How to Combine Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with ABC

For those who have a bit more time, it is possible to start your Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek on the same route as those heading along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. And take in the spectacular sunrise view from atop Poon Hill.

What Can I Expect on this Trek?

This trek offers fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna Range at a relatively low altitude. It takes you immediately into the heart of the Himalayas to reach both Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp (technically not really a base camp).

Aside from stunning mountains, you will learn something of the people’s lifestyle as you pass through villages and terraced farmland.  Rhododendron forests, glacier rivers, and waterfalls are another feature of this year-round, not too strenuous trek.

With a maximum altitude of 4,1300m  (at Annapurna Base Camp), there is a little risk from altitude-related problems on this trek.  Therefore, it is ideal for people of good general fitness, and families with older children. One of the most popular treks in Nepal, the average walking time is 6 hours a day.

Why this Trek?

For people with more time, this is a great way to become immersed in the Himalayas and see something of local communities.  It combines both the famous sunrise over Poon Hill with the equally as famous Annapurna Base Camp.

Trip Highlights

• Sunrise over the Annapurnas from atop Poon Hill.
• Cover two base camps – Annapurna and Machhapuchhre in one trek.
• Stunning views of the snow-capped Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) and many others.
• In particular, a 360-degree view of Annapurna ranges, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre Himal from the Annapurna Base Camp.
• See unique flora and fauna, such as Rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower.
• Relax in the hot water springs at Jhinu Danda after returning from the Base Camp.
• Start and finish your trip in the lakeside town of Pokhara with its interesting blend of culture, mountaineering history, and restaurants, bars and clubs.

What you Need before You go – Permits

You need two permits for the ABC Trek:-

Annapurna Conservation Permit (ACAP) – Nrs3,000 per person

TIMS Trekkers Permit

• NPR 1,000 per person for organised treks through an agency
• NPR 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without guide or porter)

If you are trekking with Magical Nepal, we can obtain the permits for you.  If you are trekking independently you can apply for your permits at either:

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Exhibition Road, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu
• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Dam Side, Pokhara

Itinerary for the ABC Trek via Poon Hill

Here is a suggested itinerary for your 10-day trek.

Day 01 Pokhara to Nayapul (vehicle), Nayapul to Hile (trek)

Altitude: 1,430m

Distance: 43 km

Time: 1.5 hours drive to Nayapul and 3 hours hike to Hile

Today is a relaxed start to your trek.  Excellent if you enjoyed the nightlight of Pokhara the evening before!

After breakfast take a bus or jeep to Nayapul.  If you are alone it is cost-effective to take a local bus, which leaves from Baglung Bus Park every 30 to 60 minutes. If you are more people it is possible to hire a jeep – more comfortable than the bus and you can leave when you want (although we suggest you leave earlier rather than later).

After reaching Nayapul it’s a 3-hour hike to Hile. Overnight at a teahouse in Hile.

Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani

Altitude: 2,840m

Distance: 13 km

Time:  6 – 7 hours

After breakfast set off to walk 6 to 7 hours to reach Ghorepani.  There are many stone steps to climb on the way until you reach Ulleri, when the trail becomes easier. On the way pass through several local settlements, including Tikhedhunga (1,577m), Ulleri (2,070m) and Banthanti (2,250m) which are inhabited by Magar communities.  Pass through oak and Nepal’s famous rhododendron forests.   Overnight in Ghorepani,

Day 03: Sunrise over Poonhill and trek to Tadapani

Altitude:  3,210m at Poon  Hill and  2,706m at Tadapani
Distance: 13.4 km
Time: 1hr to climb Poon Hill, and experience the sunrise at approximately 5.15am to 6.15am depending on the time of year.  Then 45 to 60 minutes to walk back down to Ghorepani and 6 – 7 hrs to Tadapani

Total Time: approximately 9-10 hours

Before dawn hike up Poonhill.  This will take approximately one hour.  This is a highlight of the trip – sunrise over the Annapurna Range!  We suggest taking a packed breakfast with you from your teahouse.  Tea and coffee is available for sale on Poon Hill.

After coming back down to Ghorepani hike to Tadapani where you overnight.

Day 04: Tadapani to Chomrong

Altitude: Tadapani 2,170m / Chomrong 2,170m
Distance:11 km
Time: 5 – 6 hrs

Today the hike is not too strenuous. After an easy ascent there is a long descent to the Kimrong Khola. Following another easy ascent the trail continues in a more gentle manner so you can spend time taking in the surrounding countryside, local Magar and Gurung people, and the high mountain peaks.

Day 05 Chomrong to Bamboo

Altitude: Chomrong 2,170m /   Bamboo 2,310m

Distance: 7.6km

Time: 4-6 hours

After breakfast set off down stone steps which then brings you to the Chomrong Khola.  After crossing the river by a suspension bridge, climb out of the valley through deep bamboo, Rhododendron and oak forests. Once again ascend to Kuldi at 2,470m and then descend down another long stone staircase.  Please be careful on the slippery steps.  Through another bamboo and Rhododendron forest which is a bit damn, hence the slippery steps.  But which gives Bamboo village its name. In actual fact Bamboo is less a village and more a group of teahouse lodges specifically set up for trekkers in an atmospheric gorge.

Day 06 Bamboo to Deurali

Altitude: Bamboo 2,310m / Deurali 3,230m

Distance: 7km

Time: 3-4 hours

Today we lose the views of the mountains to trek through a bamboo forest up a steep hill to reach Hinku Cave.  From here descend into Deurali.  Again, less a village and more a group of trekking teahouses.

Day 07 Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

Altitude: Deurali 3,230m / Annapurna Base Camp 4,130m

Distance: 7.6km

Time: 5-6 hours

Today the mountain vistas open up again for us with amazing sunsets over Fishtail and sunrises over Annapurna I. Today we can also see a glacier as we trek on to Annapurna Base Camp.

Trekking through the narrow Modi Khola Valley brings you to the base of Machhapuchhare Base Camp, so called because of the panorama of the Hinchhuli and Annapurna ranges as well as Machhapuchhare.

In actual fact, there is no such thing as the Machhapuchhare Base Camp because climbing on that mountain is prohibited. Technically this is the Annapurna Sanctuary; a huge amphitheater totally surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare’s famous fishtail.

Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp  4,130m / Bamboo 3,210m

Time:  7- 8 hours

Before leaving Annapurna Base Camp take another look at the magnificent view of the mountains.  That was worth the effort wasn’t it?  Today is a long trekking day, mainly downhill.

Day 09: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

Altitude: Bamboo 3,210m / Jhinu Danda 1,760m

Time: 5-6 hours

Yesterday the trail was mainly downhill, so naturally, today the trail starts with an uphill trek to Kuldighar!   Then you descend down to Chomrong River.  Stone steps have to be negotiated to bring you back to Chomrong village before descending to Jhinu Danda. Before dinner why not take your tired body another 20 minutes on to the hot springs overlooking the river, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxation and the perfect way to end the day.

Day 10 Jhinu Danda – Sewai – Naya Pool – Pokhara

Altitude:  Jhinu Danda 1,760m

Time:  Approximately 6 hours in total

Trek from Jhinu Danda to Sewai (2-3hrs) and driver from Sewai to Naya Pool approx 1.5hrs and on to Pokhara (1.5hrs)

** This itinerary can be done in reverse, starting at Jhinu Danda.  However, taking acclimatisation into consideration, we strongly recommend you start from Hile/ Ghorepani.

If you need more information on this trek, or any other trek, please get in touch with us here at Magical Nepal.