The Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill is famous for its adventure, beautiful Nepali villages, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences.
This trek combines two famous destinations in the Annapurna region - Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Viewpoint.
In addition to that, you will enjoy natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda, explore the fascinating Hinku Caves, discover the rich flora and fauna of Annapurna Sanctuary, and spend a night in the lovely Ghorepani village.
The journey is incredible. Trekkers witness some of the iconic Himalayan mountains, such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, during the trek.
Likewise, every twist and turn on the trail unfolds a different landscape. You will walk through uneven cliffsides, lush rhododendron and bamboo forests, and glacier moraine.
As you ascend from verdant valleys to the Annapurna Base Camp, you will see a plethora of mountains and numerous sides of the Himalayas.
The trek takes you 4,130 meters above sea level, and trust us, it will be a great moment for you. Though you will share the trail with many other trekkers, you will still enjoy every part of the journey.
Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill suitable for you? Are you fit enough to do this trek?
Before we share more details about this adventurous trek, let's talk about who can do the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill. It is a 10 days trek that starts and ends in Kathmandu.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill 10 days starts from Jhinu Danda. From here, you will reach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in three days of walking.
Then, you will descend to Nayapul via Ghorepani village and take a side hike to Poon Hill. The first thing trekkers have to understand is that the gain in elevation is quick.
You will be challenged physically and mentally. Amidst beautiful scenery, adventure, and cultural encounters, you will push yourself daily. Minimum 6 hours of walking each day is required.
With the rise in elevation, walking will become more challenging. Similarly, the trail to ABC includes climbing many staircases as well. You will get extremely tired.
If you believe you are ready to accept these challenges and can walk 6 hours a day, you may join Annapurna Base Camp with Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with us.
Trekkers who are not ready can book the trek early and prepare. We have shared things you can do to prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill below.
Highlights
- A short Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary with an excursion with beautiful Ghorepani village
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to the starting point of the trek
- Enjoy natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda
- Follow the adventurous trail through rhododendron and bamboo forests
- Cross several suspension bridges on the way
- Spend a night at the lap of the tenth tallest mountain on Earth
- Witness breathtaking landscapes and stunning mountain vistas during the trek
- See the lifestyle and culture of Gurung and Magar communities in Ghorepani village
- Catch a gorgeous sunrise and jaw-dropping panorama of the western Himalayan mountains from Poon Hill
How to prepare for the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill is simple. You have to get physically active. It should be your priority. The more you move, the better your stamina will get, which we need for the trek.
Follow the below tips to prepare for Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill:
- Stamina: Walking 6 hours a day requires stamina. Otherwise, you will get tired easily and suffer from shortness of breath instantly. You can improve your stamina by doing cardio. Activities such as swimming, cycling, running, and jogging are great for improving stamina.
- Strength: In addition to stamina, you will also need strength. The ABC terrain is rugged, and the trail constantly ascends and descends. Likewise, you will be trekking with a daypack on you with a maximum weight of 5kg. Therefore, make sure to hit the gym or do an in-home workout that will strengthen your core, shoulder, leg muscles, and back.
- Stretching and flexibility: Most trekkers overlook stretching and flexibility during trekking in the Himalayas. Start and end the day with stretches, and you will feel less sore. Follow a quick stretching routine every day that will activate all muscles. Likewise, if possible, combine yoga or pilates in your training routine.
- Mental preparation: Mental preparation means acknowledging the trek challenges and getting ready to push yourself. High altitude, rugged terrain, and uphill walking not only challenge physically and mentally. Trust us, you will be in a constant fight with your brain during the trek, and you have to win it every time to complete the trek. All the exercises we have shared above will slowly prepare your mind for physical hurdles. In addition to that, learn about the ABC Ghorepani trek better.
Important note
- Our Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill itinerary doesn't include arrival and departure from Kathmandu. You have to be available in the city at least one day before the trek starts.
- Trekkers who would like to combine arrival and departure from the city, let us know. During these 10 days, you will travel to/from the trailhead and spend most of your time in the mountain trekking.
Why should you do the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill? Is it worth it?
Is the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill or any trek in the Himalayas worth it is the most bizarre question we see on the internet.
Any trek, including the Annapurna Base Camp, is worth your time, money, and energy. It is a life-changing trip. You will feel elevated physically, mentally, and emotionally by the end of the journey.
Below you can read the top reasons that make the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill a must-do trip in the Himalayas:
Adventure and excitement:
Trekking to the base of the tenth-tallest mountain in the world is definitely adventurous. The entire journey itself is exciting.
Imagine you will travel to not just a new country but also one of the extreme, untouched parts of the Earth. You will traverse deep valleys, lush hills, rivers, streams, narrow paths, and glacier moraines.
The picturesque Nepali villages:
As much as the upper part of the Himalayas is isolated and unalive, its foothills are equally bustling and lively. The Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani trails are dotted with small villages.
These villages boast authentic Nepali traditions. The houses are made in the old style and life here is not over-consumed by modernization. Every village looks pretty.
Natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda:
Natural hot springs have healing properties. In Jhinu Danda, the starting point of your trek, you will have a chance to enjoy them.
The locals charge a few bucks because they take care of the hot springs. Do not forget to pack your swimsuits.
The rich vegetation of Annapurna Sanctuary:
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high-glacial basin with thriving biodiversity. It houses several vegetation, animals, and birds.
From rhododendrons and blue poppies to alpine meadows, you will explore rich vegetation. Likewise, the sanctuary is also home to musk deer, Himalayan tahr, langurs, red panda, etc.
The warm hospitality of the villagers:
During the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill, you will meet with Gurungs and Magars. Likewise, Newars, Chhetris, and Brahmins also live in the lower part of the region.
The villagers are used to foreigners. They welcome them with open arms. The Nepalese hospitality is known for its warmth. Locals do not discriminate and take care of all travelers.
A break from the digital world and noise of the city:
Trekking is one of the best ways to take a break from the noise of big cities. And traveling in the Himalayas will make you go offline.
You will unwind and refresh your mind. The network along the ABC trail is not reliable, so you will spend a lot of time enjoying nature and the company of fellow trekkers.
Healing sounds of birds, rivers, and waterfalls:
When have you last heard the chirpings of birds, the gushing sounds of rivers, and the melodies of cascading waterfalls?
The Annapurna Base Camp Ghorepani Poon Hill trek will reconnect you with these sounds.
Hinku Cave and Machhapuchhare Base Camp:
Hinku Cave is a small natural overhanging rock at 3,100 meters. It is one of the famous landmarks along the Annapurna Base Camp route. Trekkers stop here to rest and explore it.
Likewise, Machhapuchhare Base Camp is located 3,700 meters above sea level. It is situated just below the Annapurna Base Camp. Mt. Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) is a virgin mountain.
Spend a memorable night at the Annapurna Base Camp:
Usually, spending a night at the base camp of any mountain is not allowed. But that's not the case for Annapurna Base Camp. There are a few lodges where trekkers are allowed to spend a night.
The feeling of spending a night at Annapurna Base Camp cannot be explained. You have to be there for a night to experience it.
Explore the beautiful Ghorepani village and hike to Poon Hill viewpoint:
Ghorepani village is situated at 2,860 meters above sea level. It is mostly resided by Gurung and Magar communities. The village is beautiful and surrounded by rhododendrons and snow-capped mountains.
Likewise, Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint near Ghorepani village. Located 3,210 meters above sea level, you will see a spectacular sunrise and heavenly panorama of the western Himalayan mountains.
Breathtaking mountain vistas and landscapes:
The mountain vistas are insane during the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill. You will see them from the very first day of the trip.
This trek offers views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Fishtail, and many others.
Likewise, every village and every turn in the trail will present mesmerizing landscapes. At ABC, you will also see glaciers.
A bustling evening in Pokhara:
Pokhara is the second biggest city in Nepal. Foreigners love Pokhara for its natural beauty and modern convenience. You will spend a night here before driving back to Kathmandu.
Use this opportunity to explore the serene Phewa Lake. Likewise, stroll on the bustling streets of Lakeside Market and try local Nepali dishes. Buy souvenirs and enjoy a lively evening.
Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill distance, duration, and altitude
You can see the daily distance, walking duration, and altitude gain during the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill in the below table:
Day 1: Pokhara to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/6,393 ft)
Distance: 232 km/144 miles | Duration: 8 hours
Day 2: Jhinu Danda to Bamboo (2,310 m/7,578 ft)
Distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles | Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 3: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230 m/10,597 ft)
Distance: 8 km/5 miles | Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/7,578 ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Distance: 13 km/8 miles | Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,310 m/7,578 ft)
Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles | Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 6: Bamboo to Chuile (2,309 m/7,575 ft)
Distance: 11.5 km/7 miles | Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 7: Chuile to Ghorepani (2,860 m/9,385 ft)
Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles | Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 8: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft) and descend to Ulleri (1,960 m/5,430 ft)
Distance: 11 km/6 miles | Duration: 3-4 hours
Day 9: Ulleri to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (820 m/2,690 ft)
Distance: 7 km/4.34 miles | Duration: 3-4 hours trek & 1.5-2 hours drive
Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,324 m/4,344 ft)
Distance: 205 km/127 miles| Duration: 6-7 hours
What to pack for this incredible trek in the Himalayas?
Packing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill requires precision. You do not want to be overpacked but also not under-packed.
Therefore, we have curated a comprehensive packing list below that includes all the little things that will make your ABC Ghorepani trek seamless:
- Trekking gear: Duffel bag, daypack, sleeping bag with liner, trekking poles, water bladder, and map
- Clothes: Breathable undergarments, trekking t-shirt and pants, thermal layers, down jacket, fleece, and windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
- Accessories: Trekking boots, liner socks, fuzzy socks, gloves (touch screen compatible), scarves, beanie, and a casual pair of shoes to wear in lodges
- Toiletries: SPF, wet tissues, lip balm, moisturizer, deodorant, handwash, shampoo, small mirror, comb, toothpaste and toothbrush, and toilet paper
- Miscellaneous: Reusable water bottles, water purification tablets, UV sunglasses, camera, mobile, power bank, spare batteries, universal charger, snacks, book, journal and pen, and travelers game for time pass
- Documents: Trek permits, passport, passport-size photos, emergency contact details, travel insurance papers, Nepal travel visa, cash, and debit/credit cards
- First-aid: Any medicine that you have to take daily, hand sanitizer, altitude sickness medicine, normal medicine for cold and cough, indigestion medicine, electrolytes, bandaid, continent, etc
Can you charge your phone and take a shower during the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill? How is the mobile network along the trail?
Trekkers can charge their phones and cameras during the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill. It will cost them Nrs 100 to Nrs 300 per device.
Hot showers are available in many villages but cost extra money. Likewise, the cold climate makes taking a shower challenging even though hot water is available. You can expect to pay up to Nrs 500 per shower.
The mobile network along the ABC trail is patchy. The areas surrounded by lush forests have no network. You may get network in some parts of the trail, but better be prepared to stay offline.
Tips:
i. Carry spare batteries and a power bank for backup.
ii. Carry wet wipes to keep you refreshed when you do not shower.
iii. Pack ample socks and undergarments to change daily.
iv. Buy a local tourist sim in Kathmandu to use during the trek. A good network is not guaranteed, though.
Do you have to budget extra money for the trek?
Yes, you will need extra money for expenses like hot showers, charging, and WiFi during the trek. These services are not covered by our Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill cost.
Likewise, you will also need money for other personal expenses such as bar bills, extra food and drinks during the trek, meals in Pokhara, tips, etc.
Why do the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill with Walkers Expedition?
- A reliable team of active Nepali travelers.
- Genuine Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill cost and top-notch service.
- No hidden cost or policy.
- Many years of expertise and deep knowledge about the Annapurna region.
- Friendly, English-speaking guide and porter.
- Full logistic support, including permits, transportation, and accommodation reservations during peak seasons.
- 24/7 support.
- Eco-friendly, sustainable trips.