Embark on an incredible journey through a captivating culture and breathtaking natural scenery at this must-visit destination for hikers, trekkers, and adventurers
The Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghorepani Poon Hill is a popular and one of the most breathtaking treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek is a combination of two of the most famous treks in the region, the Ghorepani balcony trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
In the past, the trek used to start from Nayapul and pass-through charming villages, lush forests, and terraced farmland, similar to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, due to the recent construction of a motorable road, the trek has been shortened, and now the trip starts from Tikhedhunga and heads towards the village of Ghorepani instead of directly going towards the base camp.
Ghorepani is situated at an altitude of 2,850m and offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges. The highlight of the trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill, which is one of the best panoramic viewpoints of western mountains in the Annapurna region. From Poon Hill, trekkers can witness the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, making it a perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers.
After visiting Poon Hill, the trek continues towards the Annapurna Base Camp via Tadapani, Chomrong, and Dovan villages. During the trek, trekkers can witness remarkable views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, among others, as well as crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls. The trail passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests before reaching the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where trekkers can witness the spectacular view of Machhapuchhre peak.
The Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,130m, offers sensational views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. This is a rewarding experience for trekkers who are looking for a challenging yet enjoyable trek in the Himalayas. The trek takes around 10 to 14 days to complete, depending on the route and the pace of the trekker. It's a moderate trek and suitable for trekkers with some prior experience.
Along the route, trekkers can stay in teahouses or hotels, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. The trek provides a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle of the people living in the Himalayan region.
Stunning panoramic views: The trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and others.
Poon Hill sunrise: A highlight of the trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill, one of the best panoramic viewpoints of western mountains in the Annapurna region. From Poon Hill, trekkers can witness the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, making it a perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Rich cultural experience: The trek passes through charming villages and provides a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle of the people living in the Himalayan region.
Varied terrain: The trail passes through lush forests, terraced farmland, dense bamboo, and rhododendron forests before reaching the Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Annapurna Base Camp: The Annapurna Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,130m, offers sensational views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It's a rewarding experience for trekkers who are looking for a challenging yet enjoyable trek in the Himalayas.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,350 meters (4,429 ft), transfer to hotel Moonlight BB service.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing: Pasupatinath, Soyambhunath and Bauddhanath.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 820 meters (2,690 ft), transfer to hotel.
Day 04: Drive bus to Hille and trek start to Ulleri 1,960m (6,430 ft), 8hrs.
Day 05: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani 2,860 meters (9,383 ft), 7hrs.
Day 06: Poon-hill 3,210 me (10,531 ft), Sunrise view, trek to Tadapani 2,630m (8,628 ft), 5hrs.
Day 07: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrung 2,170 meters (7,119 ft), 7hrs.
Day 08: Trek from Chhomrung to to Dovan 2,600 meters (8,530 ft), 7hrs.
Day 09: Trek from Dovan to Machhapuchhare base camp 3,700 m (12,139 ft), 7hrs.
Day 10: Trek from MBC to ABC 4,130 meters (13,550 ft), 2hrs.
Day 11: Trek back to Shinuwa 2,260 meters (7,414 ft) 8 to 9hrs.
Day 12: Trek from Shinuwa to Ghandrung 1,940 m (6,364 ft), 8hrs.
Day 13: Drive to Sarangkot 1,552 m (5,092 ft), 3hrs
Day 14: Trek to Lakeside hotel 820 meters (2,690 ft), 2hrs
Day 15: Sightseeing around Pokhara valley.
Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu 1,350 m (4,429 ft, and transfer to hotel.
Day 17: Departure for home
Representatives from Himalayan Diamond Adventures will greet you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be welcomed with a fresh flower garland, a traditional Nepali greeting, and then escorted to the hotel for bed and breakfast service. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, if there is no traffic jam on our way. After checking into the hotel, we will have a short refreshment meeting at the hotel. In the evening, the company will host a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with a cultural dance performance, to celebrate the start of your trip. During the dinner, your guide will provide a brief overview of the schedule for the following day.
Today, after breakfast, we will embark on a journey to explore some of the popular landmarks and milestones in the Kathmandu Valley, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Kathmandu is widely known as the city of temples and a cultural hub in Nepal. These places that we will visit today showcase the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Both Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are important sites for Buddhism and are visited by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. These places display the unique architecture, religious tolerance, and diversity that can be found in Nepal.
As Kathmandu has a huge historical history and carries cultural and religious essence a popular destination for tourists. The city presents a remarkable blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism via its heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Our tour guide will provide you the relevant facts and historical significance of the places like Pashupatinath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in town- Boudhanath, the 15th-century palace of 55 windows in Bhaktapur and Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu which we will visit today.
Today, we will be traveling to another famous tourist destination in Nepal, Pokhara, by tourist bus. The journey will take approximately 7 hours and along the way, you will be able to witness the stunning mountain terrain, including the Ganesh Himalaya range, Bhauda Himal, Rani peak, group of Himalchuli, Ngadi chuli, Manasalu, Lamjung, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Annapurna south, and many other mountains. Additionally, the land is also rich in beautiful landscapes, such as cultivated lands, perennial rivers like the Trisuli river and Marsyangdi river, eye-catching waterfalls, and rolling green hills. Pokhara itself is a truly beautiful city surrounded by white snow-capped towering peaks and green hills, and one of its main attractions is its serene lakes, where visitors can swim and go boating.
We will embark on a scenic bus journey from Pokhara to Nayapul-Hille, which is where the Ghopepani Poon hill trek officially begins. The trail passes through several villages and cultivated lands owned by farmers, including terraced rice fields, potato, barley, maize, and vegetable farms. As we follow the north bank of Burundi Khola, we will pass through villages offering astounding views. After a 2-hour scenic bus journey, we will begin the trek to Ulleri village, passing through Tikhedhungga village. Once we leave Tikhedhungga, the trail will steeply climb up the mountainside, following thousands of stone staircases. The route is challenging, but the views along the way make it worthwhile.
We will commence our trek towards Ghorepani, gradually ascending uphill. Ghorepani is situated at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 ft) above sea level. Leaving Ulleri village, we will pass through several beautiful ethnic group's villages before reaching Ghorepani, which is an enchanting and bustling tourist destination. The trail can be quite challenging for novice trekkers, but the magnificent views of Machhapuchre make it worthwhile. After a short and enthralling hike, we will pass through oak, rhododendron, and magnolia forests towards Banthanti and Nangethati, which are popular stops on the way to Ghorepani. At the end of our beautiful hiking day, we will reach Ghorepani, a large Poon Magar inhabited settlement situated between two green hills that resemble a saddle. Ghorepani is a vibrant and highly touristy village.
We will wake up early in the morning, at dawn, and climb up to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,531 ft) to enjoy the splendid sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalaya range, including Mt. Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. When the first sun rays hit the mountains, it creates a marvelous view. After enjoying the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, we will head back to the hotel for a hot breakfast. Following breakfast, we will trek to Tadapani, enjoying the tranquility and scenic views of the rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, oak, and pine jungle along the way
Today, our destination is Chhomrung, the third biggest and busiest tourist village on the way to the ABC trek. Our journey begins with a descent down to Kumrung Khola, passing through dense rhododendron forests before reaching tea houses and the village, where we can enjoy incomparable scenery. From there, our trail steeply drops down to Kumrung Khola, which we cross over a well-made suspension bridge. Continuing on, we pass through cultivated farmlands and villages, following a slightly uphill path to reach Chhomrung, home to Gurung and Magar lodges that offer rewarding mountain views.
Leaving our lodge, the trail descends to Chhomrung Khola, passing through the expanding Chhomrung village. We will cross the river over a suspension bridge before quickly ascending to Shinuwa village. Our route then leads to Dovan, passing through rhododendron and bamboo forests. Today, most of our trek is through bamboo-covered forests, offering awe-inspiring views of Annapurna South, Huchuli, and Fishtail. Although the trek today is more strenuous, we will be filled with enthusiasm as there is so much to explore and enjoy in the wilderness of the Himalayas.
After breakfast, we will trek through the mountainous terrain covered with dwarf bamboo forest. Today's route will be more rugged and uphill than the previous days. We will cross famous landmarks such as the Hinku cave and Deurali lodges as we traverse several ascents towards the Sanctuary. We will then continue our trek until we reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which usually takes about 7 to 8 hours from Dovan.
Today, we will trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, which is located at an elevation of 4,130 meters above sea level. The base camp offers breathtaking panoramic views, including a stunning view of Annapurna One.
From Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we will continue our ascent until we reach the Annapurna South Base Camp. The climb is challenging, but the experience is incredibly rewarding, with sprawling mountain views all around us. Once we reach the Annapurna Base Camp, we will only need to walk for 2-3 minutes to reach a picturesque spot to witness the immense Annapurna glaciers. Although the journey to Annapurna Base Camp can be quite challenging, the awe-inspiring mountain views make it all worthwhile.
After enjoying the mesmerizing circular mountain view, we will trek back to Shinuwa village today via the same trail we took before. We will mostly be walking downhill into the bamboo forest with captivating mountain views along the way. The trek will take approximately 8 to 9 hours, and we will finally reach Shinuwa village.
After departing from Chhomrung village, there are several trekking routes available to get back to Pokhara, but we will opt for the one that offers the most enjoyable viewing trail, which is the way to Ghandruk. We will take the upper route, trekking through scenic villages to reach Ghandruk. During the day, our trail will pass through farmers' cultivated fields, jungle, and suspension bridges before reaching Ghandruk, a large Gurung village with both uphill and downhill stretches. After about 7 to 8 hours of elegant trekking through villages, we will arrive at Ghandruk, which is a naturally and culturally rich village. You will notice the unique Gurung settlements and culture, lifestyle, and hospitality in Ghandruk. Because of its unique culture, serene environment, great views, and heart-warming hospitality, Ghandruk is a popular tourist destination in Nepal.
After experiencing a wonderful stay in Ghandruk village, we will trek downhill along a stone staircase until we reach the jeep station at Kimche. From there, we will drive towards Naudanda, admiring the terraced farmlands and villages such as Tikhedhunga and Nayapul with crystal clear views of the Modi river on the way. The drive will take around an hour and a half. Once we reach Naudanda, we will trek for 2 hours to reach Sarangkot, a popular trekking destination accessible from Pokhara. Sarangkot offers captivating mountain views, serenity, and a glorious landscape of the Pokhara valley.
After an incredible Mountain tour, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains such as Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks, as well as the enchanting Pokhara valley with its captivating lakes, we will descend down to a lakeside hotel for an overnight stay that includes breakfast.
There are various activities to enjoy in Pokhara, such as mountain flights, paragliding, boating, cycling tours, motorbiking tours, etc. However, we will be taking a sightseeing tour around Pokhara. We will visit the Peace Pagoda (also known as the Peaceful Stupa), Barahi Temple in Lakeside, enigmatic caves, Davis Waterfall, and the International Mountain Museum.
Today, we will fly back to Kathmandu after our lunch hour. While taking off from Pokhara International Airport, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains in clear weather. Before landing at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy sensational and spectacular mountain vistas. Upon arrival, we will shuttle you in a private car or tourist bus to your hotel, where breakfast will be served. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner at a Nepali cultural restaurant with traditional Nepali dance performances..
We will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled check-in time for your international flight. We will be there to see you off.
Note: - that the outlined itinerary is designed for those who prefer a full package service. However, we understand that preferences and time constraints may vary, so we offer the flexibility to customize the itinerary according to your needs. The selection of itineraries and staff will be based on your specific requirements and budget. Additionally, we have options available for partial visits to accommodate your preferences and financial situation.
When going on a tour, it's important to bring essential documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. Here are some documents that we highly recommend you bring with you.
Passport: If you're traveling to a foreign country, you'll need a valid passport. Make sure to check the expiration date and renew it if necessary.
Visa: Depending on your destination, you may need a visa to enter the country. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting to see if you need a visa.
Travel itinerary: It's always a good idea to have a printed copy of your travel itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations, tour bookings, and any other important travel plans.
Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage.
Health documents: If you're traveling to a country with specific health requirements, such as a yellow fever vaccination, make sure to bring the necessary health documents.
Driver's license: If you plan on driving while on tour, make sure to bring your driver's license.
Credit cards and cash: Bring enough cash and credit cards to cover your expenses while on tour.
Emergency contact information: Write down the contact information for someone you trust in case of an emergency. This could include a family member, friend, or employer.
It's always a good idea to make copies of all your important documents and keep them in a safe place in case the originals get lost or stolen. Additionally, you may want to consider using a travel document organizer to keep all your important documents organized and easily accessible.
If you are traveling to Nepal, then here are some essential documents you will need to have with you in order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
What Essential Documents Do I Need To Bring With Me For ABC Trip?
❖ Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank visa pages
❖ Travel insurance policy document
❖ Photocopies of your passport's personal information page
❖ One or more recent passport-sized photos with a white background (1.5 inch x 1.5 inch)
❖ Completed and signed Nepal visa application form
❖ Proof of accommodation in Nepal (such as a hotel reservation or address)
❖ Valid return flight or travel ticket
❖ Proof of sufficient financial means, such as recent bank statements
❖ Mastercard, Visa, and some cash in USD
❖ Proof of payment of the Nepal visa fee
❖ To obtain a visa for Nepal, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the travel date and you must present either a completed COVID-19 vaccination certificate with QR code or a valid PCR test negative result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal at https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
1. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and intended travel dates.
2. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
3. Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or debit card. The cost of the visa depends on the length of your stay in Nepal, but it typically ranges from $30 to $125.
4. Once you have submitted your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt and an application ID.
5. After your application has been processed, you will receive another email with a link to download your visa. You should print out the visa and carry it with you when you travel to Nepal. It's important to note that the online tourist visa is valid for multiple entries and is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on your length of stay. Also, be sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to allow time for processing.
It is essential for foreign travelers to secure insurance coverage while trekking or climbing in Nepal. Although trekking in Nepal is generally safe, travel insurance is compulsory for mountaineering activities in Nepal. The trip can pose physical challenges and hazards, particularly at high altitudes where altitude sickness is prevalent among trekkers and climbers, especially those who have not acclimatized properly. Physical injuries can also occur on mountain trails or during climbing activities, and in emergency situations, foreign trekkers or climbers may need to be rescued by helicopter and transported to hospitals in Kathmandu, which can be costly if the traveler does not have insurance coverage.
We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance package that covers high altitudes up to 4,500 meters, potential medical issues, natural disasters, personal accidents, emergency helicopter evacuation, loss or damage of personal belongings, and trip cancellations. The minimum recommended coverage amount is USD 100,000. There are many insurance companies that offer travel insurance services online. You should compare plans to find the one that best meets your needs.
If you are in search of popular and highly-rated travel insurance companies, then we can recommend some based on positive feedback we have received from our previous travelers. It is here. [Company 1], [Company 2], [Company 3]............................
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Online Global Health Insurance
Travelex
Insure My Trip.com (Online Insurance Aggregator)
Mondial Assistance
Access America
HCC Medical Insurance Services
Good Neighbor Insurance (International Health)
International Health
Insuremytrip dot com
MultiNational Underwriters
TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd
Travel Assist
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Specialty Group (UK) Limited
FirstAssist Services Limited
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For Travellers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA...........................
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For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
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Travel insurance Consultants Pty. Ltd.
As Nepal's topography is divided into three geographical regions - Terai, Hills, and Mountains - each region experiences different temperatures during different seasons. Below is a tabular illustration of temperature changes throughout the different seasons in Nepal, which will allow you to better understand the changing weather conditions.
Seasons Minimum temperature (approx) Maximum temperature (approx) Weather Condition
Spring 4°C/ 39°F (Mountain) 20°C/ 68°F (Mountain) Moderate with occasional rain
Summer 12°C/ 53°F (Mountain) 25°C/ 77°F (Mountain) Extreme high with heavy rain
Autumn 3°C/ 37°F (Mountain) 18°C/ 64°F (Mountain) Moderate
Winter 10°C/ 50°F (Terai) -4°C/ 24°F (Mt.) 20°C/ 68°F (Terai) to 12°C/ 53°F (Mountain) Extreme low
After a thorough analysis of all the seasons, it has been suggested that autumn is the best time of the year to trek in Nepal. The mild temperatures from September to November make the trekking experience more enjoyable. During this time of the year, trekking routes throughout the country are jam-packed with travelers from all around the world.
However, as mid-December is generally the holiday season in most countries, including the United States, there is a spike in the number of international tourists during early winter as well. Interestingly, to make the holiday season even more special, travel companies offer some of the best holiday destination packages during this time. So, be sure to take advantage of the best travel opportunities with the assistance of Himalayan Diamond Adventure.
Nonetheless, if you cannot make it in autumn, spring also allows for favorable conditions for trekking in Nepal. The warmer days and nights, lush plants and vegetation, and clear trekking trails during spring make the trek worthwhile. However, the downside is occasional rain and slightly higher temperatures in the lower elevations. All in all, after autumn, spring is the second-best time to trek in Nepal.
Thousands of tourists visit Nepal every year to enjoy the picturesque nature and trek through the adventurous and diverse terrain. However, the best times to trek in Nepal are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, travelers are blessed with moderate temperatures and enjoyable weather conditions throughout the country.
As calm as it may seem, the challenging terrains of the Himalayas in Nepal can present trekkers with gruesome scenarios during harsh weather conditions. To avoid any unforeseen situations and to enjoy nature at its best, most trekkers prefer autumn for backpacking. However, it may not be the best time of the year to trek in Nepal for everyone. Some may prefer off-season trekking to avoid the crowds. Therefore, exploring the various seasons can help you choose a favorable time for trekking in Nepal based on your preferences.
Throughout the year, the landscape of Nepal experiences four seasons, each with its own uniqueness that brings significant changes to the natural environment. Below are some detailed insights into the four seasons in Nepal.
Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May and is one of the preferred seasons for trekking throughout the country. During this time, the climate is moderate, with slightly higher temperatures reaching up to about 32°C (89°F) in the lower elevation regions and around 20°C (68°F) at higher altitudes. The sky is usually clear with mild days and occasional rain.
Spring brings a rejuvenation of nature. Flowers begin to blossom, trees become lusher with newly sprung leaves, and spring vegetation sprouts again. Likewise, the flora and fauna of the Himalayan terrain also resuscitate from the harsh winter. Overall, spring is considered a great time for trekking in Nepal due to the alluring freshness of nature.
With the end of May, summer starts in Nepal and lasts from June to August, which is also the monsoon season in the country. During these months, the weather can be harsh, with scorching heat and heavy rain throughout the nation. The rising humidity and extreme hot weather conditions may restrict travelers from fully enjoying their trip.
Although the lower elevation regions experience harsh summers, the Himalayan terrains are not as brutal. In the mountain regions, temperatures can range from approximately 25°C to 12°C (77°F to 53°F). However, heavy rains can make trekking through rocky mountain terrain challenging, and the cloudy sky may obscure mountain views.
With the arrival of autumn from September to November, Nepal becomes a popular destination for trekking. During this season, the weather is usually pleasant with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and gentle sunshine throughout the day. However, early autumn may bring occasional light rainfall. As the season progresses into October and November, the monsoon season completely ends, and cooler weather conditions prevail.
Many people choose to trek to popular destinations such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill during this season. Additionally, autumn is festival season in Nepal, and visitors can witness major celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar, which provide an opportunity to experience Nepali culture and traditions. Many travel packages are available for the best treks in Nepal during this season, and our travel experts can help you plan your trip to align with the festival season.
Winter, which lasts from December to February, is the harshest season for trekking in Nepal. As the temperature drops in December, nights become chilly, and temperatures can reach around 9°C (48°F) during the day and below 0°C (32°F) during the night in higher altitudes. During peak winter, many high passes and trekking routes in the mountains are covered with dense fog and snow, increasing the risk of unexpected accidents.
Because of the risks of unpleasant trekking conditions, most travelers avoid trekking in the Himalayan terrains during the winter season. Additionally, most expeditions and mountain climbing, including trekking in the Everest region, also come to a halt during the harsh winter. Overall, it may not be the best time to trek due to the challenges presented by the weather conditions.