Best Season
Jan to May & Aug to Dec
Trip Duration
13 Nights
14 Days
Trip Difficulty
Medium
Accommodation
Hotels in cities & Lodges during the Trek
Max. Elevation
4,130m
(13,550ft)
Trip Highlights
- Spectacular view of eight-thousands Dhaulagiri (8,176m), Manalsu (,8156m) & Annapurna (8,091m)
- Vast and blood-red rhododendron forest
- Dazzling sunrise view on the silver mountains making them golden.
- Mesmerizing greenery and beautiful landscape
- Picturesque Gurung village of Ghandruk with a calm and tranquil environment.
- The unique and rich culture of the different indigenous groups such as Magar, Gurung, and Thakali
- Trek into the heart of the Annapurnas, surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and more.
- Heavenly and triumphant feeling once you reach the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
- A rewarding hot bath out in nature at the end of the trek to wash of your exhaustion.
- Beautiful lake city of Pokhara.
One of the best treks in the world
Tour Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill Trek (4,130 m) is Nepal’s one of the most popular trekking destinations in the conservation area where one gets to experience the majestic view including the authentic lifestyle of ‘Magar & Gurung’ ethnic group.
This oldest and the most famous trekking trail embarks from the place known as Nayapool, Kaski’ which will lead trekkers through the Rhododendron forest, alpine forests, rivers & rivulets, waterfalls, village settings, and farmlands towards an altitude of 4,130m. Stay over at the native Gurung community who are famed for their hospitality and recognized for their culture and cuisines. Nevertheless, The scenic sight of the snow-capped Himalayas and mountains like Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna ranges throughout the journey.
After your arrival in Kathmandu, the trip begins by flying to Pokhara and driving to Nayapul. Your trek will start as soon as you reach Nayapul. You will walk 6-7 hours daily and stay in local lodges in Gurung villages of Tirkhedhunga (1,540 m), Ghorepani (2,860), Tadapani (2,680), Chhomrong (2,170), Dovan (2,590), Deurali (32,00 m), and Annapurna Base camp (4,130 m).
‘Poon Hill’ is one of the best crests to observe and witness the real beauty of the Western Himalayas. It does not matter if you are local or tourist, we can be sure that is listed on the majority of a travelers bucket list, so are you going to embark on a magical journey?
The trail is possible to access during any season throughout the year which distinguishes it from any other treks in Nepal. Mostly busy during spring (April – June), the season of rhododendrons, flora, and fauna is mistically appealing and marked as the best season of Nepal to travel for clear skies, mountain views. For those who admire snow, winter is the perfect season. In the winter (January – March) seasons perfect mountain views can be seen from an altitude above 3,000m.
During summer (July – September) after the monsoon starts, trekking could be daunting, however, for the people who have enough time and endurance, love adventure, wilderness this season can be the best time to trek. During fall (October – December) after the downpour sky is cleared and the mountain views will for sure serve as a feast for the entire lifetime.
Trip Itineraries are customizable according to your choice & the number of days you want to stay.
Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
If you have an early arrival, you may stroll around the hippest and happening area in Thamel, where you can find restaurants with varieties of cuisine to dine.
This first night in the country, you will be staying in Kathmandu.
Preparation and Sightseeing in Kathmandu (UNESCO Site)
Have a well-rested night at Kathmandu before heading off to the mountains. (You can dump the stuff you do not want during the trek at the hotel or our office store.)
Fly/Drive to Pokhara and trek to Tirkhedhunga
Trek alongside Bhurungdi River and enjoy the serene nature and beautiful countryside, in around two hours you will reach a small village named Hile (1,505m) with a few tea houses and restaurants. Finally, around 45 minutes of uphill walk will take you to the rest point of the day, Tikhedhunga (1,540m). You can unload your backpacks, freshen-up, unwind yourself sipping hot beverages of your choice whilst enjoying the gorgeous mountain views and surroundings. In the late evening, it is always fun to sit around the dining area heated by a firewood heater and share the experiences with fellow travelers. It can be fun up until late at night but it is suggested to have an early night to wear off the exhaustion and start fresh to climb some steep stairs the next day.
Trek to Ghorepani
If you are traveling in spring, you will be awestruck by the blooming colorful, and colossal Rhododendron. You will stay at Banthanti for a while and have your lunch. You still have some hours of walking to do before the rest point so keep moving. After Banthanti you will gradually see the changes in the scenery, you will start noticing less trees and that’s when you reach Nangethanti (2,510m). You will be just an hour away from this day’s rest point once you reach Nangethanti, walk through the wilderness, and before noon you will be welcomed to Ghorepani (2882m) by the big blue gate that says “WELCOME TO GHOREPANI”. Enjoy the rest of the evening looking around or just sitting at one of the rooftop restaurants with a drink of your choice. However, go to bed early to wake up before dawn the next day to witness the mesmerizing first light on the mountains.
Early in the morning Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
Almost an hour of the hike up the hill will take you to Poon hill, (3,210m) the highest altitude of the trail and the prize for your trekking adventure. Wake up really early to catch the sunrise. Leave your backpacks back at the teahouse; take your phone and camera with you because you would want to take that perfect shot of the sun rising above the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Spend some time at Poonhill during these magical hours. Sit back, relax and watch the silver mountains looking golden due to the warm morning light, click photos and videos, make the best memories in this heavenly backdrop. You will then get back to the teahouse, have breakfast and walk through beautiful houses on the stone-paved paths of Ghorepani village, and head towards Tadapani (2,680m).
The distance is around 10 km. You will pass through Deurali (2,983m). Some steep stairs ahead but once you finish climbing them you will be walking along with the mountain views right in front of your eyes. Stop by for lunch at the highest point in Deurali and continue to hike mostly downhill now. Once again you will cross through the forest full of birds on rhododendron, oak and pine trees at Banthanti (2,651m), in the month of March – April. You will get to see the forest light up with flowers blooming all over. For those traveling in other months, the forest provides good shades. (The month of December – February might bring snowfall in these areas and the trial might get slippery, so taking crampons with you will be wise) Descend through the stream at most of the way after the last up pass through the village in Banthanti in no time you will be reaching Tadapani, our rest place for the day. At Tadapani you can loosen up and spend the rest of the evening enjoying the view of the sun getting low. It is one of the perfect places to enjoy the mountain views and appreciate the beauty of it. You can clearly view Annapurna South, Huichuli, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal.
Trek to Chhomrong
Valleys, Mountains, terraced farmlands, villages, and the unique vegetation that can be only seen in the high hills like this. For lunch, you will stop by Ghurjung, famous as the place with no mountain views. Almost 5-6 hours of trek will take you to your destination for today. You can unload your bags, freshen up, get in comfy clothes and enjoy the view from the rest house until dusk. An early dinner followed by early bedtime is strongly recommended.
Trek to Dovan
The lunch stop for today will be Sinuwa (2,300m), this place is famous for wild honey. You can buy some of those from the lodges that have honeycombs hanging outside. Post lunch at this village of honey hunters, your journey continues through the bamboo forest to the village called bamboo (2,300 m). About an hour of uphill and downhill, mostly uphill will take you to Dovan, the finish point for the day.
Trek to Deurali
The more you walk, the more you gain altitude, so drink enough water and walk slowly.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
This amazing 360 view of the mountains is the takeaway of this adventure trek. Spend time enjoying the heavenly view, high and snow-covered mountains around the base camp taking as many pictures as you want for good memories of this amazing trekking experience. You will be staying at one of the lodges at ABC, so you will have enough time to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas from the base camp.
Trek down to Bamboo
Crossing the avalanche-prone area at the Himalaya (2,900m) and the rhododendron forest at Dovan (2,590m) you will reach your guesthouse for the day. Bamboo, as the name suggests, is surrounded by bamboo trees. The place is also famous for wild honey hunting.
Trek down Jhinu Danda
Once you reach Chhomrong the trail descends down to Modi Khola Valley and to the tea house for the day at Jhinu Danda. After reaching Jhinu Danda and sorting out the rooms and bags, get your bathing suit out for a relaxing hot bath. Around 25 minutes’ walk down along the bank of Modi River, you will find two hot spring pools and water taps. Enjoy the relaxing time at the hot spring and wash away the exhaustion of the trek.
Trek to Siwei/Landruk and drive to Pokhara
Fly/ Drive to Kathmandu
Once you reach Kathmandu you will check-in at a nice hotel around the Thamel area. In the evening you can stroll around for souvenir shopping, drinks, and dinner. Walking around Thamel and nearby areas for shopping and self-exploring the narrow streets of this tourist hub is a good idea to spend your evening in Kathmandu.
Final Departure
Trekkers Paradise hopes to take you on another exciting trek soon.
Includes
- All necessary airport arrival departure as per the itinerary.
- 3 night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Pokhara on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- Kathmandu Sightseeing by professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Private transportation for sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Flight/ ground transport from Kathmandu – Pokhara- Kathmandu for clients and guide.
- Transportation from Pokhara – Nayapul – Pokhara ground transportation
- 3 meals a day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in the itinerary
- Boiled water during the trek.
- Accommodation during the trekking on twin sharing basis in guesthouses.
- Professional government license holder English speaking trekking guide and his salary.
- The required number of porters to carry the luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests)
- Annapurna Conservation area permit (ACAP)
- Trekking Permit (TIMS)
- Farewell dinner.
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All government and local taxes.
- Trekkers Paradise’s appreciation of certificate after the successful trek.
- Insurance for Nepali staff.
Excludes
- International airfare to/ from Nepal.
- Nepal Entry Visa Fees for multiple Entries on arrival at Tribhuwan Internationa Airport- (15 days – $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Insurance covers, medical, emergency evacuation, loss, etc.
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee), extra porters, etc
- Hot shower during the trekking.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landslide, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
Train Yourself
Qualification/Training
Best physical condition is required to trek in Nepal’s high altitude. Without some pre-trek training or a good level of basic fitness, it can be hard. We suggest running, walking, hiking on the hill, climbing stairs rather than elevators to prepare for the trek. Include swimming, rowing, biking in your daily base training.
Basic further experience and strength required for Trekking
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- One should be able to hike for 6-7 hours a day.
- One should be able to carry 8 kg themselves on a backpack for preparation.
- We suggest you run about 4/5 miles in the home for the preparation with some load on your back for 2 to 3 months to make your climbing much easier. Or use treadmill for everyday running and walking.
- If you have an uphill location/mountain then once a week you should go hiking with a loaded bag pack on your back. If you do not have mountains and high hills then use stairs to go up/down than the elevator.
- Regular swimming, biking, rowing is also a good way to maintain your physical strength.
Safety precaution for Everest Base Camp
Aside from geographical protection, Trekkers Paradise has taken safety in following things to make travel as safe as possible making the most out of it without any worry!
- Our guides have received extensive wilderness first-aid training.
- Trek leaders and guides have years of trekking experience who can help you if there is any kind of uneasiness and assure happiness & satisfaction are guaranteed.
- We’ll have High-quality masks & Gloves with sanitizers for everyday use throughout the journey for the Trekkers Paradise team assisting you.
- Encouragement and inspiration can be a regular occurrence.
- Food and accommodation in the mountains would be rechecked for additional hygiene.
The meals during the trek
Our trek takes us to high altitudes near the world’s highest point, which means your body will need enough starch, protein, and nutrition, as food is the body’s fuel for hiking on such massive Himalayan trails. The food on this trek is very convenient, but not as convenient as it is in cities.
There will be Breakfasts, Lunch, Dinners, Tea & coffee will be provided in the trek. The popular menu items are:-
Breakfasts – (Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, and Honey Tibetan bread or Chapati Local tsampa porridge, Hashed brown eggs, Varieties of eggs (Omelets) Pancakes Muesli Breads Fruits and Vegetables Hot drinks like varieties of teas and coffees Hot chocolates, etc)
Lunch – (Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari (Dal Bhat power 24 hours) Tibetan Bread Various Soups items Sherpa Stew Steaks Sandwiches Momo (dumplings) Macaroni dishes Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles Thukpa Pasta Vegetable curry Potatoes items Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed) Snakes (Papad, Prawn) Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc)
Dinners – ( Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari Tibetan Bread Various Soups items Sherpa Stew Steaks Sandwiches Momo (dumplings) Macaroni dishes Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles Thukpa Pasta Vegetable curry Potatoes items Vegetable and salad Pizza (, Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed) Snacks (Papad, Prawn) Pokada, finger chips, etc.
Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc.) are available on the menu during the trek.
The best items from the lodge’s menu are fresh, hygienic, delicious, and nutritious. Almost everywhere on the menu, there is a mix of typical local, Asian, and western cuisine, but as we get closer, the menu list will be shortened. We highly recommend liquids green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup, etc. at high altitude and also the fresh vegetable items for health benefit.
Accommodation details during the Trek
11 days Everest base camp trek includes eleven night’s lodge to lodge stay at a mountain and four nights in Kathmandu hotel, where we use the best available lodge and select the best accommodation in the Everest region. We provide five nights room with attached bathroom at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, six nights standard room at Debuche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Pheriche (Generally twin Sharing room)
Four nights of Hotels in Kathmandu before and after the trek is required which is included in the package.
Passport and Visa
All foreigners except Indian nationals must have a valid visa to enter Nepal. Visa is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport upon entry in Kathmandu, Nepal, and at Nepal borders of India and Tibet. Visa can be easily extended to the central immigration office. www.immigration.gov.np Visa application requires a passport with at least 6 months until expiration and one passport size photo.
The current cost of a visa for 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD, and 90 Days – 125 (to be paid in cash) Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. Other nationalities should check entry requirements. Visitors are requested to specify return flight tickets, time intended to stay in Nepal.
Visa Extension Fee: Tourist visa extension is done for a minimum of 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days. In the case of a delay of less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as of late fine.
Difficulties during Everest Base Camp Trek
- The trekking trail to the Everest Base Camp gets filthy during Monsoon.
- Cancellations of flight following bad weather and heavy snowfall
- Altitude sickness like nausea, breathing difficulties, and headache becomes common
- High-tech facilities like Wi-fi and ATM gets exorbitant at high lands like Namche Bazar
- Peak season gives rise to insufficiency of guest house and lodge in Everest
- Accommodations are of economic with no luxurious items and extra facilities
Join Some Extra Activates:
- A unique Mountain Flight to Mt. Everest
- White water rafting on Nepal’s famous rivers
- A romantic overnight stay in a mountain resort
- A cultural show, with dinner
- A traditional Nepali Luxury Dinner
- The most spectacular Bungee Jump on the Planet
