Plan my trek

Treks

Plan

Dhaulagiri range above prayer flags on Poon Hill, Ghorepani

ABC + Poon Hill guide

How hard is the Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill trek?

An honest look at the difficulty of combining Poon Hill with Annapurna Base Camp, the stone steps, the climb into the Sanctuary, and who it suits.

This is a moderate to challenging trek: two classic walks joined into twelve days. No climbing skills are needed, but you walk most days, on long stone staircases, and finish at 4,130 m.

The hard parts

  • The steps to Ulleri. Thousands of stone steps on the first trail day.
  • The Poon Hill sunrise. About 350 m of climbing from Ghorepani in the dark.
  • Chhomrong’s staircases. The trail drops to the river below Chhomrong and climbs back up the other side.
  • Into the Sanctuary. The biggest single climb on our itinerary is about 920 m, from Bamboo to Deurali, and the next day takes you on to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m.

Altitude

You sleep above 3,000 m on two nights, including one at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The climb is gradual, but anyone can get altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, tell your guide and don’t go higher.

Who it suits

Fit walkers with about two weeks who want both the Poon Hill sunrise and a night in the Annapurna Sanctuary. If you have less time, choose one of them.