Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — 13 Days

We travel west from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys. Road travel can be affected by traffic, roadworks and weather. Alternatively, domestic flights can be arranged at extra cost. After checking in at your Pokhara hotel, the afternoon is free for a walk along Phewa Lake.

A morning drive takes us from Pokhara to Birethanti, where the walking route begins. Your guide handles the permit checks before we continue along the Bhurungdi Khola valley. The first sections pass small villages and terraced farmland before reaching Tikhedhunga. From here, stone steps climb steeply towards Ulleri. This is a sustained uphill walk, so we take breaks and keep a steady pace. On arrival, you settle into your teahouse and have the remaining afternoon to rest after the first day on the trail.

We leave Ulleri and continue uphill through Banthanti towards Ghorepani. The route passes into the oak and rhododendron forest, with streams and shorter stair sections breaking up the walk. Flowering is possible during spring. As we gradually gain height, the air becomes cooler and the forest surrounds more of the trail. Ghorepani has several teahouses and views towards the mountains in clear weather. After checking in, prepare your warm layers and headlamp for tomorrow’s sunrise hike.

We start before dawn for the climb to Poon Hill. In clear weather, sunrise reveals the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. The climb usually takes an hour. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, we continue east along a forested ridge. The trail crosses higher ground before descending towards the Banthanti area and climbing again to Tadapani. Today combines the early viewpoint visit with several more hours of walking, ending at a teahouse where we spend the night.

We descend from Tadapani through forest and villages towards the Kimrong Khola. This stage takes you from the Ghorepani route towards the valley leading into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Some descents are steep, requiring careful footing. After crossing the river, we climb towards Chhomrong, a Gurung village spread across the hillside. In clear weather, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre rise beyond the village. You can rest at your teahouse and explore nearby paths before tomorrow’s walk into the Modi Khola valley.

The morning begins with the long, steep stone staircase down from Chhomrong to the river. After crossing the bridge, we climb towards Sinuwa and enter the forested Modi Khola valley. Shorter climbs and descents continue beyond the village. We pass Bamboo and Dovan, following the river valley through bamboo and rhododendron forest. The path becomes quieter between the groups of teahouses. Himalaya is our overnight stop, giving you time to rest before tomorrow’s climb towards the base camps.

We leave Himalaya and climb towards Deurali, where the valley becomes more open. Beyond the forest, the route continues across mountain slopes towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700 m. After a break, we follow the valley to Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli surround the Sanctuary, with Machhapuchhre behind us. Walking becomes more demanding as altitude increases, so we take regular breaks. We stay at a teahouse at ABC, the trek’s highest overnight stop, after a substantial climb from last night’s stop. Report any symptoms promptly to your guide.

If the sky is clear, the morning gives you an opportunity to see the mountains around base camp before departure. After breakfast, we retrace the upper valley towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp and continue downhill. The walking returns to forested terrain. We pass Deurali, Himalaya and Dovan before reaching Bamboo. Although the route loses altitude, the long descent demands attention on uneven ground and steps. Trekking poles help with balance and knee comfort. At the teahouse, you can rest after one of the longer stages.

We continue from Bamboo towards Sinuwa, then descend to the Chhomrong Khola. After crossing the bridge, the stone staircase climbs back to Chhomrong before our route turns downhill again. The descent leads to Jhinu Danda, where we spend the final teahouse night. If the hot springs are open and access is suitable, you can make an optional walk towards the riverside pools. Allow time for the uphill return to the village. Your guide checks conditions before discussing a visit.

After breakfast, we leave Jhinu Danda and walk towards the road pickup point. This short section completes the trekking part of the programme before our jeep journey back to Pokhara begins. The drive passes through the hills and villages as we return to the city. Road access and travel time depend on conditions, so the pickup point may change. Once at your hotel, you have time to rest, organise your belongings or walk beside Phewa Lake after days in the mountains.

We return to Kathmandu by tourist bus through the river valleys. Optional flights depend on weather and airline operations. Road travel remains subject to traffic and road conditions. After reaching your hotel, the remaining time is free for rest, shopping or exploring streets at your own pace. We share a farewell dinner in Kathmandu, bringing the Annapurna trekking programme to a close before tomorrow’s departure from Nepal.

Your 13-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek ends today. After breakfast, you prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk nearby before leaving the hotel. Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.