About This Trek
Annapurna Base Camp via Ghorepani Poon Hill
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghorepani and Poon Hill is one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal. This 13-day journey combines two of the most popular highlights of the Annapurna region: the beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill and the spectacular mountain scenery of Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). It is an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes, traditional villages, rich culture, and mountain hospitality in one well-balanced trek.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, the cultural capital of Nepal, before heading to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city and the main gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, the trek starts at Birethanti and gradually climbs through green hills, terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages. The changing landscapes make every day of the trek different and enjoyable. One of the first major highlights is Ghorepani, a charming mountain settlement surrounded by beautiful forests and Himalayan scenery. From here, an early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,200m) provides one of the best sunrise experiences in the Annapurna region. As the sun rises, the mountains slowly begin to glow, revealing spectacular views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and several other peaks.
Poon Hill is especially famous for its wide Himalayan panorama, making the early morning climb well worth the effort. After Poon Hill, the trail continues toward Tadapani through beautiful rhododendron forests. During spring, the forests can be covered with colorful rhododendron flowers, creating a wonderful contrast with the snow-covered mountains. The trail then gradually enters the quieter and more dramatic landscapes of the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you continue toward Sinuwa, Deurali, and eventually Annapurna Base Camp, the scenery changes significantly. The lush lower hills gradually give way to rugged mountain landscapes, narrow valleys, and impressive cliffs. The trail passes through several small settlements where you can experience the simple lifestyle of the local mountain communities. Along the way, you will also encounter suspension bridges, waterfalls, streams, forests, and traditional stone-built villages.
The final approach to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most memorable parts of the trek. The trail enters the natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters is a special moment. From the base camp, you are surrounded by towering peaks including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and other Himalayan giants. The atmosphere is peaceful and impressive, especially during sunrise and sunset when the mountains change color. The return journey follows a different route through Dovan and Chomrong before reaching Jhinu Danda, which is famous for its natural hot springs. After several days of trekking, relaxing in the warm natural spring beside the river is a perfect way to finish the mountain adventure. This trek is not only about mountains. It also offers an opportunity to experience Nepalese culture and local village life. The Annapurna region is home to Gurung, Magar, and other ethnic communities, and you will see their traditional houses, farms, monasteries, prayer flags, and local customs along the trail. Staying overnight in local teahouses also gives you a chance to meet other trekkers and enjoy warm Nepalese hospitality.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghorepani Poon Hill is suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is not essential, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day, often on stone steps and uneven mountain trails. The itinerary is designed with a gradual increase in altitude, allowing your body to adjust naturally as you move higher. With Desire Adventures, the trek can be arranged as a private or customized journey according to your travel dates, walking pace, and preferences. Our experienced local guides help you throughout the trek, manage the logistics, and provide valuable information about the mountains, culture, and local communities. Overall, this trek is an excellent combination of Himalayan scenery, cultural experience, beautiful villages, sunrise views, forest trails, and the adventure of reaching Annapurna Base Camp.
What's covered
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
- Private airport pickup and drop-off.
- 2 nights’ twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Tourist A/C bus transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- 2 nights’ twin-sharing accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Private jeep transportation from Pokhara to Birethanti
- Three meals a day during the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Seasonal fruits after dinner during the trek.
- Comfortable teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Safe drinking water during the trek.
- Government-licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide and all expenses.
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) and all expenses.
- Guide and porter insurance.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- Private transportation from Jhinu to Pokhara
- All applicable government and local taxes.
- Company duffel bag.
- Trekking area map
- Farewell dinner.
✕ Excluded
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, except the included farewell dinner.
- Wi-Fi, hot showers, tea/coffee, and battery charging during the trek.
- Personal expenses and beverages.
- Travel insurance covering trip cancellation and emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Additional accommodation and meals in case of early return from the trek.
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Any additional trips, services, or accommodation not mentioned under Included.
Day by Day
Full Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Desire Adventures will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and taking some time to rest, you can relax at the hotel or explore the nearby streets of Thamel. If you arrive early and feel comfortable, you can take a short walk around Kathmandu and experience the lively atmosphere of the city. Your Company representative will meet you and provide a briefing about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, including the trekking route, preparation, safety information, and necessary equipment. You may use the evening to check your trekking gear and prepare your backpack for the journey. If you need any additional trekking equipment, Kathmandu has many shops where you can rent or purchase necessary items. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, you leave Kathmandu and drive toward Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most beautiful cities. The journey takes approximately 7–8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. The drive follows the scenic Prithvi Highway, passing through countryside landscapes, rivers, green hills, terraced farmland, and small towns. Along the way, you will see the changing landscape of central Nepal and get your first taste of the beautiful countryside. After reaching Pokhara, you check into your hotel and have time to relax. Pokhara is famous for its peaceful atmosphere, Phewa Lake, and stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a walk around Lakeside or relax beside Phewa Lake. It is a pleasant place to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the trek ahead. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, you drive from Pokhara toward Birethanti, the starting point of your trek. The drive takes around 1.5 hours and follows a scenic route through green hills, villages, and farmland. From Birethanti, you begin walking along the trail toward Ulleri. The first section passes through beautiful countryside and traditional villages before the trail gradually becomes steeper. You will cross small streams and walk-through forests while enjoying views of the surrounding hills. The final section to Ulleri includes a long series of stone steps. Although this part can be physically demanding, the peaceful surroundings and mountain scenery make the climb enjoyable. After reaching Ulleri, you settle into a local teahouse and have time to rest. Ulleri is a traditional hillside village with stone-paved paths and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight at a teahouse in Ulleri.
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the beautiful Annapurna region as you walk from Ulleri to Ghorepani. The trail passes through dense rhododendron and oak forests, making this one of the most scenic sections of the trek. The route gradually climbs through the forest, with occasional views of the surrounding mountains. In spring, the rhododendron forests are particularly beautiful when the flowers are in bloom. You will pass through small settlements and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountain region. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more open and the mountain views become increasingly impressive. After approximately 4–5 hours of walking, you arrive at Ghorepani, a popular trekking village located on the ridge. From the village, you can enjoy beautiful views toward the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. In the evening, your guide will explain the early morning plan for the next day, as you will wake before sunrise for the famous Poon Hill viewpoint. Overnight at a teahouse in Ghorepani.
Today is one of the major highlights of the trek. You wake early in the morning and hike to Poon Hill, located at 3,200 meters above sea level. The climb usually takes around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on your pace. From the viewpoint, you can watch the sunrise over the Himalayan mountains. The panorama includes spectacular peaks such as Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and other surrounding mountains. Watching the first sunlight touch the snowy peaks is an unforgettable experience. After enjoying the views and taking photographs, you return to Ghorepani for breakfast. You then continue trekking toward Tadapani. The trail passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and rolling mountain terrain. You will walk through several small settlements and enjoy occasional mountain views along the way. After approximately 6–7 hours of walking, you reach Tadapani, a peaceful mountain village surrounded by forests and mountains. Overnight at a teahouse in Tadapani.
After breakfast, you begin your trek from Tadapani toward Sinuwa. Today’s trail takes you through beautiful forests and traditional mountain settlements as you gradually descend toward the Modi Khola valley. The trail is a mixture of uphill and downhill sections, with stone steps in several places. You will pass through villages where you can observe traditional houses, farmland, and the daily lifestyle of local communities. As you continue, the landscape becomes greener and more humid, with dense vegetation and beautiful forest surroundings. You may also encounter several small waterfalls and streams along the route. The trail eventually reaches the area of Chhomrong and continues toward Sinuwa. Chhomrong is one of the important villages on the Annapurna Base Camp route and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. After around 7–8 hours of walking, you arrive at Sinuwa, where you can relax and enjoy a welldeserved dinner. Overnight at a teahouse in Sinuwa.
Today, the trail takes you deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. After breakfast, you begin walking from Sinuwa toward Deurali. The trail passes through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. As you move higher, the vegetation gradually becomes thinner and the surrounding landscape becomes more mountainous. You will pass through settlements such as Bamboo and Dovan before continuing toward Himalaya and Deurali. The trail follows the Modi Khola valley and includes several uphill sections. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful sound of the river, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs rising on both sides of the valley. The scenery becomes increasingly impressive as you approach the higher elevations. After approximately 7–8 hours of trekking, you reach Deurali, situated at 3,230 meters. Since you are now at a higher altitude, it is important to walk slowly, drink enough water, and listen to your body. You spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the exciting journey to Annapurna Base Camp the following day. Overnight at a teahouse in Deurali.
Today is the most exciting day of the trek as you make your way to Annapurna Base Camp. After breakfast, you follow the trail through the upper section of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic as you leave the forest behind. You pass through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, from where you can enjoy impressive views of Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain. From here, the trail continues toward Annapurna Base Camp. As you approach the base camp, the huge Himalayan peaks appear increasingly close and impressive. After around 5–6 hours of walking, you finally arrive at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. The feeling of reaching the base camp is truly special. You are surrounded by magnificent mountains, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks. Take time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this incredible Himalayan sanctuary. Overnight at a teahouse at Annapurna Base Camp.
Wake early today to enjoy the spectacular sunrise from Annapurna Base Camp. The morning light gradually illuminates the surrounding mountains, creating a beautiful and unforgettable Himalayan scene. After breakfast, you begin your descent toward Dovan. You retrace the trail through the Annapurna Sanctuary, passing Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Deurali before continuing down through the valley. As you lose altitude, the landscape becomes greener and the air feels warmer. The trail passes through forests and follows the Modi Khola, providing a peaceful atmosphere throughout the journey. Although today is mostly downhill, the long distance can still be tiring, so it is important to maintain a comfortable walking pace and take regular breaks. After approximately 7–8 hours of trekking, you arrive at Dovan. You can relax at the teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and recover after a long day in the mountains.
After breakfast, you continue your descent from Dovan toward Chomrong. The trail follows the Modi Khola valley before gradually climbing toward the village. The route takes you through beautiful forests and small settlements. You will cross several bridges and pass-through lush vegetation as you continue toward lower elevations. Although today is shorter than the previous day, there are still some uphill sections, so a steady pace is recommended. The changing landscape is enjoyable, and you can once again experience the warmer and greener environment of the lower Annapurna region. Eventually, you reach Chomrong, one of the largest villages along the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. The village is beautifully situated on a hillside and offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains. You can spend the afternoon relaxing at the teahouse, enjoying the scenery, or exploring the village. It is also a good opportunity to reflect on the wonderful experience of reaching Annapurna Base Camp. Overnight at a teahouse in Chomrong.
Today is the final trekking day of your Annapurna adventure. After breakfast, you begin walking from Chomrong toward Jhinu Danda. The trail includes a mixture of stone steps and gentle sections as you gradually descend. After around 1.5–2 hours of walking, you reach Jhinu, a beautiful village famous for its natural hot springs. If time and energy allow, you can walk down to the hot springs beside the river and enjoy a relaxing bath in the naturally warm water. After several days of trekking, this is a wonderful way to relax your tired muscles. Later, you meet your vehicle and drive back toward Pokhara. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, depending on road conditions. After reaching Pokhara, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. You can celebrate the successful completion of your Annapurna Base Camp Trek by enjoying dinner or taking a peaceful walk around Lakeside. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, you leave Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes approximately 7–8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The drive follows the same scenic route through the hills and countryside of central Nepal. Along the way, you can enjoy views of rivers, green hills, terraced fields, villages, and local life. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or shopping. If you wish, you can explore the lively streets of Thamel and purchase souvenirs, trekking gifts, handicrafts, or traditional Nepali products. You may also simply relax at the hotel after your long journey. In the evening, you can enjoy a farewell dinner with company representative and celebrate the completion of your Annapurna adventure. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the final day of your Nepal adventure. Depending on your international flight schedule, you will have some free time in Kathmandu before heading to the airport. A representative from Desire Adventures will arrange your airport transfer and make sure you reach Tribhuvan International Airport comfortably and on time. As you leave Nepal, you take home wonderful memories of the Annapurna Himalayas, beautiful mountain villages, warm local hospitality, the sunrise from Poon Hill, and the unforgettable experience of standing at Annapurna Base Camp. We hope you enjoyed your journey through the Annapurna region and look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for another Himalayan adventure in the future.
Physical Preparation
Difficulty & Fitness
Easy-ModerateAdditional Information
More Details
Need To know about Ghorepani Poonhill & ABC Trek
Accommodation
During the trek, accommodation is provided in comfortable local teahouses and lodges. Rooms are generally twin-sharing and offer basic but clean facilities. Desire Adventures carefully selects reliable teahouses to provide trekkers with a comfortable stay throughout the journey.
Meals During the Trek
You can enjoy a variety of freshly prepared local and international meals at the teahouses. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner commonly include dal bhat, noodles, pasta, rice dishes, soups, momos, and other simple meals. Vegetarian and other dietary preferences can usually be accommodated.
Transportation
Transportation to and from the trekking trailhead is arranged according to your itinerary. Depending on the route, private or shared vehicles are used for transfers between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the trekking starting or ending points. Desire Adventures arranges reliable transportation to make your journey smooth and convenient.
Physical Fitness
The Ghorepani Poon Hill and ABC Trek is considered a moderate trek. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking for several hours a day on varied terrain, including stone steps and uphill sections. Regular walking or cardio exercise before the trek is recommended.
Elevation Profile
Altitude Chart
Elevation profile across 13 days. Maximum altitude: 4,130m
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a scenic Himalayan adventure combining the famous sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill with a trek to spectacular Annapurna Base Camp. The trail passes through beautiful villages, lush forests, terraced farmland, and stunning mountain landscapes. Desire Adventures organizes this trek with experienced local guides and carefully planned itineraries.
The trek usually takes around 7–15 days, depending on the selected itinerary, starting and ending points, and transportation arrangements. Desire Adventures can customize the itinerary according to your available time and preferences.
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), and winter (December to February) when the weather is generally stable and mountain views are at their best. The trek can also be done in winter, although temperatures can be colder at higher elevations. D
Yes. Trekkers need the required Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and other applicable trekking permits or registrations. Desire Adventures can arrange the necessary permits and trekking documentation for you.
The trek is considered moderate. It involves several hours of walking each day, with plenty of uphill and downhill sections and numerous stone steps. No previous trekking experience is required if you have good fitness and are prepared for the daily walking.
Accommodation is mainly in local teahouses and lodges. Meals include a variety of local and international dishes, with dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soups, momos, and other popular trekking meals commonly available.
The trek can be planned as either a guided or independent journey, depending on current local regulations and trekking requirements. Traveling with an experienced local guide is recommended for safety, navigation, local knowledge, and a more comfortable trekking experience. Desire Adventures provides experienced local guides who are familiar with the Annapurna region and its trails.
Although the maximum altitude at Annapurna Base Camp is around 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), altitude-related symptoms can still occur. Walking at a comfortable pace, staying hydrated, allowing your body to acclimatize, and informing your guide about any symptoms are important. Our Desire Adventures trekking team monitors your well-being throughout the trek.
Essential items include comfortable trekking shoes, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sleeping bag, trekking trousers, T-shirts, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, personal medicines, toiletries, and a small daypack. Desire Adventures provides a detailed packing list and can also assist with trekking gear and equipment arrangements in Kathmandu.
Yes. Desire Adventures can arrange experienced porters to carry your main luggage, allowing you to trek comfortably with only a light daypack. Mule services may also be available on certain sections of the Annapurna region, depending on local trail conditions and logistics.
