Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill - 13 days

How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek?

ABC Trek and Ghorepani Poon Hill are considered moderately easy treks in Nepal. In short, even if you are a first-time hiker or fall under any age group, this adventure is an all-rounder trek catering to every enthusiastic individual.

The first half of this combined trip visits the Poon Hill trail with the straightforward track along some stairs with several ascents and descents, of course! But it wouldn’t be a big deal. It doesn’t have an uneven terrain or a leg-trembling long-duration hike; however, it can be a bit challenging on the very first day, as you have to ascend towards Ulleri with a stone staircase, with a continuous uphill trail, for 3-4 hours of hiking. If you have a basic level of fitness, then the distance coverage of 8 to 9 kilometres won't be an issue.

The second half goes for the Annapurna Base Camp trail after descending to Tadapani, where the trails consist of numerous up and downhills with some rugged, steep sections along the way. However, in the case of an inclined uphill walk, it is not difficult but surely demands some pre-preparation and a basic level of fitness. The terrains at the higher elevation pass through rough sections, whereas, after hitting above 3500 meters, you might feel the rise in altitude gain, with thinning air, so make sure to follow the preventive measures from the very beginning of the trip.

All in all, this Annapurna Sanctuary Trek falls under a moderate adventure which can be done by beginners, families, walking along with kids, with proper preparations and comprehensive packing essentials, matching all seasonal variations.

What is the risk of altitude sickness during this Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking?

Well! After crossing an elevation of over 3000 meters, altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is quite expected. Although the highest altitude that this trip, does reaches tends to be at 4130 meters, at the Annapurna Base Camp itself, the risk of AMS is relatively low. You might be concerned about why it is so.

Our 13-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill itinerary is set with a gradual ascent of only 200 to 300 meters per day, crafted by the pro expert team, where every day there is a significant rise in altitude, so we can gradually adapt to the rising elevation and ascend without facing the difficulty of AMS. Hence, the possibility of altitude sickness remains minimal, which is a major concern for every hiker, with slow and intellectual ascent, letting your body acclimate to such massive elevation gain.

Here are some of the preventive measures suggested you to follow, to avoid the risk of altitude sickness from the very beginning.

• Make sure to hydrate yourself with 3 litres of water per day, if possible. If that sounds too much, then have soupy food for lunch and dinner, which would help to nourish the body and avoid mouth dryness.
• If you are quite concerned or unsure about the AMS, then carry "Diamox" which alters the blood PH and increases respiratory rat, which is most effective for non-experienced hikers.
• Do not rush things and walk at your pace, slowly adjusting to elevation shift, if you feel any mild symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, nausea (feeling like vomiting and headache), dizziness (losing control or faintness), and most importantly, insomnia (feeling complete uneasy to get sleep) then, please inform the guide quickly as soon as possible. 
• Carrying ginger food items, such as dry ginger (found in markets) or ginger soup, makes the body warm and avoids the coldness of rising elevation.

When is the best time to do Poon Hill with ABC Trek?

The ideal seasonal span of the year, that which anyone can undertake this trek to the Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill in Nepal, is the whole year, as it is an all-seasonal hike. However, the best seasons are Spring (March-April) and Autumn (October-November). The weather blends perfectly with the climatic conditions, bringing a temperature condition to hike on with less precipitation, i.e. low rainfall, and snowfall. 

During the Spring, the whole Annapurna trail is adorned with blooming rhododendron forests with many other wildflowers such as snow lotus,  primula, and oaks that bring a thriving colour of red and pink to the otherwise boring landscape. Not only that, as it is the time of the plantation season in the Himalayas, the views become even more pleasant where locals are engaging in the vegetation process of many crops, offering a unique insight into the journey. 

Speaking about Autumn, the hike during these months provides a meaningful cultural insight as the main festivals of Dashain and Tihar fall in October and November, when visitors can truly learn about how such rich festivals are celebrated in the remote areas. Besides, due to the smaller amount of snow/rainfall, the skies become pretty clear with unhindered views of towering mountains and lovely green hills. 

Lastly, if these 2 seasons don't fit into your holiday date, then you can surely opt for winter, as many people love to do the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail in winter, somewhere between January and mid-December. The route becomes fascinating with snow-covered trails, perfect for someone who loves to build snowmen and also seeks a peaceful hike. Hence, the ABC Trek via Poon Hill can easily be done at any time of the year with proper planning and appropriate gear.

Meals and Accommodations 

There's no doubt that the Annapurna region tends to serve every trekker with the best yet basic cozy lodging facilities. As the expedition is within a remote area from the beginning, the tea houses are simple but comfortable enough to accommodate.

In the lower areas, some rooms with attached washrooms and single bedrooms are quite manageable; however, moving to the upper trails crossing the Tadapan, the washrooms must be shared among all. It is impossible to manage the attached one in the upper section. Every room is hygienic and well-maintained, where comfortable mattresses, blankets, and pillows will be provided. 

For the food, the meal options consist of a variety of choices from Western, Indian, and Asian to local. This region caters to all the tastes and preferences of hikers across the globe. You just have to choose it, and it'll be prepared accordingly by the locals, considering your selection.

Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill package covers all the meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with drinks such as tea, coffee, or anything you wish to have, and the lodges along the trekking trail, including 3-star-rated hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu at the same time.

What permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp with Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking?

To do this combined trail, there are two permits required: firstly, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and secondly, the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card), as this trail navigates through the protected area from the very beginning till the end. The permits can be obtained either from Pokhara or Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office. After soon, your booking is confirmed with us, the required permits and the paperwork will be arranged by us, soon after.

For this trek, you'll require the following permits mentioned below:

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) costs approximately NPR 3000 per person, i.e. nearly $27 for internationals, whereas for the SAARC nationals, the price is relatively low, costing around NPR 2000, i.e USD 18.
• TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) costs around NPR 2000 for all foreign nationals - $ 18.

Do I need Travel Insurance for this trip?

Although this ABC with Poon Hill Trek exceeds the height of over 4000 meters, travel insurance isn’t mandatory. Meanwhile, you can include it on your must-do list for this expedition to secure your safety, and you can also hike along the trail without any problem, thinking about what would happen. What situations might occur? 

We are not saying that this Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is a dangerous trip, or that there is a high risk of altitude sickness, as such critical situations are quite low, but it is suggested just for safety, as the emergency medical services might cost thousands of dollars. Having an insurance policy that covers medical bills and helicopter evacuation helps a lot for you and us as well to manage the air evacuation (rare case) as soon as possible.

Essential Tips for Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trekking: Good to Know before the trip

1. Credit Cards and ATM services aren't accessible except in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghorepani, and Tadapani, so make sure to do money exchange in the city area. If you have Dollars, Euros, and IC (Indian Currency) then you are good to go; otherwise, carry Nepali rupees, estimating the daily personal expenses.
2. Carry a waist-small backpack that fits all the basic items, such as gadgets, chargers, cash, medicines, and snacks, even if you hire a porter for emergency purposes and quick access.
3. If possible, try to bring an extra power bank to charge up the phone and camera, as some tea houses don't have electric sockets in the room. Yes! It is available in the dining area, but you have to pay $4-$5, depending on the charging hour.
4. Before starting the hike, create a proper diet chart in one notebook, mentioning your dietary plans and also foods that you are allergic to, so the meals are prepared accordingly.
5. For the WiFi, laundry facility, hot shower, and bottled water, the extra costs are charged by the tea house, so carry some cash if you need some extra services, like $5-$10 per day, depending on your spending.
6. Even though there are several tea houses along the trail, it goes triple the price up there. Buy quick snacks to grab in between the trek, such as granola bars, protein chocolates, Snickers, and instant noodles to munch in.
7. Do not miss out on bringing an oximeter (to check the oxygen level) and Aqua tabs to purify the water; although it is safe to drink, it is always better to do prevention rather than cure.- will be provided by us. 

Ready to join us? Sign up now with the Safe Booking Procedure!

Every itinerary of ours is tailored to ensure that it fits your budget and time duration. Our Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek package is surely an opportunity that you don't want to miss. Hey! If you want to customise the package according to your timeframe and, of course, budget, then feel free to talk with us.

For the booking confirmation, you just need to deposit 10% of the total cost that has been mentioned above. Send us your passport photocopy and 2 photos, then you are just a few steps away from setting your footprint on the Annapurna Himalaya. For special group discounts or any clarification, you can contact us 24/7 at the mentioned details- Whatsapp/Viber +977 9851016914 or +977 985114681,4, email at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.