11-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara with Poon Hill

11 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most beautiful treks in the world, with diverse climates, varied landscapes, and culturally rich villages along th...

Duration: 11 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Chomrong · Languages: English

Know before you go: Permits: An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card are required for this trek.; Altitude: The trek culminates at an elevation of 4,130 meters, specifically at Annapurna Base Camp. Acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.; Best Time: The ideal trekking seasons are autumn (Sept-Nov) and spring (Mar-May), offering clear skies and moderate temperatures.; Fitness: Moderate fitness is required, as the trek involves daily ascents and descents with some steep sections.; Packing: Bring layered clothing, sturdy trekking boots, a sleeping bag, water purification methods, and cash (ATMs are rare in the mountains).; Culture: Respect local customs, especially in Gurung and Magar villages, and be mindful of the Himalayan region's Buddhist culture.; Insurance: It is essential to verify that your travel insurance includes coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

About Ghorepani

Nepal

Ghorepani

Get a Nepal tour guide from Everest Global Hub to help you conquer the top of Poon Hill or the courses of the bucket-list-busting Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Explore Ghorepani Nepal All destinations

What's Included

Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu tourist bus transfers
Private vehicle from Pokhara to Tikedhunga, the start of the trek, and from Ghandruk Phedi, the end of the trek, back to Pokhara
2 nights' accommodation with breakfast and en-suite bathroom in Pokhara
Accommodation for 8 nights in total: 4 nights with en-suite bathroom at Ulleri, Ghorepani, Chomrong, and Jinu Danda, and 4 nights in standard rooms, usually twin rooms, at Tadapani, Himalaya, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo
All standard meals during the hike (9 lunches, 8 dinners, and 9 breakfasts)
State-certified experienced trekking guide from Best Heritage Tours, 1 assistant trekking guide for 12+ trekkers, and porters to help trekkers with their luggage (1 porter for every 2 trekkers; baggage limit is a maximum of 9 kg per trekker)
Guide and porter fees, including food, insurance, salary, accommodation, transport, and other necessary equipment
Water purification tablets
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Fee (ACAP)
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
Snacks (cookies) and fresh seasonal fruits provided daily
All state and local taxes and public fees
Organization of relief measures in case of complicated health issues (funded by travel insurance)
Souvenirs - company T-shirt and hat
Certificate of Best Heritage Tour after successful completion of the trek
Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu

Not Included

International airfare
Nepal multiple-entry visa fee on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (15 days: $25-30, 30 days: $40-50, 90 days: $100-110)
Excess baggage fee (limit: 9 kg per person)
All food and accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trip
Additional accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek
Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, mineral or boiled water, hot drinks such as tea and coffee, cold drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone, battery charging fees, additional carriers, etc.)
Personal clothing and equipment
Travel insurance, which should cover medical expenses as well as emergency rescue and evacuation at high altitudes
Tips for guides and porters

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara

After an early breakfast, board a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The journey usually takes around 6-7 hours. Along the way, you will see the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, interconnected streams, and small springs flowing through the green rocky mountains. Pokhara is a beautiful valley known for its lakes, including Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake, and lies at the foothills of Annapurna (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Dhaulagiri (8,169 m), Manaslu (8,156 m), and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). Pokhara is a tourist's paradise with modern facilities and amenities. Explore Pokhara, learn about its diverse culture, and visit its many attractions.
2

Day 02

Drive to Tikedhunga and Trek to Ulleri

After a hearty breakfast by Phewa Lake, take a short drive through the beautiful countryside to Tikedhunga. The road is gentle and passes through Nayapul and Birethanti. On the way, you will see beautiful terraced fields along the Burundi Kola. After Birethanti, continue by off-road vehicle to Tikedhunga. The trek starts from Tikedhunga, passes through the villages of Sudame and Hile, and ends at Ulleri (2,073 m). The hike takes approximately 3 hours.
3

Day 03

Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

Today will be a pleasant hike with a gradual climb. The trail offers views of the snow-capped Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli mountain ranges. Walk through rhododendron forests, where you may see wildlife, refreshing springs, and rivers. You will then reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village perched on a mountain ridge. The Himalayan views from this village are breathtaking, with heavenly views of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, and V, Tukche, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Bara Sikar, and Machhapuchhre, popularly known as Fishtail.
4

Day 04

Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani

If you love sunrises, today is your day. Once you reach Poon Hill, watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. From Poon Hill, you can watch dawn break over 32 peaks in the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges. Poon Hill is also a famous photography spot, so take as many photos as you like and enjoy the experience. After spending some time at Poon Hill, descend to the lodge, have breakfast, and begin the trek to Tadapani (2,630 m). To reach Tadapani, you will pass through Deurali (2,960 m) and Bantanti. If you arrive in Tadapani early, you can take a short walk to Chuile village.
5

Day 05

Trek to Chomrong or Sinuwa via Ghandruk

Today's hike will vary slightly depending on where you stayed the previous night. After breakfast in Tadapani, continue your journey to Chomrong (2,165 m). On the way, you will pass through Chuile. First, you will pass through the beautiful village of Ghandruk. Then, after a steep descent to the Kim Rong River, you will reach Chomrong, where breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Fishtail await. Located at the foot of the majestic Annapurna massif, Chomrong is a popular overnight stop for trekkers heading to Annapurna Base Camp. However, if you stayed in Chuile the previous night, you will stay in Sinuwa.
6

Day 06

Trek through Forests to Himalaya or Deurali

Today's mountain walk will be a little longer and also depends on your previous night's accommodation. If you stayed overnight in Chomrong, you will descend a steep stone path to Chomrong Khola, and then the trail climbs through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests to reach Sinuwa. However, if you spent the night in Sinuwa, your trek will begin from there. During the trek, you will enjoy views of Machhapuchhre and the snow-capped Annapurna mountains beside it. The trail passes through the village of Kuldigar, descends to Bamboo Lodge, and continues up to Himalaya (2,890 m). If you start the trek from Sinuwa, you will stay overnight at Deurali.
7

Day 07

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp

After our last night in the Himalayas, we follow the route through a narrow gorge along the Modi Khola glacier valley, crossing more forests on the way. We also pass a large protruding rock known as Hinku Cave and Deurali Hut before arriving at the entrance to the Annapurna Conservation Area, which eventually leads to Annapurna Base Camp. However, if you stayed overnight at Deurali, the trek will begin from Deurali itself. We hike all day near the Annapurna Glacier. On the way, Machhapuchhre Base Camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. We then continue northwest and finally reach Annapurna Base Camp, where you can enjoy 360-degree views stretching from Hiunchuli and Annapurna South to Annapurna I (8,097 m), Kangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre. Today's trek brings you close to giant mountains including the Annapurna massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Mt. Tilicho, Mt. Pisang, Paunda Danda, and many other peaks rising between 6,000 and 8,000 meters. The beauty of the snow-capped mountains surrounding you will make this day unforgettable. Overnight at base camp.
8

Day 08

Descend from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

After leaving your footprints at Annapurna Base Camp, begin the descent. Trek back across the Annapurna Conservation Area toward the Modi River Valley. Finally, reach your destination for the day, a tranquil stopover called Bamboo (2,350 m).
9

Day 09

Trek to Jinu Danda and Visit the Hot Springs

On this remaining day, continue the long descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo and then proceed to Jinu Danda. Start by heading to Kimrong Khola and then climb through oak forests to eventually reach Jinu Danda. Jinu Danda is a well-known area famous for its soothing natural hot springs, which relax tired muscles and attract hundreds of travellers every year. From the hot springs, you can enjoy views of lush rhododendron forests and rich greenery.
10

Day 10

Trek to Siwa and Drive Back to Pokhara

Today is the last day of hiking. After leaving Jinu Danda, take the dusty trail to the right of Modi Khola. This section of the hike is one of the most enjoyable walks of the entire trip. After about three hours of hiking, you will reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi, where you will bid farewell to the trekking trail and drive through lovely surroundings back to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
11

Day 11

Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Depart Pokhara early in the morning and travel to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This 200 km route first follows the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli River, offering breathtaking views of natural landscapes and terraced fields. The bus climbs the final stretch and eventually reaches Kathmandu, where the trip began. Your journey is nearing its end. We wish you a pleasant departure and memories that will last a lifetime. Later in the day, a farewell dinner will be arranged. Please note: If you stay in a hotel or guesthouse, you will be provided with a hygienic room with a toilet, and standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included in your stay. A flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes 20 minutes and is available at an extra cost.