13-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu with Poon Hill

• Connect with the tour representative, who will greet you at the airport terminal upon arrival, transfer you to the hotel, and assist with check-in.
• Later in the evening, your trekking guide will give you a pre-hike briefing. Check your gear, and if you have missed anything, you may hire or buy it from the stores in Thamel. This renowned tourist district has a variety of outlets that sell and rent hiking equipment.

• After an early breakfast, catch your flight to Pokhara and take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurna, Langtang, and Dhaulagiri ranges.
• Upon arriving in Pokhara, take a private vehicle to Hile, passing through lush countryside and traditional farmlands. Begin your hike after arriving at Hile. The trail passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is rich in flora and fauna.
• Climb a series of stone steps from Tikhedhunga and walk through traditional Gurung and Magar communities. Ulleri is situated at the top of a hill and marks one of the most challenging sections of your trek, with over 3,000 stairs to climb.
• When you get to Ulleri, head directly to a teahouse to relax your sore feet.

• Today's hike is simple in comparison to yesterday's strenuous ascent. The route passes through one of the world's largest rhododendron forests. In spring, hikers describe this section as "a stroll through heaven," when the trail is blanketed with red and pink rhododendron flowers, creating the impression of wandering through a magical realm.
• As you ascend, you will pass through an arched doorway at a check post where your permits will be examined. For trekkers visiting Poon Hill, the village of Ghorepani - literally meaning "Horse Water" - is a popular halt and has a substantial Magar community. In the past, the region served as a rest stop for horses and mule packs travelling in caravans on their way to Tibet.

• Early in the morning, head to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's most iconic viewpoints.
• The trek to the top of the hill takes around an hour. Walk to the vantage point that Bahadur Poon, a former major who served in the British Army, named "Poon Hill."
• Watch the sunrise across the snowy ranges of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
• After that, descend to Ghorepani and make your way to Tadapani, following an ascending path through dense rhododendron and pine woodland. From there, continue to Tadapani after passing across Deurali Pass.
• When you get to the village, relax and take some needed rest.

• Head to Chhomrong from Tadapani. The path passes through a dense rhododendron forest and leads to this Gurung village, which offers close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak).
• Enjoy views of the hillside communities of the Modi Khola Valley and the Annapurna Himal as you descend.
• After crossing the bridge at Kimrong Khola, ascend the Modi Khola Valley to reach Chhomrong, following a route carved into the mountainside.
• After you reach Chhomrong, enjoy views of deep gorges and Himalayan peaks from the settlement. Stop at a teahouse to rest or explore the village.

• Your exhilaration is heightened by the near-vertical view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) from Chhomrong, where each step brings you closer to the mountains. Before you know it, you will be standing beneath them.
• After an early breakfast, follow the trail towards Bamboo, a rest station for trekkers and backpackers with a few teahouses. You will cross the Chhomrong Khola and follow the meandering track of the Modi Khola. The trail passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests and descends a stone stairway from Khuldighar to Bamboo.

• Hike along a route covered by bamboo groves. Once you reach Himalaya Hotel, the bamboo canopy begins to thin, and you can catch a glimpse of the clear sky. As you gain altitude, take frequent rests.
• Along the way, you will notice a vast stone structure known as Hinku Cave. The earliest Annapurna expedition parties used this cave as an overnight camp and supply store. From here, the route descends to the river and then ascends until you reach Deurali.
• Pass captivating waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and forests alive with singing birds and colourful butterflies on your way to Deurali. Get some much-needed rest after reaching a teahouse in Deurali, as you will be heading towards Annapurna Base Camp tomorrow.

• Leave Deurali and make your way to a nearby stream. Stroll down the stony banks until you come to what appears to be a natural doorway. The route leads into the heart of massive mountains, where the snowy Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre seem to peer down at you as you enter this beautiful realm.
• Step onto Machhapuchhre Base Camp, located at the base of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), a sacred peak. Climbing is prohibited on this mountain because local inhabitants consider it to be the home of gods. Take a short break here and continue until you reach Annapurna Base Camp.
• As you approach Annapurna Base Camp, feel the rush of adrenaline as you stand before the icy walls of the Himalayan peaks and the Annapurna Sanctuary's glacial basin, surrounded by the snowy walls of the Annapurna Massif, including Annapurna I, the tenth-highest mountain in the world, as well as Gangapurna and Hiunchuli. Take pictures and celebrate with your friends and crew. Enjoy the glorious sunset before heading to the teahouse.
• Later in the evening, stargaze if the sky is clear. The clusters of the Milky Way are visible from Annapurna Base Camp.

• Get up early in the morning to witness the sun rising over the Annapurna peaks. Watching the white snowy mountains slowly turn into a range of colours is a sight not to miss.
• Return to the teahouse after spending some time at Annapurna Base Camp, pack your gear, and retrace your trail down to Bamboo. It is a long descent, so be cautious as you make your way down the stone stairs.
• When you get to Bamboo, enjoy your well-earned rest.

• Today after the morning meal, head towards Jhinu Danda. The hot springs in the area are very well known.
• After arriving in the village, hike down to the river, which takes around 25 minutes. The hot spring is located right alongside the river. Soak your aching muscles in the Himalayan hot spring water.
• After a relaxing plunge, make your way to a teahouse and enjoy your last day on the trail.

• Head to Matque from Jhinu Danda.
• Board a vehicle at Matque and drive to Pokhara. Check into your accommodation and relax. If you are not too exhausted, take a stroll along the lakeside and enjoy a private boat ride on the peaceful Phewa Lake. Look up at the mountains whose shadows you have been hiking beneath for the last week.

• Take a flight back to Kathmandu, check into your accommodation, and enjoy the rest of the day as you choose.
• Later in the evening, have an authentic dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant while participating in a cultural event with our representative and your trekking guide.

• Three hours before your flight's departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please let us know if you would like to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries, or let us create a journey just for you.

Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking details are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.