12 Days Annapurna Base camp Trek Via Poonhill

Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers great introduction to rustic Nepal and its fascinating peaks. Annapurna meaning “The Goddess of the Harvests” is the part of Great Himalaya Range located in the North-central Nepal.

There are very few treks in Nepal that takes you close proximity to 8,000m+ and 7,000+ peaks without forcing you to push your limits; in such short time period.Walk through lush terraced fields, explore cultural hamlets, cross gushing rivers and endeavor the challenging mountain trail to the Annapurna Base Camp. You will spend nights at local teahouse which offers you an in-depth knowledge of local culture and traditions. The region is pre-dominantly habited by Gurung and Magar community who are globally known for their bravery in British Gurkha Regiment.

12 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill starts with an exciting flight along the Himalayas to

Pokhara. Drive to Nayapul and walk through Hindu farming village; then Tibeto-Berman groups for two days to Ghorepani. A pre-sunrise climb to Poon Hill ridge (3,210m/10,530ft) ensures panoramic sunrise over gigantic Himalayas – Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Fish-tailed (sacred Machhapuchhre)

The trail then moves eastwards towards Modi Khola valley which carries melted water from glacier and ice-rings above. Numerous villages nestle above the river on ridge tops surrounded by charming terraced fields.

The trail above Chhomrong becomes steep and as it enters to the Sanctuary; the tree line gives way to Alpine scrubs and peaks come into full view. A rigorous walk to Macchapuchhre Base Camp is followed by two stiff hours climb to Annapurna Base camp. Here you will be rewarded with the vast and Breathtaking wall of rocks and ice; rising above 4,000m from BC. Below is magnificent Ice U-shaped valley gouge.

The returning journey requires three nights with one at Jhinu Danda. Here you will soothe at natural hot spring to relax your tired muscles. A final downhill walk leads to Mataque – and a private vehicle to drive you back to Pokhara. Fly back to Kathmandu and spend your leisure day exploring the sights and sounds of the city.

Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill

Cultural Villages

Explore the traditional villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar community and interact with locals to get close glimpse of local culture and tradition. Annapurna, home of many Gurkha soldier, has friendly locals who love to share their culture and life experience. They will delight you with warm hospitality.

Lush Forests of Rhododendrons and oaks

Annapurna Base camp trial goes through amazing forest of bamboo, rhododendron and oaks. In spring, the colorful rhododendron and other wild-flowers endow the trail; making it earth’s paradise. Small streams and chirping of birds add more beauty.

Numerous rivers and suspension bridges

Get ready to be enthralled on a beauty of rivers that meanders on your trail. Also get ready to swing on every steps as you walk to cross the suspension bridges over the river.

Rural Nepalese Lifestyle

Though the villages on ABC trial well-pander their travelers; local still have rural lifestyle and enjoy their Village life. You will see well-furnished hotels and at a same time thatched roof houses. Farming and animal husbandry are still main source of income.

Magnificent Himalayan Peaks

Enjoy some of the best views of mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The astounding Himalayan peaks dominate the entire trek. Annapurna and countless other peaks crowd the horizon. From every ridges and villages you pass by, you can witness wonderful sceneries.

Machhapuchhre & Annapurna Base Camp

You will have privilege to explore two base camps – Machhapucchre Base Camp (3,700m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). At 4,130m, Annapurna Base Camp is dream come-true destination for every adventure enthusiast and Nature  lover. You will spend overnight beneath the shadow of Annapurna which is, no doubt, anexhilarating experience. Morning welcomes you with fresh mountain air and stunning rays of sun that strike upon the milky Annapurna.

Jhinu Hot Spring

A visit to the natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda works magic on your tired muscles and is a well-deserved break on your returning trip from Base Camp.Jhinu Danda is itself a delightful settlement; perched on a top of ridge with couple of teahouses and pop-up craft shops.

Diverse Floral and Faunal Species

Annapurna region is paradise for nature lover and botanist. Variety of floral and faunal species thrive on the geography of Annapurna Conservation Area. The region is home to various numbers of flowering and non-flowering plants and rare and non-rare wild species like leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Thar etc.

Poon Hill

Annapurna Base Camp Trek with a hike to Poon Hill offers comprehensive mountain experience in Annapurna region. An exploratory hike to Poon Hill not only offers you a unique experience but also Assist you with acclimatization. Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210m; offers magnificent sunrise over 55km long Annapurna massif.

FAQs of Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill

How fit do you need to be for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

For ABC trek, you don’t need to be an athlete or extremely fit person. If you are moderately fit and can walk for 5 – 6 hours per day; on a mountain trail then this trek will not bother you. However, there are some sections which might really challenge you.

The Tikhedunga to Ulleri comprises 3,200 stairs which is approx. 500m ascend and the Chommrong to Lower Sinuwa includes 2,200 stairs which approx. 300m.

What is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp?

The elevation of the Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130m. A day hike around ABC will take you as high as

4,300m.

What is the best season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

(March – May) in spring and (Sep – Nov) in autumn are the best time of the year for ABC Trek.

Spring: The weather remains stable and the entire trail is decorated with rhododendron and green vegetation.

Autumn: The weather remains stable and offers great mountains views

Rest: Monsoon receives heavy downpours; making entire trail slippery. It also invites the risk of

Landslide, floods and  avalanches. In winter, the mountains are at its best attire but the extremely cold temperature might not be suitable for every trekkers.

Do I need Travel Insurance while trekking?

It depends on your health condition. But we suggest you to get travel insurance that covers evacuation emergency situation.

Is there any ATMS or POS machine in ABC trail?

No, you need to carry cash. Only local currency is acceptable.

12 Days Annapurna base camp Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight- Drive Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1940m, 4 Hour)

Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani 2,850m – 06 hrs.

Day 04: Early Morning, hike to Poonhil (3,210m) and after breakfast trek to Chuile 2,450, 6-hour trek

Day 05: Trek from Chuile to Sinuwa  (2,360m., 5, 6-hour trek)

Day 06: Trek to Deurali ( 3,230m – 06 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)  4,095m – 04 hrs.

Day 08: Trek to Bamboo -2050m, 06 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to Jhinu danda with hot spring 1,700m – 06 hours.

Day 10: Trek to Mataque then   drive to Pokhara. ( 1  hour trek, 2  hour drive)

Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure.

Day 12: International departure homeward bound.

Service include

• Round trip airport transfer (Airport – Hotel – Airport)
• 2 nights at 2-3 Star hotels in Kathmandu, including breakfast and Wi-Fi.
• Meals : 3 Meals a day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• All Permit and necessary paper works
• Flight Ticket from Kathmandu to Pokhara / Kathmandu
• Pokhara/ Matque and back to Pokhara by  Jeep.
• All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
• Trekking Guide: An experienced, helpful, friendly, and English speaking trekking guide (including his well-paid salary, insurance, meals, drinks, accommodation, transportation, etc.)
• Trekking Porter:  Carry your Luggage (One Porter for every two clients)
• 1 nights at 2-3 star Hotel accommodation in Pokhara, including breakfast and Wi-Fi
• Arrangement  of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
• Adventure  Certificate. Trekking Map,
• Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
• All Government Taxes and Service Charge.

Service excluded

• Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily obtain Visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu).
• International airfare and travel insurance.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• All bar bills and personal expenses (phone call, laundry service, battery recharge, bottle of water, hot water, hot/cold shower,   tea, coffee etc.)
• Tips for  guide and porter.

• Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
• Kathmandu to Pokhara by Flight- Drive Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1940m, 4 Hour)
• Trek to Ghorepani 2,850m – 06 hrs.
• Early Morning, hike to Poonhil (3,210m) and after breakfast trek to Chuile 2,450, 6-hour trek
• Trek from Chuile to Sinuwa  (2,360m., 5, 6-hour trek)
• Trek to Deurali ( 3,230m – 06 hrs.
• Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)  4,095m – 04 hrs.
• Trek to Bamboo -2050m, 06 hrs.
• Trek to Jhinu danda with hot spring 1,700m – 06 hours.
• Trek to Mataque then   drive to Pokhara. ( 2  hour trek, one hour drive)
•  Fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure.
• International departure homeward bound.