Annapurna Circuit with Poonhill Trekking
Duration : 14 Days | Travel style : Active Adventures
Trip Highlights
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Country
Nepal
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Duration
14 Days
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Max. Altitude
17769 ft. / 5416 M.
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Accommodation
Hotel and Lodge
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Fitness Level
Moderate
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Best Season
Mar to May - Sep to Dec
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Group Size
1- 15 People
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Transportation
Private Vehicle
Annapurna Circuit with Poonhill trek is both adventurous and relaxing trekking experience around the Annapurna massif including Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m). The route follows the popular trail via Thorongla Pass (5416m) including Poonhill as the additional destination.
The extreme landscapes including the deepest gorge kaligandaki to Thorongla pass touching the edge of Tibetan plateau, from the Hindu culture in the low lands to the Buddhist influence in the Higher Himalayas – the Annapurna Circuit via Poonhill trek embarks on a huge geographical and cultural diversity.
Annapurna Circuit with Poonhill trek route details
The trek commences from Besisahar, walking along the subtropical forest, fast flowing rivers and waterfalls amidst the beautiful view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho we reach Manang. Moving a little high we make our final preparation to cross Thorongla pass. Paving our way through the tranquil snow we come in harmony with the nature. On a decent from the pass is the ancient temple of Muktinath, a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists. Jomsom lying on the Kaligandagi river is the next stop. Kaligandaki River is famous for fossils and stones locally known as “shaligram” which are considered holy in Hindu belief. Across the river is the majestic Dhaulagiri. Kaligandaki ridge between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna is considered as the deepest in the world.
On our 21 days trek we head towards Ghorepani via Tatopani. Trekkers overcome their exhaustion in the natural hot spring water in Tatopani. Poonhill often called as the photographers point provides a fabulous panoramic view of the whole Annapurna Massif. The sunrise and sunset view from the Annapurna Circuit with Poonhill trek is absolutely incredible. Finally, we return to the beautiful city of Pokhara and then return to Kathmandu.
Itinerary
You can always customize this itinerary as per your preference.
1
Day
Arrive at Kathmandu.
You will be welcomed by our staff standing with your name-card in the airport arrival terminal and transferred to your hotel by the private vehicle. Small meeting about the trip in the evening.
Hotel (Bed and Breakfast) | Private Vehicle
2
Day
Drive Kathmandu to Besi Shahar (823m) - 5 hrs by Jeep.
We take a drive from Kathmandu in a private tourist vechicle to reach Besisahar and stay in a hotel.
Hotel (Bed and Breakfast) | Private Vehicle
3
Day
Drive to Lower Pisang, (3200 m)- 6/7 hrs drive by Jeep.
After breakfast at hotel we start off road drive to Pisang. The trail cross several beautiful waterfall, lush forest and local villages.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included) | Private Vehicle
4
Day
Trek to Manang (3540m), 5 hrs walk.
After Pisang, we have alternate paths at north and south of the Marsyangdi River that meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, despite the fact that there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the quaint but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3500m. Walking along the valley through the drier upper part of Manang (the unofficial trekking capital of the Annapurna Circuit) we can view Annapurna range. People of this area herd yaks and raise crops for leaving, beside this during winter they move to other places for trades.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
5
Day
Acclimatization day at Manang, (3540m).
Today we explore Manang valley to take some rest and acclimatization for next days. We spend our day walking and sightseeing around Manang village, learn some Manang culture and the daytime is best to gain altitude.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
6
Day
Trek to Yak kharka (4090m), 5 hrs walk.
Leaving Manang the trail ascends steadily along the Jarsang Khola valley and reaches Ledar at 4250 meter. Walking and glancing over the steadily sparse vegetations, we reach Yak Kharka at 4090 meter.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
7
Day
Trek to Throung Phedi(4420m), 5 hrs walk.
Descending the trail, crossing the river at 4310 meters and again climbing through the trail takes you to Thorong Phedi at 4420 meters. At the foot of Thorung La Pass, this place gives your pleasant view of massive Annapurna region.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
8
Day
Trek to Thorungla - la (cross over 5416m), then trek down to Muktinath 3802m), 8-9 hrs walk.
The journey starts early in the morning from the foot of the hill to the Thorung La Pass, highest place of our twentyone days Annapurna Circuit Trek. Crossing the steeply made pass, covered with stone, we hike gradually looking at magnificent views. Pass marked by Chortens and prayer flags looks nice and magnificent views imprints in your memory. Passing Thorung La, we reach the sacred site of Muktinath at the elevation of 3800 meters. Hindus and Buddhists alike visit Muktinath. The temple is built in the pagoda style dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Avalokiteshwara as the Buddhists call him. For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the most important places of pilgrimage. Long and difficult yet rewarding day of our Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
9
Day
Drive to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 4/5 hours.
From Muktinath we took a local jeeps and drive to Tatopani. Evening you can visit hot spring for Jacuzzi.
Guesthouse on BLD
10
Day
Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours.
From Tatopani we head forward to Ghorepani. The trail goes along lush rhododendron and lush forest after leaving Kaligandaki behind. Ghorepani is a small village inhabited by Gurungs and Thakalis. The name Ghorepani means water to horses. It is place where the horses carrying the goods and commodities would clear their thirst.
Guesthouse on BLD
11
Day
Trek to PoonHill (3210m) and after trek to Birethanti: 5-6 hours.
This is one of the fascinating day of your trek. Early morning wake up and start your journey climbing to Poon Hill (3210m) for around 1 hr. to witness best majestic scenery and sunrise over the high mountains. Lots of white mountains can be seen from poonhill including the likes of Dhaulagiri [8167m], Annapurna South [7119m] Fishtail [6993m], Nilglgiri south, Singa chuli , Annapurna I [8091m]. You then come down to Ghorepani to have breakfast. After your breakfast you ascend down along the trail decorated by rhododendron and oak forest, and soothing sound of streams entertains the soul. We have our Lunch at Tikhedhunga and finally reach Birethanti to spend the night.
Guesthouse on BLD
12
Day
Birethanti to Pokhara (850m/2,789ft) 1 hour drive.
After our early breakfast, we head towards Pokhara, just an hour drive away from Birethanti. The day is spent with various activities in pokhara such as boting in the lakes, or a sweet scape to the Peace Pagoda in the evening.
Hotel on BLD
13
Day
Drive/Fly back to Kathmandu.
A rest day a final shopping day at Kathmandu.
Hotel on BLD
14
Day
Transfer to airport, departure to your own destination.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Cost Details
"So What you are paying For?"
We would like to explain to you. We are a local company providing world-wide travelers with internationally qualified services. We provide you with the lowest cost possible for fully inclusive trips that have no hidden fees. We guarantee your safety, satisfaction, and long-lasting memories of your experience.
Cost Include
- International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- 1 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- 1 nights hotel accommodation in Besi Shahar on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- Kathmandu Sightseeing by professional english speaking tour guide.
- Kathmandu-Besi Shahar ground transportation by private vehicle.
- Nayapul - Pokhara Transportation.
- Pokhara- Kathmandu ground transportation by private vehicle.
- 3 meals a day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in itinerary.
- Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis in guesthouses.
- Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card.
- Professional government lisence holder English speaking trekking guide.
- The required number of porters to carry the luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish trekking)
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Exclude
- International air fare to/ from Nepal.
- Entry Visa fees - at present $25 for 15 day, US$ 40 for 30 day, and US$ 100 for three month visa on entry into Nepal.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Besi Shahar.
- Insurance which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the trekking.
- Hot shower during the trekking.
- All food and beverages other than on the itinerary.
- 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.
- Personal gear and expenses.
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Annapurna Circuit trek is suitable for all kind of people who are moderately fit, not any previous adventures experience is required. Some physical fitness activities such as running, swimming and walking are recommended before your Annapurna circuit trek. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical flaws must seek medical advice before considering the trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
Yes, Global Holidays Adventure representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall. He will be displaying Global Holidays Adventure name card with your name on it. After that you will be transferred to pre-chosen Hotel.
You can get the visa at Tribhuwan International Airport after landing, furthermore it will be easier if you fill up the visa form by online (http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) before taking the flight to Nepal. Entry Visa fees- at present is $ 25 for 15 day, $ 40 for 30 days and $ 100 for three month visa on entry to Nepal.
You should bring following essential documents in the trip:
- Valid Passport: must be valid for up to 6 months.
- Travel insurance: you need to provide a copy of insurance paper to Global Holidays Adventure before you start the trek.
- Flight Tickets.
- Emergency contact numbers for T/C's bank, insurance, family contacts.
All types of Hotels from a budget to Luxurious including five star services are available in Kathmandu. Normally, Global Holidays Adventure offers three hotel services in our outline itinerary. We can also accommodate according to your choice.
During Trekking: You will have teahouse/Lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quit blanket. We can also offer Global Holidays Adventure's sleeping baggage if needed (which needs to be returned after the trip) but it’s always better to have a personal sleeping bag. We usually provide you single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. During the peak season it is quite difficult to manage single room therefore double rooms are preferred in our outline itinerary.
Normally there are common toilet facilities in teahouses and lodges, which are usually neat and clean. Nowadays, some small number of teahouses and lodges offer attached restroom. We will provide you the best option as far as possible in this regard.
Normally there are hot water shower services in various teahouses and lodges. In the absence of such facility, the teahouse/lodges will provide you hot water bucket. The payment for the shower has to be made by yourself and the cost varies with the places.
Whilst on the trek, our porters who are honest and experienced, will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream, money etc. Normally, we assign one porters to carry the luggage of two trekkers.
Most of Teahouse cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare Pasta, Tuna Bakes, Noodles, Potatoes, Eggs, Dal-bhat, Bread, Soups, Fresh Vegetable ( variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like Apple Pies, Pancakes and some interesting attempts at Custard. You will find a lot of garlic items on the menu, eat some every day because it assists with acclimatization. In many larger villages you may find some meat on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, coffee, hot lemon as well as soft drinks. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
During the airport pick-drop and Kathmandu sightseeing we use private tourist vehicles of various categories such as cars, vans, micro, bus etc. according to size of the group. We take a domestic flight for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
The best season for this trek is October to mid-December and mid-February to mid-June. This trip is not preferred during the monsoon season from June to August except the treks to Himalayan rain shadow like Upper Mustang and Mt. Kailas.
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. Generally, nights are chillingly cold, whereas, the days are warmer. Winter (January and February) will be a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be a bit of snow during the month of January, February and December. The temperature inside the teahouses/lodges are fairly maintained. You can always sit beside a fire to keep yourself warmer. The temperature could be as high as 20 degree c to 15 degree c low during the day time.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your Hotel reception by paying some service charges. Don’t forget to bring your adapters!!
How is the communication facilities during the trek?
ATM and credit card facilities can be used in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Above that, you need cash payments for various service you need.
In Kathmandu, you can allocate $ 10-15 for lunch and dinner. It all depends on your spending habits. $. 15- 20 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolate and few drinks in Trekking.
Well it totally depends upon you. There is trend of tipping the guide and porters in trekking. Tipping is a good way to acknowledge their works and thank them in a better way, something they would cherish and support their daily lives.
In most places bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, better if you have some for yourself.
In case you suffer from altitude sickness or any other problems, we will offer you the doctor’s prescribed medicines according to the type of problem facing you. We will descend you and incase of extreme cases, you will get rescued by the helicopter.
In case of any casualties, travel insurance will be a boon to recover the incurred expenses. In case of helicopter rescue, the helicopter charge, which is little expensive, can also be recovered by your insurance. So it a good act to check you insurance validity and policy, whether it recovers the rescue charges or not.
Yes, all the staffs of Global Holidays Adventure including guides and porters are insured to recover any kinds of casualties.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to add some more days to the trip. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Yes, there are many options and choices to extend your holidays before or after your main trip. You can visit our other touring trips to add to the main event. In general, following trips are suggested for your holiday extensions.
- Trisuli River Rafting, Paragliding, bungee and other adventures.
- Chitwan Jungle Safari Package.
- Volunteering in Schools and Villages
Required Equipments
Equipment items are individual interests & choices but the most important fact is that you should carry enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas. During the Annapurna Circuit via Poonhill trek, heavy items will be carried by our porters or yaks. And the personal belongings which you need for daily or frequent purposes like money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun-cream and toilet paper etc. are to be carried by yourself in the backpack. We will provide complimentary water proof duffel bag which you can use during the trek and is carried by porters. You can leave your non trekking items at the hotel or in our office and collect them after the trek.
The following list gives you a general idea of the personal items that you can bring for the Annapurna Circuit with Poonhill trek.
GENERAL
- 4 seasons sleeping bag (Optional/ we can provide if you need it but is to be returned after the trek)
- Duffel or Rucksack or suitcase ( We will provide one complimentary GHD duffel bag gore you to Keep )
- Daypack
- Down Jacket ( Optional/we can provide if you need one but is to be returned after the trek. )
UPPER BODY-HEAD /EARS /EYES
- Shade hat or baseball cap-some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place.
- Warm wool and synthetic hat that cover your ears.
- Balaclava-lightweight, thinner variety.
- Glacier glasses- 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case ( i.e Jumbo or Cube).
- Headlamp- Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they will last in the colder temperatures.
- Some people like ear-muffs; There are optional; a good hat balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people ( Optional).
- A Neck Warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it ( Optional).
HAND
- 1 pair liner gloves, thins wool or synthetic, useful alone on mind days or as a layer inside other gloves/mitts for additional warmth.
- 1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
- 1 pair warm gloves ( heavier fleece or wool )
- Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn't be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient( Optional).
CORE BODY
- T-SHIRTS -2
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper Jacket ( Optional)
- Waterproof ( preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
- 2 women sports bras, synthetic, no cotton.
LOWER BODY-LEGS
- 2 pairs nylon hiking shorts-quick drying type not cotton.
- Underwear, stay away from cotton ( 4).
- 2 pairs lightweight long underwear-capilene or ther synthetic.
- 1 pair soft shell pants-synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
- 2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
- 1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof/breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from top and bottom- this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
- 1 pair cotton pants ( loose jeans/khakis ).
- All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resident plastic bags.
FEET
- 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.
- 3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- 1 pairs light weight socks, a good option for the lower/warmer parts of the trail.
- 1 pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots.
- 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.
- 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes/boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary ( Optional).
- 1 pair sandals (Optional).
MEDICINES AND FIRST AID KITS
(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox ( Commonly prescribed as acetazolamide) 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take his medicine.
- Water purification iodine tablets or polar-pure crystals.
MISCELLANEOUS, BUT IMPORTANT !
- Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies )
- Airline ticket ( Please make a copy and leave on at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of you)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & Passport.
- Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its effectiveness over time.
- Pocket knife or small Swiss army type.
- Toiletry kit, Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towels, soap, etc.
OPTIONAL
- 1 pair adjustable trekking pole.
- Favorite snack foods, no more than 2 pounds ( Optional).
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player.
- Binocular (optional)
- 1 light weight point & shoot camera or 1 large SLR. Digital cameras are ok, but you must keep the batteries warm when not in use ( Optional)
- Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator ( Optional)
- pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman, some swear by them to avoid that chilly late night trip ( Optional )
- 1 small stainless steel thermos ( Optional )
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