Poon Hill & Mt. Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in the lively neighborhood of Thamel. This bustling area is perfect for soaking in the energy of Kathmandu, browsing local shops, and sampling Nepali cuisine. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your trekking guide and fellow trekkers. This is the perfect moment to relax after your flight, meet your team, and discuss the exciting journey ahead through the Annapurna region.

Today is all about getting to know the cultural heart of Nepal while preparing for your trek. Your day begins with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, starting with Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), perched on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Then, visit Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the biggest and holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal. Next, go to Pashupatinath Temple, which is a holy Hindu temple complex by a river. After you've seen the sights, your guide will give you a full briefing on the walk, checking your gear and going over safety rules. This day makes sure that you learn about other cultures and are fully ready for the trip ahead.

After breakfast, you can either take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara, which is the gateway to the Annapurna area, or a scenic 6- to 7-hour drive on winding roads. As you go, the scenery changes from busy towns to quiet valleys, rivers, and terraced fields. When you get there, check into your hotel by the lake and take some time to rest or go for a walk along Phewa Lake, where the beautiful Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) can be seen reflected in the calm water. The evening is free to explore local cafes and prepare for the trekking adventure.

Drive to Nayapul, where the trek actually starts, after an early breakfast. From Nayapul, walk along lush terraced fields, traditional towns, and riverbanks to get a feel for how the Gurung and Magar people live. At first, the path is easy, which gives your body time to get used to walking at a higher elevation. Tikhedhunga is a small town tucked into the side of a hill. There are cozy teahouses where you can enjoy the local hospitality and watch the hills around you light up with colors at sunset.

Today, we'll be going up steep but rewarding stone steps through thick woods of rhododendron and oak. The hike tests your endurance and gives you beautiful views of the forest and sometimes faraway peaks through the trees. A charming town called Ghorepani sits on a ridge with a view of all the valleys around it. This is also a great chance to see how people live in a town, meet friendly locals, and enjoy the unique tastes of home-cooked Nepali meals.

world. Watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri is an unforgettable experience. After sunrise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue the trek through dense rhododendron forests and charming villages to Tadapani. Today the trail is less crowded, so you can enjoy the natural beauty and the soothing mountain air while stopping every so often to take pictures and take in the views.

From Tadapani, slowly go down until you reach the Kimrong Khola. Then, start going up toward Chhomrong. With its stone houses and terraced fields and views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South, this traditional Gurung town is one of the most beautiful in the Annapurna region. Chhomrong is a great place to rest because it lets hikers enjoy the village atmosphere, talk to locals, and learn about the rich Gurung culture and customs.

From Chhomrong to Bamboo, there is a beautiful trail that winds through dense woods and past small waterfalls and streams. Today there will be fewer hikers, which will make you feel more alone and connected with nature. Bamboo is a peaceful lodge town that is surrounded by trees and plants. It is a nice place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Annapurna foothills.

The hike becomes more challenging as you ascend through higher alpine zones. Passing the Himalayan Hotel and Hinku Cave, the scenery transitions from forests to open ridges with sweeping views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Deurali is an excellent acclimatization stop and offers a spectacular setting to photograph the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Today is the most important day of your trip. You can walk through the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is a natural amphitheater made of tall mountains. Before you get to Annapurna Base Camp, the path goes by glaciers, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows. From there, you can see Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre in all their glory. You can spend time taking pictures, relaxing, or just enjoying the beauty of these famous peaks. Spending the night in one of the teahouses at the base camp gives you a close connection with the mountains.

After taking pictures or just watching the sunrise early in the morning, start your descent by going back the way you came. When you walk downhill, you can see the same landscapes from a different angle, and you can stop to look at towns and forests again. When you get to Bamboo, take a well-earned break in one of the teahouses, where you can enjoy warm food and friendly service.

The trail keeps going down through woods and along river valleys until it gets to Jhinu Danda, which is famous for its natural hot springs. After a long day of hiking, this is a great spot to stretch out sore muscles and meet other hikers. It's a peaceful place to enjoy the woods because of the hills and rivers nearby.

The final trekking day is mostly downhill to Nayapul, where a vehicle awaits. Drive back to Pokhara and check into a lakeside hotel. In the evening, stroll along Phewa Lake, enjoy local cafes, or simply relax reflecting on the incredible journey through the Annapurna region.

You can drive or fly back to Kathmandu. You can shop, visit churches, or walk around the busy streets of Thamel in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner with cultural dance in the evening to mark the end of an unforgettable Himalayan journey.

You will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport for your trip home after breakfast. As you leave Nepal, remember the beautiful morning at Poon Hill, the majesty of the Annapurna Sanctuary, the friendly people in the villages, and the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.