Overview
Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill Trek
The Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and diverse trekking adventures, blending dramatic landscapes, Himalayan panoramas, and rich cultural encounters. This extended trek—typically taking 18 to 21 days—takes you through subtropical valleys, alpine forests, arid highlands, and across one of the world’s highest trekking passes, Thorong La (5,416 meters).
This journey is not only about the mountains; it’s about the people, the culture, and the spiritual connection you form with the land. From the lower Marsyangdi Valley to the sacred temple of Muktinath, and finally to the sunrise viewpoints of Poon Hill and Mohare Danda, this trek is a complete Himalayan experience.
What to Expect on the Trek?
1:Starting Point – Besishahar to Chame:
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar. From here, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River, passing lush terraced fields, waterfalls, and charming villages. You'll stay in local teahouses and experience the hospitality of the Gurung and Tamang communities.
2:Middle Section – Pisang, Manang, and the High Himalayas:
As you ascend, the scenery shifts to pine forests, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. In Manang (3,540m), you’ll acclimatize and explore local monasteries and viewpoints. This region is culturally rich, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and home to the Manangi people.
3:High Point – Thorong La Pass (5,416m):
Crossing Thorong La Pass is the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek. You'll start early in the morning, hiking under the stars to reach the top at sunrise. From the summit, you’ll see majestic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho ranges.
4:Spiritual Stop – Muktinath Temple:
After the pass, descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley and visit Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It’s a peaceful place where ancient beliefs meet in the shadow of towering peaks.
5:Lower Mustang to Tatopani:
Continue through Jomsom and Marpha, famous for apple orchards and stone-paved streets. Enjoy a more relaxed pace, soak in natural hot springs at Tatopani, and observe how the landscape gradually transforms back into subtropical forest.
6:Final Section – Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Mohare Danda:
The last leg of your journey brings you to the Ghorepani–Poon Hill trail, one of the most scenic short treks in Nepal. Wake up early for a sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) or Mohare Danda, both offering sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges glowing in the morning light.
This trek immerses you in the lives of the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi communities. You'll visit monasteries, spin prayer wheels, taste local dishes like Thakali dal bhat and apple pie, and stay in traditional lodges that provide insight into highland lifestyles. The cultural and religious diversity of the region adds depth to your adventure.
Who is This Trek For?
- The Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill Trek is ideal for:
- Adventurous trekkers seeking a challenging and scenic route
- Cultural travelers interested in meeting diverse ethnic groups
- Photographers and nature lovers are drawn to varied landscapes
- Spiritual seekers looking for peace in nature and sacred sites
This trek is moderately to strenuously difficult, best suited for those with good fitness and some trekking experience. However, with proper pacing and acclimatization, it is achievable and deeply rewarding.
Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, stable weather, clear skies
Autumn (September–November): Best visibility, pleasant temperatures, popular season
The Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey. It offers everything a trekker could wish for: towering peaks, serene landscapes, vibrant culture, and a physical and emotional journey through Nepal’s most stunning region.
Whether you're seeking a personal challenge, cultural connection, or spiritual adventure, this trek will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Nepal’s natural and cultural beauty.
Trip Organization
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar): is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide: is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter: is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
( from 4 people of the group of trekkers: we will provide 1 Leader Guide, 1 Assistant Guide, And 2 porters )
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person:
For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations trek:15 kg maximum;
Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passe.
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Meals: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is provided on the first evening. Similarly, upon return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided. In the cities, many small (or large) restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine.
Accommodation And Meals during the Annapurna circuit Trek: Mohare danda and poon hill
For lodge accommodation: during the Annapurna circuit, Mohare, and poonhill Trek, you will stay in the lodge or Tea House with twin shared bedrooms.
Meals: for this trek Meals are prepared by the Lodge's cook and Served in the dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee. During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: We provide water purification tablets. and Recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Physical level in Annapurna Circuit Trek Mohare Danda & poonhill
This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 19 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m. The Larkya Pass (5,150 m) often has snow later in the season.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Safety During The Trek
Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear.
Group size for the Annapurna trek Mohare and Poon Hill Trek
The group is composed of 1 to 10 participants maximum. The number of participants is voluntarily limited to allow a better immersion, to not embarrass our hosts, to develop spaces of freedom and to allow a great flexibility of operation. However, the maximum number can be exceeded in the case where the last person who registers wishes to travel with another or several other people. The services will not be modified and the conditions of the trip will be identical as a result.
Personal Equipment for Trekking
Personal equipment is not provided, but a complete list will be shared later. We will refine the list with you during the preparation days and up until departure based on your questions.
High-altitude sleeping bags and quality down jackets are costly items you may not use often. We offer these specific items for rent during the trekking. You must return the equipment clean and in good condition, with a deposit required.
Security And Communication
We have at least one Iridium satellite phone for logistics, weather updates, and security. Participants may use it under certain conditions—please contact us for private use. All camps are connected by radio, with access for the expedition leader, participants, and high-altitude Sherpas. A hyperbaric chamber will be available at base camp, and a lighter, essential pharmacy will be stocked at higher camps.
FAQ's
1. What is an ideal season for the Annapurna circuit and Mohare Danda and Poon Hill? :
The perfect seasons for this trek are during Spring ( March to May ) and Autumn seasons( September to November ). These months have favorable weather conditions and clear skies which enhance the trekking experience throughout the trail.
2. How challenging is this Annapurna circuit trek? :
The trek is moderate but it depends upon the trekkers’ health, pace, and prior experience in trekking. If you have completed Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek then it’s an easy trek for you. If this is your first trek then it might be a challenging trek for you but with the proper preparations and planning the trek can be easily done by all levels of the trekkers.
3. Do I have to acquire a permit for the Annapurna circuit trek? :
Since the entire trekking trail lies under the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must acquire an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit. You can acquire a permit through the help of a government-certified trekking agency in Nepal. You also need to acquire a TIMS ( Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card.
4. What about the accommodations during the Annapurna trek? :
You can find hotels, lodges, and tea houses with basic facilities throughout the trek. These accommodations offer basic facilities with more than two single bedrooms. Most of the lodges that have the squat toiles have less chance of paper rolls. Considering the factors of remoteness, the rooms are comfortable and clean. The accommodations have a cold shower facility but if you want to have a hot shower you have to pay extra for it.
5. What food do I expect to get during the Annapurna circuit trek? :
Meals available in the trek are simple local dishes. There are options ranging from rice, local veggies, lentils, momo, pasta, and curry. Beverages include tea, coffee, and hot lemon. As you go to higher altitudes, you will find the price of the food is higher due to remote access.
6. How long does it take to complete the Annapurna circuit trek? :
Usually, it takes 20 days to complete the trek depending on your pace.You have to walk approximately 7- 8 hours a day.
7. Do I have to hire a guide and a porter for the Annapurna circuit trek? :
Even though the trek is considered to be a moderate trek, it is highly recommended to hire a guide and a porter. They’ll help you in the navigation, take you through the best route, and also help you in case of emergency during the trek. The porter will help you to carry your gear and bags. They have the capacity to carry up to 20 kg throughout the trek.
8. What essential items must be packed during the Annapurna circuit trek? :
Trekking poles, a rucksack, a nice sleeping bag, warm clothes, and strong hiking boots are all necessary pieces of equipment. A simple first-aid kit, rain gear, and a filtered water bottle are strongly advised.
9. What about the attitude sickness during the Annapurna circuit trek? :
As the trail reaches high altitudes, altitude sickness is a possibility. It is essential to properly acclimate, drink plenty of water, and be mindful of any symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, or lightheadedness. By taking days off and increasing gradually, altitude-related problems can be avoided.
10. What kind of physical fitness do I require? :
It requires a moderate degree of fitness. Trekking entails walking for extended periods of time, frequently across rough and hilly terrain. The trip will be more comfortable and pleasurable if you prepare with strength training, hiking practice, and cardiovascular workouts.