Nepal · Trekking

15-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Poon Hill Sunrise

15 Days Round trip from Ring Rd Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Reach Annapurna Base Camp within the sanctuary of the world's tenth-highest peak
  • 02 Watch the stunning sunrise from Poon Hill over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu
  • 03 Trek through traditional Gurung, Magar, and Poon villages in the Annapurna region
  • 04 Enjoy ever-changing views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks from start to finish
  • 05 Pass through rolling green hills, forests, waterfalls, and scenic mountain landscapes

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp through the beautiful villages and mountain trails of the Annapurna region, beginning at Nayapul and passing Tirkhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chomrong, Dovan, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of snow-clad peaks, traditional Gurung, Magar, and Poon settlements, and the celebrated sunrise from Poon Hill over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. The journey also includes guided sightseeing in Kathmandu's ancient heritage sites before continuing to scenic Pokhara and the trekking route. At Annapurna Base Camp, stand surrounded by the grandeur of Annapurna I and III, Machhapuchhre, Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, and Gaganpurna.

While in Ghorepani, it is an absolute must to reach the celebrated viewpoint of Poon Hill and watch the marvellous sunrise over the Himalayas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Chomrong
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Welcome Dinner

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and connect with your tour representative.
  • Be escorted to the hotel in a private vehicle and take proper rest.
  • In the afternoon, get briefed by the representative about the tour. You may also use your free time to explore the surrounding area.
  • In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

2
Day 02

Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing

  • Prepare for guided sightseeing of the ancient heritage sites in Kathmandu.

  • Explore Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites and ancient monuments with your tour guide.

  • Discover the significant heritage of Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the ancient royal complex, historical royal places, temples, and courtyards, and visit the Buddhist sacred pilgrimage site of Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple.

  • Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and oldest stupas in the world, known for the shrine's unique octagonal design, and continue to the Hindu sacred site of Pashupatinath Temple on the bank of the holy Bagmati River.

  • Then, interact with the Nepali trekking guide to receive all the essential information and instructions about the trek.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

3
Day 03

Scenic Drive to Pokhara

  • For your trekking adventure, leave for scenic Pokhara after breakfast.

  • Drive along winding mountain roads with fast-flowing rivers below and enjoy a pleasant, adventurous, and entertaining journey to Pokhara.

  • Drive up to the confluence of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers at Mugling, then follow the road west to Pokhara. This drive of around 7 hours takes you past beautiful terraced fields, lush green hills, forests, rural settlements, rocky gorges, cool waterfalls, and distant views of the lofty Himalayas.

  • After being welcomed by the representatives, take some rest at the hotel in Pokhara.

  • Later in the day, stroll around the streets of Pokhara and explore the quaint Phewa Lakeside, enjoy boating there, or visit the local market area.

Overnight in Pokhara.

4
Day 04

Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tirkhedhunga

  • The actual trekking begins today as you drive to the trailhead of your adventure trek, the settlement of Nayapul.

  • After driving for around 2 hours through famous settlements such as Lumle, reach Nayapul and make further preparations with the other trekking members.

  • Begin your walk towards Birethanti, passing small local shops and houses, crossing bridges, and climbing stone stairs alongside the Modi River to reach the settlement of Birethanti. Here, your trekking permits will be checked before you continue along the Bhurungdi River trail.

  • The trek to Tirkhedhunga takes you through dense forest adorned with rhododendron, bamboo, and moss, past beautiful waterfalls and serene landscapes, through several warm and welcoming rural settlements, with pleasant views of the Himalayas overlooking the entire trail. Tirkhedhunga is a Gurung settlement with a scenic landscape.

Overnight in Tirkhedhunga.

5
Day 05

Trek from Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani via Ulleri

  • As usual, start your trek after breakfast as you leave the beautiful settlement of Tikhedhunga.

  • As you emerge from the valley and follow the steep trail for a couple of hours, notice the increasingly beautiful scenery around you.

  • Walk along around 3,200 stone steps on this steep trail, which can be a bit strenuous, before reaching Ulleri, a village dominated by the Magar community. The beautiful view of the Annapurna range and scenic landscape makes this ascent easier.

  • After relaxing for some time, continue on a relatively gentler trail with gradual elevation through pine and rhododendron forest, crossing streams a couple of times over suspension bridges and passing through the beautiful settlements of Banthati and Nayanthati.

  • Gradually trek to today's destination, the settlement of Ghorepani. A traditional rest stop where traders once found water (pani in Nepali) for their horses (ghora in Nepali), Ghorepani sits beautifully within the Annapurna Conservation Area and offers views of the Annapurna massifs and Dhaulagiri.

Stay overnight in Ghorepani.

6
Day 06

Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani

  • While in Ghorepani, it is an absolute must to reach the celebrated viewpoint of Poon Hill and watch the marvellous sunrise over the Himalayas.

  • Whether under moonlight or in pitch-black conditions, begin your trek before dawn equipped with torchlights and cameras, and walk for around 45 minutes to reach Poon Hill. Named after the local indigenous Pun ethnic group, Poon Hill provides a magnificent sunrise view over the stunning Himalayas, including the Annapurna massifs, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail Mountain, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and many other peaks. The sight of the sun slowly lighting the silhouettes of peaks, crests, valleys, and hills before glowing across the extensive mountain range is truly outstanding.

  • After capturing beautiful moments, descend and head towards lush Tadapani village. Traversing through forest that is home to more than 15 varieties of rhododendron, along with pine and bamboo trees, you may also witness langur monkeys swinging from one tree to another.

  • Climb a steep trail to the hilltop called Deurali, then trek down through bamboo and rhododendron forest before a final half-hour climb to reach Tadapani.

Overnight in Tadapani.

7
Day 07

Trek from Tadapani to Chomrong

  • This section of the trail has several ups and downs as you embark on another beautiful stretch of this trekking expedition.

  • Heading out to the north of the valley, navigate through forest filled with rhododendron and other flora and fauna, then walk along the green ridge to reach the small village of Chule.

  • After enjoying a beautiful view of the Kimrong River from here, descend steeply to Komrong village and further to the riverbed of the Kimrong River through terraced fields and green landscapes surrounded by cascading hills.

  • After this steep descent to the river, make a steep ascent out of the valley on a steep path to Taulung village, where the trail meets another route from Jhinu Danda before turning towards Chomrong village.

  • As you continue, reach the Gurung settlement of Chomrong. With its teahouses, Chomrong offers a beautiful view of Annapurna South towering above the village and Fishtail Mountain across the valley.

Overnight in Chomrong.

8
Day 08

Trek from Chomrong to Dovan

  • As the altitude increases, the trek becomes more challenging in the same proportion.

  • From the end of the beautiful village of Chomrong, begin with a long descent via 2,500 stone steps to the riverbed of the Chomrong River. After crossing the river, climb to Sinuwa village via a few smaller settlements, passing through forest of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo.

  • Ahead lies a trail surrounded by rhododendron, orchids, and ferns that leads to the settlement of Kuldighar, which has a helicopter base generally used for medical emergencies in the region.

  • Continue your trek on the rocky path. Climb a long and steep stone staircase before reaching Bamboo village, then continue to Dovan through mixed vegetation of bamboo and rhododendron on a less steep trail. Views of Annapurna South, beautifully arranged towns, and scenic landscapes add to the beauty of this trek.

Overnight in Dovan.

9
Day 09

Trek from Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Today, Machhapuchhre Base Camp is your destination, and it is one of the most scenic sites in the region.

  • With beautiful views of the unique Fishtail Mountain, begin your trek on the higher trail above the river, surrounded by bamboo forest and a gradual ascent through dense woodland, crossing several smaller streams and passing through quiet, solitary stretches.

  • Follow a muddy canyon trail and, after some time, climb to Hinku Cave, which passersby often use for overnight stays.

  • Continue along the trail past huge boulders and rocks, ascending through the riverbed to reach the village of Deurali for lunch.

  • Climb onward along the mountainside past a steep ravine and continue your trek.

  • As you progress along the rocky trail, take care at several places that are prone to avalanches.

  • Follow the path to the river and then the narrow trails, which lead through increasingly rocky and somewhat narrower sections, with more avalanche-prone areas, glimpses of Hiuchuli and Machhapuchhre, and additional ravines before reaching the almost non-existing Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

  • Enjoy the sunset as this unique peak is painted by the setting sun, and relax with the view.

Overnight in Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

10
Day 10

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

  • The ultimate destination awaits today. The day begins with the glorious sunrise over Fishtail Mountain. The trek continues along a trail of rocks, ice, and grassy sections, which increases the chance of slipping.

  • Carefully move ahead on a relatively easy and steady plod that gradually opens up as you inch closer to the heart of the sanctuary.

  • Trek away from the valley of the Modi River far below the trail and turn towards the base of Annapurna peak through terrain surrounded by glaciers and neighbouring hills, paved with glacial moraines.

  • After around 3 hours of trekking, reach the final destination of this journey, Annapurna Base Camp.

  • With awe-inspiring mountains such as Annapurna I and III, Machhapuchhre Mountain, Hiuchuli Peak, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, and Gaganpurna encircling you, take in their grandeur.

  • Enjoy a leisurely walk around the scenic landscape, where prayer flags and memorials enhance the magnificence of this place.

Overnight in ABC, looking over the majestic glacier and the breathtaking sunset over these glittering peaks.

11
Day 11

Descend from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan

  • Today, leave the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary and its landscape of 360-degree panoramic views of some of the tallest and most beautiful peaks in the world, after a breathtaking sunrise over these lofty mountains.

  • After breakfast, retrace your steps along the same route that brought you here, taking enough pictures of this beautiful natural wonder in the morning light.

  • Through glacial moraines, rejoin the trail to the valleys formed by the Modi River, crossing several small glacial streams.

  • Gradually trek past several shepherd huts, giant boulders, trail sections marked by landslides and avalanche tracks, and the greenery of forests with bamboo, oak, and other vegetation.

  • After lunch in Deurali, trek down past Hiku Cave and Himalaya Hotel to reach Dovan.

Overnight in Dovan.

12
Day 12

Trek from Dovan to Jhinu

  • The trek from Dovan to Jhinu includes many ups and downs today, along with some steep sections.

  • Begin with a descent to Bamboo through a forested trail, then ascend to Kuldighar and descend again through orchids and ferns to Chomrong village, passing small settlements such as Sinuwa, Bhanuwa, and others.

  • After some refreshments at Chomrong, make a short ascent before descending to Jhinu.

  • Trek straight along the trail or follow gradual winding paths, then continue through a steep section for almost an hour to reach Jhinu Danda.

  • If you have enough time and energy, you may trek to the natural hot water springs below the Modi River near Jhinu village.

Overnight in Jhinu.

13
Day 13

Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

Today, you complete the final trekking section of the trail.

  • Beginning your trek in Jhinu, descend via New Bridge, passing a waterfall and green landscapes on the way to Landruk.

  • From here, follow the downhill path to the Modi River and climb back to the trail from Ghandruk, meeting near Purgiyu.

  • Descend to Syauli Bajar through trails marked by landslide tracks, stone staircases, flat sections, and several small settlements.

  • Beyond Syauli Bajar, enter easier terrain through smaller settlements to reach Birethanti near the Modi River, and then continue to Nayapul.

  • From Nayapul, drive for a couple of hours to reach Pokhara.

Overnight in Pokhara.

14
Day 14

Drive Back to Kathmandu

After completing an incredible adventure in the Annapurna region and reaching the base of Annapurna peak, drive back to Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, get transferred to the tourist bus station.

  • Then travel through scenic landscapes, rural settlements, rocky gorges, lush hills, fast-flowing rivers, and incredible waterfalls, with the Himalayas overlooking much of the journey from afar, until you reach Kathmandu.

  • Be escorted to your hotel, where you can rest.

  • Later in the day, you may go souvenir shopping, stroll around the streets of Thamel, or simply take complete rest at the hotel.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

15
Day 15

Departure from Kathmandu

  • Your adventurous and enriching Annapurna Base Camp trekking journey comes to an end today. The representative will drop you at the international airport according to your departure schedule.

Thank you for being part of this trekking team on this beautiful adventure, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventurous experiences in Nepal.

Poon Hill sunrise, Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Phewa Lake

Where this trip takes you

Poon Hill sunrise, Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Phewa Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ring Rd 6 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle

  • Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant

  • 03-night twin/double-sharing accommodation on BB in Kathmandu

  • 02-night twin/double-sharing accommodation on BB in Pokhara

  • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara with all necessary entrance fees and private vehicles

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS card)

  • A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking, well-trained, government-licensed guide, including salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance

  • Twin/double-sharing accommodation in the mountains during the trek

  • Three meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as tea/coffee during the trek

  • First aid kit

What's Not Included

  • Your Nepal visa fees (bring the accurate cost in USD and two passport-size photos)

  • All international airfare to and from Kathmandu (there is no departure tax for international flights)

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

  • Meals during travel time

  • Personal travel and health insurance, including insurance for helicopter evacuation

  • Any extra night accommodation, lunch, and dinner in the city due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain/trekking for any reason beyond the given itinerary period

  • Your personal expenses such as laundry, baggage charges, phone calls, battery recharging, bar and beverage bills, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold showers, extra porter, etc.

  • Tips for the trekking crew and driver

  • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions, or any event beyond anybody's control

  • Anything not included in the services included column

What to bring

  • Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Trekking Planner duffel bag that is to be returned after the trip)
  • Day pack
  • Trekking shoes
  • Sports shoes or sandals
  • Sun hat/cap
  • Warm woolen cap
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Pullover or warm sweater
  • Raincoat
  • 4/5 pairs of good-quality socks
  • Hand gloves
  • 2-3 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 3-4 pairs of trekking shirts
  • 3-4 pairs of underwear (non-cotton preferred)
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • 4-season sleeping bag (Optional; we can provide one if you need it. It is to be returned after the trip)
  • Flashlight or torchlight
  • Camera and batteries

Know before you go

  • A trekker or walker who is able to hike normally for 5-6 hours per day while carrying a lightweight backpack will be fit enough to do this trek.

  • There are uneven stone steps going up and down, and due to some long descents, your legs may feel shaky, so walking poles are recommended to help you feel safer.

  • Normally, the maximum altitude of the trek is 4130 m, so you should be more careful about your health and altitude-related risks.

  • To reduce the risk, please walk slowly and drink more water and other fluids.

  • Basically, you can get mineral water bottles in lower places, but as you go higher, you may not find them. In that case, it is suggested that you drink boiled water, which may be available for a small fee in teahouses, and it is better to bring chlorine tablets to purify water.

  • Due to the lack of plastic bottle provision, it is better to use boiled water rather than mineral water, which is also helpful for protecting the environment.

  • Hydroelectricity or solar power sources are used to charge your electrical items such as cameras, batteries, iPods, and iPhones.

  • Teahouses or lodges may charge a small fee per hour for charging facilities. It is better to buy adapters before the trip since plugs are limited. In Nepal, 220-240 volt power is used, and sockets fit round and flat plugs.

  • You may see some beautiful and sweet children and may want to distribute balloons, chocolates, money, and pens, as many trekkers have felt the same. However, it is better not to do so because it encourages them to beg from trekkers.

  • During the trek, keep your valuables safe. Do not leave anything unattended. Ensure that you lock your door when you leave your room and do not hang things outside at night.

  • Use a dustbin and do not throw anything into the fire. Carry your garbage where dustbin facilities are not available and help conserve the environment.

  • It mainly depends on your spending habits. Normally, you should allocate US$ 9-12 per meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During trekking, US$ 10-15 a day is usually enough to buy drinks and chocolates.

  • You should be sufficiently protected and need to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, lost items, liabilities, injuries, and medical treatment. Ensure the insurance covers all the activities in the Himalayas. Trekking Planner can offer the appropriate medical response based on your policy and insurance.

  • All guesthouses offer hot showers, which may be in the bathroom or provided as a bucket of hot water.

  • Please note that at high altitudes there may not be enough hot water for all trekkers. Limit the use of hot water unless the water is solar-heated or firewood-heated for ecological reasons. Every lodge has some kind of washing facility, but you must carry a bar of soap. If the water freezes, ask your guide to get a warm bowl of water.

  • The toilets are mainly Asian squat style. Basically, the toilet is outside your room and cleanliness may vary. You should not throw toilet paper into the toilet hole; instead, use the rubbish bin kept inside the toilet.

  • On this trekking route, local people have built teahouse lodges with food and beverage facilities. A simple room usually has two narrow beds. While staying in the teahouses, you will meet charming local people and experience their good hospitality.

  • Trekking Planner is a government-licensed trekking company in Nepal, as you can see from the legal documents in the About Us section. Under the following terms and conditions, your booking is accepted:

  • A non-refundable deposit of 15% is required in advance to book flight tickets, hotel bookings, and process permits. Booking must be made 5 days earlier, and the amount can be paid by bank transfer, Western Union, MoneyGram, or credit card. The remaining amount must be paid upon your arrival in Nepal.

  • Trekking Planner's sleeping bag, down jacket, tee-shirt, cap, duffle bag, and city and trekking route maps can be provided if necessary.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 15 days finish where they began, in Ring Rd.

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Starting from

USD 1,299 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,299.00 — $1,399.00
Double Sharing $1,299.00 — $1,399.00

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