Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Poon Hill

Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural heartland of Nepal’s capital. After breakfast, your guided tour takes you through some of the most historic and spiritually significant landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley, all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Step back in time to explore ancient palace courtyards, intricate wood-carved temples, and the living history of medieval royals.

• Pashupatinath Temple: Visit the sacred Hindu temple complex situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, renowned globally as a major pilgrimage site.

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Ascend to this ancient hilltop stupa for panoramic views of the entire valley and a close look at the watchful painted eyes of Buddha.

• Bouddhanath Stupa: Walk the meditative kora circuit around one of the largest spherical stupas in the world, a vibrant hub of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

In the afternoon, you will visit our office for an official pre-trip briefing. This is your opportunity to meet your trekking guide, double-check your gear and equipment checklist, and review final safety and itinerary details with the team.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

• Elevation: 1,350m / 4,429ft

Today, you head westward toward the vibrant adventure hub of Pokhara, the primary gateway to the Annapurna region. You can choose between two travel options:

• By Flight (Recommended): Take a short, scenic 25 to 30-minute domestic flight that offers breathtaking aerial views of winding rivers and distant mountain ranges.

• By Road: Enjoy a 6 to 7-hour scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following picturesque river valleys and terraced hillsides.

Once you arrive in Pokhara, check into your hotel and spend a relaxing afternoon wandering along the vibrant Lakeside promenade, taking in the tranquil setting of Phewa Lake with the peaks of the Annapurna range reflecting on the water.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

• Elevation: 827m / 2,713ft

Your official Himalayan trekking journey begins today. After breakfast in Pokhara, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul, where your trek commences.

• Birethanti Checkpoint: After a short walk from Nayapul, you will arrive at the picturesque town of Birethanti to officially register your TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

• The Trail Experience: The path ahead winds past rushing waterfalls, dense jungle trails, local rural villages, and striking green terraced fields.

• The Ascent to Ulleri: After passing through Tikhedhunga, you will tackle a challenging 2-hour steep ascent up stone steps. Your hard work is immediately rewarded with an astonishing first view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli towering overhead.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Ulleri

• Elevation: 1,960m / 6,430ft

After breakfast, you will continue your ascent, climbing toward Banthanti. The trail leads you through dense, massive rhododendron forests and past cascading waterfalls before finally arriving at the open mountain village of Ghorepani. Perched high on a ridge, Ghorepani opens up to breathtaking panoramas of towering 8,000-meter giants, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). If you are trekking during the spring season, the surrounding trails burst into vibrant color with blooming rhododendrons—Nepal’s national flower.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Ghorepani

• Elevation: 2,874m / 9,429ft

Today presents one of the most iconic highlights of your journey. An early pre-dawn hike takes you to the summit of Poon Hill (3,194m) to witness a legendary sunrise over the Himalayas. Watch as the first morning light paints the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), and the entire Annapurna massif in brilliant shades of gold and orange.

After savoring this awe-inspiring panorama, return to Ghorepani for breakfast, pack your gear, and set out along the trail toward Tadapani. The path winds through lush, dense rhododendron and oak forests filled with vibrant natural scenery and local wildlife, with towering Himalayan peaks serving as a dramatic backdrop throughout the walk.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Tadapani

• Elevation: Tadapani at 2,630m / 8,628ft (Poon Hill Viewpoint at 3,194m / 10,479ft)

Leaving scenic Tadapani behind, today’s journey takes you deeper into the heart of the Annapurna region. The trail begins with a descent crossing the Kyumrung Khola river, winding through Gurjung and leading you into Chhomrong—one of the most scenically captivating Gurung villages in the area, tucked right at the base of Himal Chuli.

From Chhomrong, the trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola before beginning a long, steady climb high above the west bank of the Modi Khola, eventually bringing you up to your final resting stop for the day at Sinuwa.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Sinuwa

• Elevation: 2,340m / 7,677ft

Continuing your ascent deeper into the dramatic Annapurna Sanctuary, today’s trek brings you first to Kuldi Ghar after roughly 2 to 3 hours of walking. Past a scenic clearing in the jungle, the route drops steeply down a rocky bank before leveling out to wind through thick bamboo thickets at the bottom of the gorge, keeping closely to the west side of the river. You will pass the peaceful meadow of Tomo and arrive at the dramatic end of the gorge at Pantheon Barah, marked by a quiet path and local shrine. The trail then climbs upward past the Himalaya hotel campsite, ultimately leading you to your high-altitude resting place for the night at Deurali.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Deurali

• Elevation: 3,200m / 10,498ft

Today marks the crowning achievement of your trek as you push deeper into the high alpine zone. The trail mounts steadily through the dramatic landscape, following in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers like Maurice Herzog, Chris Bonington, and Reinhold Messner who popularized this iconic sanctuary.

As you arrive at Annapurna Base Camp, the vastness of the pristine snowy terrain and the towering walls of the Annapurna massif reveal themselves in a thrilling, 360-degree glacier-covered amphitheater. The glorious panoramas and intimate proximity to these giant Himalayan peaks provide an unforgettable, breathtaking reward for your journey.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge at Annapurna Base Camp

• Elevation: 4,130m / 13,550ft

Today begins your return journey down the valley, retracing your steps from the high alpine heights of the sanctuary. Descending roughly 1,800 meters back toward Bamboo, the trail offers a refreshing new perspective on the dramatic landscapes you crossed on the way up, giving you a chance to enjoy the shifting vegetation, rushing river views, and deep gorges from a different angle.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Bamboo

• Elevation: 2,310m / 7,578ft

After nearly a week and a half on the trail, nothing could seem more soothing for tired limbs than the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. Serving as one of the trek’s most delightful bonuses, these warm, mineral-rich pools are set right on the riverbank beside the rushing Modi Khola, offering the ultimate therapeutic recovery for weary muscles.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Jhinu Danda

• Elevation: 1,780m / 5,840ft

Continuing your journey through the lower hills, today’s trek takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach Dhampus from Jhinu Danda. The trail guides you across the Chhomrong Khola and Modi Khola rivers via New Bridge, winding onward through Himalpani and the traditional village of Landruk.

Along the way, you will pass through Tolka village, situated at an elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level. This vibrant region is predominantly populated by the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups, offering a wonderful glimpse into their rich, traditional lifestyle and warm local hospitality.

• Accommodation: Teahouse / Mountain Lodge in Dhampus

• Elevation: Dhampus at 1,650m / 5,413ft (Tolka village at 1,700m / 5,577ft)

Dhampus is quiet, serene, and amazingly beautiful, offering an ideal setting to reconnect with nature after days on the trail. From this charming vantage point, you are treated to a long, sweeping range of the Himalayas, including close and spectacular views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal, and surrounding peaks.

After soaking in the scenery, you descend for the next 3 hours through beautiful forests and peaceful countryside trails to reach Phedi. Your memorable trekking journey officially concludes here, followed by a short and scenic 30-minute drive back to the comfort of Pokhara.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

• Elevation: Phedi at 1,130m / 3,707ft (Dhampus at 1,650m / 5,413ft)

This city Known as the adventure capital and the scenic jewel of Nepal, today is dedicated to exploring the rich landmarks, tranquil lakes, and thrilling outdoor activities of Pokhara.

• Scenic Lakes & Waterways: Experience the beauty of Pokhara’s major lakes—Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake—ideal for peaceful sightseeing and boating. Take a traditional rowboat across Phewa Lake to visit the sacred Tal Barahi Temple nestled on its own island.

• Cultural & Natural Landmarks: Tour iconic spiritual and historical sites, including the centuries-old Bindabasini Temple, the serene World Peace Pagoda (White Peace Gumba), and the vibrant alleys of the Old Market. Delve into subterranean wonders like Davis Falls (Patale Chhango), Gupteswor Mahadev Cave & Temple, Mahendra Cave, and the Bat Cave, alongside rich alpine history at the International Mountain Museum.

• Adventure Sports & Viewpoints: For thrill-seekers, Pokhara offers world-class outdoor adventures, including tandem paragliding, high-speed zip-flying, and extreme skydiving (available seasonally in November), all paired with sweeping Himalayan vistas from the famous Sarangkot Viewpoint.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

• Elevation: 827m / 2,713ft

Your incredible Himalayan trekking journey concludes today as you make your way back to Kathmandu. Depending on your preference and travel style, you can choose between two convenient options:

• By Road (Scenic Drive): Embark on a long, adventurous day’s drive along the highway. This overland route provides numerous scenic opportunities, thrilling winding roads, and picturesque views of river valleys and hillside villages along the way.

• By Flight: Alternatively, you can easily catch a short domestic flight back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, offering a swift, comfortable aerial journey that saves time.

Upon your return to Kathmandu, you will be transferred back to your hotel to check in, unpack, and enjoy a well-deserved evening celebrating the successful completion of your Annapurna trek.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

• Elevation: 1,350m / 4,429ft

Your unforgettable Himalayan adventure comes to an official close today. After breakfast and final checkout from your hotel, our team will provide a comfortable transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your international departure flight home.

We truly thank you for being a wonderful part of our tour and travel family. As we bid you farewell, we hope you leave Nepal with a camera full of majestic mountain memories, a renewed spirit, and a standing invitation to return to the Himalayas for another of our exciting programs in the future!

• Farewell: Airport drop-off service included

• Elevation: Kathmandu at 1,350m / 4,429ft