The Annapurna Base Camp Poon Hill Trek profile:
After enjoying overnight in Kathmandu with a glorious Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepali Restaurant we leave for Pokhara (820m). The drive to Pokhara, the most beautiful lake city is certainly very fascinating. Leaving Pokhara we further drive to the trekking starting point and then head up to the town of Ghorepani. The very stunning local town which in reality is a 'High Pass' with lush forest. We hike up to wonderful Poon Hill for the most spectacular view. Leaving this heaven-like town now we start on our second goal of culminating the Annapurna Base camp. We walk the undulating terrain through the very cultured GURUNG villages and terraced fields of Millet with the view of Machhapuchare (The Holy Fishtail mountain) dominating the valley. Gradually we get to Chomrong, a beautiful prosperous local settlement and it is also believed that mountain Fishtail got its name MACHHAPUCHARE (6997m) from this town. From Chomrong we enter into the Sanctuary, the very holy place for locals who have deep beliefs over the dwelling of Goddess Barahi. Eventually walking through the most divine forested trail we finally get to the alpine region of Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary. After the Base Camp, we retrace our trail back to Chomrong and take a different valley to the Natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda (1780m). Lastly, we drive back to Pokhara where we have ample options for more exciting activities.
Poon Hill - 3193m / 10,475 feet:
Leaving Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, we drive further west climbing the beautiful hill of Naudanda (1440m) that presents you the breathtaking view of the Annapurna range and the Holy Fishtail. We descend further down to the town of Nayapul at 1078m and meet up with our local crew. Soon we enter into the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) zone that protects and regulates the largest protected zone of our country. Following Bhurungdi Khola (river) we further drive to Ulleri (1960m). As you drive to Ulleri the view that it has to deliver is phenomenal. The landscapes, the gorge, the very typical rustic life and culture, the traditional style villages, and the ancient farming terraces cut in the hills like in Vietnam unfolds before you which looks like a natural theatre. From Ulleri we walk a little further for lunch to the small town of Banthanti with the view of Holy Fishtail. After lunch, a few hours walk into the lush woodland of Rhododendron and Maple we get to the very fascinating town of Ghorepani. Ghorepani means Horse-Water, it assumed this unusual name coz Ghoepani, this beautiful Pass (ridge) actually served as a meetup junction for the Nepali and Tibetan traders during the Salt Trade Era. This beautiful town was certainly a heavenly place for the traders to feed their horses and mules with water and deal with their barter system. The next morning we climb the POON HILL for the sunrise view and witness one of the most exceptional mountain vistas. Poon Hill delivers the most stunning view of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche (6920m), Dhampus (6012m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna Fang (7647m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Gangapurna (7454m), and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6993m).
Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m /13,459 ft):
Our second phase of the trip is Annapurna Base Camp which is at the height of (4,130 m /13,459 ft). Leaving Ghorepani we walk the very delightful trail through the rhododendron forests towards Tadapani. This section of the trail turns out more than Heaven if you are trekking during the Spring season when Rhododendron blooms. Gradually we cruise into the deep holy region where God dwells. There is a small town by the name Bamboo 2310m, from this point onwards people are forbidden to carry any live meats. You would come across a sign that informs of things you are not allowed to take from that point onwards. It's a sanctuary where locals have so much belief. There are several legends and you might most probably have a chance to listen to. Gradually we passing through the Machhapuchare Base Camp which is directly below the dramatic fishtail peak. We walk further to our destination, Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m /13,459 ft) which is the vast natural amphitheater with a 360° view where we are completely enclosed by towering peaks. The panoramic views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Barah Shikar (7647m - Annapurna Fang), Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak), and Tharpu Peak (Tent peak).
Soon we head back to Jhinu Danda, a town with a natural hot spring to relax your tired muscles. We drive back to Pokhara and celebrate our accomplishments.
"Classic Annapurna Trekking to the Hidden alpine amphitheater of Annapurnas Base Camp along with POON HILL exploration"