day 06-Doban to Deurali (3100m)
Waking up to see sun rays glinting off the magnificent of Machapuchare, we’ll have a relaxed start today. We will ascend slowly to Deurali, allowing us to soak in every detail of the spectacular snow-capped giants we are walking among. Spend the evening enjoying the quiet mountain atmosphere, or trying to capture that perfect sunset shot.

Day 07 – Deurali to Machapuchare Base Camp (3700 m)
Ascending the rugged trail, we pass through the majestic gates formed by the fantastic mountains of Machapuchare and Hiunchuli. Ahead of us, the wide valley floor is encapsulated by a circle of almighty snow-capped peaks. Watch the glorious orange hues of sunset light up the tips of the Annapurna Wall high above you.

Day 08 – Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Basecamp (for sunrise) to Himalaya (2800m)
An early start will be more than rewarded as we reach the wondrous grounds of Annapurna Basecamp for sunrise. As the blanket of night is drawn back, a breath-taking 360-degree panorama will be revealed in golden hues. The Himalayan giants visible from here include Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Machupuchare, Annapurna South, and the Tare Kang Glacier Dome.

Looking carefully, you’ll also be able to see the very bold route up the Annapurna south face completed solo by talented speed alpinist Ueli Steck in an almost unbelievable 28 hour push. In comparison, the first acensionists on the south face, led by British mountaineer, Sir Chris Bonnington, took weeks to reach the summit.

After the ascent of the previous days, it will be a relief to spend the rest of today mainly descending. The first couple of hours will take us down in the shadow of the sacred Machapuchare; its north face towering 3km above us. Knowing that it’s the last day up in the high Himalaya will make you really appreciate the majesty of Huinchuli, Annapurna I and Annapurna South, also in clear view today. We’ll trek through a high alpine meadow, following an expansive glacier into a huge basin. From here, further descent will take us into another beautiful alpine meadow, where we’ll walk alongside a glacier fed stream. Leaving the alpine behind us and entering into the bamboo forest, the greenery of the vegetation and the vivid rhododendron will be a refreshing change.

Day 09 – Himalaya to Jhinu Dhanda (2170m)
We’ll continue to make our way down through bamboo forest and down the steep stone staircase into Jhinu Dhanda. In Jhinu Dhanda, we’ll test out the endless supply of hot water in the natural springs; especially welcoming after 12 days of trekking in the high Himalaya. The perfect place to relax and soak in the atmosphere!

10 – Jhinu Danda to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
We’ll really get the sense of leaving the high Himalaya behind us as we trek through landscaped terraces, surrounded by lush, green vegetation. From Nayapul we drive back to Pokhara. For the rest of the day, you will have the opportunity to explore your surroundings, purchase souvenirs or simply relax with a beer. Pokhara is a fantastic place to unwind after your trek!