Start on a mesmerizing 14-day Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, an incredible journey that takes you to the Annapurna massif, a majestic range in north-central Nepal. Stretching about 48km (30 miles) between the Kali Gandaki gorge in the west and the Marsyangdi in the east, this ridge includes one peak over 8000m, thirteen over 7000m, and sixteen over 6000m. The highest, Annapurna I, at 8091m, witnessed the first successful ascent in 1950 when Mauric Herzog led a French expedition via the north face. This captivating 14-day trek unfolds across a diverse landscape and vibrant culture. This trek pays homage to the Hindu deity Annapurna, representing the giver of food and nourishment. Revel in breathtaking views of evergreen landscapes, flowing rivers, and vibrant vegetation, showcasing the natural beauty that earned the deity her name. The trek is a testament to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region, protected within the Annapurna Conservation Area spanning 7629 square kilometers. With easy access and a relatively short hike, the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill trek promise an unforgettable experience for you, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a perfect blend of adventure and cultural exploration in the Himalayas.
Outside the terminal of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport agent will be waiting for you with a sign bearing the name of the Company. Then, you will transfer to the Hotel after you arrive at TIA. If you arrive at TIA on time, you can visit the nearby Hotel area (depending on the arrival time) or you can rest after the long air flight. On this day, our staff or your trip guide will meet and greet you at the Hotel and brief you about the day ahead journey. You will stay overnight.
Following an early breakfast at the hotel, you will drive towards western Nepal along the Prithivi Highway. After a one-hour drive, you will reach the Trishuli River, where you will witness a typical Nepali house, terrace, farmland, hotel, and Khaja Ghar along the way. During the journey, you will have your lunch at a riverside restaurant.
Continuing along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, you will cross-diverse landscapes, flora, fauna, and culture. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will drive towards Dhampus Phedi. After arriving at Dhampus Phedi, covering a long bus journey you will stay overnight. We will provide you with a private bus or jeep (Bus and a jeep depends on the group size).
After a delightful breakfast at Dhampus Phedi, your next day’s trek will commence. Dhampus village is a renowned location, serving as the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal trek. On this day, you will trek and encounter picturesque houses along the way. You will witness the entire Annapurna view, including Annapurna I (8091m), Fishtail (6993m), Annapurna (7455m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), and the Dhaulagiri range. Take a break along the way to Lunch. Resume your trek after lunch, ascending while encountering the unique culture and farming land, with a warm welcome from local people. Continue your trek up to Landruk, a beautiful village renowned for honey hunting. In this village, you can observe the Gurung tradition and culture. From here, enjoy a stunning sunset view over the Annapurna range. After reaching Landruk in the late afternoon, you will stay overnight.
Following the morning breakfast in Landruk, you will trek to Chhomrong, a beautiful village situated at an elevation of 2175m. The predominant ethnicity in Chhomrong is Gurung, and the residents speak both Nepali and Gurung languages. Here, you can immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Gurung people, who will warmly welcome you with smiles on their lips. Chhomrong boasts a settlement with a history of 100 years, one of the oldest villages in the region. The villagers of Chhomrong adhere to the Bon religion.
There is a notable myth associated with Bon religion: In 1957, the first climbers, Wilfrid Noyce led by the famous British mountaineer and explorer, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Roberts accompanied by the pioneer of trekking in Nepal, encountered a peculiar event. The group ascended from Camp I to Camp II, but when they woke up the next morning at what they believed was Camp II, they discovered they were actually back at Camp I. This event led the villagers to believe in the power of nature, and as a result, they began worshiping Bon. Since then, the Nepal government has prohibited climbing mt. Machhapuchhre. Thus, you have the opportunity to experience the Bon religion in this region.
On this day, you will ascend 535 meters in elevation. During the trek, you will pause for lunch, where you can enjoy authentic Nepali dishes. After lunch, resume your trek, reach Chhomrong, and spend the night at a lodge.
After the morning breakfast in Chhomrong, your trek will commence. On this day, you will cover a distance of approximately 9 km from Chhomrong to Dovan. Dovan is situated at an elevation of 2520m. You will pause for lunch along the way, and after lunch, your trek will resume. The steep descent to Chhomrong Khola and the subsequent steep ascent towards Upper Sinuwa constitute the most challenging part where caution is required. The overnight stay will be at a lodge in Dovan.
You will start your trek early in the morning from the village of Dovan, which is located at an altitude of approximately 2520m. The trail from Dovan follows the course of the Modi Khola River. As you hike alongside the river, you will gradually gain altitude and leave behind the dense forests. After walking for a while, you will come across Hinku Cave, a large rocky overhang.
The path will lead you uphill to Deurali, a small settlement located at an altitude of around 3,230 m. After refueling at Deurali, the trail continues through attractive alpine forests. After approximately 4 hours, you will reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), located at an elevation of about 3,685meters. From there, you will get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna.
You will have breakfast with the view of magnificent Machhapuchhre peak in the early morning. After having Breakfast, you will be ready for the awaited Annapurna Base Camp. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach ABC from MBC. After reaching Annapurna Base Camp, you will have Lunch with the view of Mt. Fishtail (6993m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091M), Annapurna South (7219m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Gangapurna (7455m), and Mt. Mardi Himal (5587m).On this day you will be staying overnight at ABC.
You will wake up early in the morning and hike to a viewpoint to witness another sunrise over the majestic mountains in the Annapurna region. This breathtaking view will mesmerize your heart and soul. After enjoying this beautiful moment, you will continue our trek back to Bamboo, passing through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan. The trail will take you through a forest of oak, bamboo, and rhododendron and you will spend the night at Bamboo.
After an early breakfast at Bamboo, you will start your trek for the Tadapani where you will ascend 390m. You will have lunch at Tadapani. It is a beautiful village situated at an elevation of 2700m. You will stay overnight at tadapani.
After having breakfast at Tadapani ,you will be ready for the Ghorepani early in the morning .On this day you will gain 180m only, it shows that the trek will be short .This place used to be a rest stop where ancient traders found water( Pani in nepali) for their horses(Ghoda in nepali). Thus leading to the name Ghorepani. You will have your Lunch at Ghorepani .It is a famous stop point for the Poon Hill trek. You will experience natural beauty, Cultural richness and warm hospitality here. Here you will find numerous teahouses, Lodges and Hotels. This place will offer you beautiful Mountain views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Mt Machhapuchhre. You will stay overnight here.
Early in the morning, you will be ready for a sunrise hike up to Poon hill. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach and enjoy the sunrise of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, Fishtail, and Nilgiri. After enjoying view, you will continue hike down to Ghorepani and you will have lunch there, after lunch you will trek back toTikheDhunga. Tikhedhunga is the home of Magar and Gurung people, which is rich in cultural heritage. It is the gateway to different routes in the Annapurna region, surrounded by greenery and terraced fields, attracts trekkers with its peaceful and traditional beauty. Today will be the last day for the trek and you will stay overnight here.
After having breakfast at Tikhedhunga you will be ready to drive to pokhara (822 m) and you will have lunch in pokhara. After lunch, you will explore the lakeside area or you will rest, depending on your choice and stay overnight at Hotel.
After your breakfast, you will be ready for driving to Kathmandu and your lunch will be on the way. You will reach Kathmandu in the late afternoon. There will be a farewell dinner at night and stay overnight at the hotel.
You will enjoy your breakfast in the early morning and proceed with your departure from Tribhuvan International Airport according to your planned schedule.
Rise Expeditions suggests the following list of gear and equipment to have for the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Headwear:
Hands:
Upper Body:
Lower Body:
Footwear:
Sleeping Stuffs:
Backpacks:
Personal Gear:
Sun Stuffs:
Toiletries:
Miscellaneous: