Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill

After having breakfast with pack, get ready for the Tourist Bus Departure for an overland journey to Pokhara. Generally, an exhilarating drive of about 6 to 7 hours if there is no Traffic jam following the main busy highway of Nepal. The road passes along the Trisuli River which is a very popular river for rafting adventure, then the road changes direction towards the west to finally reach the city of Pokhara. During the trip, one can see rural farm life with great views of snow-capped peaks. The drive finishes in Pokhara by the beautiful side of Phewa Lake where most good hotels are located. After getting a nice room one can spend time strolling around the Phewa Lakeside. (Optional: by air from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a scenic flight of 30 minutes)

Enjoy breakfast in Pokhara, then set off with a short scenic drive to Nayapul, the trek start point. The road follows the Modi Khola valley and alongside passing small settlements until you reach Birethanti where you will get your permits checked at the checkpoint. From Birethanti, you officially start the trek on a trail that leads through scenic villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. As the path tracks the Bhurungdi Khola river, you see local teahouses and cross suspension bridges. The end point for today is Tikhedhunga.After your break, the path starts to challenge you more as you begin the steep climb towards Ulleri. Among other things, this part has a well-known stone staircase with more than 3,000 steps. Apart from offering a great physical challenge, the views from the way are very rewarding. You end up at Ulleri (1,540 m), a picturesque Magar village with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. After a day of trekking, enjoy your rest and overnight in a local teahouse.

Beginning with breakfast in Ulleri, you will start your walking journey with a gradual ascent through scenic rhododendron and oak forests. The path will lead you along the stone steps which are quite steep but offer gentle shade and the occasional views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Along the way, you will walk through tiny villages like Banthanti and Nangethanti where you can have brief stops and enjoy the local tea. If you are in the forest in springtime, this part will be especially vibrant as the rhododendrons will have their blossoms. The last part is a minor uphill stroll exposing you to Ghorepani (2,860 m), a famous mountain village located on a ridge. From here, you will have first-hand views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Ghorepani, take it easy at your teahouse and get ready for the very early hike to Poon Hill the following day.

From Ghorepani, set off early for a pre-dawn hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m). It will take you approximately 45 minutes to an hour to get up the hill. This will lead you to one of most renowned viewpoints in the Annapurna region. Behold a magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas with Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and many other peaks in view. After you have taken some pictures of the beautiful scenery, go back to Ghorepani and have breakfast. Then continue your journey by foot to Tadapani (2,630 m). First, the path will take you upward through thick rhododendron forests. Next, you will descend via beautiful woods and small clearings. During your trip, you might see some local animals and enjoy the serenity of the forest. After a long day of trekking, arrive at Tadapani, a tranquil village surrounded by dense forest and offering spectacular mountain views. Stay overnight in the teahouse.

Once you have had your breakfast at Tadapani, the trek begins with a steep descent through dense forests of rhododendron and oak that leads to Chhomrong village. This is a beautiful Gurung village with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. From Chhomrong, the trail drops steeply down stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola, where you cross a suspension bridge. After crossing, it's a steady uphill climb through forested paths and small settlements like Sinuwa Hill. Along the tranquil path, you'll first get to see bamboo forests, then after enjoying peace and silence of the surroundings, you will reach Sinuwa (2,340 m) a charming quiet stop with beautiful forest views. You stay overnight at a teahouse.

Having your breakfast in Sinuwa, you will be ready to continue trekking towards the Annapurna Sanctuary. Firstly, the trail leads through a dense bamboo and rhododendron forest, so that, when you reach Bamboo, you will have had a descent and the next up will be to Dovan. The route follows the Modi Khola and goes uphill through beautiful forests and narrow valleys. So, in addition to a quiet and cool trek, you will get to see some very nice sceneries along the way. At higher elevations, the view changes from wooded to alpine. There may be some tricky parts along the way near Himalayan and Hinku Cave, where the trail is exposed to landslides, so you must be very careful when walking there. Shortly after, you will be at Deurali (3,230 m), a tiny village surrounded by awesome cliffs and mountain panoramas. Stay overnight at a teahouse.

After breakfast at Deurali, set off on your gradual ascent to the Annapurna Base Camp. The path winds alongside the Modi Khola through a narrow valley, as you gradually climb, opens up to magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Eventually, after a consistent effort, you arrive at Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700 m), a picturesque spot encircled by giant mountains including the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Have a little break here and soak up the stunning alpine landscape. Leaving MBC behind, you find the path getting larger as you go deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, which presents you with breathtaking views of snowy peaks all around. A very light climb will take you to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), which is your point of arrival for the day. Once at base camp, you'll be standing inside a stunning natural amphitheater formed by the high peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Savor the amazing mountain views and your stay at the teahouse will be truly a night to remember.

Wake up early at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) to enjoy a stunning sunrise over the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After breakfast, begin your descent, retracing the same trail back through the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary. You’ll first walk down to Machhapuchhare Base Camp, then continue descending past Deurali, enjoying changing landscapes from alpine terrain to greener valleys. The downhill journey is easier on breathing but can be long on the knees, so a steady pace is recommended. Passing through Himalayan and Dovan, the trail gradually re-enters dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. Finally, you reach Bamboo (2,310 m), a peace and forested stop along the trail. Overnight at a teahouse.

After breakfast in Bamboo, begin your trek with a gradual ascent through bamboo and rhododendron forests toward Sinuwa. The trail then continues with ups and downs as you retrace your route back to Chhomrong, where you can enjoy lunch with beautiful mountain views. From Chhomrong, descend steeply on stone steps to reach Jhinu Danda (1,780 m). After checking into your teahouse, take a relaxing walk down to the nearby natural hot springs along the river. Enjoy a soothing bath in the warm waters, perfect for easing tired muscles after several days of trekking. Return to Jhinu Danda for an comfortable overnight stay.

After breakfast in Jhinu Danda, begin a short and easy trek to Siwa (1,150 m), which takes around 30 minutes. The trail descends gently through terraced fields and small villages, offering a final glimpse of rural life in the Annapurna region. Upon reaching Siwa, board a vehicle for a scenic drive back to Pokhara (820 m). The drive follows winding roads along rivers and countryside, taking approximately 2–3 hours. After arriving in Pokhara, check into your hotel near Phewa Lake. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the lakeside, explore local cafes, or simply unwind after completing your incredible trekking journey.

After breakfast in Pokhara, begin your scenic drive back to Kathmandu (1,350 m). The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on traffic conditions, following the Prithvi Highway alongside the beautiful Trishuli River. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling hills, rivers, terraced farmlands, and small roadside villages, offering a glimpse into rural Nepali life. There will be a few stops for meals and refreshments during the drive. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. You can spend the evening relaxing or exploring nearby restaurants, and cultural sites.