Poon Hill + Annapurna Basecamp Yoga Trek (10-11 days)

This fantastic trek combines the splendour of two classic Himalayan trails into a 10- or 11-day journey. While the Poon Hill portion of this Yoga Trek is popular among our guests for its panoramic views and the magical sunrise on Poon Hill, the Annapurna Base Camp portion offers one of the best close encounters with the Himalayas, with dramatic, breathtaking views you will never forget. The 11-day trek includes an afternoon, evening and overnight at the charming and peaceful Little Paradise teahouse, beautifully located on a ridge between two mountains, between the Poon Hill and Annapurna Basecamp portions of the trek. This allows the group to rest and practice yoga and meditation in stunning, serene surroundings before embarking onto the next portion of the trek. The 10-day trek skips this, going straight from Tadapani to Chhomrong.

See more photos from our Yoga Treks.

We start this journey on the picturesque Poon Hill trail, which takes us past terraced slopes, paddy fields, and through rhododendron forests, thickly covered in moss. Rhododendron trees can be seen blooming in spring, around March-April.

The authentic villages we experience along the trek, including the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, provide a taste of the culture and lifestyle of ethnic people like Gurungs and Magars.

The destination and highest point of the first portion of this trek is Poon Hill (3,210m), which we climb before sunrise to experience spectacular panoramic views of the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. This viewpoint truly is a photographer’s paradise, and weather permitting, the mountains we see include Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, and Manaslu.

We end the first portion of the trek at the charming and peaceful Little Paradise teahouse, beautifully located on a ridge between two mountains.

From here, we continue onward to Annapurna Base Camp (also known as Annapurna Sanctuary or ABC trek) is famous for its stunning landscape. At the beginning, our trail is still lined with lush rhododendron forests, as we make our way up a spectactular valley lined by cliffs and cascading waterfalls. At the top of the valley, just at the entrance to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we witness the birth of river Modi – melting out of glaciers on the side of the mountain slopes. At each turn, a new, closer view of the great Himalayan mountain ranges is visible, until we finally reach the Annapurna Basecamp, an awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic viewpoint around which the main peaks of the western Annapurna massive (including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Gangapurna & Machhapuchhre) are arranged almost precisely in a circle of 10 miles in diameter. Across a deep glacier gorge at the center, you can see the spectacularly beautiful giant – Annapurna I (8091m). This is one of the best close encounters with the Himalayas within a short period of time with dramatic, breathtaking views you will never forget.

Route 

Pokhara – Australian Camp – Landruk – Chomrong – Bamboo – Deurali – Machhapuchhre Base Camp – Annapurna Base Camp – Chomrong – Kot Danda – Ghandruk – Shyauli Bazaar – Pokhara

Day 00 // Preparatory Day 

• Meet and greet and Q&A with guide/yoga teacher (and any other participants) in Pokhara
• Packing (daypack, trekking gear and possessions to be carried by porter etc.), and final preparations
• Welcome dinner
• Overnight in hotel/guesthouse in Pokhara (we choose simple but clean and comfortable accommodation, with a good space for yoga on the morning of Day 1)

Day 01 // Pokhara – Nayapul – Hille // 1,495m // 1.5hr drive, 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• 1,5 hour drive to Nayapul
• We start the trek at Nayapul, walking along the bank of the Modi Khola river. We pass through the village of Birethanti, and continue along the north bank of the Burungdi river. From there, the trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille. Today’s walk offers a short and relatively easy day, allowing us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 02 // Hille – Ghorepani // 2,860m // 7hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Leaving Hille, we start our day with a steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at 2,070m. We take our time to tackle a steep stone stair climb, and then continue a more gentle and gradual climb towards Banthanti through fine forests of oak and rhododendron. The trail continues through a dense forest of rhododendron and oak. We take a break in Nangethanti, which provides a beautiful setting. After another hour of walking from, we reach Ghorepani, an interesting village with small shops and stalls selling local products and crafts. The village has two parts: upper part and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri. Since Ghorepani lies quite a bit higher than our previous stop, the cooler temperature is noticeable. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 03 // Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani or Chuile // 2,600m // 7hr trek

• Very early in the morning, around 4am, we start our one hour hike to reach Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210m. Weather permitting, we experience a spectacular sunrise over the high Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Fish Tail (Machhapuchhre) mountain ranges. After taking in the stunning views of Poon Hill, we return to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast, after which we continue our trek to either the Tadapani or Chuile villages, which also provide beautiful views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail and other mountains. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 04 // Tadapani/Chuile – Kot Danda // 2,000m // 3.5hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Today’s trek takes us through beautiful green scenery, up to the tea house Little Paradise – a true secluded paradise among the mountainous scenery where you can relax and enjoy peace and quiet. This local family owned teahouse has a large and beautiful open garden area with flowers and trees, where chickens and friendly dogs roam free. They have rabbits and cows too and most vegetables are grown in their own organic garden. This beautiful property is located on a ridge between two mountains, offering great mountain views on one side and a stunning view over the valley on another side. Facilities are simple but the surroundings are superb. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 05 // Kot Danda – Chhomrong // 2,170m/7,120ft // 5hr (7km) trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We start today by descending  through a forest all the way down to the level of the river, and then make a steep ascent. Through lush forests and terraced fields we reach Chhomrong.  Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 06 // Chhomrong – Bamboo // 2,310m/7,580ft // 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We start the day by descending a stone stair trail down to river level. We cross the river and face a steep climb towards Sinuwa where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue through a forest path to Bamboo. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 07 // Bamboo – Deurali // 3,200m/10,500ft // 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Continuing along the forest path, we pass through two villages, Doban and Himalaya. After this, we have more climbing to do to reach our final stop for the day – Deurali. Here we notice a shift in landscape: vegetation is sparser but with a whole new variety of different plants and flowers due to higher altitude. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 08 // Deurali – Annapurna Base Camp // 4,130m/13,550ft // 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We start our final ascent towards ABC. The trail is not steep, but rises gradually. More landscape changes await as we cross the tree line and enter a high altitude meadow (or himalayan tundra) where no trees grow due to harsh high altitude conditions – only low plants can be seen here. In the winter months December until March, the snow line starts just after Deurali. We pass by Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and then tackle the last leg of our final ascent, crossing through beautiful barren landscape with fantastic mountain views (between December and early April there will be lots of snow) and finally we reach our destination of ABC. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 09 // Annapurna Base Camp – Bamboo // 2,310m/7,580ft // 7hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Early morning greets us with a sunrise casting a red hue over the white mountain peaks. Sometimes we may hear what sounds like a muffled thunder – this is the sound of faraway avalanches happening on distant mountain slopes, it’s too far to be seen but it can be heard from a great distance. We admire the natural spectacle of sun casting colorful rays upon the snowy mountains and take in the views before we have breakfast and start our descend to Bamboo retracing our steps of the last 2 days. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 10 // Bamboo – Jhinu 1,710m/7,120ft // 5hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We continue retracing our steps as we descend through the forest path to Sinuwa, and continue all the way down to the river where we cross the bridge, climb the steep stone stairs up to Chhomrong, and head all the way down to Jinhu. Here, we can enjoy the hot springs by the river, and/or rest. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 11 // Jhinu – Pokhara 1,400m/4,593ft // 4hr (9km) trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• An easy hike to Siwai through terraced fields dotted with small villages and settlements. From Siwai, we take a jeep or bus back to Pokhara
• 2hr drive back to Pokhara
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Farewell dinner
• Overnight in a comfortable hotel

Route 

Pokhara – Australian Camp – Landruk – Chomrong – Bamboo – Deurali – Machhapuchhre Base Camp – Annapurna Base Camp – Chomrong – Kot Danda – Ghandruk – Shyauli Bazaar – Pokhara

Day 00 // Preparatory Day 

• Meet and greet and Q&A with guide/yoga teacher (and any other participants) in Pokhara
• Packing (daypack, trekking gear and possessions to be carried by porter etc.), and final preparations
• Welcome dinner
• Overnight in hotel/guesthouse in Pokhara (we choose simple but clean and comfortable accommodation, with a good space for yoga on the morning of Day 1)

Day 01 // Pokhara – Nayapul – Hille // 1,495m // 1.5hr drive, 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• 1,5 hour drive to Nayapul
• We start the trek at Nayapul, walking along the bank of the Modi Khola river. We pass through the village of Birethanti, and continue along the north bank of the Burungdi river. From there, the trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille. Today’s walk offers a short and relatively easy day, allowing us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 02 // Hille – Ghorepani // 2,860m // 7hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Leaving Hille, we start our day with a steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at 2,070m. We take our time to tackle a steep stone stair climb, and then continue a more gentle and gradual climb towards Banthanti through fine forests of oak and rhododendron. The trail continues through a dense forest of rhododendron and oak. We take a break in Nangethanti, which provides a beautiful setting. After another hour of walking from, we reach Ghorepani, an interesting village with small shops and stalls selling local products and crafts. The village has two parts: upper part and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri. Since Ghorepani lies quite a bit higher than our previous stop, the cooler temperature is noticeable. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 03 // Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani or Chuile // 2,600m // 7hr trek

• Very early in the morning, around 4am, we start our one hour hike to reach Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210m. Weather permitting, we experience a spectacular sunrise over the high Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Fish Tail (Machhapuchhre) mountain ranges. After taking in the stunning views of Poon Hill, we return to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast, after which we continue our trek to either the Tadapani or Chuile villages, which also provide beautiful views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail and other mountains. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 04 // Tadapani/Chuile – Chhomrong //2,170m/7,120ft // 6 hr

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Through lush forests and terraced fields we reach Chhomrong.  Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 05 // Chhomrong – Bamboo // 2,310m/7,580ft // 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We start the day by descending a stone stair trail down to river level. We cross the river and face a steep climb towards Sinuwa where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue through a forest path to Bamboo. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 06 // Bamboo – Deurali // 3,200m/10,500ft // 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Continuing along the forest path, we pass through two villages, Doban and Himalaya. After this, we have more climbing to do to reach our final stop for the day – Deurali. Here we notice a shift in landscape: vegetation is sparser but with a whole new variety of different plants and flowers due to higher altitude. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 07 // Deurali – Annapurna Base Camp // 4,130m/13,550ft // 4hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We start our final ascent towards ABC. The trail is not steep, but rises gradually. More landscape changes await as we cross the tree line and enter a high altitude meadow (or himalayan tundra) where no trees grow due to harsh high altitude conditions – only low plants can be seen here. In the winter months December until March, the snow line starts just after Deurali. We pass by Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and then tackle the last leg of our final ascent, crossing through beautiful barren landscape with fantastic mountain views (between December and early April there will be lots of snow) and finally we reach our destination of ABC. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 08 // Annapurna Base Camp – Bamboo // 2,310m/7,580ft // 7hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Early morning greets us with a sunrise casting a red hue over the white mountain peaks. Sometimes we may hear what sounds like a muffled thunder – this is the sound of faraway avalanches happening on distant mountain slopes, it’s too far to be seen but it can be heard from a great distance. We admire the natural spectacle of sun casting colorful rays upon the snowy mountains and take in the views before we have breakfast and start our descend to Bamboo retracing our steps of the last 2 days. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 09 // Bamboo – Jhinu 1,710m/7,120ft // 5hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We continue retracing our steps as we descend through the forest path to Sinuwa, and continue all the way down to the river where we cross the bridge, climb the steep stone stairs up to Chhomrong, and head all the way down to Jinhu. Here, we can enjoy the hot springs by the river, and/or rest. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 10 // Jhinu – Pokhara 1,400m/4,593ft // 4hr (9km) trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• An easy hike to Siwai through terraced fields dotted with small villages and settlements. From Siwai, we take a jeep or bus back to Pokhara
• 2hr drive back to Pokhara
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Farewell dinner
• Overnight in a comfortable hotel

What Is Included

• Daily yoga and meditation classes during the trek
• Yoga Mats and Blankets
• All necessary transportation during the trek
• Hotel accommodation (twin sharing) in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
• Dinner in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
• Teahouse accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek
• 3 meals a day during the trek
• Healthy snacks
• First Aid supplies
• All necessary paperwork, conservation fees and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS), and local taxes

Optional add-ons (not included in the price):

• Tourist bus ride Kathmandu-Pokhara (7 hrs, lunch included) (approx. 21 USD*)
• Flight Kathmandu-Pokhara (20 mins) (approx. 120 USD*)
• Private yoga class prior to the trek (depending on availability, 35 USD)

*Prices may vary according to provider and/or season.

What Is Excluded

• Beverages (Hard or Soft drinks, Mineral Water Bottles, Filtered Water)
• Personal travel equipment
• Personal expenses (WiFi, phone calls, laundry, extra porters, water, hot shower etc.)
• Personal travel and health insurance
• Any expenses related to emergency evacuation
• Any cost arising due to circumstances outside of our control such as natural disasters, strikes and political disturbances, guest sickness,  etc.
• Tips for trekking guide, yoga teacher & porters