Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill

Annapurna Base Camp, also known by Annapurna sanctuary, is a wonderful trek that takes you to the Base Camp of the immense south face of Annapurna I (8,091m),  10th highest mountain in the world. The trail passes through cultivated fields and beautiful forests of oak, magnolia, and rhododendron of the Annapurna region. You will walk through banks of pristine rivers, mountain pastures, dip into natural hot springs, slate-roofed tropical villages and encounter caravan of mules carrying necessary supplies to remote villages. Along the way, we meet friendly locals and exchange greetings ‘ Namaste’.

From the Base Camp of  Annapurna, trekkers can enjoy the up-close view of 10 peaks over 6,000m that includes  Hiunchuli, Fang, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare (Mount Fish Tail) and many other peaks. Moreover, while on the trek we come across the most prominent ethnic groups of people like Gurung, Thakali and others permanently living in the Annapurna area.

Whoever begins the trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, the views are of course amazing and at Base Camp, you can find yourself directly in front of Annapurna and surrounded by peaks on all sides. The trail to Annapurna Base Camp lies a bit low in the canyon and it is susceptible to avalanches coming from the peaks above. With the inclusion of Poon Hill hike in the itinerary, our proposed Annapurna Base Camp trek can be longer by several days. Starting from Nayapul we encounter sub-tropical heat, pretty villages and neatly terraced rice fields enjoying the panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas.

The best time to visit Annapurna Base Camp is during spring and autumn. Spring is the time to see the blooming of rhododendrons while the clearest skies are found after the monsoon is over, that is, in October and November. At these times the weather is generally mild and pleasant. In fact, October is the high season for trekking in Nepal.