Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill - 10 Days

Trek Overview

Located in the misty valleys of the Annapurna and the high ridges, the Annapurna Base Camp from Poon Hill is a specialized trekking route that explores the valleys and settlements and offers a gradual ascent towards the high alpine lands of the Himalayas. An optimized trekking route of the original Annapurna Base Camp trek, which is focused on experiencing the very core ruralities of Nepal’s Himalayas. Protected and conserved under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the trek is one of the most blissful retreats.

Why Base Camp trek from Poon Hill?

The nature of travelling has always been about covering an area thoughtfully, not just passing through or reaching the destination. That became the sole reason for the popularity of trekking adventures in Nepal. A country mainly covered in high hills and mountains sheltered multiple native peoples of different castes, ethnicities, and cultures, showcasing the diversity. For this very reason, Nepal became the center of the traditional method of travelling on foot. Due to the vast ethnicity and native settlements spread across the country and regions, trekking from the lower elevation areas became the solution for covering these vast lands.

From the very beginning, trekking was meant to be done from lowlands with gradual ascent on high hills and ultimately to base camps and high passes. But with the growing development of roads, which destroyed such traditional footpaths, forced treks to be started from high altitudes or from near the destination. So, trekkers experience the same thrill; the Annapurna Base Camp trek was combined with the Poon Hill trek.

The trek takes you along the river valleys, with moderate uphill on Poon Hill and villages like Hile, Tikhedhunga, and Ulleri. A peaceful village nestled near the high mountains and rivers. With a panoramic view of the whole Annapurna Range from the old horse meadows and Poon Hill, the trek finally kicks off towards the high alpine lands of the Annapurna Region, with ridges surrounding the trail.

Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill in 2026/2027!

The Annapurna Base Camp from Poon Hill is one of the popular trekking routes and destinations for those seeking an adventurous, dynamic retreat in the Himalayas. The trek was meant to replicate the old ways of travelling to the Himalayas, from the river valleys to highland settlements, and a moderate hike to base camps. The route became successful as more young people preferred it, a journey not only about the destination but also about exploration.

Based on past statistical data on Visit Nepal projects in the Annapurna Region, except for circuit treks, the Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill was considered the top pick, and due to its high popularity, the route was conserved and kept off roads on major trails. So, the overall experience of the trek is satisfactory for those who love venturing into the depths of the Himalayas.

If you are wondering whether the trek is worth doing in 2026 or in the coming years, presently, all the village trails and local kindness remain frozen in time. Although the places may have seen several developments, what truly defines the journey of the Himalayas can be found in this very trek.

The seasonal Trek

The best time to do the Poon Hill trek with Annapurna Base Camp is during the peak of the tourism season in Nepal. Nepal experiences peak tourism twice a year, when major adventures are done due to favorable weather.  From early March to late June and from September to late December are considered the best times for trekking in Nepal. Why?

During this specific period, the climate of Nepal is suitable for most of the adventure activities, including trekking. For a successful ascent or pass, favorable weather plays a vital role, as does one’s physical condition. Weather determines your next step and one’s ability to take on a challenge as well. So, during these months, Nepal experiences the spring and autumn seasons. The perfect time is when it's neither cold nor too hot and there's a clean sky for the most visually pleasing mountain ranges. Let’s have a breakdown of seasonal experiences you may get in both seasons.

Seasonal Experience

March–May: Pre-monsoon (Spring season)

• Pleasant daytime temperatures make long walks comfortable.
• Clear skies provide wide, unobstructed views of Annapurna and surrounding peaks.
• Blooming alpine flowers add vibrant colors along the trail.
• Dry paths ensure safer and more stable trekking conditions.
• Spring festivities in villages bring cultural life and local warmth.

September–December: Post-monsoon (Autumn season)

• Post-monsoon air removes dust and haze, delivering excellent visibility.
• Comfortable humidity levels create ideal trekking conditions.
• Calm rivers and reduced landslide risk make routes safer.
• The season aligns with important festivals and harvest celebrations.
• Autumn transforms forests with shades of gold, red, and amber.

Since the trek is combined with Poon Hill, which requires excellent visibility of the whole mountain range and a safe trail to the base camp, the trek is best done in the season for the highest degree of satisfaction.

Trek difficulty

Nepal is a heaven, or the promised land, for adventure lovers. The geo-structure of Nepal rises gradually from the lowland of the Terai to the Himalayas, which gives opportunities for different intensities of adventure. A trek's difficulty is determined based on multiple factors: trail patterns, altitude reached, and the trekker’s self-capability. For a 10-day trek with a maximum altitude of 4130 m, it is categorized as an intermediate trek. Why?

Although the trek only reaches 4130 m in height, which is the same as the 7-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek, what makes such a contrasting difference in difficulty is the number of trekking days and a short hike to Poon Hill at an altitude of 3210 m. The trails are beginner-friendly along the river valleys for the most part but due to knee-breaking uphills in places like Ulleri, Tadapani, Chhomrong, and the MBC.

Accommodation and Food

Hotels and lodges differ based on region and distance from the nearest town. Also, trek popularity determines the quality of facilities. For popular trekking destinations like Poon Hill and the Annapurna Base Camp, where thousands of people visit year-round, the lodges are fully capable of providing satisfactory facilities. Although the mountain lodges of base camp may seem pale in comparison to the well-established hotels of Chhommrong, Ulleri, and Ghodepani, the lodges are still capable of providing warm food and shelter.

The mountain lodges and teahouses have a standard unspoken etiquette of facilitating two trekkers per room and a variety of foods and drinks from breakfast to dinner. Let’s have a breakdown on the quality of facilities.

Accommodation

• 1 room for 2 trekkers with two beds.
• Attached bathroom in the lower regions.
• Double quilts and blankets. (sleeping bag is recommended.)
• Separate dining hall with a built-in traditional heater.
• Warm shower in the valleys.

Foods

• Breakfast set and a variety of warm food for lunch and dinner.
• Different kinds of mountain teas and hard drinks. (Hard drinks are not recommended at high altitudes.)

Rooms and food may not compete with high-end hotels and restaurants, but a lodge on mountains far from the nearest market and town still provides comfortable places to spend nights and warm foods to keep the stomach full.

Highlights of the trek

Conserved under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the region is home to different animals and bird species. The Annapurna Conservation Area is rich in Himalayan wildlife and biodiversity. The region is home to iconic mammals such as the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and grey wolf. Smaller species like marmots, pikas, and martens are also commonly found along high-altitude trails.

Birdlife is equally impressive, with over 450 bird species recorded. Notable birds include the Himalayan monal (Nepal’s national bird), Satyr tragopan, koklass pheasant, lammergeier (bearded vulture), Himalayan griffon, golden eagle, alpine chough, and various laughingthrushes, thrushes, and finches. This diverse ecosystem makes the Annapurna region one of Nepal’s best destinations for wildlife observation and nature-focused trekking.

The Himalayas and valleys of Nepal are also home to diverse native settlements. The local communities of the mixed Magar and Gurung culture around the hills of Annapurna pose a significant value in the diversity and harmony of ethnicities in Nepal.

Alternate trekking options

5-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek – USD 345

The 5-day trek to Ghorepani is a beginner-friendly and popular trekking option for all ages. The trek circles the lower valleys of the Annapurna and includes a short hike to Poon Hill. Poon Hill is known for its captivating panoramic scene of the whole Annapurna Range, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Mardi Himal.

7-day Annapurna Base Camp – USD 465

The direct base camp trek is for those who want a short adventure trek without a round trip.

5-day Annapurna Base Camp – USD 399

An adventurous short trek to the 4130M base camp is recommended for those who are short on time but want to experience the Himalayas.  

Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal – USD 670

The base camp trek with Mardi Himal is a customized round trip similar to Poon Hill. The trek explores mostly the alpine lands from one base camp to another, increasing the difficulty of the trek.