Annapurna Poon Hill Trekking in Nepal
3 min readJun 26, 2024
he Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek via Poon Hill is a popular and scenic trekking route in Nepal. This trek combines the classic ABC trek with a visit to the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Here’s a detailed overview of the trek:
Highlights:
- Poon Hill: Renowned for its stunning sunrise views over the Himalayas, including peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and others.
- Annapurna Base Camp: A natural amphitheater surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through lush forests, terraced fields, and quaint Gurung villages.
- Cultural Experience: Interaction with local communities and experiencing the rich culture of the Gurung and Magar people.
- Wildlife: Chance to spot various wildlife in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Typical Itinerary:
The itinerary can vary, but here is a common route for the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Drive/Fly to Pokhara
- Travel to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city.
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri
- Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul.
- Trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri (around 4–5 hours).
Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani
- Trek to Ghorepani, passing through beautiful rhododendron forests (around 6–7 hours).
Day 5: Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
- Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views.
- Trek to Tadapani (around 5–6 hours).
Day 6: Trek to Chomrong
- Trek to Chomrong, a village with great views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare (around 5–6 hours).
Day 7: Trek to Dovan
- Trek down to the Modi Khola and then ascend to Dovan (around 5–6 hours).
Day 8: Trek to Deurali
- Continue trekking up the Modi Khola valley to Deurali (around 4–5 hours).
Day 9: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
- Trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Machapuchare Base Camp (around 5–6 hours).
Day 10: Explore Annapurna Base Camp and trek back to Bamboo
- Enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views at ABC.
- Trek back down to Bamboo (around 6–7 hours).
Day 11: Trek to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)
- Trek to Jhinu Danda, where you can relax in natural hot springs (around 5–6 hours).
Day 12: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
- Trek back to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (around 6–7 hours of trekking and 1.5-hour drive).
Day 13: Drive/Fly back to Kathmandu
- Return to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Departure
- Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Best Time to Trek:
- Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather, blooming rhododendrons.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, excellent mountain views.
Difficulty Level:
- Moderate to challenging. Good physical fitness is required, as the trek involves significant altitude gain and long walking days.
Permits Required:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Packing Essentials:
- Warm clothing (layers)
- Good trekking boots
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Rain gear
- First aid kit
- Water purification tablets
This trek offers an unforgettable adventure with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.