Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Poon Hill

It is a 13-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The route includes a sunrise detour to Poon Hill. You walk through Gurung and Magar villages along the way. The trail covers roughly 110 kilometers round trip.

The trek sits in the Annapurna region of central Nepal. It starts near Pokhara and follows the Modi Khola valley. The route ends inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by 8,000-meter peaks.

This package runs for 13 days total. That includes two travel days between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Actual trekking on the trail takes 9 days.

The trek is approximately 110 kilometers round trip. Daily distances range from 9 to 14 kilometers. People need to walk an average of 5 to 7 hours each day.

The trek starts at Nayapul, reached by road from Pokhara. It ends at Jhinu Danda, where a jeep returns you to Pokhara. Both points sit along the Modi Khola river valley.

The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. You reach Poon Hill earlier in the trek, and this location sits at 3,210 meters. Interestingly, both altitudes are lower than Everest Base Camp's 5,364 meters.

Yes, Annapurna I becomes visible from Poon Hill onward. It remains in view for most of the final approach to base camp. Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri are also visible throughout.

Sunrise at Poon Hill is the standout early highlight. Meanwhile, the trek's main goal is to reach the Annapurna Base Camp itself. Add to that the hot springs at Jhinu Danda. They offer a relaxing finish to your trek before you return to Pokhara.

The trek is moderate, but altitude still affects some trekkers. Good fitness helps, though technical climbing skills are not required. Teahouse accommodation means no camping gear is needed.

Yes, these are separate routes in the same region. The Annapurna Base Camp trek goes into the Sanctuary itself. The Annapurna Circuit instead loops around the entire Annapurna massif. 

For that, you can contact us with your preferred dates and number of people joining the trek. We will verify availability and then tell you about the next steps. When you are happy and ready to book, you need to pay a 20% deposit. This confirms your spot for the adventure.

That deposit is what actually gets things moving on our end. We begin organizing your transport, accommodation, and permits immediately. Keep in mind this amount is non-refundable, no matter what happens later.

You don't need to worry about the rest until you land in Kathmandu. The balance is settled there, either in cash or by card, before you head out on the trek. If you'd rather get it all done upfront, paying in full at booking works too.

Not really. We have set this rule because that deposit is the only option to confirm your booking with us. Without it, we can't secure your permits, transport, or teahouse spots ahead of time. So it's best to pay the 20% as soon as you are sure about your dates.

In general, yes. Whether you are joining a group departure or booking privately, your group size won't affect whether the trip goes ahead. The one thing that can shift the schedule is weather or a genuine safety concern.

If you cancel 7 or more days before departure, a 30% fee applies. The deposit of 20%, unfortunately, is never returned, regardless of when you cancel. When a refund does apply, we get the process moving within 5 working days.

If something genuinely comes up, postponing is possible instead of cancelling outright. You'd just have to cover any costs we incurred. And if the new dates come with a different price, we will add that difference too.

You can make your payment by credit/debit card or international wire transfer. A 4% processing fee applies if you're paying by card. Once your booking's confirmed, we'll send over the exact bank details you need. 

Yes, someone from our team will be waiting for you at arrivals. From there, it's a quick 30-minute drive to your hotel in Thamel. The same pickup-and-drop setup covers your departure too.

You'll get a comfortable twin-sharing room with breakfast included both mornings. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are standard at both stops. It's a lovely bit of comfort before and after the trail.

Yes, this happens on your first evening in Kathmandu. Your guide walks you through the route, the gear, and what to expect. It's also a good chance to meet the rest of your group.

For sure. In Thamel, there are plenty of shops renting out down jackets, poles, and other essentials. It's worth stopping by if you are missing anything after your briefing. Prices are reasonable, and most shops keep their gear well maintained.

Yes, most hotels are happy to store bags you won't need on the trail. Just pack a separate bag for anything staying behind. Your hotel will hold it safely until you are back.

Of course — plenty of trekkers add extra days once they see how much there is to explore. Just let us know, and we will help you plan sightseeing tours of half-day or a full-day city tour in Kathmandu. We can also arrange another trek, a Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan trip, or simply more time in Pokhara.

Yes. The only permit you actually need now is the ACAP, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. The old TIMS card isn't required anymore, even though many outdated blog posts still mention it.

Think of it as your entry ticket into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The fee supports conservation efforts and upkeep of the trails and the villages you will be walking through. Every trekker needs to obtain the ACAP to be eligible to trek here.

Yes, and this one's non-negotiable. Since 2023, solo unguided trekking has been prohibited across the Annapurna region. Your Radiant Treks package includes a licensed guide, so you don't need to worry about this part.

They can, as long as a legal guardian is with them if they are under 15. Beyond that, there's no hard age cutoff — it really comes down to whether a child is comfortable walking several hours a day on uneven ground.

Nothing trek-specific here, just standard Nepal entry rules. Your passport needs at least six months of validity left from the day you enter the country. Visa arrangements are still something you'll need to sort out yourself.

Drones inside the Annapurna Conservation Area are restricted, and the rules around them can shift without much warning. It's a bit of a gray area, honestly. The best option is to check with your guide before flying one anywhere on the trail. 

Honestly, it's the gentler of the two. You are reaching an elevation of 4,130 meters here, versus 5,364 meters on the EBC trail. That difference alone makes the trek a bit more comfortable, even though both treks still demand solid daily stamina.

It's less about any one brutal section and more about the accumulation. You have got roughly 3,000 stone steps into Ulleri, several long walking days back to back, and altitude that starts to matter above 3,000 meters. None of it is extreme, but it adds up.

You don't need to be an athlete, but you shouldn't show up cold either. If you can comfortably walk 5 to 6 hours on hilly terrain, you're in good shape for this. A bit of cardio prep beforehand makes a real difference.

Yes, and honestly, this is one of the more forgiving routes for a first-timer. There's no technical climbing involved anywhere on the trail. Good pacing and a bit of pre-trek fitness go a long way here.

Most days run 5 to 7 hours, depending on the terrain and your pace. A couple of days are shorter, especially around Poon Hill. It's steady, not rushed — the itinerary is built that way on purpose.

It can happen, even to people who are otherwise very fit. The good news is that 4,130 meters is low enough that severe cases are rare. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness, like headaches, are more common. But they are usually manageable with rest and hydration.

Start a few months out if you can. Regular walking, stair climbing, or hiking with a loaded daypack all help build the right kind of stamina. Even a couple of months of consistent cardio work makes the trail feel noticeably easier.

Not really — plenty of first-time trekkers complete this route every season. What matters more is your general fitness and your willingness to go slow when your guide tells you to. Experience helps, but it isn't a requirement here.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are your two best windows. Both offer stable weather and clear mountain views. Autumn tends to be the more popular choice, mostly for its crisp, reliable skies.

It depends on what you are looking for because autumn gives you the clearest, most consistent mountain views of the year. Spring brings rhododendron forests into bloom, which adds a different kind of beauty to the same trail.

Weather shifts quite a bit on this route, since you are climbing from warm river valleys near Nayapul up to 4,130 meters at base camp. Lower villages like Tikhedhunga and Chhomrong stay fairly mild. Higher stops like Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp get properly cold, especially overnight. Spring and autumn remain the most stable, predictable seasons to trek in.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Weather And Temperature by Season

Early mornings are almost always your best bet, no matter the season. Clouds tend to build up through the afternoon, especially near Poon Hill and the final approach to base camp. That's exactly why the itinerary front-loads the big viewpoints early in the day.

It can, though it's not common on this particular route. Heavy rain or unexpected snow at higher elevations might mean an extra rest day. During the trek, your guide always prioritizes your safety. This means you will not be made to stick to the itinerary if weather and other conditions do not allow for it.

Yes, teahouses cover the entire trail once you leave Pokhara. They are family-run, mostly built from stone and timber, and spaced out just enough for a comfortable day's walk between them. You're never far from a bed and a hot meal.

Simple, but genuinely welcoming. Expect twin-sharing rooms, a shared bathroom down the hall, and a cozy dining hall that fills up in the evenings. A few larger stops, like Chhomrong and Ghorepani, offer noticeably better facilities.

Sometimes, especially at larger stops like Chhomrong and Ghorepani, they do. Higher up, closer to base camp, most rooms share a bathroom instead. It's worth packing a headlamp for those late-night trips down the hall. 

It’s a mix, depending on how high up you are. Lower and mid-route teahouses often have Western-style toilets, while higher stops lean toward squat toilets. Either way, it's worth carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, since supplies get thinner the further you go.

Usually, yes, particularly outside peak season. Twin-sharing is the standard setup, but many teahouses can offer a single room if one's available. It's best to mention this preference to your guide early on.

It's a pretty smart idea, honestly. Most teahouses sell it, but prices climb the higher you go. Bringing a roll or two from Pokhara saves a bit of money and hassle later.

Yes, nearly every teahouse offers charging, usually for a small fee. The price increases as you gain altitude, since porters or mules carry everything in. A power bank is a smart backup, especially for longer days.

Mostly, yes, though it gets patchier the higher you climb. Lower villages tend to have decent connections. Near base camp, don't count on much more than a slow, occasional signal. 

Yes, and it's worth doing the moment you land. Ncell and Nepal Telecom both sell tourist SIMs at Kathmandu airport or in Thamel, and either one covers you reasonably well for the trip.

Patchy, but not nonexistent. Lower villages usually have decent coverage, and it thins out the higher you climb. Near base camp, don't expect much more than the occasional bar.

Nepal Telecom tends to have the edge in more remote areas, though Ncell holds up fine lower down. Neither is perfect once you are deep in the Sanctuary, so treat any signal as a bonus rather than something to rely on.

Dal bhat is the trail favorite, mainly because most teahouses offer free refills. Beyond that, you'll find noodles, soup, momos, porridge, and simple pasta dishes at nearly every stop along the route.

Very easy. Dal bhat itself is vegetarian by default, and most teahouse menus lean heavily toward vegetarian dishes anyway. Meat is less common higher up, since it isn't always transported with proper refrigeration.

Yes, teahouses sell chocolate, biscuits, tea, and soft drinks throughout the route. Prices rise gradually the further you get from Pokhara. It's worth carrying a few of your snacks too, just to save a bit.

Tap and tap-stand water isn't safe to drink untreated. Boiled water is available at teahouses for a small fee, and it's a reliable option. Bringing purification tablets or a filter gives you a backup for refilling along the trail.

Yes, at most teahouses, usually for an extra charge. Availability drops a bit higher up, and the water gets noticeably cooler near base camp. Don't expect much more than a quick rinse above Deurali.

The cost really depends on your group size. Groups of four or more pay $725 per person, while a duo or trio works out to $790 each. Traveling solo bumps the price up to $1,050. If you're coming with a bigger crew, just ask — we will put together a quote that fits.

More than most people expect, actually. You get airport pickup, the Kathmandu-Pokhara transport, hotel nights, every teahouse stay on the trail, three meals a day while trekking, your ACAP permit, and a guide who speaks fluent English. We also hand you a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket for the trip.

A handful of things you will pay for separately. A porter isn't automatic — that's an add-on if you want one. The same applies to lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara, drinks on the trail, travel insurance, and tips for your crew at the end.

Pretty much no. Pokhara is your last real chance to withdraw cash. A couple of the bigger villages further along might have something, but don't count on it working when you need it. 

Kathmandu and Pokhara both have plenty of licensed exchange counters, and rates are generally fair at either. Thamel in Kathmandu is the easiest spot to sort this out right after you land.

Either works, honestly. Rates don't vary much between the two cities, so it comes down to convenience — most trekkers just handle it wherever they land first.

Not once you are on the trail — it's cash only from there on out, and it needs to be Nepali rupees. Teahouses, little shops, even tipping your guide, all of it runs on cash. Worth factoring into how much you carry.

From Pokhara, it's a jeep or shared vehicle ride to Nayapul, where the trek officially begins. The drive itself takes about 2 hours and winds past banana groves and small villages along the river.

At Jhinu Danda, right after you have had a soak in the hot springs — arguably one of the best parts of the whole trip. A jeep picks you up there and takes you back into Pokhara.

Most people take the tourist bus, which runs about 200 kilometers and takes 6 to 7 hours. If sitting on a bus for that long doesn't sound appealing, a short flight is available too, for a bit more money.

Give yourself some breathing room after Day 13. Delays can happen with mountain flights or road transfers, so booking your international flight a day or two later than planned can help you avoid problems. 

Your boots, hands down. Everything else you can improvise or rent in Kathmandu, but broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support are non-negotiable. The stone steps into Ulleri alone will find every weak point in cheap or brand-new footwear.

You can get almost everything in Kathmandu. Thamel is full of shops renting or selling down jackets, trekking poles, and other essentials, and the quality is generally solid. Boots are the one thing worth sorting out at home, since you need time to break them in.

A duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket come with your package. Everything else on the packing list — clothing, footwear, toiletries, personal medication — is on you to bring or pick up locally.

Keep your duffel under roughly 12-13 kg. That's a comfortable load for a porter to carry alongside their own gear, and it keeps things fair if the load's being split between two trekkers.

Yes, to some degree. Winter trekkers should think about microspikes and gaiters for snow near Deurali. Outside of that, the core list stays pretty much the same year-round — layering is what actually changes with the season, not the gear itself.

Tablets or a filter are the better call, honestly. Plastic bottles get harder to dispose of properly the higher you go, and boiled water is available at every teahouse for a small fee anyway. Bringing your own purification method just gives you a backup.

You don't need nine days' worth of everything. Some teahouses offer laundry service for a small fee, though it can be slow to dry at higher, colder altitudes. Most trekkers pack 3-4 shirts and rewear layers rather than trying to have a fresh outfit every day.

Neither is really necessary — your guide handles navigation throughout. That said, a power bank is worth packing regardless, since cold weather drains batteries fast above 3,000 meters. If you want a map, you can use both.

Yes, every guide is fluent in English and works this exact region regularly. They know the teahouse owners, the shortcuts, and how the weather tends to behave at each stage. That local knowledge genuinely changes how smooth the trip feels.

Yes, if you hire one. Your main duffel bag goes with the porter, leaving you with just a light daypack. Most trekkers who add a porter say it makes the daily walking noticeably easier.

Typically around 20 to 25 kilograms, often split between two trekkers' bags. Radiant Treks keeps loads within fair limits, since overloading a porter isn't something we are willing to do.

Yes, insurance is included for your guide as standard. It's part of every Radiant Treks package, not something added on request. We treat this service as a basic responsibility, not a bonus.

There’s no strict rule, but a good guideline is 10-15% of the total cost of your trip. That usually gets split between your guide and porter once the trek wraps up. Beyond that, honestly, whatever feels fair to you is genuinely appreciated — no one's counting pennies.

More often than not, yes. If you clicked with a particular guide last time, just tell us when you book again. We will do our best to make it happen, but it really depends on whether they are free on your dates. 

It's generally safe, especially when you consider the other factors. You are topping out under 4,200 meters, which is a lot gentler than some other Himalayan routes. Pair that with a licensed guide and a well-paced schedule, and the overall risk stays low.

It genuinely is, and it's a route many solo women choose for that exact reason. The trail stays busy through peak season, teahouses are welcoming, and your guide is right there with you the whole way. That combination makes a real difference.

Yes, and the requirement isn't just box-checking. You will want coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, and trekking at altitude specifically. We do ask for proof of it before you set off, so it's worth sorting out early.

Your guide pays special attention to everyone, especially once you are past 3,000 meters. If something feels off, the usual response is to rest, drink more water, or head back down a bit. If things get serious, evacuation gets arranged right away, with no hesitation.

Yes, that option exists if a medical situation calls for it. This is exactly why solid insurance matters — evacuations aren't cheap. Your guide handles the coordination directly with rescue teams if it ever comes to that.

A few, at bigger stops like Chhomrong and Ghorepani. They're fairly basic, though, and not built for major emergencies. That's really the reason a guide and proper insurance both matter so much out here.

Nothing specific for this trek, no. Just keep your routine vaccinations current, and maybe run it by a travel clinic before you fly. They will flag anything worth considering for your particular trip.

Age isn't the main factor here. What matters more is how fit you are and whether you are honest with yourself about pace. Plenty of trekkers in their 60s and 70s finish this route without much trouble at all.

It depends a bit on what it is, honestly. If you have any heart or lung issues, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first. And letting us know ahead of time means your guide can plan around it properly.

More than you'd think, actually. The sun hits harder the higher you go, even on days that feel cool. A decent hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen go a long way — sunburn catches a lot of trekkers off guard.

More than you'd probably guess for a nine-day trek. You will pass through Gurung and Magar villages, share meals in family-run teahouses, and pick up little bits of daily mountain life along the way. It's a quieter kind of cultural immersion, but a genuine one.

A few, yes, scattered through the villages you will pass. They are modest compared to what you'd find near Everest but still worth a quiet moment if you come across one. Your guide can usually share the story behind each one.

These are mainly Gurung and Magar families, particularly in such villages as Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Ulleri. Both communities have deep roots in the Annapurna region, and a lot of the local guiding and portering tradition comes from these groups too.

Look for langurs, especially in the forested sections near Ghorepani. Himalayan birds are common throughout, and you might catch a glimpse of barking deer if you are walking quietly early in the morning.

A few small things go a long way. Ask before photographing people, walk clockwise around religious structures, and remove your shoes when entering someone's home. None of it's complicated, but locals genuinely notice and appreciate the effort.

Eat at the teahouses, not skimp on food. In addition, buy snacks locally rather than stock up in Pokhara and tip appropriately at the end. Choosing a trek that pays guides and porters properly matters too.

It's the shorter, gentler option of the two, honestly. Annapurna Base Camp tops out at 4,130 meters, well below EBC's 5,364 meters. You also get real forest and village scenery throughout, not just high alpine terrain.

The Annapurna Circuit is the tougher of the two, mainly because of the Thorong La Pass at over 5,000 meters. This trek stays lower and generally takes fewer days, which makes it more approachable for a first Himalayan trek.

For a first high-altitude trek, this one – ABC with Poon Hill Trek – usually makes more sense. The lower altitude means less risk of serious altitude sickness, and the trail itself is a bit more forgiving day to day.

Adding Poon Hill gives you a proper sunrise payoff early in the trip, not just at the very end. It also works well as a gentle altitude test before you climb higher toward base camp.

Ultimately, it depends on how much time you have and how comfortable you are with altitude. If you want a shorter trip with a gentler high point, this trek fits better. For those seeking a longer loop with more varied landscapes, the Circuit is worth considering instead.