The Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill takes you to the two most beautiful trekking destinations in Nepal. Annapurna Base Camp is the lap of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna, and Poon Hill is a famous viewpoint above Ghorepani village.
Both these places are highly praised by the trekkers for their beauty and adventure. This combined trek is 12 days long and goes through the lush forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Annapurna is located in the western Himalayan range in Nepal. Known as the killer mountain, the journey to its base camp will leave you in awe.
While trekking, you will see stunning sunrises and sunsets, along with breathtaking mountain views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Annapurna Range (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Fishtail (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m/22,703 ft), etc.
Besides the beautiful scenery, the traditional Nepali villages and welcoming Nepali communities are another main highlight of Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill 12 days. Trekking through different altitudes, travelers will reach a maximum elevation of 4,130 meters (7,578 ft).
Compared to other frequently done treks in Nepal, the gain of 4,130 meters in elevation is quite low. Trekkers who are looking for an adventurous, life-changing journey in the Himalayas without going above 4,500 meters should do the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill.
Highlights
- Trek to the two most beautiful trekking destinations in Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill
- Follow an adventurous trail within the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to several flora and fauna
- Spend nights in traditional Nepali Gurung and Magar villages
- Explore the famous Ghorepani village and hike to Poon Hill to witness a marvelous sunrise and breathtaking mountain panorama
- Tre through dense forests of rhododendrons and bamboo and cross several suspension bridges on the way to ABC
- Trek past Hinku Cave and explore the wilderness of Annapurna Sanctuary
- Witness varied landscapes and jaw-dropping mountain vistas throughout the trek
- Spend a night at the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna Base Camp
- Enjoy natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda at the end of the trek
- Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara, two popular tourist cities in Nepal
Why should you do the ABC trek via Poon Hill?
The ABC trek via Poon Hill combines two great treks. Therefore, the adventure, experience, and views are double. You will traverse one of the oldest trekking routes in Nepal that promises an unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas.
From the lushness of the lower Annapurna region to the barren alpine environment of the upper region, the trek will present varied landscapes.
Marvelous sunrise and sunset from Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a paradise for beginner trekkers who want to see stunning mountain vistas on a short, low-altitude trek. Located 3,210 meters (10,525 ft) above sea level, hiking to Poon Hill is not that challenging yet adventurous. So, all ages of trekkers love it.
From Poon Hill, you can see 20+ mountains along with a marvelous sunrise and sunset. From Ghorepani village, you can reach Poon Hill in less than two hours of walking through rhododendron forested hill.
Authentic Gurung and Magar villages
During the trek, you will pass by many villages, such as Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, etc. These villages are mainly home to the Gurung and Magar tribes of Nepal.
The villages are lovely, and the villagers are welcoming. Houses are mostly painted blue, white, or brick red and surrounded by rhododendron forests, lush hills, and snow-capped mountains.
It makes villages like something out of a picture book. Likewise, the locals are friendly and kind. You will share many stories and conversations with them. Do not hesitate to talk to them.
Rich flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area
From Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp, you will traverse different elevations and climatic zones, discovering diverse vegetation and ecosystems. The trail runs within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.
In the first few days of the trek, you will mainly walk through rhododendron forests. As the elevation rises, pine and fir forests begin and gradually enter bamboo forests. Wild animals are not spotted on the Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill trek route, but you may see many birds, butterflies, and insects.
Once you enter Annapurna Sanctuary (above Deurali village), which is a high glacial valley, the vegetation changes entirely, and you will be left with a ring of mountains and glaciers all around you.
The Hinku Cave and Annapurna Sanctuary
The Hinku Cave is a famous landmark on the way to Annapurna Base Camp. It comes right before Deurali village. Hinku Cave is a huge rock wall, which adds more depth to the scenery and the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill adventure.
For the locals, the cave is holy. You can take a break here and explore it a bit. It will be a love stop. Likewise, Annapurna Sanctuary sits above 4,000 meters and is surrounded by high mountains. Because of that, the valley only receives seven hours of daylight, even during the peak summer season.
The iconic Annapurna Base Camp
Reaching the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world is a huge achievement. And the journey to the base camp is even more incredible. You will walk 6 hours a day at minimum for several days to make it here, which makes your time at the base camp even more special.
Unlike the Everest Base Camp, trekkers can spend the night at Annapurna Base Camp. It makes ABC even more impressive. There are a few tea houses off the glacier where you will spend the night and have food.
The natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda
Towards the end of the trek, you will reach Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/6,393 ft). It is the last settlement, where you will spend the night before driving back to Pokhara.
Jhinu Danda is known for its natural hot springs. Trekkers love to enjoy it at the end of their treks to relieve their sore muscles and unwind. Locals charge a few bucks to maintain the springs.
Elevation gain and altitude sickness during the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill
On the first day of the trek, you will hike from Nayapul (1,070 m) to Ulleri village, located at 1,960 m above sea level. The total gain in elevation is almost 900 meters.
Gaining more than 500 meters elevation in a day increases the risk of altitude sickness, so you have to be careful. While trekking, maintain your pace and do not rush.
Upon reaching Ulleri (1,960 m/5,430 ft), get ample rest, drink plenty of water, and have warm soups and teas. This will help you acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
Likewise, from Ulleri, you will ascend around 890 meters to reach Ghorepani village (2,860 m/9,385 ft). It is another major ascent, but avoiding altitude sickness is not a big deal if you follow the same preventive measures.
On the third day of the trek, hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,525 ft) and return to Tadapani (2,630 m/8,628 ft) village to spend the night. From here, the trail gradually continues to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/7,578 ft) through Sinuwa (2,310 m/7,578 ft) and Deurali (3,175 m/7,578 ft).
After exploring ABC, you will descend to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/6,393 ft) via the Bmaboo settlement. The trek ends in Jhinu Danda. From here, you will drive back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.
Below are the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you see them, inform your guide and get first aid.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
Things you can do to prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill
- Fitness assessment: First, assess your fitness and see if you can make it to Annapurna Base Camp or not. Consider 6 hours of daily minimum hiking, rugged terrain, and high altitude. You have to truly answer yourself whether you are physically capable of handling these challenges or not. It will help you set the right workout plan and duration to enhance your fitness for the trek.
- Workout plan: Follow a consistent workout plan that strengthens your core and improves your stamina and endurance. Weight training and cardiovascular exercises are recommended. Along with that, incorporate 2 to 3 long walking sessions during the week.
- Duration: Give yourself at least 4 to 6 weeks to improve your fitness and be consistent with exercise. You have to move your body actively to get better. Book your trek early, which will give you the motivation to improve your physical condition before hitting the trail.
- Make yourself mentally strong for the journey: The Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill is not only physically demanding but also mentally taxing. It is not easy to constantly ascend and descend, deal with high altitude, and adjust to limited services. You have to be mentally able to endure the limitations and push yourself to complete the trek. Research the trekking region, see related videos, and set the right expectations. Likewise, practice long breathing and understand that it is an adventure trek and that adventure is meant to make you uncomfortable.
Combine Mardi Himal or Khopra Danda excursion to your Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill itinerary
Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda are two other very famous trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. Not only that, but these destinations are not crowded, so they are ideal for those who want to enjoy a very peaceful trek.
You can combine both Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda treks in your Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill itinerary or just one destination. Likewise, instead of the ABC trek with Poon Hill, you can also do the ABC trek with Mardi Himal or the ABC trek with Khopra Danda.
We have many such options. Please talk to us if you want to curate your Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Why trek with the Base Camp Trip?
Base Camp Trip is the pioneer in Nepal's trekking, tour, and climbing industry. Our several years of expertise make us a reliable Nepali trekking company for any trek in the Himalayas. We are a team of passionate travelers working relentlessly to provide safe and adventurous tips to foreigners.
Our packages are designed to provide the best service to foreign trekkers. We have a genuine Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill cost and a tested itinerary that guarantees success. Our booking and cancellation policies are also simple and straightforward. There are no hidden rules or charges.
You can book the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Poon Hill for 2025 and 2026 anytime. We cater to solo travelers, students, families, groups, and couples.