Highlights of Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

Spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges
Incredibly beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill
Walking through dense rainforest

Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the perfect treks that merge trouble-free walking with splendid panorama and a blend of unique cultures in Nepal. At the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meter), a natural arena identified as Annapurna sanctuary, mighty peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Fish Tail and several other huge peaks.

The trek begins from plain villages and rice terraces into the Annapurna Himal. As you steadily climb the peaks of Annapurna south and Himchuli come into view from behind the foothills. Cultivated fields now, makes way to deep forests of rhododendron, bamboo and oak. The trail as a final point come across moraines and arrives at Annapurna Sanctuary. Here, you will observe unquestionably stunning views of the Annapurna peak ranges.

Leave it all to Unique Adventure International if you want to go trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill and if you are interested in viewing top mountains in the world very closely and also observe the magnificence of the sunrise above the snow-capped mountains from Poon Hill. This 15-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill will offer you a chance to observe enjoyable villages settled by Gurungs and Magars, terraced slopes, rhododendron forest, and people of different ethnic people.

Recommended Gear Lists:

Good wind/rain jacket
Warm fleece jacket or jersey
Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu)
A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
T-shirts
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Other necessary equipment:

Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oxymeter)
Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
Toiletries
Small wash towel

Note

Whatever conditions the stated itinerary follow, are for the visitors who prefer full package programme. At the same time, we also serve you based on your choice. The selection of itineraries and the staff depends on your choice and financial procurement. We have options for any partial visit as per your requirement regarding your interest and financial condition.

Day 01: Meeting upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu, transfer to hotel

On your arrival, you will be greeted by our representative of Unique Adventure International at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) but make sure about our representative with a display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. We can either relax in the afternoon or hang around. You will have a dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant where we take pleasure in a Nepalese cultural program as well as food. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara, overnight at hotel

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and drive for 6 hours we travel to Pokhara by tourist bus, or car depending upon the number in your group. You will be walking through exciting panorama of river and landscape. On the other hand, you might take a flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu which takes half an hour. Then, you will get into the hotel and you relax in the afternoon on your own. You can visit around lakeside region or you can go for boating at Fewa Lake. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Drive to Naya Pul and start trek to Hile, overnight at guesthouse

From Pokhara, we drive to Naya Pul and from Birethanti, we go up on the track to Ghandruk where we enjoy the stunning views of the enormous mountains. We go on along a range of small communities like Chimrong, Chane, Syauli Bazaar. After crossing the suspension bridge above Khumnu Khola, we will arrive at Ghandruk, a settlement where we can see stone houses inhabited by the Gurung people. Remarkably close towering views of Annapurna South, Fishtail and Himchuli peaks will enthrall us. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani, overnight at guesthouse

Today, we move further on from Ulleri to reach Ghorepani, one of the renowned spots of Annapurna region located at an elevation of 2856 meters. Our trek easily moves up to Banthanti (2250 m.) going across oak, rhododendron forest. We after that go on trekking to Ghorepani through Nangeythanti (2460 m.). Today we trek just about 5hours. Tonight at guest house in Ghorepani.

Day 05: Climb to Poon Hill View point for sunrise and continue trek to Tadapani, overnight at guesthouse

Early morning today we march to Poonhill (3195m.). Here, you can take pleasure in the striking mountain views and eye-catching sunrise view. After an hour, we descend to Poonhill and have then constantly trek to Tadapani taking around 6 hours. Tadapani exactly refer to â€˜Far waterâ€™ which means water is provided in this village from far away. The track ascends all along ridges and all the way through pine and rhododendron woods to Deurali. We move down to reach Banthanti, walk further on the twisting way to Tadapani. Overnight at trekkers lodge.

Day 06: Trek to Sinuwa Hill, overnight at guesthouse

Moving down from Tadapani the path bestows good sights of the Modi valley. The trail then begins the long way up above the west shore of the Modi Khola. We get ahead of the village of Chhomrong which is located at the base of Himal Chuli. From Chhomrong the way moves down until Chhomrong Khola then we have a slow climb and reach Sinuwa Hill.

Day 07: Trek to Hotel Himalaya, overnight at guesthouse

After move down from Chomrong then we have a challenging ascend to Sinuwa we keep on trekking up through the forests going across the small settlement of Bamboo and Doban till we ultimately reach Himalayan Hotel.

Day 08: Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, overnight at guesthouse

We start from Machhapuchhre Base Camp and we make a temperate climb through a river to abruptly above the mountain side. Walking from Deurali, we will arrive at a point where we will be encircled by huge snow-covered peaks. Moving ahead to Machhapuchhre Base Camp we reach at a set where the views of Mt. Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Himchuli, Annapurna III and, definitely, the Machhapuchhre itself enthralls us. Overnight in Machhapuchhre Base Camp at guesthouse.

Day 09: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, overnight at guesthouse

From Machhapuchhre base camp (3900m.), we continue to Annapurna base camp. The area is encircled by the peaks and is recognized as Annapurna Sanctuary. This set gives you an impressive view of huge peaks including Annapurna I, Barah Shikhar, Annapurna South and many other giant peaks. We today walk for around 2 to 3 hours.

Day 10: Explore the sunrise in Annapurna ranges including Annapurna I, trek back to Dovan, overnight at guesthouse

We move early morning and witness the wonderful sunrise over the peaks from Annapurna Base Camp. Then, we move down from Annapurna Base Camp via Deurali, Dovan and eventually reach Bamboo. We gradually, walk down to reach the valley where we again see the waterfalls that pours down from a high above. Tonight, we stay in Bamboo at guesthouse

Day 11: Trek to Chhomrong, overnight at guesthouse

Leaving Dovan we have a vertical way up to the Kuldi Ghar then Sinuwa, following the stone steps that take us to Lower Chhomrong. After that, we ascend on the stony steps that lead us to Upper Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, we walk down to Jhinu Danda. Here, we will take bath at natural warm water spring. Overnight at guest house in Jhinu Dada.

Day 12: Trek to Ghandrung (the biggest Gurung village in Nepal, village of Gurkha Warriors), overnight at guesthouse

Today, we move down again to the next river and after going across the suspension bridge we have to go up for about another one and half hour before we get to the most stunning village in the Annapurna region entitled Ghandrung (1950m.), a large prosperous Gurung village.

Day 13: Trek to Naya Pul and drive back to Pokhara, overnight at hotel

We leave Ghandrung and move towards New Bridge and proceed to Kyumi village. We arrive at Syauli bazaar and then go up to Birethanti. Walking further for around an hour from Birethanti we will reach Naya Pul. From Naya Pul, we retrace our steps back taking a locally available vehicle and arrive at Pokhara. Then after, we take a flight with same picturesque view and reach Kathmandu from Pokhara. After you reach Kathmandu, optionally, we can relax or walk to visit different sights of Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner together. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

Passing all the way through the striking countryside early in the morning and travelling for 7 hours we return back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu you will be transferred to the hotel and rest of the day rest or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Transfer to airport, departure onward destination

Today, our airport representative will drop you to the airport and then you will depart from Nepal.

What is included?

Airport pick up and drop off, upon arrival and deparutre.
Pre trek meeting.
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara inclusive with entrance permit fees as per the programme.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the programme.
Hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast as per the programme.
Ground transportation: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu and Pokhara - Trekking - Pokhara per the programme.
Guesthosue accommodatin during the trekking period.
Food during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea/coffee and seasonal fresh fruits).
Annapurna Conservation Area permit fee.
1 professional, licensed and English speaking mountain trekking guide.
Well experienced English speaking assistance guide if the group size exceeds 5+ persons.
Well experienced well equipped trekking porter.
First aid medical kit, Oxymeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen satuaration at higher altitude.
Unique Adventure sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and area trekking map.
All applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations.
All organisational requirements.

What is not included?

Nepal visa (USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days).
Your international flight to and from Nepal.
Travel insurance (for helicopter evacuation if needed whilst on trekking).
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet/e-mail, etc.
Bar and beverage bills.
Tip for guide, porter and drivers.

Why us? Is a conscientious question that requires an honest answer of integrity and devotion of the highest standards.

We are what we were from the very beginning: Read on to know us the way we are…

At Unique Adventure International, We do not pretend to be what we are not, ours is a simple ethic, hospitality straight from the heart. When doing trips with us, you will soon find out excellence with us is not just a norm, it’s more a habit.

We have walked the length and breadth of the Himalaya across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for over two decades…and still counting, we have enjoyed all of it so much; right to the hilt. We love our mountains and enjoy it so much when we tread its trails with our trekking guests, who also love these mountains as much as us or maybe even more. We have much knowledge of the land and meticulously plan things so our guests get the utmost from their sojourns with us; we know how chaotic it can be for our guests when they organise holidays so far from home…keeping this in mind, we sort out for the long haul and ensure our guests do not only have fun on the way but also get value for money with purposeful journeys. We know and understand that this may probably be a once in a lifetime holiday where you will explore a world not too familiar and its binding for us to make doubly sure you are completely safe throughout the whole course of your expedition when you are in Nepal. With each trip we do with you, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our services so that your expectations of us are met beyond what you could have ever expected on all fronts. We want that you go home with a happy heart and unforgettable memories of an odyssey well done. With Unique Adventure, this is central to all our thoughts when we meet you.

A small business with big ideals…

We are a small outfit with big ideas and we know how complex human nature can be; its only but human to understand your weaknesses and respect your strengths, both of which will be put to the test on the punishing trails of Nepal, but it’s always our mission to understand you and make your journey as calm as possible.

This is the whole reason why we get repeat clients who never seem to get drained with the Himalayas and enjoy the way we guide them throughout the trip…

We know how worrisome it can be when you choose to live life on the edge… so we go the mile to make sure your holidays become more purposeful, more significant…

We do not push you, no matter what the circumstances…

We know you want it slow and easy the moment your plane hits the tarmac in Kathmandu. We understand your instinctive curiosities and ensure you are left alone with enough space to do what we have planned for you – ‘your way’’. You call the shots – it’s your trip – and we provide you enough freedom to make your own decisions in harmony with your group. We help you to become friends and bridge gaps; it’s a matter of pride for us to mention here that we created some of the best friendships where some morphed into lifetime partnerships and this is how things shape out with us when you assemble in our country. And when we are out with you in the country at high elevations, we ensure that our crew leads you in ways comfortable to your body and physical needs.

Our ‘True-to-Life’ practical itineraries…

Our itineraries are meticulously planned and based on the way you see it when your trip commences. Our themes are hands-on and we take you to some difficult but extraordinary places where some would likely pass by. We know you thirst for the unknown and interesting; your search for things that will ignite your emotions and imaginations, seeking for the ‘whys’, how’s and when’s’ into the mountain culture, lifestyles and traditions that you witness in territory you have never been familiar with. We put in a lot of effort to create astonishing one-off experiences which would make great notes for memorable stories to pass down to the coming generations. Each trip we design opens up new avenues to a whole new world that you are not familiar with…and when you discover the answers, it could be a life changing experience you would have never expected.

Trips to match your time frames…

We are flexible in the way we operate our trips based on your exclusive needs. We understand the kind of pressure ridden world you hail from and know you have worked hard for your dream holidays. Our programs are typically designed to give you the most and the best based on your time limitations without any blemishes on the joys that come with your venture.

You could be planning a budget trek or a luxury tour, maybe even a trekking peak; whatever the choice, we give you an extension combo so you have a scintillating mix of history, the outdoors and even jell in a jungle safari into the potpourri so you have varied experiences within the timeframe you’ve chosen. Our website is programmed to give you a host of options to make you smile…

Accommodation: They say Home is where the Hearth is…and yes, the Pillow!!

We are extra wary when arranging your accommodation before you enter our country. We know we’ve got to give you something that’s closest to home. After consulting with you and being twice as sure about what you’re expecting when it comes down to that most important part of life: resting your body and mind at night, we make sure we give you the best accommodating facilities available at a hotel that’s not only comfortable but also a place that is spanking clean with fresh linen and staff who understand your needs and go the length in making sure you feel at home, no matter what the length of your stay with us.

This also includes the sanitized conditions of the food you are served. Even when on the trails, we go the mile to make sure you find a cosy teahouse with no dampness and enough ventilation to keep you healthy and warm with food that’s organic and clean. We know how important the hearth is wherever you stay. With us, be sure that all your personal needs are taken care of well. Ours is the kind of hospitality that comes straight from the heart…

Safety and Security: This is mandatory and imperative…

Our safety and security arrangements for all our inbound guests cross all boundaries; from the moment your jet hits the tarmac at the airport in Kathmandu. This is a process that begins prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, when we design your itinerary based on the program you have chosen. It begins with choosing the right team for you, especially if it’s a trek. We make sure your crew is primed for any contingency when at altitude. We believe in following firm standards with focus on risk assessment knowing mountain climbing is always a risky business despite the excitement it offers. All the planning is done prior to your arrival so you have a carefree, footloose and fancy free journey, without any hassles.

We always advise our guests to go through medical routines in their home countries before embarking on trips above 3000m. We also encourage our guests to get insured before coming to Nepal.

Your entire stay in Nepal is monitored from day one, especially when you are on the mountains. We take nothing for granted, nature can be a monster when least expected. When booking your trip through ‘Unique Adventure, you are not just a client – you are more than all that - you are a parent, a brother/sister, a close colleague – in a word – ‘family’; and all our safety precautions and personalized services are purely based on this relationship.

We Respect and Care for the local folks and Love the Environment we operate in…

We are conscious in the importance of preserving the natural beauty and culture of Nepal, so that future visitors can also enjoy the wonders of this beautiful but fragile environment. We are sensitive and devoted to responsible travel with minimum impact on the environment and local communities. The planet is large enough for everyone to explore and it’s the curiosity of human nature to explore and discover the unknown. We are always careful about the ecosystems that surround us when we are on the mountains, but we don’t let this spoil the spirit for adventure. We seek to enjoy in ways beneficial to others and wish to respect this beauty that God created for us to appreciate; and we want to keep it that way. Equally important, we instruct our crew and travellers to be aware of the values of responsible travel, by: respecting people, cultures and local environments, in creating goodwill; with cross-cultural sharing and experiences; and helping make sustainable development practical, where we put in efforts to give back more than we take.

Our Trekking crews are Principal to the Company…we’re Family…

One paramount issue for trekking companies in Nepal are employees directly connected to guests when trekking in the Himalayas and this is key to any trip conducted anywhere on the Himalayas. Our staffs in general receive fixed monthly salaries and our trekking crews get special rates as defined by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism - Government of Nepal.

This also includes the provision of Social Security for mountain workers as per government directives. In addition to this, we also provide climbing training to new comers listed on our payroll. All our seasoned guides are well trained in the use and application of First Aid in the event of any unexpected injuries that may occur in the course of the journey when at altitude.

Field Employees are constantly upgraded for personal development, delivered via courses in English, about nature, history, and ongoing training as mountain guides with techniques based on safety precautions...along with this, our mountain crews are insured and covered against any eventualities. The insurance package covers the cost of health care if injured or sick and provides a lifetime gratuity if any employee is physically disabled. We treat our employees as valuable assets. We know their security and happiness is vital to ensure yours throughout your stay in Nepal…

Innovation: We are constantly juggling new Products…

Ours is a constant search for new trails in the great wilderness. We’re always innovating new areas for travel within and around the city limits and out on the mountains. Nepal has so much to offer in her ancient heritage cities and within the vast expanse of her Himalayas. We ceaselessly research new products in order to give our old clients new thrills; this has always been part of our company’s policies for giving more value for money. We know that many of our guests rarely get time to travel and when they do, they’d sure like to make the best of it; besides Nepal, we even cut across borders giving our guests unbelievable historical and cultural highlights of Tibet, Bhutan and India. We even design divine spiritual tours for the holy who’d sure like to hike down footsteps of ancient ancestors along the Mount Kailash Mountains so that they could come face-to-face with the gods. You even get opportunities to stroll down the cobbled stone Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur and slip into the Forbidden Temple of Pashupatinath. Beyond the spiritual of Kailash in Tibet, our programs take you to the highest region on earth, at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft). Very much noted as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet is symbolic of a mesmerizing culture seeped in spirituality and nature. From superb temples and tranquil monasteries to the Yangtze River and adorable Pandas, our products are molded in a way that ensures you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells you about God’s gift of a wonderful planet we all live in.

‘Please visit our highly informative website for some of the most extensive information on some of the most stimulating holidays ever conceived’. Get friendly with us on: www.uniquetreks.com

We give you Mountain Yoga

The Mountain Yoga we offer on the trail is an earthy, friendly and unassuming space, dedicated to healing and transformation as your mind battles the vagaries of nature while on your journey in the wild. When you decide to holiday on the mountains; it’s like a calling into the high and wild to experience Mother Nature at a higher level and to explore her true beauty. But there’s another calling that wants you to find release from your inner demons. It might be seen as the feeling that there has to be more to life than our day-to-day routines in the machine of modern day society. As you go higher above the tree-lines, our certified yoga guides give you the kind of alignment helpful to your body’s needs when adjusting to the thin air at altitude. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and guide you with postures and breathing exercises that promote physical fitness at higher elevations, keeping the mind calmer, making your self-awareness more acute, and help you get more balanced, while preventing you from having any problems with altitude mountain sickness. Yoga is an ancient practice known for thousands of years to clean out even the deepest mental grooves and rigid mindsets which may hamper your trip and spoil the fun on your trek.

We are the only adventure company in Nepal offering our guests mountain yoga which enhances hassle free trips and keeps our guests safe from common altitude problems.

Our Success Ratio…

We’ve been through it all – the ups and downs have been full and plenty. The series of earthquakes of 2015 affected us bitterly; however, we kept the faith. We knew this was nature at its best and worst. We do not take anything for granted when it’s a tryst with Mother Nature, especially in the wilderness above the tree-lines. We knew we would still need these mountains more than they need us...These mountains teach us so much about life. It was Almighty God that created these mountains with all its stark beauty, but then a natural calamity can be lurking somewhere around the bend, and we must always be aware of the environment - and this comes with respect, consciousness and faith.

Despite the hurdles and hiccups, our Success Ratio has been over 98%, why? Because experience has taught us the hard way to Love God, respect the mountains, to learn from our mistakes, and to always, at all times, be Honest with our Guests…and let God do the rest.

Emotional Trip

Our original plan was to trek EBC and Gokyo lake for 16 days. Due to bad weather, rain and clouds, we couldn't fly, so we switched to ABC after 4 days of waiting. It was surprising with the blue road, blue sky, white clouds, immense grass and trees, through hundreds of years old rhododendron forest, through beautiful small villages… Fortunately, when we went to MBC, ABC, it was heaven. It was still clear, I could see the majestic mountain peaks that surrounded me and I felt so small. Right after that, it was cloudy again and it rained for 3 days straight, from the time I was at ABC until I got back to Pokhara. On the way back, it rains heavily, the small streams along the road are now big, the water flows fast, it is difficult to cross… Our guide - Mr. Prem has climbed EBC and ABC hundreds of times over the past few decades. He has a lot of experience, helped us have a fun and safe journey. The porter team was enthusiastic, happy, they brought us things, waited and led us through difficult places, even one friend even carried a friend of mine through a fast-flowing stream. Thank you so much, thank you Unique Adventure , thank you Prem, thank you porters. Hope to see you again in the next treks.

Hoang Thi Lan Anh

An incredible experience

We had an incredible trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Poon hill with Unique Adventure. Our guide, Bijay, and our porter, Dawa, were both very helpful and accommodating throughout. Bijay was a great guide with very good knowledge of the Annapurna region and all things Nepal. Despite not speaking much English, Dawa was always very cheerful and eager to help with anything we needed during the trek, as was Bijay. Unique Adventure is everything you could want from a tour company. They had great customer service whenever we had questions or required help. They even let us change trek rather last minute (within a month of our start date) for free and in fact lowered the total cost as we changed to a shorter trek! Overall we had an incredible experience with Unique Adventure and would recommend greatly!