Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill
Trek through the dense forest and picturesque villages of Annapurna Sanctuary during the 14 days of Annapurna Base Camp trek. Meet friendly villagers and witness surreal mountain views. Escape into the marvels of the Annapurna Himalayas.
Embark on an incredible venture with Outfitter Himalaya to the lap of Mt. Annapurna, the tenth highest mountain in the world on Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Trek through beautiful villages of the Annapurna region, spending time with locals and enjoying breathtaking sceneries. We hike to the famous Poon Hill and explore the picturesque Ghorepani village before ascending towards the Annapurna Base Camp.
As the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route ascends through the Annapurna Conservation Area, it is a great trip to also see a range of flora and fauna. The beautiful rhododendron forests and tall oak trees intensify the journey. Some parts of the routes are densely covered by huge trees before opening up to a treeless barren alpine zone.
In the peak trekking seasons, you meet adventure lovers from around the world. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks in the Himalayas for anyone who wishes to escape in nature and experience an enriching trek. You can book our offered Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary or custom create an itinerary with us as you wish.
How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
According to the Himalayan standards, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek, which means anyone can do this trek. The difficulty level of Annapurna Base Camp Trek is affected by many factors- terrain, elevation, remoteness of the region, trekking experience of the trekker, etc.
When we say anyone can do the trek, we mean under proper guidance and preparation. At the same time, we also want you to know that even the easiest treks in the Himalayas involve many ascents and descents along the route. Counterintuitive, right? This is what the Himalayas are like.
If we compare Annapurna Base Camp Trek with the famous Everest Base Camp Trek, then the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is relatively easier, lower in terms of elevation, and shorter. But it doesn't mean you can underestimate the difficulties of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route.
How to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The ideal way to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is by booking the trip early. In this way, you will have enough time to talk to us and get ready, both physically and mentally. Even if you have a limited amount of time to prepare for the trek, do not worry, our below list will help you a lot.
One of the most important steps to prepare for the trek is to get your body ready for the trek, especially if you are new to trekking. You can do it by actively going on a hike and combining exercises that will increase your stamina and core body strength. Swimming, cycling, and running are also great options. You have to get used to walking 5 to 6 hours a day carrying a day pack.
The mental preparation requires determination to not give up because of long walks and limited facilities. You have to teach yourself to live in minimum services. Don't worry, Annapurna Base camp Trek is not that remote, but you will not get many modern facilities.
Do not trek alone. Even to experienced trekkers, trekking alone in the Himalayas is not safe. In an emergency, you may be alone and have no one to help you. Do think about it.
Your travel insurance should cover emergency air evacuation and medical bills.
Why go on the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp not only explores the lower parts of Mt. Annapurna but also offers a peek into the Nepali village lifestyle. The journey is vibrant and full of adventure & cultural experience. It's one of our favorite treks in the Annapurna region.
Below are some of the reasons that make Annapurna trekking a lifetime venture:
Get to know the Nepali history, art & architecture during the guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Before we hit the trail, we take our time to explore some of the renowned historical sites in Kathmandu. One of the best friendly tour guides from Outfitter Himalaya will accompany you during the tour. You will visit monuments like the Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square during the tour.
A comfortable scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Kathmandu, we drive to Pokhara in a comfortable tourist bus. The drive will be stress less and present beautiful sceneries of green hills, waterfalls, rivers, and terraced fields.
In Pokhara, we spend a couple of nights at the beginning and end of the trek. We take this time to explore the tranquil Phewa Lake and Lakeside Market. Pokhara is a much loved city by travelers for its soothing vibe.
Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary
Our Annapurna Base Camp trek route passes through the Annapurna Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna. The trails we follow during the trek are enriched with lush forests of bamboo, oak, rhododendron, pine, fir, etc.
Likewise, there are streams, waterfalls, flowers, and several other vegetation. We may get to see birds and wildlife along the way too. The terrain is rough and steep. All these make the trek very adventurous.
The gorgeous Ghorepani village & the famous Poon Hill Viewpoint
- Ghorepani village (2,874 m) is known for its welcoming locals and the views of snowy Himalayan Mountains all around the village. The village is also surrounded by lovely rhododendron forests.
- Likewise, Poon Hill (3,210 m) is one of the popular viewpoints of the lower Annapurna region, situated above Ghorepani village. It offers fantastic sunrise and 360-degree views of the mountains all around it.
- The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best short treks in the Himalayas. We recommend this trek to travelers who have limited time to trek.
Trek through remote villages and have intimate interaction with the locals
During the trek, we spend nights in lovely villages. People from different communities reside in the villages along the Annapurna base camp trekking route. We get to see a mix of cultures and traditions. The locals are friendly and kind. We talk with them and get to have close interactions.
Spend a night at Annapurna Base Camp
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) is a great achievement, no doubt. What's more exciting is we get to spend a night here, unlike the EBC trek. On the opposite side of the base camp is a handful of lodges that serve the trekkers. We'll have lots of time to explore the base camp and relish the views. Waking up to the heavenly view of the Annapurna Himalayas is a truly remarkable moment.
Constant views of the towering mountains and hills
Every bend on the trail welcomes new mountain scenery. From day one to the end of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we will see a jaw-dropping mountain panorama of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Tukuche (6,920 m), etc.
And trust us; you’ll never get sick of the views. The landscapes only get better, and the mountains prominent with the increase in the elevation.
Relax your muscles in the natural hot springs
From the base camp, we descend to Jhinu Danda (1,800 m). This village houses a natural hot spring, where we can soak our sore bodies and enjoy the natural hot springs. It may cost a few extra bucks (not covered in the package cost).
Natural hot springs are great to soothe your body and soul. Let's say it is an excellent way to mark the end of the trek because the next day, we descend to Nayapul (1,070 m) and drive back to Pokhara.
Best Time to do Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna base camp trek is available and doable throughout the year. However, the autumn (from mid-September till end-December) and spring (from the beginning of March until May end) are the best time for the Annapurna base camp trek in terms of weather and temperature.
The temperatures drop significantly as you trek higher every day on Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The nights are chilly & cold (between -20 C to 5C), but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C) in these seasons. The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon & disappear at night.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Departures
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Outfitter Himalaya Holidays as we offer the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek in Nepal on a small group departure basis and private departures. Experience the camaraderie of a group trek by joining one of the fixed departure dates for ABC Trek. Simply plan your arrival in Nepal to coincide with the dates we have already set. Or, look at the right bar of the page and choose any date that is suitable for you.
Accommodation on Annapurna Base Camp Trek
We provide hotel accommodation for five nights (Three nights in Kathmandu and two nights in Pokhara) in three star hotel and simple lodge/teahouse accommodation for the rest of the eight nights on ABC trek. The rooms are basic and just a bed with a pillow and blankets on the trekking lodge. A few have electric lights, and all have a spacious dining room – lounge. Please remember that some of them are very basic, and a sense of adventure is necessary.
Notes:
- Accommodation will be mostly on double/twin share. However, the Himalayas, Annapurna base camp, and Dovan have limited lodges and rooms. So, you have to sleep in dormitory rooms as well.
- Hotel upgrades in Kathmandu and Pokhara are available. There are luxury 4 & 5-star hotels available in these cities. So, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
Meals & Drinks on Annapurna Base Camp Trek
We provide a total of 31 meals (13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners) on the Annapurna base camp trek package. The meals are provided in lodges. You have breakfast and dinner at the Lodge, where you stay overnights, and lunch at the Lodge available along the trail.
You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western meals on the trek and drinks like coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer). Note that these drinks are not included in the cost.
We advise you to bring water purification pills/medicine while coming for the Annapurna base camp trek. You can get normal water for free, So, you can use the medicines and drink it, or you can buy bottled/boiled/safe water.
Transportation on Annapurna Base camp Trek
We provide a private vehicle for airport transfers and sightseeing in Kathmandu and a tourist bus for Kathmandu - Pokhara – Kathmandu.
However, you have options to drive by private car/jeep for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu or a short flight to Pokhara and return. Let us know if you want to upgrade the transport to private transport or flights.
Guide and porter
We provide you with a trained and experienced trekking guide from the start to the end of the trek who leads the trek and arranges all the logistics throughout the trek. And, we also provide an assistant guide when there are 8 or more people on the trek. The porters are not included in our cost and they are optional. You can add a porter when you make a booking if you need a porter.
A porter carries about 20-22 KG and we advise you to share a porter with between of 2 trekkers which means about 10-11 Kg will be carried by a porter and you can enjoy the trek without burden.
