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

Welcome to Kathmandu, a spicy masala of mixed reputations. The gems of its heritage now contrasted with its all too typical Asian big city melee and manic traffic. Our representative will meet you at the airport and whisk you off to the hotel. Stow away your gear and get ready to explore Kathmandu. Join your tour leader for a pre-trip briefing at 6 pm then head out on a cycle rickshaw, a.k.a. ‘street helicopters’, through the colorful tourist hub of Thamel-then onto the bustling vegetable and spice markets of Asan – the oldest market square of Kathmandu. Continue to take the backstreets into the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Devoid of tour groups and tastefully illuminated at night, you will certainly feel the soulful side of the archaic Kathmandu.

After breakfast today, drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur. A lunch stop can be made at Benighat - TTC. Later, drive to Dumre, the roadside market-town, digressing from the main highway to take a winding, uphill track all the way to Bandipur (7kms). Drop off at the entry point to the Bandipur Bazaar, where you’ll be warmly greeted by The Old Inn staff. Walk through the bazaar to The Old Inn. The small peaceful, ancient town of Bandipur occupies an enviable 'eagle's nest' location perched high in the hills with uninterrupted views over to Manaslu and the Annapurna's. Your accommodation here is located in the heart of the town and in a welcoming pedestrianized area. From the terraces of The Old Inn, there are commanding views of the Himalaya and there's a very relaxed feel about Bandipur. Lunch on arrival, and later while away the early afternoon, marveling at the traditional elegance of The Old Inn or simply enjoy the rejuvenating siesta. You may opt for a walk around the Bandipur surrounds for 2-3 hours exploring this peaceful village and local life. Savor the authentic flavor of Nepalese cuisine over dinner.

• An early morning drive (5 hrs approx) from Bandipur to the trek start point of Hille (1475m) via Nayapul and Birethanti- passing the many streams, waterfalls, tropical vegetation and green fields give this area a lush feeling. 
• We will pass a suspension bridge in Tikedhunga and walk uphill for about 40 mins to our overnight stop at Ulleri (1960m). Total walking duration: 3 hrs approx.

Initially our hike is uneven; following a path that finds its way up and down hills, then a staircase leads upwards, passing many homes and tea-houses as it climbs. Part way up, we get our first view of Annapurna South. Higher up, we enter a wooded area filled with trees often in bloom and large bamboo plants. Beyond Banthanti (2300m) the vegetation thickens and trees are hung with moss. Then, onward and up a narrow valley with more stairs to climb until we emerge from the jungle at Nangathanti (2520m). From here on, another hour’s climb takes us to Ghorepani (2750m). Total walking duration: 5.5 hrs approx.

Rising early, a pre-dawn hike (45 mins) has us on Poon Hill in time for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range.  Returning to our tea-house for breakfast, we rejoin the trail that winds its way north along the ridge line with magnificent views of the Annapurnas stretching out from east to west. Following a forested ridge for a while, with views to both sides, we then descend steeply down a muddy slope to a small settlement before entering a heavily forested gorge. Eventually, the gorge widens and the trail enters an open area and descend again before our final upward climb, through dense forest, to Tadapani (2590m). Total walking duration: 4 hrs approx.

• The trail continues down a steep hill, again through the jungle, to Chomrong. Emerging out and into terraced fields on the side of a deep valley we continue, keeping to the contours of the terraces. 
• Climbing steeply up the opposite side of the valley, we soon enter the larger Modi Khola valley which leads up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. A short distance further up the Modi Khola valley, we arrive at Chomrong (2170m). Total walking duration: 5 hrs approx.

• Continuing on,  the trail descends to cross the Chommro Khola, then climbs around into the Modi Khola valley and up onto the main ridge high above the river. Stands of rhododendron, oak and hemlock line the gorge, and the area is a delight for bird lovers. 
• After walking, mostly up steep hills, we reach the village of Bamboo. Total walking duration: 4.5 hrs approx.

• Hike the undulating trail to the small hamlet of Himalaya. First, we will follow the valley climbing steadily uphill to Doban (2580m). 
• About half an hour past Doban, we reach a shrine - the sacred home of the deity Panchhi Baraha and next to it is a view of an impressive waterfall. 
• Passing the Modi Khola the trail goes steeply up to Himalaya Hotel for your night stay (2920m). Total walking duration: 5 hrs approx

• Slowly gaining altitude; the trail starts to become icier. We pass through a ‘sacred’ forest and encounter a big mossy cascade and a small temple. Soon, climbing onto an open area above the forest, we reach Deurali. 
• The next village further above is Hinko (3100m), from where we finally reach the narrow entranceway into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Machhapuchare is clearly visible just above the valley. Avalanches are frequent phenomena in this section so extreme caution is advised. The Machhapuchre Base Camp is at an altitude of  3700m. Total walking duration: 4.5 hrs approx.

• The climb to the Annapurna Base Camp is best done early in the morning before clouds blow in and obscure the view and, more importantly, the risk of avalanches is at its lowest level. The Base Camp (4130m) lies at the foot of the Annapurna Glacier's lateral moraine, and from the top of the moraine, we can see the grey, rock-strewn bulk of this glacier far below. The rumble of rock and ice slides coming off Annapurna South frequently breaks the silence of the Sanctuary. Total walking duration: 3 hrs approx.

• Head back downhill along the trail. We will retrace our route as far as Bamboo (2380m). Total walking duration: 6.5 hrs approx.

• Two long ascents followed by two long descents bring us to Upper Sinuwa. You will get good views of Machapuchare and Annapurna III from the viewpoint. Then the trail descends to Lower Sinuwa (2340m). Finally, the trail climbs to a spur ridge overlooking Jhinu Danda (1780m) - our night halt. 
• From here, we will have one last close-up glimpse of Machhapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. This small village is widely recognized for its natural hot springs. 
• In the late afternoon, you will be heading to the hot spring to relax your muscles. The hot spring is located only 20 minutes away from the village at the Modi Khola River’s shore. Total walking duration: 6 hrs approx.

• Entering Kimrong Khola valley the trail evens out for a while and the walking is easy!  
• We will arrive at the junction with the route from Ghorepani and just beyond the village of Kimrong (1780m), the trail suddenly drops in short, steep switchbacks, then through open rock-strewn fields to the 'Gurung' village of Ghandruk (1940m), a village which has grown large and prosperous thanks to the pensions of retired Gurkha soldiers. Total walking duration: 4 hrs approx.

• From Ghandruk, the trail descends gradually at first on a wide flagstone-paved trail. Keeping to the contour of the ridge we descend slowly, passing through Kimche (1670m). After walking down to Kimche (1.5 hrs approx), the endpoint - Nayapul can be reached by jeep. 
• On board the waiting vehicle for the return drive to Pokhara (3 hrs approx), on which the landscape suddenly becomes lusher and eventually the road becomes steeper as we descend towards the valley floor, finally reaching the river from where the way is once again quite level. 
• We will pass Birethanti along the route, from where it’s just a few minutes down the river to Nayapul, and onwards to Pokhara. Total walking duration: 1.5 hrs approx.

• After breakfast, morning flight to the capital city of Kathmandu. Private transfer from the airport to the traveller’s hub of Thamel. 
• Later in Thamel, free time to self-explore this touristic district, where you're spoiled with choices to eat out, and as the shops stay open late, there's still time for some last-minute souvenir hunting.

• It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure transfers are included on the day. Please consult with your tour leader or the hotel desk to confirm the check-out time.