Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek – A Himalayan Journey of Two Iconic Trails

• Altitude of Ulleri: 2,070 m/ 6,791 ft.
• Drive: Around 1 hour.
• Trek Distance: 12 km | Duration 5-6 hrs.

A scenic drive through green hills and terraced farms brings you to Nayapul (1,070m), the trek’s starting point. After registering permits at Birethanti checkpoint, begin trekking along a river valley. The trail meanders past small hamlets, suspension bridges, and rice paddies, where locals greet you with smiles. You’ll walk along cobbled stone paths and easy ascents before gradually reaching Ulleri, a village with waterfalls and traditional Magar houses. Overnight in a cozy teahouse.

• Altitude: 2,860 m/ 9,383 ft.
• Trek Distance: 10 km | 4-5 hrs.

From Ulleri, the path becomes gentler, winding through oak and rhododendron forests. In spring, the forest glows red and pink with rhododendron blossoms. As you trek higher, the air becomes cooler and fresher. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Ghorepani, a vibrant settlement where trekkers gather. It sits right below Poon Hill and offers sweeping views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.

• Altitude of Poon Hill: 3,210 m / 10,530 ft.
• Altitude of Tadapani: 2,630 m / 8,630 ft.
• Total Trek Distance: 13 km | 7-8 hrs.

Rise before dawn and climb up to Poon Hill with headlamps lighting your way. As the first rays of sunlight hit the horizon, watch the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Nilgiri turn golden—a sight that leaves trekkers speechless. After soaking in the panoramic sunrise, descend to Ghorepani for breakfast.
The trek continues through enchanting forests alive with birdsong. You’ll descend and climb rolling hills before reaching Tadapani, perched on a ridge surrounded by pine forests. Sunset here often paints Machapuchare in shades of orange and pink.

• Altitude: 2,200 m/ 7,200 ft.
• Trek Distance: 10 km | 6-7 hrs.

Leaving Tadapani, the trail descends steeply through forests and opens up to terraced farmlands and Gurung villages. You’ll pass Gurjung, a traditional hamlet with stone houses, before a gradual ascent leads you to Chhomrong. This large Gurung village is the last permanent settlement before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary. The sight of Annapurna South looming ahead and Machapuchare standing tall behind the village is unforgettable. Overnight in a teahouse overlooking the valley.

• Altitude: 2,300 m/ 7,600 ft.
• Trek Distance: 10 km | 5-6 hrs.

Today starts with a long stone staircase descent to the Chhomrong Khola river. After crossing a suspension bridge, a steep climb takes you into dense forests. The trail passes through scattered tea shops and settlements before entering thick bamboo and rhododendron forests. The cool, shaded path eventually leads you to Bamboo, a small settlement named after the surrounding groves. Here, the sound of the river echoes through the valley, making for a peaceful overnight stop.

• Altitude: 3,200 m/ 10,550 ft.
• Trek Distance: 9 km | 5-6 hrs.  

The trek gradually ascends through moss-covered forests, past streams and waterfalls. You’ll walk through Dovan and the Himalaya Hotel area, both popular resting points. The vegetation becomes sparser as altitude increases, and the scenery turns more alpine. Cliffs tower above the trail, and avalanches are sometimes visible in the distance. Arrive at Deurali, surrounded by high rock walls and cascading waterfalls—a dramatic and beautiful resting spot before reaching the sanctuary. 

• Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp- 4,130 m/ 13,500 ft. | Machhapuchhre Base Camp- 3,700 m/ 12,200 ft.
• Trek Distance: 8 km | 6 hr.

This is the most thrilling day of the trek. The trail climbs gradually to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), where you get stunning views of the fishtail-shaped peak and neighboring mountains. From MBC, the trail opens up to a vast glacial valley—welcome to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
A further gentle climb leads to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), where you are surrounded on all sides by towering giants—Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, and Gangapurna. Watching the sunset here, as the peaks glow in golden light, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Overnight at ABC under a starlit Himalayan sky.

• Altitude: 2,340 m / 7,677 ft.
• Trek Distance: 15 km | 8-9 hrs.

Wake up early to watch sunrise over Annapurna I, one of the world’s highest peaks. The golden rays spread across the mountains, illuminating glaciers and snowfields. After breakfast, retrace your steps back down through MBC, Deurali, and Dovan, before arriving at Sinuwa. The descent feels easier but offers fresh perspectives of the landscapes.

• Altitude of Jhinu: 1,700 m/ 5,600 ft.
• Trek Distance: 10 km | 5-6 hrs.
• Natural Hot Water Spring Bath
• Drive Distance: 60 km | 3 hrs.
• Accommodation Included

Descend through bamboo and rhododendron forests before climbing up and down stone staircases. Reach Jhinu Danda, a village famous for its natural hot springs located by the Modi Khola river. After days of trekking, soaking in the warm mineral waters surrounded by jungle and mountains feels heavenly. The final patch of trekking follows terraced fields, small villages, and a gentle trail along the river valley. Arrive at Nayapul, where your vehicle will be waiting. Drive back to Pokhara, where the comforts of lakeside cafes, good food, and celebratory drinks await. It’s time to reflect on your achievement—completing one of Nepal’s most rewarding trekking experiences.