13-Day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek from Kathmandu with Poon Hill

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Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Briefing

• Our representative 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.

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Day 02

Fly to Pokhara and Trek to Ulleri

• After an early breakfast, catch your flight to Pokhara and take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurnas, Langtang range, and Dhaulagiri. 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, rich in flora and fauna, climbs a series of stone steps from Tikhedhunga, and continues through traditional Gurung and Magar communities. Ulleri is situated at the top of a hill and marks one of the most difficult sections of your trek, with over 3,000 stairs to climb. When you get to Ulleri, head to a teahouse to relax your sore feet.

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Day 03

Trek through Rhododendron Forests to Ghorepani

• Today's hike is easier in comparison to yesterday's strenuous ascent. The route passes through one of the world's largest rhododendron forests. This section of the trail has been described as "a stroll through heaven" by hikers who complete it in spring, when the route 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 and 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.

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Day 04

Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani

• Early in the morning, head to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's most iconic viewpoints. The trek to the top takes around an hour. Tek Bahadur Poon, a former major who served in the British Army, named this vantage point "Poon Hill." Watch the sunrise over the snowy ranges of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
• After that, descend to Ghorepani and continue to Tadapani. Follow an ascending path through dense rhododendron and pine woodland, then descend to Tadapani after crossing Deurali Pass. When you reach the village, relax and take some well-earned rest.

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Day 05

Trek to Chhomrong via Forest and Valley Trails

• Head to Chhomrong, a Gurung village with close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. From Tadapani, the path to Chhomrong passes through a dense rhododendron forest. 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 and follow a route carved into the mountainside to reach Chhomrong.
• After you reach Chhomrong, enjoy views of deep gorges and Himalayan peaks from the settlement. Stop by a teahouse, rest, and explore the village.

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Day 06

Descend and Climb through Forest to Bamboo

• Your exhilaration is heightened by the near-vertical view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) from Chhomrong. Each step brings you closer to the mountains, and 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. Cross the Chhomrong Khola and continue along the meandering track of the Modi Khola. The trail passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, then follows a stone stairway down from Khuldighar to Bamboo.

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Day 07

Trek to Deurali via Hinku Cave

• Hike along a route covered by bamboo groves. Once you reach Himalaya Hotel, the bamboo cover begins to thin and you can glimpse the clear sky. You will gain altitude as you ascend higher, so take frequent rests.
• Along the way, you will notice a huge stone structure called 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 again 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.

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Day 08

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

• Leave Deurali and make your way to a nearby stream. Stroll along the stony banks until you come to what appears to be a natural doorway. The route leads into the heart of massive mountains, where you will see the snowy Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre peering down at you as you enter this beautiful realm.
• Step onto Machhapuchhre Base Camp, located at the foot of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), the Gurungs' sacred peak. Climbing is prohibited on this mountain because the 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, you will feel a 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 peak in the world, as well as Gangapurna and Hiunchuli. Take pictures and celebrate with your friends and crew - you have finally made it. Enjoy the glorious sunset before heading to the teahouse.
• Later in the evening, go stargazing if the sky is clear. The clusters of the Milky Way are visible from ABC.

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Day 09

Sunrise at ABC and Return to Bamboo

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

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Day 10

Trek to Jhinu Danda and Hot Springs

• Today, after your morning meal, head towards Jhinu Danda, where the hot springs 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, return to a teahouse and enjoy your last day on the trail.

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Day 11

Trek to Matque and Drive to Pokhara

• Head to Matque from Jhinu Danda. As you reach Matque, your trekking journey comes to an end.
• Board a vehicle at Matque and continue to Pokhara. Check into your accommodation and relax. If you are not too fatigued, take a stroll along the lakeside and enjoy a private boat ride on the peaceful Phewa Lake. Look up at the mountains, where you have been hiking for the last week in their shadows.

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Day 12

Fly to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

• 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.

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Day 13

Final Departure from Kathmandu

• Our representative will drop you off at the airport three hours before your flight's departure. 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.