Annapurna Base Camp via Poonhill Trekking Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Nepal you are probably researching which trek to go on. We chose ABC (Annapurna base camp) trek as the scenery goes from tropical to alpine and the costs of the trek are considerably lower than Everest Base Camp.
Our itinerary:
Day 1: Taxi or Bus from Pokhara to Nayapul
Trek from Nayapul to Ulleri (2100m) 5 to 6 hours walking.
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2850) 5 to 6 hrs walking.
Day 3: Morning, trek to Poon hill (3210m) trek to Tadapani (2600m) 6 to 7 hours walking.
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Chomrong (2340m) 5 to 6 hours walking.
Day 5: Trek from Chomrong to Deurali (3230m) 5 to 6 hours walking.
Day 6: Trek from Deurali to ABC (4130m) 4 to 5 hours walking.
Day 7: Trek ABC to Bamboo (2310m) 6 to 7 hours walking.
Day 8: Trek Bamboo to Jhinu (1780m) 4 to 5 hours walking.
Day 9: Trek Jhinu (Hot Springs) to Siwai – 4 to 5 hours walk – Siwai Jeep or Bus back to Pokhara
To reach Annapurna base camp it takes around 6 to 12 days depending on fitness levels and adjusting to the altitude. We trekked to Poonhill too which added 3 days to our trek, the entire trek took us 9 days.
Guide/porter or not?
We decided to go without a guide or porter, we found the trail easy to follow and it was well sign posted and there is always a local around to ask if you’re unsure. Secondly if you are someone who has never trekked before or are a bit worried you can hire a guide for $20 – $30 a day.
If you are concerned about carrying too much you can hire a Porter for around $15-$20 a day. However most guesthouses/hotels have a luggage lock up so you can leave your stuff there.
Where to stay?
Along the trail you’ll go through lots of little settlements which all have tea houses to stay in, we always found it very easy to find a room. If you have a guide they will offer to run ahead to secure you a bed for the night. Sometimes in peak season it can get busier in October to January because of this you might end up having to share a room.
Costs
We found the Poonhill part of the trek to be cheaper, as our accommodation was free if we ate dinner and breakfast. Additionally WiFi, charging and hot shower were all included.
We found as we started to go up the Annapurna trail additional costs were added on for room, WiFi, hot shower and charging. On average we were spending 1000 to 1500 rupees each a day.
Room – 100 to 250 rupees (but always ask if they can include
room if you eat dinner and breakfast)
Hot shower – 100 to 300 rupees (300 at base camp)
WiFi – 50 to 150 rupees
Charging – 50 to 100 rupees
Where to eat?
There are plenty of restaurants and tea houses to stop for food along the trail to stop for lunch. You’ll usually eat at your guest house for breakfast and dinner.
You’ll find all the menus are the same as the government approves the menu in the region, prices will go up a little bit each time the higher you get.
We found the food to be quite good! Dal Bhat is always a favourite and you get refills – Dal Bhat power 24 hour!
When to go?
Mid September to Mid December– is the best time to go, for blue skies, good views and moderate temperatures.
March to May – This is the second best time to go, because there are often blue skies and good views but sometimes hazy in May.
June to August – This is monsoon season – the trail will be quiet but it can also be slippery and have lots of leeches.
December to February – Clear skies but mornings can be
foggy. Snow is possible at higher altitudes and it is getting freezing at
night.
What to pack?
It’s important to pack light for you trip, if you are carrying your own bag, lightweight trekking gear can help reduce the weight!
It’s also recommended to break in your trekking boots before you go, nobody wants to be trekking with blisters for 10 days!
Some people take a sleeping bag but we found the blankets in the tea houses sufficient.
Our trekking packing list:
- Hiking Boots
- Trekking Trousers
- Breathable T-Shirt
- Fleece
- Hiking Waterproofs
- Trekking Socks
- Something warm to sleep in
- Trekking Poles
- Water Bottle
- Water purifying tablets
- Head Torch
- Trekking Bag
Check out our what to pack post for your ultimate guide on what to pack
Top tips
- Stock up on some snacks like protein bars in Pokhara or chocolate for a treat
- Take water bottles and purifying tablets, you can fill up your bottle from the streams and pipes in the mountains
- If you’re two sharing order Dal Baht and another meal because Dal Baht is usually more costly but you get the refills
- Ask for a free room if you eat dinner and breakfast
- Bring toilet roll
- Take a map