Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek; 12 Days

Best Time

There are two seasons for trekking in the Annapurna Base Camp – spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). If you go in the spring, you should be prepared for the fact that there will be snow near the base camp, and sometimes avalanches are possible. But a big plus in this period is the blooming rhododendron forests, which create incredible contrasting images against the background of snow-white mountains.

Autumn is warmer, there are practically no clouds, and the snow will melt everywhere. During this period, temperatures are still pleasant and the skies of the Himalayas, having passed the monsoon season, are much clearer and the valleys shine free of dust.

What to Expect?

Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you to the dizzying natural amphitheater guarded by the peaks of the Annapurna massif. We will explore the highland villages of the region both on the way in and on the way back. We will be surrounded by the famous mountain peaks Machhapuchhare, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, Annapurna South, and many more in the base camp.

We will walk through many typical villages of the Gurung people where we will have a chance to explore their typical culture in Ghandruk and Chhomrong.

All the time, we will be walking through the Annapurna Conservation Area spotting its rarest flora and fauna. We will also make our way to Poon Hill from where we will witness the spectacular mountain views of Annapurna mountain range, Dhaulagiri range, and Kali Gandaki gorge.

We will spend time in the majestic city of Pokhara where we will take a boat ride on Lake Phewa. We will explore Kathmandu with its charming atmosphere and take back the souvenir in the form of a lifetime experience.

Elevation and trekking distance

Situated at an impressive elevation of 4130 m above sea level, the Annapurna Base Camp is at a distance of 168 km from Kathmandu. The distance of 37.1 km separates Pokhara from the Annapurna Base Camp whereas the starting point of our trek Tikedhunga lies at a mere length of 9.6 km. But first, we will undertake a road journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara driving along the 201 km stretch.

We need approximately 14 days to complete this stretch from Kathmandu and about 10 days from Pokhara. Our 16-day travel program includes exactly 10 days of hiking days when we will cover 10 to 15 each day by foot.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

We will walk at a comfortable pace of 5 to 7 hours to cover our daily distance of 10 to 15 km per day. Or program intends to divide the tour duration in such a way that, in addition to walking, we have enough time for sightseeing and rest.

This trek is really a comfortable journey that doesn’t involve difficult terrain like in other trekking tours of Nepal. However, the easiest and shortest trail will be on day 4th when we walk only for 3 hours to reach Tikedhunga from Nayapul, Pokhara.

The 12th day of our Annapurna Base Camp trek includes a trek from the base camp to Bamboo village demanding us to walk for almost 7 hours which will be our maximum walk of the trek.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is of moderate difficulty. For those who are used to hiking regularly, completing the distances will not be a big problem, but they should also expect some more difficult sections. Beginners and inexperienced hikers may find it difficult to walk the daily distances, but with perseverance and thorough preparation, they too can complete it.

In addition, we will provide skilled porters throughout the trek who will carry most of your things. So you will travel with a lightweight backpack with the necessary clothing, documents, and money. Therefore, this trek is within the capabilities of every person who leads an active lifestyle.

Please keep in mind that altitude will play a crucial role as the highest point we touch will be approximately 4200 m. S if you decide to sign up for this trek, it’s worth training for it.

Can a beginner trek to Annapurna base camp?

If you are traveling to Nepal for the first time, want to fully familiarize yourself with the diversity of Himalayan landscapes, walk through jungles and forests, and reach the highest mountains, you are on the right track.

This trek is considered the easiest and most accessible in Nepal, so beginners who lack confidence in their strength and altitude tolerance can sign up for this trek.

Most of the route runs along equipped trails, all overnight stays are in lodges with comfortable conditions. Therefore, it is also suitable for seniors and teenagers who enjoy sound health.

Preparation and training

Although easily accessible, the Annapurna Base Camp involves trekking at a high altitude of more than 4000 m elevation. Therefore, it is worth you to prepare a month before joining this trip.

The best way to prepare for this trek is running (about 5-7 km 2-3 times a week), squats, and cardio exercises, which will not only increase your endurance but also train your legs for daily hikes. Since things are decided in the head, mental preparation is also very important!

The better your physical and mental condition, the easier it will be to tolerate the altitude, acclimatize, and enjoy the hike and the scenery around you more.

Alternate routes

Exhausted of walking along the same route to the Annapurna Base Camp with other travelers. If so, we suggest you take the lesser walked trail passing through the traditional villages of Narchyang, Kalokhola, and Phoolbari and approach the base camp.

Or, if you happen to be in Mustang, you can embark on your trail to the Annapurna base camp from Lete.

Wish to challenge yourself and test your strength? Then a demanding route of about 18 days to the Annapurna circuit trek will be perfect for you.

And if you walk on a new route, you can incorporate the Mardi Himal trek with the first approach to Mardi Himal Base Camp and then to Annapurna Base Camp.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the risks that we may encounter on our Annapurna base camp trek. It can affect everyone differently and to a different degree. You cannot prepare for this at home.

The program of our hiking tour is structured in such a way that we allow enough time to adapt to the altitude. We walk at a slow, leisurely pace, getting higher and higher every day.

And please keep in mind, that if you have a headache, loss of appetite, and sleep, then drinking a lot of water, garlic soup, and ginger tea will help you much faster than taking any pill. And remember there are no miracle pills to save you from altitude sickness. If you are confident in your abilities, taking pills is not necessary at all.

Transportation, Meal, and Drink

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, your departure, and drive to Pokhara and Nayapul, Jhinu Danda to Pokhara to Kathmandu, we will use private vehicles (car, van, or tourist bus), the price of which is included in the participation fee.

Instead of driving all day from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu, you can cover this distance through half an hour’s flight for which an additional price will be charged.

Regarding meals, we provide comfortable breakfasts in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Then at the start of the trekking journey, we offer breakfast, and dinner at our accommodation, and lunch at the lodge along the trail. You can have different types of eggs, pasta, soups, potatoes, pizza, and rice in the lodge.

Gadgets charging and Internet/wifi

Along the route, there will be mobile communications and 4G Internet, but in some places, it will disappear. To purchase a local SIM card, you will need a foreign passport and a 3×4 photo. Wi-Fi is available in every lodge and costs 100-300 rupees. In big cities, there is free internet in cafes. Charging is available in almost all lodges, charging cost can be hourly or per device, price is 100-700 rupees.

Permits

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit are needed for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The cost and obtaining process are included in our participation fee.