Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill

 The Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill gives you that moment and then keeps delivering for another week.

This route combines two of Nepal's most beloved trekking destinations into one continuous journey. You get the Poon Hill sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range, then push deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach base camp at 4,130 metres. Most trekkers who research their options land on this route for good reason. It's longer than the direct ABC trek, but the extra days through Ghorepani and the rhododendron forests around Tadapani make the whole experience richer. Noticeably richer.

The Nepal Annapurna Base Camp trek by this route starts in Pokhara, moves through Gurung and Magar villages that have welcomed trekkers for decades, climbs through one of the densest rhododendron forests in the Himalayas, and arrives at a high-altitude sanctuary ringed by some of the tallest mountains on Earth. Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South form a near-complete circle around you at ABC. The effect is genuinely hard to describe.

If you're searching for an Annapurna Base Camp trek guide that covers the Poon Hill extension, this is it. Everything from permits and packing to weather and costs is here.

ABC Trek via Poon Hill: Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp ABC trek via Poon Hill runs for 10 to 11 days, depending on your pace and acclimatisation needs. Most organised groups complete it in 10 days of trekking after arriving in Nepal.

The trek starts with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then climbs steeply through Ulleri toward Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, an early morning side trip takes you up to Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 metres before you continue east through Tadapani toward Chhomrong, the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail then follows the Modi Khola river valley through bamboo and rhododendron forest all the way to Annapurna Base Camp.

This is a moderate to moderately hard trek. Daily walking averages 5 to 7 hours. The maximum altitude is 4,130 metres at Annapurna Base Camp. No technical climbing is involved, but you do need good physical fitness and some mental preparation for the long stone staircase at Ulleri.

What separates this route from the standard, more direct ABC trek is the westward loop through Ghorepani. The direct route goes straight up from Pokhara via Kimche, which is faster but loses the Poon Hill sunrise and the forest sections around Tadapani. If you have 10 days, there's no real reason to take the shorter path.

The 8-day Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill is the most popular choice among international trekkers visiting Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary below covers this version in full. An Annapurna Base Camp trek package from Holy Kailash Tours includes all permits, accommodation, guide, porter, and ground transport.

Quick Facts

DetailInformation

People of the ABC Region: Gurung, Magar, and Thakali Communities

Trekking through the Annapurna region means passing through some of the most culturally distinct villages in Nepal. The people here aren't a backdrop to the scenery. They are half the reason to come.

The Gurung community dominates villages like Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and Ulleri. The Gurungs are historically known as soldiers (many served in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments) and as farmers who have worked these steep hillsides for generations. Their villages sit on stone-terraced slopes, and their homes are thick-walled with low doorways built for long, cold winters. Gurung hospitality is direct and warm. Tea house owners in Chhomrong and Tadapani are mostly Gurung families who've been feeding trekkers for 30 or 40 years.

The Magar people live in the lower sections of the valley and share much of the same mountain culture. Their festivals overlap with Gurung celebrations during Dashain and Tihar, and you'll often see the same rice terraces, cornfields, and small livestock yards around their homes.

At higher elevations, particularly near the Annapurna Sanctuary, Thakali cultural influence comes through in the food and trade traditions. The Thakali community from the Mustang region historically controlled the salt trade along these Himalayan routes. Their influence on local cuisine is still visible: the buckwheat pancakes, the chhyang (local barley beer), and the way menus across the Annapurna region lean toward hearty carbohydrates designed for altitude and cold.

Villages along the 8-day Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill:

Ulleri sits at around 1,960 metres and is the first real test of the trek. The stone stairs leading up to it from Birethanti are legendary among trekkers.

Ghorepani at 2,860 metres is the base for the Poon Hill trek viewpoint visit and a genuinely beautiful village surrounded by rhododendron forest.

Tadapani at 2,630 metres is a smaller, quieter village with some of the best mountain views on the entire route, looking directly at Machhapuchhre.

Chhomrong, at around 2,170 metres, is the last major village before the sanctuary. It has the best-stocked tea houses in the upper region, good bakeries, and a proper checkpoint where sanctuary permits are verified.

Bamboo at 2,310 metres is more of a rest stop than a village, but the forest surrounding it is extraordinary. Bamboo groves, hanging moss, and the sound of the Modi Khola below.

The cultural interaction along this route makes the trek genuinely more meaningful than a high-altitude walk. Sitting in a tea house in Chhomrong, eating dal bhat cooked by a Gurung grandmother while rain hammers the tin roof is an experience that stays with you.

Natural Beauty of the ABC Trek via Poon Hill, Nepal

The Annapurna region is the most visited trekking area in Nepal, and it's not hard to see why.

The landscape changes completely as you gain altitude. The lower sections from Nayapul to Ulleri pass through terraced farmland and subtropical forest. Then, above Ulleri, the trees get taller and darker, and the air cools. By the time you reach Ghorepani, you're walking through a rhododendron forest so dense it forms a canopy over the trail. In spring (March to May), those rhododendrons bloom in red, pink, and white. The Poon Hill Trek in Nepal section through this forest during the bloom season, is one of the great visual experiences in Himalayan trekking. Rhododendron forest trek in Nepal doesn't get much better than this.

The Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 metres is the centrepiece of the first half of the trek. You leave Ghorepani before dawn, climb for about an hour by headlamp, and arrive at the wooden viewing tower on the summit just as the sky starts to lighten. The mountains that appear as the light builds: Dhaulagiri (8,167m) to the northwest, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, and the unmistakable fishtail profile of Machhapuchhre. Poon Hill sunrise is the most photographed mountain view in Nepal outside of the Everest region. It earns that reputation.

After Tadapani, the forest becomes more mixed. The trail drops into the Modi Khola valley and follows the river through sections of dense bamboo, crossing suspension bridges over glacial streams. The air smells of damp earth and pine. Waterfalls drop from cliffs on both sides of the valley. The higher you climb toward Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), the more the vegetation thins and the peaks come closer.

The Annapurna Sanctuary itself, the glacial amphitheatre that holds ABC at 4,130 metres, is a different world from everything below. The surrounding peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre rise almost vertically from the glacier. There's nothing subtle about the scale. Most people who arrive at ABC for the first time stand quietly for a few minutes before saying anything.

Mountain views along the route:

• Annapurna I (8,091m): The tenth-highest mountain on Earth, visible from Poon Hill and dominant at ABC
• Machhapuchhre (6,993m): The "Fishtail Mountain," never climbed (sacred to the Gurungs), visible from almost the entire route
• Annapurna South (7,219m): The most prominently visible summit from the Sanctuary floor
• Hiunchuli (6,441m): Guards the southern entrance to the Sanctuary
• Dhaulagiri (8,167m): The seventh-highest mountain on Earth, spectacular from Poon Hill

ABC Trek with Poon Hill: Distance and Elevation Chart

Total trekking distance for the full route is approximately 110 to 120 kilometres round trip, depending on exact trail choices.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek altitude gain is significant. You start at roughly 900 metres in Nayapul and climb to 4,130 metres at ABC. That's over 3,200 metres of net elevation gain. Proper acclimatization matters. The route naturally helps with this because it includes a descent from Ghorepani to Tadapani before climbing again, which gives your body time to adjust.

The Ulleri 3000 stone steps section is possibly the most talked-about stretch on the entire trek. The climb from Birethanti to Ulleri involves a long, steep staircase of stone steps built into the hillside. It's relentless. Most trekkers find it one of the hardest single sections despite the relatively low altitude (around 1,960m). Take it slowly, drink water, and know that it gets easier once you're through it.

What Permits Are Required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill?

Two permits are required for this trek. Neither is optional, and rangers check them at multiple points along the trail.

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) The TIMS card costs USD 10 for trekkers who are part of an organised group (through a registered trekking company) and USD 20 for individual/free trekkers. It's essentially a safety registration system that records your presence on the trail. You can obtain it at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikuti Mandap) or Pokhara (Damside). Holy Kailash Tours arranges this for all clients as part of the Annapurna Base Camp trek package.

ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) The ACAP permit costs USD 30 per person (NPR 3,000 for Nepali nationals). This permit covers entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, which encompasses the entire trekking region, including Poon Hill and the Annapurna Sanctuary. Funds from the ACAP permit go toward conservation, trail maintenance, and supporting local communities within the protected area.

Both permits must be carried throughout the trek. Rangers at checkpoints in Birethanti, Chhomrong, and at the Sanctuary entrance check them every time. Don't assume you can get away without them. The fines and delays aren't worth it, and the permits genuinely support the infrastructure you're using.

Annapurna base camp trek permits for international trekkers are readily available, and the process is straightforward. Your trekking company handles the logistics; you just need a passport photo and your passport details.

Why Choose the ABC via Poon Hill Route?

The case for this route comes down to one simple thing: you get more for the same physical effort.

The shorter, direct ABC trek via Kimche takes around 7 days. It reaches the same destination, but misses the Ghorepani approach, the Poon Hill sunrise, the rhododendron forest experience, and the Tadapani traverse. For three extra days of trekking, the via-Poon Hill route adds what many trekkers consider the best section of the entire journey.

Photography is a major reason people choose this path. Poon Hill viewpoint gives you a panoramic shot of multiple 8,000-metre peaks with clean mountain air and (usually) perfect morning light. The rhododendron forest sections in March and April add colour and texture that the direct route simply doesn't have. If you're serious about your photography, this matters.

The route also acclimatises you more naturally. Rather than climbing steadily and continuously to ABC, you gain height gradually, then drop slightly at Tadapani, then climb again. Your body adapts better to the altitude this way. This is especially relevant for first-time high-altitude trekkers.

For a short Annapurna Base Camp trek, the 10-day version via Poon Hill is honestly not that long. A 5-day Annapurna Base Camp trek or 6 days annapurna base camp trek can reach ABC via the direct route, but most trekkers feel rushed. The 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek is doable, but it still doesn't leave room for the Poon Hill extension. Ten days is the sweet spot.

The Best Time to Visit the ABC Trek via Poon Hill

Spring (March to May): Spring is consistently the most popular season, and with good reason. The rhododendrons bloom from early March through April, turning the forests around Ghorepani and Tadapani into something that looks genuinely implausible. The weather is generally stable, though clouds build in the afternoon on many days. Temperatures are comfortable for trekking. March through early May is the best window for the rhododendron experience, specifically.

Autumn (September to November). Autumn runs a close second. The monsoon clears in late September, leaving the mountains sharp and clean against blue skies. October is many experienced trekkers' favourite month in Nepal. Visibility is excellent, the trails dry out after the monsoon, and the mountain views from Poon Hill and ABC are at their clearest. November is fine, but gets cold quickly, especially above 3,000 metres at night.

Winter (December to February) Winter trekking on this route is possible but harder. Snow covers the trail above 2,500 metres from December onward. Ghorepani and the approach to ABC can be genuinely snowy and cold (well below freezing at night). The crowds disappear almost entirely. If you're fit, well-equipped, and enjoy solitude, winter has its appeal. Just don't underestimate it.

Monsoon (June to August) The monsoon makes this trek unpleasant for most people. Trails are slippery, leeches are abundant below 2,500 metres, cloud cover blocks mountain views for days at a time, and some sections become hazardous from landslides. A few experienced trekkers do it for the lush green landscape and empty trails, but it's not recommended for most visitors.

The best time to Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill trek is October for mountain views, or late March to April for rhododendrons and reliable weather.

Month by Month Weather Guide

ABC via Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

This is a moderate to moderately strenuous trek. It's not technical, but it asks something real of your body over 10 days.

The hardest single section is the stone staircase between Birethanti and Ulleri. The Ulleri 3000 stone steps climb is steep, relentless, and happens on day one of the actual trekking when your legs aren't yet conditioned. It's famous enough that it comes up in almost every Annapurna Base Camp trek. Go slowly. The steps are also slippery when wet.

Above Chhomrong, the trail into the Annapurna Sanctuary steepens again, and the altitude starts to factor in. The approach to MBC and then ABC gains height quickly. Most fit, healthy adults handle it fine with proper pacing, but altitude affects everyone differently.

For first-time trekkers, this is a manageable route with a good guide. You don't need prior trekking experience in Nepal specifically, but arriving with a basic level of cardiovascular fitness makes a real difference. Walking 5 to 7 hours a day for 10 days is what this trek asks. If you walk regularly at home, that's a good starting baseline.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek altitude of 4,130 metres is below the threshold where altitude sickness becomes a serious concern for most people, but going too fast and not hydrating properly can still cause problems. The Annapurna Base Camp trek guide assigned by Holy Kailash Tours monitors trekkers for altitude symptoms throughout the journey.

Food and Accommodation on the ABC Trek via Poon Hill

Tea houses line the entire route from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp. There are no camping-only sections. This makes the trek accessible and affordable without requiring you to carry a tent.

Accommodation

Tea house rooms are simple. In lower villages (Ulleri, Ghorepani, Chhomrong), you get wooden rooms with a single or twin bed, a thin mattress, a pillow, and a blanket. Many newer tea houses have attached bathrooms; older ones share facilities. Hot showers are available almost everywhere but usually cost an additional NPR 100 to 200. WiFi exists in most tea houses from Nayapul to Chhomrong; above that, coverage is patchy and slower. Charging your devices costs a small fee at most places above Chhomrong. The Annapurna Base Camp trek accommodation is basic but functional, and the beds feel good after a long day.

Food

The dal bhat at every single tea house is worth ordering. Dal (lentil soup), steamed rice, vegetable curry, and usually a piece of papad. It's refillable. High in calories. Exactly right for a trekking day. Most menus also offer:

• Momos (steamed dumplings, usually vegetable or buff)
• Noodle soups and thukpa
• Fried rice and noodles
• Pancakes and porridge for breakfast
• Vegetable curries and pasta at better-stocked tea houses
• Black tea, milk tea, ginger tea, and coffee (instant above Chhomrong)

Prices rise as you gain altitude. A meal that costs NPR 350 in Ulleri might cost NPR 700 at ABC. This is normal and accounted for in any honest cost breakdown.

Annapurna Base Camp + Poon Hill Trek Package

An organised Annapurna Base Camp trek package from Holy Kailash Tours covers everything you need for the trek. This makes the logistics simple and leaves you free to focus on the experience.

Holy Kailash Tours has been organising treks in the Annapurna region from their Kathmandu base for years. Their team knows this route well, from the trail conditions in different seasons to which tea houses have the best food. They're a trusted local operator, not an international booking platform with no ground-level knowledge.

Package inclusions typically cover:

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (pre-trek, 2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights)
• Private ground transport from Pokhara to the trailhead and return
• All tea house accommodation during the trek
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the trek
• Licensed, experienced trekking guide
• One porter per two trekkers (carrying up to 20 kg)
• All permit fees (TIMS and ACAP)
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen (carried by guide)
• All applicable government taxes

The Annapurna Base Camp trek price varies depending on group size, season, and duration. For a private 10-day package, expect costs in the range of USD 700 to USD 1,200 per person. The cost of the Annapurna Base Camp trek per person goes down with larger groups. Annapurna base camp trek cost for Nepali nationals is significantly lower because the ACAP permit and TIMS are charged at local rates.

For the exact Annapurna Base Camp trek cost and current pricing, contact Holy Kailash Tours directly. They provide detailed quotes with no hidden fees.

What to Pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill

Packing right matters more than packing light, but ideally, you want both.

Clothing (Layering System)

The key is layers. The temperature difference between Pokhara at 800 metres and ABC at 4,130 metres is extreme. You need:

• Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
• Fleece mid-layer or down jacket for cold evenings and mornings
• Waterproof, windproof outer shell jacket
• Trekking trousers (one light, one warm)
• Warm hat, sun hat, neck gaiter
• Waterproof gloves
• Wool or synthetic trekking socks (4 to 5 pairs minimum)
• Sturdy trekking boots with ankle support (worn in before the trek)
• Camp shoes or sandals for tea house evenings

Trekking Gear

• 30 to 40 litre day pack
• Trekking poles (reduces knee strain, especially on the descent)
• Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for Poon Hill before dawn)
• Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (liners available at tea houses)
• Sunglasses (UV 400 or higher at altitude)
• Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 litres capacity)
• Water purification tablets or filter

Health Essentials

• Personal first aid kit with blister care, pain relief, and antidiarrheal
• Altitude sickness medication (Diamox: consult your doctor before the trek)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm with SPF
• Hand sanitiser and toilet paper
• Personal prescription medications

Documents

• Passport (needed for permits)
• Travel insurance documents (covering trek altitude and evacuation)
• Emergency contacts and insurance hotline printed

Electronics

• Camera or charged smartphone
• Power bank (essential above Chhomrong, where charging costs extra)
• Universal adapter

ABC via Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Poon Hill sunrise – Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range turning gold at 5 AM from the hilltop platform
• Annapurna Base Camp – A circular amphitheatre of peaks at 4,130m, earned after 8 days on the trail
• Rhododendron forest – The Ghorepani to Tadapani stretch in spring: dense, colourful, and quiet
• Chhomrong village – Best tea house food on the route, good bakeries, ideal rest day stop
• Modi Khola canyon – One of Nepal's most dramatic river valleys, largely unknown outside trekking circles
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp at dusk – The Fishtail Mountain overhead, sky shifting colour, air turning cold
• Local culture – Tea house meals, prayer flags, Gurung hospitality. A real place, not just a trail