Overview

Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a seventeen day itinerary pack in which you get to hike daily till you get to two destinations of wonder, the Ghorepani Poonhills and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), both of which fall in the Annapurna trekking region.

As understood, the daily hikes of are done in the trekking in Annapurna Region known its various trekking routes the world over among trekking enthusiasts. In this particular trek, you first hike daily to reach Poonhills from where you get a magnificent view of the sunrise over a number of ranges and mountain peaks such as the Annapurna peaks, Dhaulagiri peak, Nilgiri, Himchuli and Machhapuchhure Peaks then taking a refreshing bath in the hot springs of Tadapani. Getting to your first destination of Ghorepani Poonhill, takes you through villages and over rivers and streams with them gushing below you. You also pass through a thick forest of pine, oak and rhododendron on the way, all the while, you are given the strength to carry on with the sight of the snow-capped mountain peaks. These forests are forever letting out their secrets of the wildlife unique to the region.

Once this half of the trek is completed, we head to ABC, where the terrain turns from the evergreen lush forest to the more rugged form as we go higher and higher till we get to ABC, it is here like at Everest Base Camp, that those willing to try summiting the 8000 plus gigantic massif come to train. Though Everest is higher, it is said the Mount Annapurna is more difficult to climb. Far less people have done so, in comparison to Everest. The trek in this half takes you through some low laying pass and some glaciers emitting from the bowls of the Annapurna basin. And before you know it all, your seventeen day hike seems to magically end with just the vivid memories of your adventure to Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp, wishing you could do it all over again.

There is much one would gain from taking this trek, besides it being done in the famed Annapurna trekking region and that it is an eco-friendly trek away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In the trek, you hike to Poonhill from where you get a four dimensional view of the lush vegetation to the South and the snow-capped peaks of a number of Mountains to the North. If you are there, before dawn, the sunrise over them will simply mesmerize you with the scintillating glow of golden sparkles seeming to come from some childhood bedtime fairy tales story. In addition to this vegetation around Poonhill take on a like not be seen elsewhere. After this, the early morning chills are taken away from the bones with a dip in the hot springs of Tadapani. The trek to this section is just as thrilling with the forest, the villages and the terraced farms that you pass through daily bringing back into the passage of time with the snow-capped mountain ranges in the background. After the lusher part of the trek is completed of the Annapurna Region, it is to the more rugged part of what it has to offer but beautiful in the more isolated way. The mountain ranges now closer still, allowing them to give you a look at the glaciers they stem out to create the fast flowing rivers and gorges and the lush life further below. Finally to taken in ABC, the place where mountaineers train to try their luck at the peak of Mount Annapurna. Then it is back from where it all started.

Is this a difficult trek?
Like all the treks in Nepal, they are done in the Himalayan region, like any mountainous region in the world, you would need to ascend and descend. In any of the itinerary trekking destination, there are bound to be both ascends and descends of different gradients. The trails are so made out to give the minimum amount of climbs, unless when necessary. When getting to any Base Camp of the Higher Himalayan areas, you are given ample rest on the way and when it is deemed necessary, a day’s rest would naturally be there to get acclimatized. As a whole, the trip is some days easy, moderate and a bit difficult. Most trekkers in fact would love the terrain of the Himalayan region to trek in. If you have the heart for the outdoors, then this is a moderately tough trek, but in the end result, you come out a better physically rejuvenated personality, ready to take on any challenge thrown at you.

Outline Trekking Itinerary for Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min flight/5 hour drive)
Day 4: Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hr drive) and hike to Ulleri (1940 m) (Approx 4 – 5 hour hike)
Day 5: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2800 m) (5 – 6 hour hike)
Day 6: Early Morning Excursion to Poonhill (3210m) and hike to Tadapani (2590 m) (6 – 7 hrs hike)
Day 7: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m) (5 hr hike)
Day 8: Chhomrong to Dovan (2580 m) (5 – 6 hr hike)
Day 9: Dovan to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m) (7 hr hike)
Day 10: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) (7 hr hike)
Day 11: ABC to Bamboo (2310m) (7 hr hike)
Day 12: Bamboo to Jhinu (1760m) (5 – 6 hr hike)
Day 13: Jhinu to Landruk (1565m) (3 hr hike)
Day 14: Landruk to Dhampus (1650m) (5 hr hike)
Day 15: Dhampus to Phedi (1 hr hike) and Drive to Pokhara (30 min)
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 17: Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Trip Highlights

Enjoy sightseeing tour to various historical/natural/cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu
Enjoy terrific Pokhara - Kathmandu - Pokhara journey known for mind-blowing sceneries
Explore around Pokhara, the most beautiful lake city of the country, also known for providing superb mountain views
Enjoy views of Annapurna, Machhapuchchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Himalchuli etc.
Enjoy the magnificent view of sunrise from the Poon Hill, and sunset from Tadapani
Catch panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna range along with other adjacent mountains.
Explore Annapurna Base Camp which provides the eye-popping view of Mt. Annapurna
Pass through gushing rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers etc.
Witness variety of floras and faunas
Get along with ethnic people and their culture

Day 1 :

Arrival at Kathmandu

Today is the day when you will be received at the International Airport. A representative of the company will be waiting to welcome you at the gates. He will then take you by private vehicle to your three star hotel where you will stay for the night. If there is any energy left in you, you can freshen up and haunt the neighbourhood of your hotel to see what it is like in the city.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing Kathmandu and Preparation for the Hike

Today you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of the city of Kathmandu, namely Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa; all four UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the evening after the sightseeing tour, there will be a trek preparation discussion on all important aspects of it at your hotel. You will stay the night at the hotel.

Day 3 :

Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min flight/5 hour drive)

Depending on your preference, you will either fly or go by tourist bus to Pokhara. Flying will only give you a short interval to see what rural Nepal is like. On the other, the bus journey will give you a closer look of what you are in for with the lush verdure hill sides, the villages and the fast flowing river on which rafters are taking the pleasure of white water rafting. You are checked into a hotel for your stay for the night.

Day 4 :

Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hr drive) and hike to Ulleri (1940 m) (Approx 4 – 5 hour hike)

Today, we begin our trek but first we need to get to the starting point of it. We take a one hour drive to Nayapul and getting off, we head to the first destination for the day at Ulleri (1940 m) which should take about 5 hours at the maximum to reach. Once there, we stay the night at a lodge.

Day 5 :

Ulleri to Ghorepani (2800 m) (5 – 6 hour hike)

Today, we hike to Ghorepani, we first get Banthanti that takes about 45 minutes to get to. From there it is through a forest for about an hour and a half up a gentle ascend to Nangethanti and again through an Oak and rhododendron wood and for another hour and a half's hike we reach the Magar village of Ghorepani. It's from here the ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna become visible. We stay the night at Ghorepani.

Day 6 :

Early Morning Excursion to Poonhill (3210m) and hike to Tadapani (2590 m) (6 – 7 hrs hike)

Today, we take a very early morning hike to Poonhill (3210 m) before dusk, to catch the sunrise over the Annapurna range and other mountain peaks. We stay a while there and then begin hiking to Tadapani, meaning hot waters. On the way, we get breathing views of the snow-capped peaks to the north and passing through Oak and rhododendron forests. At Tadapani, we can take the opportunity to dip into the hot mineral rich waters to relax our tired muscles. We stay the night at a lodge at Tadapani for the night.

Day 7 :

Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m) (5 hr hike)

Today we hike towards Chhomrong, which should take us about five hours to reach. It is an easy day’s hike with more descends than ascends through forested terrain with views for the Annapurna and Machhapuchhare peak. We finally get to Chhomrong where we stay the night at a lodge.

Day 8 :

Chhomrong to Dovan (2580 m) (5 – 6 hr hike)

The day's hike after a hearty breakfast to Dovan begins along a trail that passes over the Modi Khola and a wooded slope of the hills. Crossing a few suspension bridges, we begin climbing up to Sinuwa Danda, here after we go through a thick rhododendron forest and reach Khuldighar. Finally, we descend through a bamboo groves and a rhododendron wood and reach Dovan. We stay the night here at a lodge.

Day 9 :

Dovan to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m) (7 hr hike)

Today, we hike towards Machhapuchhare Base Camp. We start the hike with a gradual ascent above a river trail and a dense wood. Crossing two streams we move into solitary space with eye catching scenery. Here we might encounter some wild life like wild pigs, deer and snow leopards. Then you ascend to Hinko cave and move down to Deurali from where you continue over a river bed climbing up the mountain side. Going on further still you reach Bagar and then onto Machhapuchhare Base Camp while on the way, you get a wonderful views of Mount Machhapuchhare, Mount Hiunchuli, Mount Annapurna, Mount Annapurna I, Mount Annapurna II and Mount Gangapurna. Here you spend the night at a lodge.

Day 10 :

MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) (7 hr hike)

Today we hike to one of the most awaited days of the trek, our hike to Annapurna Base Camp. Starting the trek with some beautiful scenery of snow melting and forming rivers, the trail broadens as we enter the area. We follow the stream and enter a settlement getting breath taking view of Annapurna South face. The base camp gives majestic views of Machhapuchhare, Mount Hiunchuli, Mount Annapurna South, Annapurna I and II, and Gangapurna. We stay the night at a lodge.

Day 11 :

ABC to Bamboo (2310m) (7 hr hike)

Today we start your return journey back to back which is mostly downhill and getting the company of the landscape along the way. We stay the night at a lodge.

Day 12 :

Bamboo to Jhinu (1760m) (5 – 6 hr hike)

We begin day's hike with an ascend to Kuldighar and then downhill to Chhomrong Khola. From here is a climb up stone steps to Chhomrong. The path then descend to Jhinu. On the way we can take a dip at the hot spring which we come across to relieve our aching body. We stay the night at a Lodg

Day 13 :

Jhinu to Landruk (1565m) (3 hr hike)

Today, we head to Landruk. The trail descends for about half an hour to Kimrung River and then cross a suspension bridge to reach a small village. We continue along the Modi Khola and reach the village of Landruk. We stay the night at a lodge.

Day 14 :

Landruk to Dhampus (1650m) (5 hr hike)

Today we hike to Dhampus while get lovely vies of the Annapurna South. This village is the largest which one would encounter on the whole trek. We stay the night at a lodge.

Day 15 :

Dhampus to Phedi (1 hr hike) and Drive to Pokhara (30 min)

Today, we do the last stretch of the one hour hike to Phedi from where we are driven back to Pokhara in a 30 minute ride. At Pokhara we check into a hotel and freshen up to relax the evening.

Day 16 :

Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today, we catch the tourist bus back to Kathmandu, along the highway get the last look of the the green mountain sides, villages on it and the Trishul river on the way. In Kathmandu, we check you into a hotel for the night’s stay. In the evening, you will be taken to an authentic Nepali restaurant for a farewell dinner with staff of the company.

Day 17 :

Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Now that you trip is over a representative from the company will drop you off at the airport three hours ahead of your flight and bid you farewell for check in formalities.
At Breakfree Adventures, we hope that you have had a wonderful trip where we take your comfort and security into high importance.

FAQs

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Where is Ghorepani Nepal?

Ghorepani is a village located in the Annapurna region to the northern-central Nepal. It is located at approximately 2874 m (9429 ft). It was the place for ancient traders where water was found for their horses thus the place is called Ghorepani in which ‘ghore’ means horse and ‘pani’ meaning water in Nepali.

Where is Poon hill located?

Poon hill is the popular Himalayan viewpoint in the Annapurna region from where a spectacular Himalayan panorama of peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Himchuli, Fishtail etc. Poon hill is at 3,210 meters altitude and located in the border of Myagdi District and Kaski District in Nepal.

What is Ghorepani Poon hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek?

Ghorepani Poon hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek is hiking into the Annapurna region where you first trek into Ghorepani, visit Poon Hill and proceed towards Annapurna Base Camp. It’s the combination of two most popular treks into the Annapurna region.

Where will I go first on Poon Hill Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The trek first is towards Ghorepani and Poon hill from where you will witness the most spectacular sunrise view over the Himalayas then the trekking trail will take you to Annapurna Base Camp. Afterwards, back to Phedi and drive to Pokhara.

What is Annapurna base camp trek via poon hill itinerary?

Annapurna base camp trek via poon hill itinerary is first drive to Nayapul and start the trek to Ulleri, Ghorepani, early morning excursion to Poonhill and hike to Tadapani, Chhomrong, Dovan, Machhapuchhare Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Bamboo, Jhinu, Landruk, Dhampus, Phedi then drive back to Pokhara.

When is the best season for Annapurna base camp trek via poon hill?

The best season for Annapurna base camp trek via poon hill is pre-monsoon on February, March, April and May and for post-monsoon will be late September, October, November and December. Monsoon (Jun-Aug) is too wet for trekking with slippery and muddy trials.

Will I get altitude sickness on Annapurna base camp trek with poon hill?

Altitude sickness on Annapurna base camp trek with poon hill can occur since you will be trekking in the high altitudes. Your insurance should cover the costs of helicopter rescue, medical expenses. Also remember that the insurance policy should cover rescues above 3000 meters.

Is Poon hill trek vs Annapurna base camp difficult?

Poon hill trek vs Annapurna base camp is moderate to strenuous graded trek since the trek involves trekking into Ghoreapani Poon hill areas than further trek towards Annapurna Base Camp. You need to have a good level of physical fitness to accomplish the trek. Proper preparation before the trek starts are recommended like walking, jogging and walking stairs ups and downs since the trek involves ascending and descending high up in the Himalayan trails.

How is the accommodation on ABC trekking poon hill?

Accommodation on abc trekking poon hill is at family-run lodges which is popularly known as tea house. They have basic facilities but are comfortable and clean, and the best resting place after a tiring hike throughout the day. Toilets will be shared and communal dining hall.

How much is the highest point on poon hill and ABC trek?

The highest point on poon hill and ABC trek Annapurna Base Camp (4130m).

Where is ABC trek via poon hill starts and ends?

ABC trek via poon hill starts from Nayapul to where you drive from Pokhara. The trek ends at Phedi and you will drive back to Pokhara.

Trip Information

We will provide you with comprehensive information on the every trek and tour we arrange. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information or have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you in anyway.

When to go:
Spring (mid-February, March, April, May) and Autumn (October, November) are the best seasons for the Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghorepani Poonhill and Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trekking in summer/monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. Though Himalayan rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang and Kailash can be good during monsoon.

Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is in fact compulsory should you be going trekking, rafting, paragliding etc. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, loss of luggage, etc. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please check with your insurance company that adventure activities and trekking above 3000m are covered in your policy, as some companies do not cover such things. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.

Meals and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, we normally use 3 stars hotel with breakfast but can upgrade upon request. During the Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we provide the best available guest house which is called Tea house (lodge). Tea Houses are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). Some guesthouses are basic with shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a room with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. Keep in mind that there are several places which do not allow single accommodations during peak season, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences if possible. In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route. Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.
We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses chosen from a menu. While Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Fitness and Experience Required:
Our 17 days Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 4-5 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.

The Trekking Group:
For the Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.

Trekking Guides and Staff:
The most significant thing that makes Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek successful, enjoyable and memorable is the expert, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and Guide and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional Guide. All of our Trekking Guides are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, Guiding skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Breakfree Adventures employs staffs who have plenty of knowledgeable about culture, flora and fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trekking Guide of Breakfree Adventures are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
• Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Governments Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
• English Language – KEEP(Kathmandu environment education project)
• Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
• Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Our Trekking Guides obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.

Climate and Weather:
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.
Himalayan weather can be unpredictable where nights are generally cooler and days warmer. It’s a bit colder during the winter season (Jan to Feb) but days can be quite warm and lovely if the sun is shining. You can expect a bit of snow in the months of January/February and December. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.

Safety and Security:
Security and safety are a high priority of our company however there are risks associated with adventure travel, that you should consider before booking. Our trip operators constantly monitor their areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to travel to a particular country or region is a personnel one.

Responsible Travel
Breakfree Adventures is a leading trekking and travel agency with dedicated travel Professionals who are well trained to give you the best of what Nepal has to offer. Our professional team follows a social philosophy that accepts responsibility for the local people and the environment in which we work. We respect the natural environment and the culture of our country, and we help travellers from around the world discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Nepal. We know that responsible travel tries to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and maximize employment and income-generating opportunities for local communities. The whole of Nepal, including those living in remote rural areas that have very few other opportunities for development, benefits from sustainable tourism.

Breakfree Adventures is passionate about preserving the environment. As responsible tour guides in Nepal, we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the local communities through which we travel. While trekking to different destinations, we choose environmentally- friendly lodges that respect the needs of their staff members. We take care of our staff as well as our valued clients. During our treks and other trips, we follow a zero garbage policy (“pack in, pack out”) and leave nothing behind in the campsites. We always welcome your feedback and comments regarding responsible travel, so please send an e-mail to let us know what you think.

Ghorepani Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek

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