Poon Hill Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Early morning, transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport and fly to Pokhara. Then, drive along the zigzag route to Nayapul where we commence our trek to Birethanti, a large and prosperous riverside village at the confluence of the Modi and Bhurungdi Kholas (streams). We hike up to Sudame along the off road and then climb gradually up the side of the valley, Tikhedhunga.

After breakfast, our pleasant trekking begins through rhododendron and oak forests. The scenery will give you the energy to continue up the steps as you immerse yourself in the walk. After a few hours and with several breaks we reach Ghorepani. Upper Ghorepani (Deurali) where we stay in this trip, offers fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himalayas.

Make a pre-dawn start for the 45 minute walk up Poon hill (3,210m/10,530ft); through rhododendron forest. From the grassy top of the hill there is an unobstructed panoramic view of the high Himalayas stretching from far western Dolpo, and Dhaulagiri (8,172m/26,812ft), the Annapurna Range in the north, including Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail) and on to Manaslu (8,163m/26,783ft) in the northeast. To the south, the mist slowly rises from the flatlands towards India. After countless photographs, walk back to Ghorepani for breakfast.

The eastward trail to Tadapani crosses numerous ridges through thick pine and rhododendron forest with occasional flat sections and wonderful views of the snow peaks to the north from high ground.

The trail turns north to Chiule before dropping to cross the Kimrong Khola on a suspension bridge and then gradually climbs into the forested Modi Khola Valley that carries glacial melt waters from the Annapurna Sanctuary. After lunch at the Gurung village of Talung, undulate for another 1½hrs, sometimes on stair cases up to the charming agricultural village of Chhomrong: the largest settlement in the valley. Views of the upper valley plus Annapurna South and Himal Chuli gradually come into view.
Overnight in Chhomrong at Lodge.

After breakfast, the trail drops to cross the Chhomrong Khola and then ascends to the pretty village of Sinuwa. Thereafter the trail enters the upper Modi Khola Valley through dense forests of cane, rhododendron and oak. It rises then drops to the village of Bamboo (2,310m/7,580ft) on the banks of the river: a prefect lunch spot. After lunch, continue up through uninhabited forest to Dobhan, later crossing several avalanche chutes before reaching the small village of Himalaya Hotel.

As the altitude increases, forest gives way to alpine scrub and grasses. The valley walls steepen with the river raging far below. Explore the cave at Hinku before crossing a ravine and major avalanche track prior to reaching Deorali (3,230m/10,598ft). Breathtaking views into the sacred Annapurna Sanctuary gradually appear as the trail heads over a ridge and climbs to the Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m/12,136ft). Another two hours slow walk up grassy slopes leads to the Annapurna Base Camp hotels on the Annapurna South glacial moraine: some 3,900m/12,800ft beneath the peaks crowning the surrounding ice walls.
Overnight in ABC at Lodge.

Rise before dawn and climb onto the rim of the glacier for a photographic feast as the sun lights up the ring of peaks, the almost vertical ice walls around the valley, then the glacier in its U-shaped gorge: grinding relentlessly below your feet. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then retrace your steps on the easier down-trail as far as the quaint village of Sinuwa.
Overnight in Sinuwa at Lodge

Today will be a long day, as you drop back down the valley to Taglung and then continue south, following the Modi Khola, to the prosperous village of Ghandruk. Northern views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare are in view along the route. The trail then drops through several villages as it returns to Nayapul: and the bus back to Pokhara.

After breakfast transfer to Pokhara Tourist Bus Station 07:15am reproting and 07:30am drive back to Kathmandu This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet north east of Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu 02:30 to 03:00pm.