Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill – 9 Days from Pokhara
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill is a 9-day trekking route from Pokhara that combines the Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint with Annapurna Base Camp. The route travels through Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Himalaya, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp before descending through Dovan and Jhinu Danda and returning to Pokhara.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m, while Poon Hill reaches 3,210m. The trek is graded moderate and suits travelers with a reasonable level of fitness, as well as those already in Pokhara who want to book only the trek portion, starting and ending in Pokhara.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill at a Glance
| Feature |
Details |
| Duration |
9 Days |
| Starting Point |
Pokhara |
| Ending Point |
Pokhara |
| Maximum Altitude |
4,130m / 13,550ft |
| Highest Viewpoint |
Poon Hill – 3,210m |
| Trek Difficulty |
Moderate |
| Best Seasons |
March–May and September–November |
| Average Walking |
5–7 hours per day |
| Main Highlights |
Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chhomrong, MBC, ABC, Jhinu Hot Springs |
| Best for |
Who are already in Pokhara or want to start and end the trek in Pokhara |
Why Choose the ABC Trek via Poon Hill?
The biggest advantage of this itinerary is simple: you experience Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp on the same trek.
Instead of taking the shortest route directly to ABC, the itinerary first takes you through Ghorepani and Poon Hill. This adds a spectacular sunrise viewpoint, beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and a wider variety of landscapes before the trail enters the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Reasons to choose this route:
- Experience Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp on one 9-day journey.
- Watch sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill.
- Trek through the famous Ghorepani and Tadapani areas.
- Experience traditional Gurung and Magar villages.
- Walk through rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests.
- Enter the dramatic Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3,700m.
- Reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Nilgiri.
- Relax at the natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda.
- Start and finish the trek in Pokhara.
- Complete the trek in nine days, excluding airport transfers, Kathmandu hotel, Kathmandu sightseeing, Kathmandu–Pokhara transportation, and Pokhara hotel.
What Makes This Route Different?
There are several ways to trek to Annapurna Base Camp, but the via Poon Hill route offers a particularly diverse experience.
The direct or short ABC routes focus primarily on reaching Annapurna Base Camp and this 9-day itinerary adds the famous Ghorepani–Poon Hill section before continuing toward the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- That means you experience: Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedunga → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Ghorepani → Tadapani → Chhomrong → Annapurna Sanctuary → Machhapuchhre Base Camp → Annapurna Base Camp.
Who Is the 9-Day ABC via Poon Hill Trek Best For?
This itinerary is especially suitable for:
- Travelers already staying in Pokhara.
- Trekkers who want to make their own arrangements for airport transfers on arrival and departure, a Kathmandu tour, hotel in Kathmandu, hotel in Pokhara, and travel arrangements to Pokhara.
- Trekkers who want both Poon Hill and ABC
- Travelers with approximately nine days available
- First-time Himalayan trekkers with reasonable fitness
- Couples and friends
- Solo travelers who want an organized trek
- Travelers who prefer a diverse route rather than the shortest route to ABC
- Photographers and mountain-view enthusiasts
- Travelers interested in Gurung and Magar village culture
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill Highlights
- Sunrise at Poon Hill: Wake before dawn and hike to Poon Hill to watch the Himalayan peaks change color as the sun rises.
- Ghorepani: Stay in the famous mountain village of Ghorepani, surrounded by rhododendron forests and Himalayan views.
- Rhododendron Forests: Walk through some of the Annapurna region's beautiful forests, particularly spectacular during spring when rhododendrons bloom.
- Traditional Mountain Villages: Experience the culture and hospitality of Gurung and Magar communities along the trail.
- Chhomrong: Pass through Chhomrong, one of the most important villages and gateways to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Annapurna Sanctuary: Enter the dramatic natural amphitheater surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp: Reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp at approximately 3,700m before continuing toward Annapurna Base Camp.
- Annapurna Base Camp: Stand at 4,130m in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks.
- Jhinu Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda after descending from the high mountains.
- Pokhara: Finish the journey in Pokhara, the lakeside gateway to the Annapurna region.
Poon Hill Sunrise and Annapurna Base Camp in One Trek
One of the main reasons travelers choose this itinerary is the opportunity to experience two of the Annapurna region's most famous destinations.
Poon Hill – 3,210m
Poon Hill is one of Nepal's best-known Himalayan viewpoints. The early-morning hike to the viewpoint is timed so that trekkers can watch the first sunlight illuminate the surrounding mountains. Depending on weather and visibility, you may see:
- Dhaulagiri
- Annapurna South
- Annapurna I
- Machhapuchhre
- Hiunchuli
- Nilgiri
- Other peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
The sunrise from Poon Hill is one of the defining experiences of this trek, if you have shorter holiday and want to experience the poon hill Sunrise, look at our 3 Days poon hill Sunrise Trek or 4-Day Ghorepani - Poon hill - Tadapani Trek.
Annapurna Base Camp – 4,130m
After few days of trek, the trail enters the Annapurna Sanctuary and continues toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. At 4,130m, Annapurna Base Camp is surrounded by an extraordinary mountain amphitheater featuring Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre.
Experiencing both destinations in one itinerary is what makes the 9-day Poon Hill route particularly attractive.
Do you have only 5 days and want to reach ABC? See our 5 Days Short ABC Trek.
9-Days ABC Trek Via poon Hill Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 14 Days
| Features |
9-Days ABC Trek Via poon Hill |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 14 Days |
| Duration |
9 Days |
14 Days |
| Starting Point |
Pokhara |
Kathmandu |
| Ending Point |
Pokhara |
Kathmandu |
| Trek Route |
Pokhara - Nayapul - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani - Chhumrong - Himalaya - ABC - Dovan - Jhinu - Pokhara |
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Nayapul - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani - Chhumrong - Himalaya - ABC - Dovan - Jhinu - Pokhara - Kathmandu |
| Poon Hill Sunrise |
Yes |
Yes |
| Kathmandu sightseeing |
No |
Yes |
| Airport Transfers |
No |
Yes |
| Kathmandu Hotel |
No |
Yes, 3 nights |
| Pokhara Hotel |
No |
Yes, 2 nights |
| Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu Transportation |
No |
Yes |
| Highest Point |
ABC , 4130 m |
ABC , 4130 m |
| Guide |
Yes |
Yes |
| Best For |
Travelers already in Pokhara or with limited time |
Travelers beginning their Nepal trip in Kathmandu |
| Cultural Experience |
Gurung and Magar villages along the route |
Gurung and Magar villages + Kathmandu cultural experience |
Which Annapurna Base Camp Trek Is Right for You?
Both itineraries include Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, and the Annapurna Sanctuary. Still, they are designed for different types of travelers. The 9-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill starts and ends in Pokhara, combining Poon Hill and ABC into a compact trekking itinerary. The 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts and ends in Kathmandu, giving travelers more time for travel, sightseeing, and a longer overall experience in Nepal.
If you are already in Pokhara and want to experience Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp in the shortest practical itinerary, the 9-day route is the better choice. If you are traveling from Kathmandu and want to combine the ABC trek with Kathmandu and Pokhara, while allowing more time for the overall journey, the 14-day itinerary is more suitable.
Why Trek the ABC Via Poon Hill with Outfitter Himalaya
Outfitter Himalaya helps trekkers to prepare for their adventure before they arrive in Nepal. From detailed pre-trip information and packing advice to experienced local guides and reliable logistics, our team ensures you are fully prepared for a safe and enjoyable Himalayan journey.
Whether this is your first trek in Nepal or your tenth Himalayan adventure, we are committed to making your Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek as comfortable, memorable, and rewarding as possible.
Choosing the right trekking company makes the difference in your Himalayan adventure. nd We offer local expertise, professional service, and a genuine passion for Nepal’s mountains to ensure the trek is safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
- Local Experts with Years of Experience: Our teams consist of experienced local trekking guides who know the Annapurna region inside and out. From mountain weather and trail conditions to local culture and hidden viewpoints, their knowledge helps create a richer and more rewarding trekking experience.
- Carefully Designed Itinerary: Our 9-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to combine the famous sunrise views of Poon Hill with the breathtaking beauty of Annapurna Base Camp while maintaining a comfortable pace for trekkers.
- Safety is Our Priority: Your safety is our top priority, and our guides are trained in high-altitude trekking, first aid, and mountain safety procedures. They monitor your well-being, provide support, and ensure the journey is both safe and enjoyable throughout the trek.
- Hassle-Free Trekking Experience: We handle the logistics, and you can focus on the adventure. From permits and transportation to accommodation arrangements, our team handles every detail of your trip.
- Authentic Local Experience: Trekking with Outfitter Himalaya is more than simply walking through the mountains. We help you connect with local culture, traditions, and communities, and provide a deeper understanding of the region's people.
- Small Groups and Personalized Service: We believe every traveler deserves personal attention. Whether you join a group departure or book a private trek, we provide responsive support before, during, and after your journey.
- Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Costs: We provide clear trip information and transparent pricing, ensuring you understand exactly what is included in your Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package before booking.
- Excellent Reviews and Happy Trekkers: Over the years, we have successfully guided trekkers from around the world through Nepal’s most spectacular trekking regions, and our commitment to quality service, safety, and customer satisfaction has earned the trust of travelers from many countries.