Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek – 10 Days

The most significant experiences during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek include the sunrise view from Poon Hill, cultural diversity in the villages, a hot bath at Jhinu Hot Springs, gorgeous mountain views from Annapurna Base Camp, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Sunrise View from Ghorepani Poon Hill Viewpoint

Poon Hill is one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints, and for good reason. This famous viewpoint offers a 360° sight of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Gangapurna. On clear mornings, the first light of day turns the snowy peaks into glowing shades of gold, which is a highlight of the location. While sunrise is the most popular, sunset views are equally stunning.

To get to the viewpoint, trekkers wake up before dawn in Ghorepani and hike for about an hour up stone staircases through rhododendron forests. They reach Poon Hill just in time to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as the first golden light touches the mountain peaks.

Local Culture in Villages Like Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Deurali

You will experience the Annapurna region’s diverse culture and tradition during the trek. Most of the region’s residents belong to the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali ethnic groups. Each ethnic group has its unique language, dress, culture, customs, festivals, and beliefs. For example, the women from the Gurung community wear Lungi while men wear Bhangro. Magar women wear traditional attire known as Chaubandhi cholo, while men wear Kaachhad. Similarly, you can experience the Ghatu dance that belongs to the Gurung community, and the Maruni dance of the Magar communities.

Likewise, you will also come across ancient monasteries and stupas, which reflect the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. Some ethnic groups also follow their indigenous religion. But one thing is common to them all: their warm and friendly hospitality. The teahouses, lodges, and homestays are common accommodations in the Annapurna region. Locals run these places along the trails. They offer authentic local cuisine, which you can taste during the trek. Thus, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is not only an adventure but also a rich cultural exploration.

Relax Bath in the Jhinu Hot Springs After a Long Day’s Trek

After long trekking days, nothing feels better than a dip in the Jhinu Danda hot springs. After the hike to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll descend to Bamboo and Jhinu Danda. At 1,600 m in elevation, the village is famous for its natural hot springs. To reach the hot springs, you must take a 30-minute hike on steep trails from the village.

The hot spring pools lie on the Modi Khola Riverbank, and lush trees surround them. You can soak and relax your tired muscles in the hot water while enjoying the views. Depending on the river conditions, you can also dip into the icy river waters. However, this is not possible when the river current is too strong, and the river level is too high. The hot springs will rejuvenate you, and you can return to the village to stay overnight.

Jaw-Dropping Views at Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is the ultimate reward of the trek. From MBC, you’ll see the iconic Fishtail Peak up close, along with other towering summits. A few hours further, ABC opens into a natural amphitheater surrounded by mountains such as Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre.

Meals Options For Annapurna Base Camp with on Hill Trek

There are various meals during the trek, and you can find several options at the teahouses. However, the lower elevations (Pokhara, Ghorepani, Chhomrong) offer a wide range of meal options (from traditional Nepalese, Tibetan, and Western dishes), as you go higher (Deurali, Annapurna Base Camp), food choices become more limited and prices increase. However, we provide three meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the finest tea house. Here’s the sample of the meal we provide:

Tips for trekkers:

• Hot water is available but with an extra cost
• Bring snacks and energy bars for trekking.
• Refill your bottle from taps along the trail (after purification). But use a purification tablet to filter water.
• Buying 4–5 bottles of mineral water every day is impractical due to the high cost and limited availability.

Accommodation During 10 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

You will stay in teahouses, lodges, and homestays during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. They are budget-friendly and provide basic facilities. Generally, rooms with attached bathrooms are not available during the trek. Instead, you’ll have shared bathrooms. The room has a twin-sharing bed with a modest wooden frame, along with a mattress, pillow, and blanket.

Dining is in a communal dining area, often with a heater in the center. Moreover, charging facilities, Wi-Fi, and hot showers are also available at the tea house but cost extra. The facilities of the tea houses become minimal as you ascend to higher elevations.

You will stay at the following teahouses during the trek:

Planning the Annapurna Base Camp trek starts with understanding the practical details, including how far you travel, which route you take, how you get there, and how you stay connected along the way.

How Far Is Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara?

The total distance from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp is approximately 81.1 km. As the trek begins, you cover about 10 to 14 km per day on foot, with each walking day taking between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the route. The distance may sound long on paper, but once you are on the trail, the constantly changing landscape keeps every kilometer interesting.

Transportation Options for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Getting to Pokhara from Kathmandu:

The ABC trek starts from Pokhara, and you have two main options to get there from Kathmandu:

• By Air: A domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes just 25 minutes and operates daily.
• By Road: Tourist buses, public buses, private cars, and jeeps all run between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The overland journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Getting from Pokhara to the Trek Starting Point:

From Pokhara, the only way to reach Sudame, the starting point of the trek, is by road. A jeep is the most practical option, as the road to Sudame is unpaved and includes rough, bumpy sections that are not suitable for regular vehicles.

Communication Options Along the ABC Trek

• Mobile Network (NTC / Ncell): Nepali SIM cards from NTC or Ncell provide good coverage in the lower parts of the trail, up to Chhomrong. Beyond that, signals become weak and unreliable.
• Wi-Fi at Teahouses: Many teahouses along the route offer Wi-Fi, but the connection is slow and comes at an extra charge.
• Satellite Phones: In areas with no mobile coverage, some teahouses and guides carry satellite phones that can be used in emergencies.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is only required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The permit allows trekkers to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a protected region, and supports environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Without this permit, you cannot legally trek through the area.

Trekkers can obtain the ACAP permit in person, either in Kathmandu or Pokhara. In Kathmandu, an ACAP permit can be issued at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Office, located in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Likewise, in Pokhara, an ACAP permit can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Office, located in Damside, Pokhara. These offices are open from Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and remain closed on Saturdays and public holidays.

The ACAP permit fees are NRs 3,000 for foreign nationals, NRs 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and free for children under 10 years of age.

Note: As of recent policy changes, Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card is no longer required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which was mandatory before.

Physical preparation

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp requires several hours of hiking each day, with steep climbs and descents. So, you must be physically fit. Some simple exercises can help you prepare, like running, cycling, or brisk walking, to improve your stamina. For leg strength, do exercises like squats and lunges. Regular hikes with a backpack will also help you get used to trekking.

Mental preparation

Mental preparation is as important as being physically ready for the ABC trek. Choosing the best time for the trek will help you avoid mental weakness. You will have to walk for several hours, so you must be prepared mentally. You have to push yourself in challenging situations. You must prepare your mind for what you’ll encounter on your trekking journey. You must stay positive throughout your trip.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is very important because the ABC trek takes you above 4,000 m. As you go higher, the air gets thinner, which can cause altitude sickness. To reduce this risk, you should plan your trek with acclimatization days to let your body adjust. Stay well hydrated and limit caffeine, as it can contribute to dehydration at altitude.

Gear and Equipment

Knowing what to pack for the Annapurna Base Camp is essential, as packing the right gear and equipment for the journey makes a real difference between a comfortable journey and an unnecessary struggle on the trail. Here is the list of gear trekkers should consider packing while planning an Annapurna adventure:

Clothing

• Thermal Tops and Bottoms
• Trekking Shirts
• Trekking Pants
• Fleece Jacket or Down Jacket
• Waterproof Jacket and Pants
• Hiking Socks
• Gloves
• Hat

Foot Wear

• Trekking Boots
• Sandals or Lightweight Shoes

Backpack

• Daypack (20-30L)
• Duffel Bag

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping Bag

Other Essentials

• Trekking Poles
• Water Bottles and Purification Tablets
• Headlamp
• First Aid Kit
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm
• Snacks

Accessories

• Gaiters
• Microspikes
• Travel Towel
• Personal Toiletries

Annapurna Base Camp, situated at the base of the world’s tenth-highest peak, Mount Annapurna (8,091 m), lies at an impressive height of 4,130 m / 13,550 ft above sea level. Reaching the altitude is one of the major achievements and a moment one can cherish for a lifetime. However, the journey is not easy, but of course, stunning through diverse terrain, lush forests, and rocky paths within the Annapurna Conservation Area.

ABC sits at an altitude of 4,130 m, where altitude-related issues are a significant concern. The higher the elevation, the lower the oxygen level, and the difficulty in breathing will increase accordingly. Thus, trekkers should be well aware of the challenges that might arise throughout the trek before attempting to conquer the height of the iconic base camp.

However, one can’t directly reach an elevation of 4,130 m; instead, trekkers should pass through numerous villages before reaching the altitude. Here is a brief breakdown of the elevation trekkers pass through to get the ultimate height of 4,130 m:

• Pokhara: Pokhara is the gateway to ABC and lies at an elevation of 822 m / 2,696 ft.
• Sudame: The trek to ABC begins from the village of Sudame, located at 1,537 m / 5,042 ft.
• Banthanti: At an elevation of 2,100 m / 6,930 ft, Banthanti is the first stop on the journey to ABC.
• Ghorepani: A famous village on the way to Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani lies at an altitude of 2,800 m / 9,240 ft.
• Tadapani: The village lies at an elevation of 2,650 m / 8,745 ft.
• Chhomrong: One of the most beautiful Gurung villages of the Annapurna region, Chhomrong lies at an elevation of 2,130 m / 6,988 ft.
• Bamboo: Located in the dense bamboo forest, the village lies at 2,300 m / 7,590 ft.
• Deurali: The last destination before reaching Annapurna Base Camp, Deurali lies at an elevation of 3,200 m / 10,499 ft.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek is a dilemma for trekkers. The answer to this question can vary depending on personal preference. Both trek destinations are moderately difficult treks and have no age restrictions. However, altitude plays a crucial role in determining the trek’s difficulty. The Everest Base Camp trek reaches 5,364 m / 17,598 ft. At this altitude, the oxygen level is much lower, and trekkers often feel short of breath or face symptoms of altitude sickness. On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp trek goes up to 4,130 m / 13,550 ft. While still high enough to cause altitude issues, it is not as extreme as Everest.

Moreover, the Everest Base Camp trek usually takes 12 to 14 days, including rest days for acclimatization. The long duration adds to the difficulty but also gives trekkers more time to adjust to the elevation. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is shorter, taking 7 to 12 days depending on the route and pace.

Likewise, the Everest Base Camp trail passes through Sagarmatha National Park and features steep paths, rocky ground, and narrow ridges. It is more rugged and can get crowded during the high season. The Annapurna Base Camp trail has stone staircases, terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows. The paths are well-maintained, and the climb is more gradual.

Not to mention, trekkers need to fly to Lukla, the starting point of the Everest Base Camp trek, either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap Airport. During the busy season and bad weather conditions, flights are often delayed, canceled, or diverted to Ramechhap Airport. This also adds to the challenge of the EBC trek. On the other hand, Pokhara is the starting point of the ABC trek and is easily accessible by both road and air from Kathmandu.

Hence, based on altitude risk, longer trekking days, flight delay probability, and trail conditions, the Everest Base Camp trek is generally considered more challenging than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

To help you decide, here’s a clear side-by-side comparison of both treks covering key factors such as altitude, duration, trail conditions, permits, crowd levels, and cultural experience.

Now that you know what the journey looks like, all that’s left is to experience it yourself. If you have any questions regarding the trip, contact us directly at Nepal Alternative Treks. Our experts are ready to guide you 24/7.