Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 10 Days

Annapurna · 10 Days

Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 10 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 4,130m (13,549 ft) at Annapurna Base Camp · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

10 Days

Max Altitude

4,130m (13,549 ft)

at Annapurna Base Camp

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the most rewarding combination trek in Nepal's Annapurna region - a 10-day journey that starts with the famous Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m) and continues to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). You get both the iconic Annapurna panoramas from Poon Hill and the up-close basecamp experience in one tightly packed itinerary.

The route winds through rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, the Modi Khola gorge and the Annapurna Sanctuary. With moderate fitness this trek is accessible to most travellers and remains the single best introduction to Nepali Himalayan trekking.

Highlights

  • Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m) with Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre panorama
  • Sleep at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) in the glacial sanctuary
  • Walk through spring rhododendron forests in full bloom (March-April)
  • Visit traditional Gurung villages of Ghorepani, Tadapani and Chomrong
  • Optional hot springs at Jhinu Danda
  • Combines the two best Annapurna short treks in one itinerary
  • Moderate fitness accessible to first-time trekkers
  • Stone staircases of Ulleri - a classic Annapurna challenge
  • Multi-climate-zone trek from subtropical to alpine

Itinerary

Day 1

Pokhara to Ulleri (2,050m)

⏱ 1.5 hr drive + 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Nayapul, then climb the famous stone staircase to Ulleri.

Day 2

Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,850m)

⏱ 5 hours hiking uphill 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk through dense rhododendron forests. Spring sees the trail painted red and pink.

Day 3

Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poon Hill (3,210m)

⏱ Pre-dawn hike + 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunrise at Poon Hill. Return for breakfast, then traverse to Tadapani.

Day 4

Tadapani to Chomrong (2,170m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend through forests to traditional Gurung Chomrong with Annapurna South views.

Day 5

Chomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend to Chhomrong Khola and climb through bamboo forests.

Day 6

Bamboo to Deurali (3,200m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue up the Modi Khola past Hinku Cave to Deurali.

Day 7

Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~7 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb via Machhapuchhre Base Camp to ABC. Sunset views over the sanctuary.

Day 8

ABC to Bamboo

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long descent back to Bamboo.

Day 9

Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

⏱ 5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend to Jhinu Danda with optional hot springs visit in the evening.

Day 10

Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

⏱ Short hike + 3 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Drive back to Pokhara.

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What's included

Included

  • Meals in clean and hygienic hotels during the trek
  • Accommodation in clean lodges
  • ACAP permit fees
  • TIMS card
  • Licensed guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insurance, food, accommodation included)
  • All land transportation
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Personal expenses

Trek guide

The Best Annapurna Combination

The Ghorepani Poon Hill + ABC trek is Nepal's most popular moderate trek - and for good reason. In ten days you experience the two best alpine viewpoints in the region, walk through some of the most beautiful rhododendron forests in the Himalayas, and visit traditional Gurung villages that retain centuries of culture.

Poon Hill

Poon Hill (3,210m) is a small ridge above Ghorepani village famous for its sunrise panorama. From the top you see Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and many subsidiary peaks in a single sweeping arc. The 1-hour pre-dawn hike from Ghorepani is one of Nepal's quintessential trekking moments.

Annapurna Base Camp

ABC sits at 4,130m in the natural glacial bowl called the Annapurna Sanctuary. Surrounded on all sides by 7,000m and 8,000m peaks, the experience of sleeping at base camp is unmatched. Sunrise illuminates the Annapurna massif in red and gold.

Geography and Approach

The trek starts in Pokhara with a short drive to Nayapul. The first half climbs to Ghorepani via Ulleri's famous stone staircase (3,200+ steps). After Poon Hill, you traverse to Tadapani and descend to Chomrong, then climb the Modi Khola valley to base camp. The descent loops back to Jhinu Danda (optional hot springs) and exits via jeep to Pokhara.

Permits

  • ACAP
  • TIMS card

Arranged by our office.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Highest point: 4,130m at ABC. The gradual ascent through Ghorepani (2,850m) and Tadapani (2,630m) provides good natural acclimatization. Mild altitude symptoms are common above 3,500m. Communicate with your guide.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Peak rhododendron season - the forests are spectacular
  • Autumn (September-November): Clearest mountain views

Fitness

Moderate. You should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours per day on stone-stepped trails. 1-2 months of cardio preparation is recommended.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal base layers, 4 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, buff, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 40L daypack, 60L duffel, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 4 photos, cash

Medical: Diamox optional, first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How does this compare to ABC alone?
The combo adds Ghorepani-Poon Hill for the iconic sunrise view and four extra days. Better experience overall if you have the time.

How hard are the Ulleri stairs?
3,200+ stone steps over about 2 hours of climbing. Demanding but manageable with reasonable fitness.

Is altitude sickness a serious concern?
The gradual ascent makes it manageable. Mild symptoms above 3,500m are common but rarely serious.

Can I add Mardi Himal to this trek?
Yes - we can combine ABC with Mardi Himal Base Camp for a 13-day extended trek. Contact us.

How crowded are the trails?
Moderate to busy, especially in October and April. Quieter in late November-December and March.

What is the food like?
Standard teahouse fare - dal bhat is the staple. Variety is good in lower villages.

How cold does it get?
-5 to -10°C at ABC overnight. Comfortable elsewhere.

Are kids welcome?
Children aged 8+ with reasonable fitness can join. We tailor pacing.

Can vegetarians eat well?
Yes - vegetarian dal bhat, momos and pasta are widely available.

What is included in the lodge stay?
Twin-share room, bedding, dining hall meals. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are extra.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1000

per person

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