Ghorepani Poon Hill Via Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek are two distinct and popular trekking routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal. While they can be done separately, some trekkers combine them into a longer and more diverse itinerary, offering a unique experience of the region. Here's a general overview of both treks and how they can be combined.

01. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a relatively shorter and easier trek compared to the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is suitable for trekkers of all ages and fitness levels, making it a popular choice for those with limited time or less trekking experience. The Poon Hill viewpoint 3210m is the highest elevation throughout the trek and it’s the best vantage point in the Annapurna region. The main highlight of this trek is Poon Hill, a viewpoint that offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

Typically, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be completed in about 4 to 5 days, starting from Nayapul, passing through villages like Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani, and finally reaching Poon Hill for the sunrise view. Trekkers can then return to Nayapul or continue their journey toward Tadapani and Ghandruk before heading back.

02. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a more challenging and longer trek, taking trekkers deeper into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trek usually takes around 6 to 11 days, depending on the starting point and the specific route taken. The ultimate goal of this trek is to reach the Annapurna Base Camp, a natural amphitheater surrounded by massive peaks, including Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world. Throughout the trek, you will reach a maximum height of 4130m at Annapurna Base Camp and it’s one of the mesmerizing places to discover the numerous peaks with thrilling scenarios too.

Combining Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek: To combine these two treks, trekkers usually start from Nayapul and follow the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route until Ghorepani and Poon Hill. After enjoying the sunrise view, they continue towards Tadapani and then gradually make their way to Chhomrong, where the trail diverges.

From Chhomrong, instead of heading down, you continue upwards into the Annapurna Sanctuary, following the trail that leads to the Annapurna Base Camp. This section of the trek involves more elevation gain and challenging terrain, but the rewarding views make it all worthwhile.

After spending time at the Annapurna Base Camp, you can retrace your steps back to Chhomrong and then descend through Jhinu Danda and Ghandruk before concluding the trek in Nayapul.

This combined trek offers a fantastic diversity of landscapes, cultures, and mountain views, making it one of the most popular and rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal. However, it's important to note that as it involves more days of trekking and increased elevation, it requires a good level of physical fitness and preparation. It's always recommended to trek with a licensed guide and ensure you have the necessary permits for the region.