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Annapurna Sanctuary & Poon Hill

Annapurna Base Camp - Classic Himalayan sun rise from Poon Hill - Traditional Villages - Fishtail Views

All meals on trek included

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Duration

14 Days
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Grade

Moderate / Challenging
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Max Altitude

4300m
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Walking Days

11 Days
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Accommodation

3 Nts Hotels - 10 Nts Trekking Lodges
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Trip Overview

A wonderful combination of two classic Nepal treks featuring the amazing Annapurna Sanctuary and the renowned Himalayan sun rise panorama of Poon Hill

From Pokhara, you'll trek up through forests of Rhododendron and sal, continually ascending for two days, to reach Ghorepani. A pre-dawn start from here to make the short ascent to Poon Hill before descending to join the traditional route up to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhare Base Camp. A shorter route to Annapurna Base Camp can be found here: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. For this combined Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill trek, it can readily be extended with a couple more days of trekking to include the eastern flanks of the Modi Khola Valley via Landruk to end the trek at Phedi, or to trek out via Ghandruk and Birethanti on the western side. You could also carry on from Poon Hill to another viewpoint at Khopra Danda and follow our Khopra Danda and Poon Hill Trek before joining the Annapurna Base Camp trail at Chhomrong. Add in acclimatisation or contingency days. Or you might just like a day to chill in Pokhara before starting your trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

A wonderful combination of two classic Nepal treks featuring the amazing Annapurna Sanctuary and the renowned Himalayan sun rise panorama of Poon Hill

  • From Pokhara, you'll trek up through forests of Rhododendron and sal, continually ascending for two days, to reach Ghorepani. A pre-dawn start from here to make the short ascent to Poon Hill before descending to join the traditional route up to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhare Base Camp. A shorter route to Annapurna Base Camp can be found here: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. For this combined Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill trek, it can readily be extended with a couple more days of trekking to include the eastern flanks of the Modi Khola Valley via Landruk to end the trek at Phedi, or to trek out via Ghandruk and Birethanti on the western side. You could also carry on from Poon Hill to another viewpoint at Khopra Danda and follow our Khopra Danda and Poon Hill Trek before joining the Annapurna Base Camp trail at Chhomrong. Add in acclimatisation or contingency days. Or you might just like a day to chill in Pokhara before starting your trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      Fly to Pokhara & trek to Tirkhedhunga
    • Day 3
      Trek to Ghorepani
    • Day 4
      Poon Hill sun rise & trek down to Tadapani
    • Day 5
      Trek to Chhomrong
    • Day 6
      Trek to 'Bamboo'
    • Day 7
      Trek to Deorali
    • Day 8
      Trek to Machhapucchare Base Camp (MBC)
    • Day 9
      Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna Base Camp)
    • Day 10
      Down to Dobhan
    • Day 11
      To Chhomrong again
    • Day 12
      To the roadhead and transfer to Pokhara
    • Day 13
      Fly to Kathmandu
    • Day 14
      Depart Nepal
  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH HotelKathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

    Accommodation: KGH HotelKathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    Fly to Pokhara & trek to Tirkhedhunga

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara A private transfer then takes you to the start of the trek at Hille. Here the two-day climb up to Ghorepani begins as you follow a trail that rises ever upward to reach the village of Tirkhedhunga (approx. 1600m). Walking time is around 3–4 hours with approx. 400m of ascent. One option would be to overnight in Pokhara as an extra day and have a bit of chill-out time by the lake before setting off on the trek.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tirkedhunga
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY 2

    Fly to Pokhara & trek to Tirkhedhunga

    A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Pokhara A private transfer then takes you to the start of the trek at Hille. Here the two-day climb up to Ghorepani begins as you follow a trail that rises ever upward to reach the village of Tirkhedhunga (approx. 1600m). Walking time is around 3–4 hours with approx. 400m of ascent. One option would be to overnight in Pokhara as an extra day and have a bit of chill-out time by the lake before setting off on the trek.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tirkedhunga
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Find out more about Trekking Lodges

    DAY
    3

    Trek to Ghorepani

    It's a very steep climb of around 2 hours to walk up to Ulleri (2070m). Although the gradient eases in places, it's still all relentless uphill as you continue to Banthanti. Here you are greeted by some fabulous Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. Crossing a mountain stream, the trail now climbs up the hillside to reach Nangethanti. The continuous uphill continues virtually all the way until you arrive at Ghorepani (2900m). Ghorepani is quite a bustling sort of place, as it has always been a stopping place between the Kali Gandaki Valley (from which it is a long steep climb up to Ghorepani) and Pokhara; hence, Ghorepani means 'horse watering place'. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours with around 1300m of challenging ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghorepani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek to Ghorepani

    It's a very steep climb of around 2 hours to walk up to Ulleri (2070m). Although the gradient eases in places, it's still all relentless uphill as you continue to Banthanti. Here you are greeted by some fabulous Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. Crossing a mountain stream, the trail now climbs up the hillside to reach Nangethanti. The continuous uphill continues virtually all the way until you arrive at Ghorepani (2900m). Ghorepani is quite a bustling sort of place, as it has always been a stopping place between the Kali Gandaki Valley (from which it is a long steep climb up to Ghorepani) and Pokhara; hence, Ghorepani means 'horse watering place'. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours with around 1300m of challenging ascent.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ghorepani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Poon Hill sun rise & trek down to Tadapani

    A pre-dawn wake-up so that you can ascend to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210m) in order to witness the sunrise at this classic Himalayan view point. Across the Kali Gandaki, the stupendous peak of Dhaulagiri begins to glow surreal colours as the first light of the sun hits it, while closer and above you is Annapurna South. This now-very-popular view point ensures that some enterprising locals will have a hot brew for sale. Back down to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then it's time to begin descending. It's now virtually downhill for the next two days, with some little climbs and hillside contouring, but  primarily down. Today you'll descend as far as Tadapani (2650m). Walking time is around 5 hours, plus an hour or two for the earlier excursion to Poon Hill. Total descent: 580m.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tadapani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 4

    Poon Hill sun rise & trek down to Tadapani

    A pre-dawn wake-up so that you can ascend to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210m) in order to witness the sunrise at this classic Himalayan view point. Across the Kali Gandaki, the stupendous peak of Dhaulagiri begins to glow surreal colours as the first light of the sun hits it, while closer and above you is Annapurna South. This now-very-popular view point ensures that some enterprising locals will have a hot brew for sale. Back down to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then it's time to begin descending. It's now virtually downhill for the next two days, with some little climbs and hillside contouring, but  primarily down. Today you'll descend as far as Tadapani (2650m). Walking time is around 5 hours, plus an hour or two for the earlier excursion to Poon Hill. Total descent: 580m.

    Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tadapani
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Chhomrong

    At first, the trail contours the steep hillside, with some minor sections of ascent and descent as you drop down to Chuile (2309m). The trail then begins to descend more steeply to cross a river by way of a suspension bridge, followed by a couple of hours of more contour walking to reach Chhomrong (2210m). Walking time: approx. 6hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Chhomrong

    At first, the trail contours the steep hillside, with some minor sections of ascent and descent as you drop down to Chuile (2309m). The trail then begins to descend more steeply to cross a river by way of a suspension bridge, followed by a couple of hours of more contour walking to reach Chhomrong (2210m). Walking time: approx. 6hrs.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Trek to 'Bamboo'

    The day starts by descending down a stone-stepped trail, and then annoyingly, you have to ascend up through forests and emerge at Sinuwa Hill. Thankfully, there are some great views of the Annapurnas and Fishtail to make it worthwhile. The trail then mostly contours the hillside before dropping down to 'Bamboo' (2315m). Not really a village as such, but a collection of trekking lodges. The walking distance is about 8 km, with 850m of ascent and 785m of descent, and it takes around 5 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Bamboo
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 6

    Trek to 'Bamboo'

    The day starts by descending down a stone-stepped trail, and then annoyingly, you have to ascend up through forests and emerge at Sinuwa Hill. Thankfully, there are some great views of the Annapurnas and Fishtail to make it worthwhile. The trail then mostly contours the hillside before dropping down to 'Bamboo' (2315m). Not really a village as such, but a collection of trekking lodges. The walking distance is about 8 km, with 850m of ascent and 785m of descent, and it takes around 5 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Bamboo
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Trek to Deorali

    You continue to trek up the Modi Khola Valley, and about 90 minutes beyond Dovan, the trail can sometimes vary as this bit is prone to avalanches, so the detours required are always uncertain. Passing the Hinko Cave, it's then a continual climb to walk to Deorali (3170m). The walking distance is almost 12.5 km, with a stiff 1000m of ascent and 190 m of descent, taking around 5–6 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Deorali
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 7

    Trek to Deorali

    You continue to trek up the Modi Khola Valley, and about 90 minutes beyond Dovan, the trail can sometimes vary as this bit is prone to avalanches, so the detours required are always uncertain. Passing the Hinko Cave, it's then a continual climb to walk to Deorali (3170m). The walking distance is almost 12.5 km, with a stiff 1000m of ascent and 190 m of descent, taking around 5–6 hours to walk.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Deorali
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Trek to Machhapucchare Base Camp (MBC)

    There's no hurry today, and after the past few days, a later start may be welcomed as, in comparison to previous days, the walk today is much shorter. You're also heading above 3000 m, and it is usually around this mark that the effects of altitude can be felt. So, go slowly as you ascend up and up and pass through the narrow 'gateway' into the Sanctuary. From here, things open up scenery-wise. It takes around 3 hours of walking and 3.5 km of distance to reach the collection of lodges that form MBC (3700m), and after a 620m ascent and minimal descent, you'll be glad that the rest of the day can be spent at rest.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, MBC
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 8

    Trek to Machhapucchare Base Camp (MBC)

    There's no hurry today, and after the past few days, a later start may be welcomed as, in comparison to previous days, the walk today is much shorter. You're also heading above 3000 m, and it is usually around this mark that the effects of altitude can be felt. So, go slowly as you ascend up and up and pass through the narrow 'gateway' into the Sanctuary. From here, things open up scenery-wise. It takes around 3 hours of walking and 3.5 km of distance to reach the collection of lodges that form MBC (3700m), and after a 620m ascent and minimal descent, you'll be glad that the rest of the day can be spent at rest.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, MBC
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna Base Camp)

    The 'prize' for your efforts as you now head up and up, sometimes quite steeply, There's always the possibility of having to walk through snow. One final steep section, and 'bingo!', the mountain amphitheatre of the Sanctuary is your reward for today's struggles. The distance is just 3.5km and involves about 550m of ascent and just over 100 m of descent. It takes around 3–4 hours to walk. Overnight at 4130 m

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Annapurna Base Camp
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 9

    Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna Base Camp)

    The 'prize' for your efforts as you now head up and up, sometimes quite steeply, There's always the possibility of having to walk through snow. One final steep section, and 'bingo!', the mountain amphitheatre of the Sanctuary is your reward for today's struggles. The distance is just 3.5km and involves about 550m of ascent and just over 100 m of descent. It takes around 3–4 hours to walk. Overnight at 4130 m

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Annapurna Base Camp
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    10

    Down to Dobhan

    Virtually downhill all day today. Your legs will certainly know all about it as you descend steeply for much of the way to Dobhan (2540 m), and they'll likely also start to feel warm once more. The walking distance is 13.5 km, with a 1710m descent and just over 100m ascent. Around 5–6 hours of walking

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Dobhan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 10

    Down to Dobhan

    Virtually downhill all day today. Your legs will certainly know all about it as you descend steeply for much of the way to Dobhan (2540 m), and they'll likely also start to feel warm once more. The walking distance is 13.5 km, with a 1710m descent and just over 100m ascent. Around 5–6 hours of walking

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Dobhan
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    11

    To Chhomrong again

    Into the forest once more, past Bamboo and Sinuwa Hill Top, and then a descent to the Chhomrong Khola. A sting in the tail as you then have to ascend to Chhomrong itself. The walking distance is almost 14.5 km, with 430 m of ascent and 710 m of descent over 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 11

    To Chhomrong again

    Into the forest once more, past Bamboo and Sinuwa Hill Top, and then a descent to the Chhomrong Khola. A sting in the tail as you then have to ascend to Chhomrong itself. The walking distance is almost 14.5 km, with 430 m of ascent and 710 m of descent over 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    12

    To the roadhead and transfer to Pokhara

    “Down and Out”. It’s an initial short ascent from Chommrong before descending sharply to Jhinu. The walking then becomes mostly downhill with the odd short bit of uphill as you walk past villages and cultivated terraces to reach a 4WD track in the lower Modi Khola at Syauli Bhatti. Here you’ll transfer to Pokhara (approx. 2–3 hours) by private vehicle, perhaps arriving late in the afternoon. Walking time is around 5 hours, with around 300 m of ascent and 1260 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel KarunaPokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 12

    To the roadhead and transfer to Pokhara

    “Down and Out”. It’s an initial short ascent from Chommrong before descending sharply to Jhinu. The walking then becomes mostly downhill with the odd short bit of uphill as you walk past villages and cultivated terraces to reach a 4WD track in the lower Modi Khola at Syauli Bhatti. Here you’ll transfer to Pokhara (approx. 2–3 hours) by private vehicle, perhaps arriving late in the afternoon. Walking time is around 5 hours, with around 300 m of ascent and 1260 m of descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel KarunaPokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY
    13

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu a private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: 
    Breakfast

    DAY 13

    Fly to Kathmandu

    A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu a private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: 
    Breakfast

    DAY
    14

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    DAY 14

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1425

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers,private overland travel, internal flights as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits and fees, and a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licenced.

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips.

extend. shorten. upgrade

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips to Nepal.

extend. shorten. upgrade

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