Introduction to ABC Trek via Ghorepani Poon Hill
Why not it is one of the best trekking experiences of the Himalayas?So yes, the ABC & Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is definitely one of the best trekking experiences in the Himalayas. Located within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), the largest conservational area in Nepal with an area of 7,629 square kilometres, this trail merges two of Nepal's most cherished trekking destinations into a single complete and very rewarding trek. The journey passes through the incredible diversity of landscapes: subtropical river valleys, expansive forests of rhododendron and oak, ridge-top villages with views out across the mountains, alpine meadows, and finally a high, glacial amphitheatre surrounded by some of the world's highest mountains.
The challenge in this case is the variety of routes that is so attractive. Known for its accessibility, cultural richness, and the iconic sunrise view from Poon Hill (3210m), the Ghorepani Poon Hill circuit is celebrated for its many attractions. The Annapurna Base Camp trek, on the other hand, takes a detour into the sacred valley, passing through a steadily constricting narrow valley to the base of the 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna I (8,091m). With both together you'll have the best of classic Annapurna trekking: cultural highlights, village life, biodiversity and high altitude drama.
Geography & Terrain
The Annapurna area is in the middle of the central Himalayan mountain range of north-central Nepal. The Modi Khola river valley in the middle of the ABC route is one of the most amazing geographical phenomena in Nepal: A deep river valley with a V shape, surrounded by some of the steepest mountain faces in the world! As you climb the valley, it gets progressively narrower ending with the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacially formed cirque, totally encircled by peaks rising above 6,000m, and the great Annapurna massif at the head.
The lower part of the walk is in what geographers refer to as the "subtropical zone", where terraced agriculture, river crossings and dense mixed forest feature. From approximately 2000m to 3500m it's in the temperate habitat and the beautiful rhododendron and bamboo forests await. The vegetation is sparse above 3,500m and the area takes a distinctly alpine character, with rocky moraines, permanent snowfields and glaciers dominating the landscape. One of the most remarkable attributes of this trek is the gradient of biomes you are visiting in one trek.
Flora & Fauna
Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the most bio-diversified protected areas in Asia with more than 1226 species of flowering plants, 105 species of mammals, 518 species of birds and 39 reptile species. The rhododendron forests at mid-altitude, the world's largest rhododendron forests, are especially breathtaking in the spring (March-May), when the various species of rhododendrons begin to bloom in color with shades of red, pink, white and orange.
It is not guaranteed, but one could expect to see wildlife at any time along the trek. Although not as well known as other types of rare cats, snow leopards can be found in the highland regions surrounding ABC. Wild goats-antelope (tahr), black bear, red panda and different types of deer are found in the conservation area. Birdwatchers will be amazed at the wealth of birds that are regularly seen; the Himalayan monal (the national bird of Nepal) is a spectacular iridescent pheasant, the Impeyan pheasant, the Himalayan griffon vulture, golden eagle, blood pheasant, and many varieties of laughing thrushes.
Culture & People
The villages you will pass through en route to this trek are mainly inhabited by Gurung and Magar people (the hill people) and they have a proud history of serving in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments with old traditions, language and distinct ethnic communities. The Gurung people are especially known for their distinctive architecture (stone-walled houses with slate roofs), traditional attire, festivals, music (the classic Gurung instrument is the madal drum) and cuisine.
One of the primary Gurung villages on the trail, Chhomrong is a particularly important cultural pitstop. At the altitude of 2,170m, it is a big, prosperous village where traditional mountain life goes hand in hand with a flourishing trekking economy. Avoiding discrimination, buying things made locally and visiting family-owned teahouses are all part of being a good tourist and contributing to the community and culture. The Gurung are famous for their friendliness, hospitality and happy endurance, which has gained them worldwide recognition.
Accommodation & Food
The whole journey is done as a "teahouse trek", which is to say, you will not camp along the way, but will stay in family-owned lodging (teahouses) all night. This is not only more comfortable and convenient than camping, but it also allows for more genuine contact with the local communities and it directly benefits the mountain economies. Teahouses vary considerably in quality between the basic ones (in the far more remote areas, shared outdoor facilities, thin walls, no heating) and the surprisingly comfortable ones (private rooms, attached bathrooms, WiFi and heating) in larger villages such as Ghorepani and Chhomrong.
The food provided on the trail is nourishing, comforting and able to provide the energy required for walking. Trekkers should try to eat dal bhat, which is a traditional Nepali dish made up of steamed rice, lentil soup, curried vegetables, pickles and sometimes meat, and is eaten for free. There are also menus for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, soups and different egg dishes at lower altitudes. As you climb, there is less variety and the prices will rise (because of the costs of porter transport) but still acceptable. Hot drinks are recommended (Ginger lemon honey tea is favourite with trekkers) as a way of keeping warm and hydrated.
Permits & Entry Requirements
There are two permits required for all those who trek in the Annapurna region, both of which are provided in our package. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit (NPR 3,000 per person 2024) is provided by National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and will be used to cover the conservation and sustainable development of the ACAP area. The TIMS (Trekking Agencies' Management System) card is a trekker registration system managed by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board, which is for your safety so that in case of emergency, they can locate you.
Permits can be issued in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap) or in Pokhara (Mountaineering/Trekking office near the lakeside). Passport size photograph and a copy of your passport will be required. Permit logistics are taken care of by our team and there's nothing you need to do apart from carrying your passport.
Best Time for ABC and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Technically, the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can take place all year round, but the experience is vastly different in each season. October to November is often regarded as the best trekking period in Nepal as it is the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the stable weather during the monsoon season. Visitors get excellent views of Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Hiunchuli during this time of the year. The weather is quite moderate, trails are dry and the festive season of Nepal during Dashain and Tihar makes the trip culturally rich.
It's also a popular season in the spring (March-May) which is enjoyed by nature enthusiasts. Near the village of Ghorepani and Tadapani, the hillsides are transformed into a natural garden with rhododendron bushes in bright colors of red, pink and white. The daytime temperature is still cool but during the night the temperature can be colder in high elevated places such as Annapurna Base Camp. Spring is a time of activity for wildlife as well, making it a great time for birdwatchers and photographers.
For those who are more experienced in trekking, one can trek during the winter months from December to February, which will be less crowded and offer snowy mountain views. Temperatures get below freezing at ABC, however, sometimes snowfall in the trail near Deurali or Machhapuchhre Base Camp can be closed for a day. June to September is considered the monsoon season, and is not as recommended because of the heavy rains, slippery trails, landslides, leeches and lack of visibility in the mountains, but the forests are lush and green during this time.
Difficulty Level of the Trek
Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a Moderate trek and can be done by the trekkers of average fitness level. No climbing skills or special equipment is needed for this trek, but there are several days of hiking up and down a steep trail. Usually, a trekking day involves a hike of 5-7 hours, with thousands of stone steps being climbed and descended throughout the Annapurna area.
The elevation climb is one of the big obstacles to this hike. At the base camp of Annapurna (4,130 metres), oxygen is much less available than it is in Kathmandu. Some trekkers may have mild symptoms at high altitudes, such as headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, or poor sleep. These risks are minimised with proper acclimatisation, hydration and pacing.
For beginners, it is possible to make the journey, as long as they prepare accordingly. Trekking endurance could be greatly improved with several weeks of cardiovascular exercises like hiking, jogging, cycling or stair climbing before you arrive in Nepal. Weather changes, long trekking days and basic mountain living necessitate some mental preparation.
Transportation Options from Kathmandu
There are two options for travelling between Kathmandu and Pokhara – domestic flight or a tourist bus. The cheapest form of transport is tourist buses which take 6-8 hours as per road and traffic conditions. The picturesque road passes through villages, along hillsides and rivers to offer a glimpse of life in rural Nepal.
For domestic flights, it takes about 25 minutes from Kathmandu to Pokhara and provides a spectacular air view of the Himalayas in clear weather. For those who have few hours to spare, or prefer extra comfort, flights are a good choice. But sometimes the weather may cause delays or cancelling in the Nepalites, particularly in winter and monsoon seasons.
Private jeeps are quite popular from Pokhara to reach Nayapul or Banthanti from where the trekking starts. The Jeep rides help to shorten the hiking time, and make the trip more comfortable for those who like to hike less each day.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Altitude Management is one of the key factors during the trekking in the Himalayas. While the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is less likely to cause altitude sickness as compared to Everest region treks, trekkers above 3000 m can still suffer from AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
AMS can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and unusual tiredness. If the condition gets worse, the trekkers are advised to notify the guide immediately. Guides know how to identify altitude related problems and make appropriate decisions for rest or descent.
It is so important to be properly hydrated during the hike. Drinking to the requirement of 3-4 litres of water per day assists the body to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. Excessive alcohol and smoking during the hike also increases risks of AMS. Successful acclimatisation depends on slow and steady walking, adequate rest and keeping energy levels up via frequent meals.
Why Combine Annapurna Base Camp with Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill form a wonderful combination for a complete trekking experience in Nepal. The ABC section showcases dramatic alpine scenery and glacier landscapes while the Poon Hill track takes trekkers through traditional villages, through lush forests and panoramic sunrise vantage points.
Poon hill is perhaps the best place to see the sunrise in the Himalayas where the golden light of the sun hits Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges at the same time. The ABC section, on the other hand, offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in a glacial amphitheatre with the towering giants of the Himalayas.
This is also a combination trek which offers more geographical variety than many short treks in Nepal. Within 11 days, the trekkers traverse different climatic conditions, diverse plant life zones, cultural groups and mountain regions.
Photography Opportunities on the Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most picturesque trekking trails in Nepal. The best times to photograph the mountains are early mornings or sunset. Poon Hill is a world renowned location for sunrise photos and Annapurna Base Camp is a stunning location for panoramic mountain shots in the day.
The trail will also be rich in cultural diversity to the benefit of photographers. Every aspect of the Gurung life and traditional villages makes for a good story to be told with photos, including the stone stairs, the suspension bridges, the prayer flags, the terraced fields, and the teahouse life. Photographers love the spring season because of the lovely rhododendron forests and colors.
For trekkers who are bringing a camera, spare batteries are recommended as the higher altitudes might take a significant amount of battery life. Waterproof bags and lens protection are also advised since the weather conditions are ever so variable.
