Adventure AsiaAI-assisted
Nepal12 daysGroup 2-16

Annapurna Base Camp via Ghorepani & Poon Hill — 12 Days

Phedi to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and return via Ghandruk and Poon Hill (3,195m), 12 days on foot through the Annapurna Sanctuary

This 12-day trek begins at Phedi, roughly 45 minutes by road from Pokhara, and follows a well-established route into the Annapurna Sanctuary, reaching the base camp at 4,130m beneath the southern face of the Annapurna massif. The approach passes through Gurung, Magar, and Thakali villages — communities whose stone-paved trails, terraced fields, and teahouse culture define the character of this corridor — before ascending through rhododendron ridges and bamboo forest into the high-altitude amphitheater enclosed by Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhare. The return route diverges from the ascent, looping through Ghandruk and climbing to Tadapani before reaching Ghorepani and the pre-dawn ascent of Poon Hill (3,195m), where the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are visible along a broad horizon at sunrise. A built-in rest day at Himalaya Hotel (2,850m) allows acclimatization before the final push into the Sanctuary. Throughout, accommodation is in teahouses along the trail, with a private vehicle transfer covering the Pokhara–Phedi and Nayapul–Pokhara legs. The full itinerary is supported by a Sherpa guide and porters, with ACAP permit and TIMS card fees included.

Best time to go: Sept-Nov & Mar- May

Highlights

  • Trek to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m, with panoramic views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhare
  • Pre-dawn ascent of Poon Hill (3,195m) for sunrise views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
  • Entry into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a high-altitude cirque enclosed by a continuous wall of snow-capped peaks
  • Passage through Hinku Cave on the ascent to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m)
  • Rest and acclimatization day at Himalaya Hotel (2,850m) before ascending into the Sanctuary
  • Walk through traditional Gurung villages of Dhampus, Landrung, and Ghandruk, with views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
  • Views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Peak) from Chhomrong (2,100m) and again on the descent
  • Teahouse stop at Jhinu hot springs before ascending to Chhomrong
  • Varied terrain on the ascent: rhododendron ridges, bamboo forest, stone stairways, and moraines via Khuldigar, Bamboo, and Dovan
  • Descent from Ghorepani through Ulleri and Birethanti, including a steep 3,767-step stone section down to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola
  • Views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare from the Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940m)
  • Ascent through dense rhododendron forest to Tadapani, a ridge vantage point for Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare
  • Trek starting from Phedi — approximately 45 minutes by road from Pokhara — keeping the approach logistics straightforward

Day by day

1Phedi to Dhampus (1,700m): Road Transfer and First AscentPhedi to Dhampus · Dhampus · Pokhara to Phedi
A private vehicle transfers trekkers from Pokhara to Phedi, the trail's starting point, approximately 45 minutes by road. From Phedi, the route ascends steadily uphill through increasingly open terrain, passing roadside teahouses along the way. After roughly three hours of walking, the trail arrives at Dhampus, a Gurung village at 1,700m that serves as the first overnight stop. Accommodation is in a teahouse.
2Dhampus to Landrung (1,550m): Modi Khola Valley and Gurung VillagesLandrung · Pothana · Deorali
The trail narrows as it moves through Pothana and climbs to Deorali, a vantage point on the east side of the Modi Khola valley with the Annapurna Sanctuary visible in the distance. The descent continues for approximately four hours in total, arriving at Landrung — a Gurung settlement at 1,550m from which Annapurna South and Hiunchuli are visible to the north. Overnight in a teahouse.
3Landrung to Chhomrong: Bamboo Forest and Suspension Bridge TrekLandrung · Chhomrong · suspension bridge · Jhinu · Daaulu
From Landrung, the route climbs along stone-paved mountain paths, passing through a village before crossing a suspension bridge into dense bamboo forest. The sense of isolation here is profound—a quieter section of the trail before reaching the teahouses at Jhinu, where most trekkers pause for refreshment. From Jhinu, the path resumes northward, descending through Daaulu before the final approach to Chhomrong, a five-hour day overall. At 2,100m, Chhomrong commands an impressive view of Machhapuchhare. The settlement clusters with chalet-style wooden lodges, each offering meals and beds. Overnight in a teahouse.
4Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel (2,850m): Rhododendron Ridges, Bamboo, and Modi Khola CrossingChhomrong · Himalaya Hotel · Modi Khola · rhododendron-covered ridge · Khuldigar, Bamboo, and Dovan
Leaving Chhomrong via the Chhomrong Khola crossing, the trail climbs steep stone steps before traversing a rhododendron-covered ridge. The route passes through Khuldigar, Bamboo, and Dovan over approximately five hours, crossing the Modi Khola along the way. The day ends at Himalaya Hotel at 2,850m. Annapurna and Machhapuchhare remain visible throughout the ascent. Overnight in a teahouse.
5Rest Day at Himalaya Hotel (2,850m): AcclimatizationHimalaya Hotel
A full rest day at Himalaya Hotel (2,850m) allows for acclimatization before the higher sections of the Sanctuary approach. Overnight in a teahouse.
6Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m): Hinku Cave and Sanctuary EntryMachhapuchhare Base Camp · Hinku Cave · Annapurna Sanctuary
The ascent from Himalaya Hotel follows a steep, zigzagging stone path that passes through Hinku Cave before opening into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a high-altitude cirque enclosed by Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and the distinctive spire of Machhapuchhare. Several lodges are located at Deorali and Bagar along the way. After three to four hours of walking, the route reaches Machhapuchhare Base Camp, a grassy moraine platform at 3,700m, where a range of lodges provides food and accommodation. Overnight in a teahouse.
7Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and Return to Himalaya HotelAnnapurna Base Camp · Himalaya Hotel
A two-hour walk from Machhapuchhare Base Camp leads to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m, situated beneath the southern face of the massif with close views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhare. After time at the base camp, the route retraces back down to Himalaya Hotel for the night. Overnight in a teahouse.
8Modi Khola Valley to Chomrong: Through Rhododendron and Bamboo ForestModi Khola · Chomrong
The day's trek follows forested ridges across cloud-snaring hills before descending across a rock-strewn area toward the riverbed of Kali Gandaki—the world's deepest river gorge and a significant biogeographical boundary between Eastern and Western avifauna. From here, the trail climbs along the Modi Khola, passing through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo as it traverses the lower Annapurna range. After five hours of trekking, you reach Chomrong at 2,100 metres. The settlement offers prominent views of Machhapuchhare, while its characteristic chalet-style wooden lodges provide meals and shelter. Overnight in a teahouse.
9Chhomrong to Ghandruk (1,940m): Khumnu Khola Crossing and Gurung VillageChhomrong to Ghandruk · Ghandruk · Khumnu Khola
From Chhomrong, the return route diverges toward Ghorepani rather than retracing directly to Phedi. The trail skirts through flatland, forest, and terraced fields before reaching a suspension bridge over the Khumnu Khola. Crossing into Ghandruk — a three-to-four-hour walk — the route enters a Gurung village at 1,940m with clear views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare. Ghandruk has several hotels and teahouses. Overnight in a teahouse.
10Ghandruk to Banthanti (2,410m): Rhododendron Forest and Tadapani ViewpointGhandruk · Banthanti · Tadapani
The trail leaves Ghandruk's terraced fields and climbs steeply through dense rhododendron forest to Tadapani, a ridge viewpoint with clear sightlines to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare. The walk continues to Banthanti at 2,410m, approximately three hours in total. Overnight in a teahouse.
11Banthanti to Ghorepani via Deorali PassBanthanti to Ghorepani via Deorali Pass · Ghorepani · Deorali
From Banthanti, sharp trails lead upward through rhododendron forest toward Deorali at 3,100m, where snow-capped peaks emerge above green vegetation and rich plant life. The path descends through cultivated fields and settlement areas. After approximately three hours of walking, you reach Ghorepani at 2,880m. Multiple lodges provide food and accommodation. Overnight at a teahouse.
12Poon Hill (3,195m) Sunrise, Descent via Ulleri and Birethanti, Drive to PokharaPoon Hill · Ulleri · Birethanti · Pokhara · Ghorepani · Ulleri to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola · Nayapul to Pokhara
The day begins with an early ascent to Poon Hill (3,195m), a well-known viewpoint above Ghorepani from which Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and the full arc of the Annapurna range are visible at sunrise. After returning to Ghorepani, the trail descends toward Nayapul via Birethanti, passing through dense forest and the village of Ulleri. A notably steep section of 3,767 stone steps leads down from Ulleri to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola. Forty minutes beyond Birethanti, the trail reaches the main road, from where trekkers can access transportation back to Pokhara. The evening is free in Pokhara.

Where you go

Map: Annapurna Base Camp via Ghorepani & Poon Hill — 12 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Phedi to Dhampus
  2. 2Dhampus
  3. 3Landrung
  4. 4Pothana
  5. 5Deorali
  6. 6Landrung
  7. 7Chhomrong
  8. 8Jhinu
  9. 9Chhomrong
  10. 10Himalaya Hotel
  11. 11Modi Khola
  12. 12Himalaya Hotel
  13. 13Machhapuchhare Base Camp
  14. 14Hinku Cave
  15. 15Annapurna Sanctuary
  16. 16Annapurna Base Camp
  17. 17Himalaya Hotel
  18. 18Modi Khola
  19. 19Ghandruk
  20. 20Khumnu Khola
  21. 21Ghandruk
  22. 22Banthanti
  23. 23Tadapani
  24. 24Ghorepani
  25. 25Deorali
  26. 26Birethanti
  27. 27Pokhara
  28. 28Ghorepani

Included

  • Pokhara to Dhampus (Trek starting point by private car).
  • 11 days Tea House trek to Annapurna Base Camp, as specified in the above itinerary on full board basis (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner).
  • Sherpa guide and Sherpa porters for the Trek portion.
  • All the surface transfers in the above itinerary with private vehicle.
  • Equipments, clothing’s for porter.
  • Prevailing government taxes, ACAP fee, Tims card fee.

Not included

  • Price Excludes
  • Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.
  • Expenses on alcoholic /non-alcoholic beverage. Camera fees, telephone & laundry bills.
  • Any kind of insurances and any extra cost arise during the trip due to the natural calamities.
  • Political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the reach of Venture Travel.
  • Any other services which are not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.
  • Hotel to airport transfer in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Kodari to Kathmandu, transfer by private vehicle.

Activities: TREKING, HIKING

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