The Ghorepani ABC Trek is a combined trip of the iconic Poon Hill sunrise with the classic Annapurna Base Camp. This trek offers rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and close-up views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Ghorepani ABC Trek is moderate in difficulty but suitable for all seasoned trekkers and beginners who are physically fit. Requiring an ACAP Permit, Guide, and other logistics, the Ghorepani ABC Trek cost starts from USD 850 per person. 

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude4130 meters
  • Starts/EndsNayapul/Jhinu Danda
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax
  • Best SeasonSpring and Autumn
Highlights
  • Two iconic treks in the Annapurna Region, the Poon Hill Trek and the ABC Trek, in a single trip. 
  • Sunrise Trek to Poon Hill and visit Annapurna Base Camp. 
  • Stunning Panoramic views of the Annapurna Range and the Dhaulagiri Range from Poon Hill Viewpoint. 
  • Stand Tall in the middle of massive vistas at Annapurna Base Camp. 
  • Cultural and Natural diversity along the Ghorepani and ABC Trekking Trail. 

Ghorepani ABC Trek is a combined trip to the popular Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp. The Ghorepani ABC Trek is an extended Annapurna Base Camp trek that includes the Poon Hill route. It combines forest trails, panoramic viewpoints, and high-altitude trekking into one itinerary. Hence, the trek offers more scenic diversity than the standard ABC Trek.

It takes you to the famous Poon Hill hike at first. Then, it continues next to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This combined trek takes around 12 days to complete. Want to enjoy panoramic sunrise views and get close to the giant peak? The Ghorepani ABC Trek is for you.

Mountain Eco Trails is a government-registered trekking company in Nepal. Our team has led the Ghorepani ABC Trek 20+ times. You can book the 12-day Ghorepani ABC Trek with us to feel assured. Contact us today to book this trek with the trusted government-authorised trekking company in Nepal. Email us or contact us via WhatsApp at +9779849790153.

Why the Ghorepani ABC Route is Better Than the Standard ABC Trek?

The Ghorepani ABC Trek is widely considered the most scenic way to reach Annapurna Base Camp. Unlike the standard route, it offers a gradual transition of landscapes and includes Poon Hill sunrise, making it ideal for trekkers seeking both diversity and depth in one journey.

FeatureGhorepani ABC TrekStandard ABC Trek
Scenic Variety⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Includes Poon HillYesNo
DifficultyModerateModerate
CrowdsLess crowded initiallyMore crowded
ExperienceDiverseDirect

Difficulty Level of Ghorepani ABC Trek

The Ghorepani ABC Trek is moderately challenging. It involves daily trekking of 5–7 hours with steep ascents, especially toward Ghorepani and ABC. It is suitable for seasoned trekkers with good fitness levels.

Key Challenges

  • Long uphill sections (stone staircases)
  • Altitude gain up to 4,130 m
  • Cold temperatures at higher elevations

Who Is It Best For?

  • Experienced hikers
  • Fit beginners with preparation
  • Photographers and adventure seekers

What Makes This Ghorepani ABC Trek Unique?

The Ghorepani ABC Trek offers a unique blend of two Himalayan adventures in one trip. The trek starts at sunrise in Poon Hill and goes to Annapurna’s glaciers. This journey shows a stunning change in landscapes. It’s one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal.

Experience Highlights

  • Sunrise over Annapurna & Dhaulagiri
  • Forest walks with rhododendrons
  • Himalayan glacier basin at ABC
  • Natural hot spring at Jhinu

12-Day Ghorepani ABC Trek Itinerary Facts 

If you’re wondering what each day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghorepani looks like, here’s a quick overview of the 12-day itinerary with key facts. The table below outlines each day’s route, highest altitude, trekking hours, and approximate distance. This trek begins and ends in Kathmandu, with Pokhara as the starting point for trekking.

Day

Route

Max Altitude

Duration

 1

Kathmandu Drive to Pokhara

822 m (Pokhara)

6–7 hours drive

 2

Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri

1,960 m

5-6 hours 

3

Ulleri to Ghorepani 

2,874 m

4–5 hours 

4

Ghorepani – Poon Hill hike to Tadapani

3,210 m (Poon Hill)

6-7 hours 

5

Tadhapani to Chhomrong

2,170 m

5–6 hours

6

Chhomrong to Himalaya (village)

2,920 m

6–7 hours

7

Himalaya to Machapuchare Base Camp

3,700 m

4–5 hours

8

MBC – Trek to ABC

4,130 m

2 hours

9

Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

4,130 m (start)

6–7 hours

10

Bamboo to Jhinu Dand

1,780 m (Jhinu)

5–6 hours

11

Jhinu – Drive to Pokhara

822 m (Pokhara)

4-5 hours

12

Pokhara – Travel back to Kathmandu 

1,350 m

6–7 hours drive

The 12-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill – Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary with altitudes, trekking durations, and distances. Keep in mind that actual walking hours can vary based on individual pace and rest stops. In total, you’ll be trekking roughly 70–80 km over 10 days on the trail, with daily hikes of about 6 hours on average.

12-Day Ghorepani ABC Trek Package Cost for 2026,2027

The Ghorepani ABC Trek typically costs between $850 and $2,500, depending on the level of service. Budget trekkers can complete it under $1,200, while guided private packages with full services cost more.

Cost Component

Approx. Cost (USD)

Trekking Permits

$40

Guide (Licensed)

$360

Porter(optional)

$240

Accommodation

$80-150

Meals on Trek

$320-400

Transportation

$40-150

Misc. & Snacks (extra)

$50

Total Estimated Cost per person

$850 -1200

Mountain Eco Trails is providing a guided 12-Day Ghorepani ABC Trek Package at USD 850 per person. The cost covers the expenses of the guide, required transportation, permit cards, meals, accommodation during the trek, and other logistics. Feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153 for more details regarding the cost. 

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a travel day from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Most trekkers take a tourist bus along the Prithvi Highway, a scenic 200 km drive (6–7 hours) following rivers and hills. Pokhara (822 m) is Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city and the gateway to Annapurna treks. In the afternoon, you can relax by Phewa Lake and double-check your gear. Overnight in a Pokhara hotel, with trek departure early next morning.

  • Max Altitude:850 meters
  • Accommodation:3-Star Hotel
  • Time:7-8 Hours

After breakfast, a private vehicle takes you on a 1–1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the starting point for trekking. The trail follows the Modi Khola river valley, passing through Birethanti (1,035 m) and Hile. You’ll trek through farming villages and cross suspension bridges over streams. After lunch around Tikhedhunga, get ready for a tough ascent: the Ulleri stone steps. There are over 3,000 stone stairs to climb from the river up to Ulleri village. Overnight stay at Ulleri.

  • Max Altitude:1960m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Lunch and Dinner

Today’s trek is short and easy. Leaving Ulleri, the trail continues uphill but on a gentler trail. You’ll hike through enchanting rhododendron forests and pass small villages like Banthanti and Nangethanti. The path has sections of stone steps and a dirt trail winding upward. After 4–5 hours (about 8 km), you arrive at Ghorepani (2,874 m). “Ghorepani” means “horse water” – historically a watering stop for mule caravans.

  • Max Altitude:2874 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up around 4:30 AM, sip some tea, and begin the hike to Poon Hill with headlamps lighting the way. It’s about 1 km uphill (300 m ascent), which takes 45–60 minutes.

The Poon Hill sunrise is simply awe-inspiring – watch as Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the Annapurna range, and even far-off Manaslu begin to glow. 

The trail from Ghorepani initially climbs to a ridge and then traverses through lush forests with occasional clearings. The route undulates through rhododendron and oak woods. Overnight at a Tadapani teahouse.

  • Max Altitude:2610 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you’ll connect with the main Annapurna Sanctuary trail. From Tadapani, the path first descends steeply through a beautiful mossy forest. After about an hour, you emerge onto terraces and reach Chuile, a small Gurung village. Here, instead of taking the right trail toward Ghandruk, you keep left and descend to the Kimrong Khola. Cross a suspension bridge over the stream, then prepare for a long ascent to Chhomrong. Overnight stay at Chommrong.

  • Max Altitude:2170 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast with a view, you start by descending Chhomrong’s famous stone steps all the way down to the Chhomrong Khola (river) at the bottom of the valley. Immediately after crossing the bridge, it’s time to regain all that lost altitude with a steep climb up to Sinuwa. From Upper Sinuwa onward, the trail enters a dense bamboo and rhododendron forest.

Continue to Bamboo (2,300 m), named for the thick bamboo groves. Have lunch there, then trek on to Dovan (2,500 m) and eventually to the Himalaya (often referring to the Himalaya Hotel, 2,920 m). Overnight stay at the Himalaya Hotel.

  • Max Altitude:2920 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Himalaya, you climb through a damp forest to Deurali (3,230 m), the last teahouse stop before the base camps. Notice vegetation is now sparse – shrubs and grass replace tall trees.

Passing Deurali, you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary valley, a wide, steep-walled valley carved by glaciers. The trail often follows the riverbed and can be rocky. You might see snow piles or landslide remnants along the narrow trail. After a steady 2–3 hour ascent from Deurali, you arrive at Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m) around midday. Depending on your itinerary and how you feel, you might overnight here.

  • Max Altitude:3700 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:3-4 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short but exciting day. From MBC, it’s a moderate 1.5–2 hour hike (about 4 km) to Annapurna Base Camp. You ascend a broad grassy slope; with every step, the panorama widens. Upon reaching ABC (4,130 m), you’ll see a collection of 4–5 lodges and prayer flags marking the area.

Congratulations – you’ve made it to Annapurna Base Camp, the ultimate goal of this trek! Here you stand at the foot of Annapurna I (the world’s 10th highest mountain) and in the presence of giants: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Tent Peak, Baraha Shikhar, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare forming a 360° wall around the sanctuary. Looking up, you can often hear distant rumbles of avalanches on the surrounding slopes. Overnight stay at ABC.

  • Max Altitude:4130 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:2-3 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an unforgettable sunrise over Annapurna I, it’s time to head back. You retrace your steps out of the Sanctuary, descending all the way to Bamboo in one long day. Typically, you’ll depart ABC in the morning after breakfast, descend past MBC and Deurali, and continue down.

It’s mostly downhill, which is easier on the lungs but can be tough on knees – again, trekking poles and a controlled pace help. By the time you reach Himalaya or Dovan for lunch, you’re back below 3,000 m and likely feeling great with the extra oxygen. Continue through the bamboo forests to Bamboo village (2,310 m) for an overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude:2310 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin with a climb back up from Bamboo to Sinuwa – yes, unfortunately, that means gaining a few hundred meters again, including the section to Chhomrong. You’ll ascend to Sinuwa and then to the ridge by Chhomrong. Once at Chhomrong, you can take a brief break. Then comes a steep descent of 600 m down stone steps to the Modi Khola valley, where Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) lies.

Jhinu is famed for its natural hot springs by the river. You’ll reach Jhinu by early to mid-afternoon after about 5 hours of trekking. Drop your bags at the lodge and head 15 minutes downhill to the Jhinu Hot Springs – three pools of warm mineral water by the riverside. Jhinu has a fun atmosphere as many groups celebrate completing the trek.

  • Max Altitude:1780 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trekking portion officially concludes today. From Jhinu, you’ll trek 2–3 hours to Siwai or Matque, where a road access is available. The trail is mostly downhill or riverside, passing small settlements and terraced fields. At Siwai (or New Bridge), a jeep or vehicle will meet you for the drive back to Pokhara. The drive takes around 3 hours via Nayapul. By midday or afternoon, you’ll be back in Pokhara (822 m). Congratulations on completing the Ghorepani – Annapurna Base Camp Trek!

  • Max Altitude:850 m
  • Accommodation:3-Star Hotel
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, depart Pokhara and travel back to Kathmandu in a tourist bus. Your guide from Mountain Eco Trails will assist you in getting into the tourist bus. Along the drive, you can reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had – from Poon Hill’s sunrise to standing at ABC and everything in between. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can do some souvenir shopping or rest at your hotel. In the evening, we typically host a farewell dinner for our trekking guests to celebrate the successful adventure. Feel free to share feedback or stories from the trek with us.

    • Well-balanced itinerary designed for proper acclimatisation, scenic highlights, and a comfortable trekking pace
    • Fully flexible and customisable to suit your fitness level, interests, and schedule
    • Option to extend or shorten the trek based on available time
    • Adjustable daily walking hours, rest days, and difficulty level
    • Freedom to add side trips, cultural experiences, or scenic viewpoints
    • Can be tailored for photography, nature, culture, or spiritual focus
    • Contact us anytime to create a personalised trekking itinerary that fits your goals
    Cost Includes
    • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu Tourist Bus Fare 
    • 2 nights' accommodation in Pokhara in a 3-star hotel. 
    • Pokhara to Nayapul Private Vehicle and Jhinu to Pokhara Transportation. 
    • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card 
    • Trekkers Information Management Permit Card. 
    • English-speaking licensed trekking guide 
    • Expenses of the trekking guide, including his meals, accommodation, insurance, and salary 
    • Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
    • Accommodation during the trek on a sharing basis 
    • Fresh fruits every day after dinner 
    • Rescue arrangement if needed 
    • Complimentary Duffel bag, Sim Card, Trekking Poles, etc. 
    • Farewell Dinner after the trek with team officials
    • Government and Local Taxes. 
    Cost Excludes
    • Personal Expenses like hot drinks, extra meals, snacks, wifi, hot shower, etc. 
    • Rescue evacuation cost and medical cost. 
    • Extra days' expenses in the mountains in case of weather delays or early arrival from the trek. 
    • Porter cost. (USD 22 per day if needed)
    • Tips to guide and porter
    • Bank charges 3.5% extra if payment is done by card. 
    Availability
    • Flexible departure dates for all trekking and tour packages
    • Customized schedules to match your travel plan
    • Private and group departures available
    • Seasonal advice for the best trekking conditions
    • Short-notice and last-minute departures possible
    • Share your preferred dates, and we’ll handle the rest
    Select a Departure Month
    Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
    Start DateStarts: SundayApr 26, 2026End DateEnds: ThursdayMay 07, 2026PricePriceUS$850StatusStatusAvailable
    Good to Know

    Best time for Ghorepani ABC Trek

    The best time for the Ghorepani ABC Trek is spring and autumn when weather conditions are stable, visibility is clear, and trekking conditions are ideal.

    SeasonExperience
    Spring (Mar–May)Rhododendron bloom 🌸
    Autumn (Sep–Nov)Clear mountain views 🏔️
    Winter (Dec–Feb)Quiet but cold ❄️
    Monsoon (Jun–Aug)Risky, leeches 🌧️

    Tea house accommodation on 12-Day Ghorepani ABC Trek

    Tea house lodging is the standard on this trek – you’ll stay in family-run lodges in each village. It’s a comfortable and authentic way to experience the local culture. Learn more about Teahouse Accommodation in Annapurna Trek by clicking here. 

    Dining & Food in Ghorepani ABC Trek Route

    Every tea house has a common dining hall, usually heated in the evening by a wood or yak-dung stove. This is where trekkers gather, eat, and socialise. The meals are singly extensive – almost all lodges cook variations of dal bhat (the traditional rice-lentil curry meal), which is filling and offers free refills.

    Check out: The Meals in the Annapurna Trek for details.

    Booking Process for ABC Trek via Poon Hill

    To book the Ghorepani ABC Trek, you can simply contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153. We can customise the trip according to your requirements and give you the pre-trip briefing online. Once you meet your requirements, you can give us confirmation by paying the 20% deposit of the total cost via bank transfer. The rest of the payment you can do once you arrive here. 

    Also Check Out:

    FAQs
    • Yes, the Ghorepani ABC Trek is worth it if you are looking for the best combined trekking experience in the Annapurna region.

    • ABC Trek via Ghorepani is better than direct ABC. It is because ABC Via Ghorepani offers varieties of landscapes & Panoramic Views.

    • No, the Ghorepani EBC Trek is not that difficult for experienced hikers.

    • Well, Ghorepani ABC Trek can be less crowded in comparison to other treks in Annapurna. However, during the peak season, you will find seasoned trekkers along the trail.

    • The Ghorepani Poon Hill ABC Trek is an extended version of the Annapurna Base Camp trek that includes a detour through Ghorepani village and the Poon Hill viewpoint.

    • The cost of the Ghorepani ABC Trek starts from USD 899 per person. However, the cost depends on the level of service chosen. Mountain Eco Trails offers this trek at a cost starting from USD 850 per person.

    • A typical 12-day Ghorepani Poon Hill to Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary begins with a drive from Pokhara to the trailhead (Nayapul) and a trek up through Ulleri to reach Ghorepani by around Day 3. Trekkers take an early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise on Day 4 or 5, then continue through Tadapani, Chhomrong, and Deurali to arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) by about Day 7–8. The return route descends back down via Jhinu Danda (where you can enjoy natural hot springs) and ends in Pokhara by Day 12.

    • The best time for the Ghorepani ABC Trek is in the months of Spring & Autumn. These months provide better visibility, excellent weather, & mountain views.

    • Trekkers must obtain two permits for the Ghorepani Annapurna Base Camp trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. The ACAP (costing NPR 3,000 for foreigners) allows entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, and the TIMS card (NPR 2,000) is a trekking registration for safety.

    • Ghorepani ABC Trek is moderate in difficulty, while trekkers need to be fit and able to walk 5-6 hours a day.

    • Yes, there are plenty of tea houses (local lodges) along the Ghorepani ABC trek route offering meals and overnight accommodation.

    • Trekkers choose to do the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek via Poon Hill to enjoy the extra scenery and acclimatisation that this route provides. The Poon Hill detour offers a spectacular sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges – a highlight that the direct route to ABC would miss. By going through Ghorepani and Poon Hill, you also experience diverse landscapes and Gurung/Magar villages, making the journey to ABC even more rewarding (at the cost of only a couple of additional trekking days).

    • Ghorepani ABC Trek is 10-12 days long, depending on the starting point of the trek. Mountain Eco Trails has designed this trek in a 12-Day Ghorepani ABC itinerary.

    • Yes, you will need a guide for the Ghorepani ABC Trek as per the new rule set by Nepal govenrment since 2023.

    • The highest point of the Ghorepani ABC Trek is Annapurna Base Camp, which sits at approximately 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level. Poon Hill, a major viewpoint on this route, reaches 3,210 m (10,531 ft).

    • The Ghorepani ABC trek is rich in scenery and experiences. Major highlights include watching a gorgeous sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m) with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges turning golden, and standing at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) surrounded by towering peaks of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

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