Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill combines two of the most popular trek routes in Nepal. It blends the cultural experience of Ghorepani and the stunning scenery of the Annapurna Sanctuary. This trekking trail will also lead you to spectacular vantage point destinations, including the base camp of Mount Annapurna and the hill station of Poon Hill. This remarkable journey in the lap of the Himalayas begins with a 2-3 hour bus ride from Pokhara to Nayapul. Upon your arrival, you will start a 3-hour hike to Ulleri, where you will spend the night at a tea house run by the local community. In the coming days, you will pass by numerous villages, including Tatopani, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Chomrong, on the way to Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp.
Along the way, you will have astounding views of mountains like Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Niligiri, and Manaslu. Moreover, hiking along this route allows you to explore the lush vegetation and wildlife of the Annapurna region. These forests are in full bloom during the spring season. If you are lucky, you might also encounter some exotic animals and bird species along the trail. Some rare animals in the region include Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, and snow leopards.
As our Annapurna Base Camp with the Poon Hill trek comes to an end on the eighth day of our travel, you can relax in the hot springs of Jhinu Danda and rejuvenate yourself. The refreshing shower in the hot springs will heal your body from the exhaustion of hiking in the mountains of the Annapurna region.
Highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek
- Glorious sunrise view over the majestic peaks from Poon Hill.
- Hike through sub-tropical and alpine forests to the base camp of Mount Annapurna.
- Witness enchanting forests filled with magnolia, rhododendrons, and pine trees.
- Enjoy the grand panorama of the snow-capped peaks like Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri.
- Explore the serene mountain villages of the Magar and Gurung communities of the Annapurna region.
What can you expect on the 8 days Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill?
A trek into Nepal's stunning western Himalayan regions allows you to explore the remarkable diversity of ecosystems in the Annapurna region. During the expedition, you will hike through alpine river valleys, icy landscapes, and subtropical rhododendron forests. On this journey, we will also hike through the remarkable Annapurna Sanctuary. The region is a perfect vantage point for travelers to soak in the glorious views of the Himalayas. At the base camp of Mount Annapurna, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, Macchapuchre, and other snow-capped peaks of the western region of Nepal. But the ABC trek is more than just splendid scenery; walking through these parts of Nepal will introduce you to the beautiful culture and traditions of the local Gurung and Magar community. During this tour, we will visit remote villages with serene hot springs and enjoy the pleasing aesthetic of the hillside with magnificent peaks surrounding us.
Breathtaking Views Await: Poon Hill Sunrise Experience
One of the highlights of this journey is the hike to Poon Hill viewpoint, where you can enjoy the glorious sunrise. This vantage point offers you stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The journey through the Annapurna region of Nepal is full of adventures and new experiences. Travelers can enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Machapuchre throughout the journey. As the journey proceeds, you will arrive at the Poon Hill Viewpoint on day three of this tour. You will wake up early on this day, and your guide will lead you along the trail ahead. Please remember that it will still be dark outside, and you will need a torch light to avoid tripping and sustaining any injury.
At the vantage point, you will encounter several travelers who have arrived at the Poon Hill station to spectate the glorious sunrise. There will be several vendors and shops where you can purchase hot beverages and enjoy the majestic sun rays blanketing the snow-capped mountain peaks. This will enhance your experience and support the local economy of the community. While exploring the hill station, you can capture many pictures and create memories that last a lifetime. The short detour ends after you catch the trail with your trek members to Tadapani.
Note: Mardi Himal Trek is another alternative short tour in Annapurna. This short tour offers travelers stunning views of the region's landscape, mountain peaks, wildlife, and vegetation.
Immerse Yourself in Local Culture and Traditions
During this travel, you will walk through several village settlements renowned for preserving their beautiful culture and traditions. The Gurungs and Magars are the native people of the region who have passed down their heritage for generations. So, this journey will be adventurous, and you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in and learn about local culture and tradition. The hospitable Gurung and Magar people will receive you with garlands of flowers and welcome drinks as you approach the tea house for an overnight stay. In the evening, you can enjoy a campfire with the trek members and even participate in the cultural songs and dances of the local community.
Explore these Villages During the trek.
The villages along the trail offer travelers a captivating glimpse into the traditional Nepalese lifestyle. Nestled between the beautiful mountains and hills, these settlements are decorated with prayer flags, mani walls, and terraced fields. Moreover, the warm hospitality of the people will enhance your experience of their rich culture and local customs. The houses in these villages are made of wood and stone, creating an enchanting ambiance for visitors. As you navigate these charming villages, you will find a deep connection to the lands and its native people. Among the settlements you explore during the journey, Ghorepani and Tadapani villages are two of the Annapurna region's best culturally and naturally adorned villages.
Ghorepani Village
The name "Ghorepani" translates to "horse water" in Nepali. Long before the hiking route was established in this region, the village used to be rest stops for traders and their pack animals. Ghorepani is a vibrant settlement surrounded by vivid rhododendron forest, creating a tranquil ambiance for travelers. This is the point where you will rest for the night before your hike to Poonhill. The villages
Tadapani
Tadapani village is encircled by gigantic massifs of the Annapurna mountain range. This settlement is a typical Gurung village, which portrays artistic heritage from generations ago. The entrance of the village is adorned by stone steps and Buddhist prayer flags, creating a serene aesthetic. Travelers passing through this region stop by Tadapani village before their hike to Chhomrong and Annapurna Base Camp.
How difficult is the ABC with Poon Hill Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is categorized as a moderately challenging trekking trail in Nepal. This journey through the Himalayas can be completed by both beginners and seasoned trekkers. However, you must be physically fit to begin this remarkable adventure. If you have any underlying conditions, we recommend you consult your doctor to prevent any complications during the travel. Besides, like any other high-altitude trek in Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek features significant challenges in terms of duration, distance, terrain, and altitude. During this exciting adventure, you will be hiking an average of 8 km daily for 8-10 days.
Along the way, travelers must walk across rugged terrains landscaped with steep ascents and descents. So, one must be in a reasonable physical condition to properly tackle these challenges with proper preparation. Moreover, as the journey leads you to an elevation over 4,000 m, you must drink adequate water and rest to adjust naturally to the altitude. We also recommend you avoid alcoholic and highly caffeinated beverages as they dehydrate your body.
Is this ABC with Poon Hill Right Trek For You?
This Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill trek is a less challenging alternative than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. But, despite being a moderately challenging expedition, the difficulties of this journey must not be overlooked. Having said that, this tour can still be joined and completed by individuals with no or little trekking experience. However, having prior experience makes the travel more enjoyable and comfortable for you. So, we recommend you commence short hikes around where you live. This will allow you to experience what it's like to hike the high-altitude regions of Nepal.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner in outdoor expeditions like hiking and trekking, the ABC trek is still doable with proper preparation and guidance. Also, keep in mind that there is no age limit for this exciting journey. So, you can pack your bags with your family and begin this remarkable adventure in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. Besides, it is always advisable for you to check up on your doctor if you have any medical conditions. This includes injuries and illnesses you might have. Consulting with a doctor regarding your physical fitness before the tour prevents mishaps and enhances the travel experience. Overall, this trek is achievable for most individuals with reasonable fitness levels. Additionally, with proper preparation and training, you can quickly and comfortably hike the challenging terrains and landscapes. Also, it is equally essential for you to walk slowly and gradually and take breaks as much as you need.
Train to Prepare yourself Physically for the ABC trek.
Trekking is an enjoyable experience, yet it can also be tiring and physically straining. So, preparation and training will ensure a pleasant and successful journey. This includes indulging yourself in physical training and fitness exercises. The travel ahead encompasses long days of walking on rugged terrains at high altitudes. So, we highly suggest you begin your personal training regime several months before building up your stamina and endurance level. Focus on workouts that enhance your leg endurance and cardiovascular strength, such as jogging, cycling, swimming, and hiking. These exercises will significantly help you adapt to the exhaustion of hiking and the physical strain you will experience along the trail. Additionally, you must incorporate workouts that focus on building muscle strength in your legs and core body areas.
This will prevent you from getting injured or straining yourself while you carry your daypack or luggage during the travel. Besides, you can also stimulate the ABC trek by going on long jogs with your daypack and hiking boots. By doing so, you will be able to experience the physically demanding hike ahead of time on the journey. Overall, we advise you not to push too hard and dedicate yourself to training at a gradual pace with adequate rest. Finally, due to your hard work, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experience on the way without worrying about your body.
What is the cost for Annapurna Base Camp Via Poon Hill Trek?
The cost for this trek starts from USD per person and reaches up to USD depending on the services added and the type of package you choose. For instance, the price for the tour can vary if you decide to upgrade your means of transport or accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In general, the cost for this tour will cover accommodation, full board meal, transportation, and other services. To learn more about the includes and excludes of our package, you can read the information listed below.
