Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poonhill is a significant adventure. It takes hikers through the majestic landscapes of the Annapurna region of Nepal. It combines two popular trails, the Annapurna Circuit and the Ghorepani Poonhill, providing a diverse and breathtaking experience for nature lovers and mountaineers.

The journey begins in Besisahar, where trekkers commence on the Around Annapurna, a classic trek known for its stunning mountain views, lush valleys, and diverse cultural encounters. The trail winds through picturesque villages, rice terraces, and rhododendron forests, gradually increasing in height as hikers approach Thorong La Pass, whose peak is 5,416 meters. The pass offers impressive panoramas of snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill is the best way to see the Himalayas. This famous trail is always rated as one of the best long-distance hikes in the world. It takes you through a wide range of landscapes, from lush subtropical jungles to the high-altitude arctic tundra of the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). You can see the full beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs in one trip by combining the classic circuit with the famous Poon Hill sunrise.

Significant Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• Different landscapes: Explore a variety of remarkable landscapes, from lowland subtropical forests to alpine highlands, passing rice terraces, waterfalls, and charming villages along the way.
• Thorong La Pass: Challenge yourself to cross Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. This is the trek’s highest point and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
• Natural beauty: Marvel at the majestic beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges with their snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and pristine glacial lakes.
• Cultural discovery: Immerse yourself in local communities’ rich cultural heritage, including the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi ethnic groups. Visit ancient monasteries and traditional villages, and interact with friendly locals along the trails.
• Muktinath Temple: Visit the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath, known for its 108 fountains and eternal flame.
• Natural Hot Springs: After a long day of walking, you can restore your tired muscles in Tatopani’s natural hot springs. These hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and offer a relaxing experience in a peaceful environment.
• Ghorepani Poonhill: As part of your trip, you’ll visit Ghorepani and climb Poonhill, a popular lookout point at 3,210 meters. From here, you can witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, casting a golden light over the mountains.

Summit of Thorong La Pass 5,416m

After conquering the challenging summit of Thorong La Pass, they descend into the Mustang region, where the landscape changes dramatically. It showcases arid terrain and ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Then the road leads to Jomsom, a bustling town known for its apple orchards and high winds. From Jomsom, you will drive to Tatopani and then continue to Ghorepani, the gateway to the famous Poon Hill lookout.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek offers a different perspective of the Annapurna region. The highlight of the trek is the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks. Early in the morning, you will hike to Poon Hill, which sits at an elevation of 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). As the sun rises, a breathtaking panorama unfolds, enlightening the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in golden hues. The view is truly spectacular and leaves an unforgettable impression on all who witness it.
The tour continues through beautiful rhododendron forests and charming Gurung villages. It allows visitors to learn about the local culture and way of life. The road eventually leads back to Tikhedhunga, where the adventure ends.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Best Time

The spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons are ideal for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poonhill. The trail is decorated with colorful rhododendron forests in bloom during the spring. You can find clear mountain views in the fall. These times of year offer consistent weather, which makes hiking comfortable and visibility excellent.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty:

While this trek is a remarkable adventure, it’s important to note that it falls under the category of moderately challenging treks. If there is snow on the way, it makes the trek relatively challenging. It requires excellent fitness and some prior climbing experience. Climbing to the heights and crossing the Thorong La Pass poses the greatest challenges, requiring adequate climatic and physical preparation. Altitude sickness is a concern, and hikers should know the symptoms and take the necessary precautions.

Why ACT with Himalaya Darshan Treks?

When you choose Himalaya Darshan Treks for your Annapurna Circuit trip, you can be sure that you’ll have a safe, authentic adventure with local guides. This is why trekkers from all over the world choose us:

• 100% Local Knowledge: Our guides have been working in the Annapurna region for decades because we are based in Kathmandu. We provide you with access to secret viewpoints and real cultural experiences.
• Safety-Centric Itineraries: Our routes include acclimatization days in Manang and daily health checks (using oximeters) to make sure your body situation is fit for the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).
• Hand-Picked Accommodations: We have long-standing relationships with the best teahouses, so you can be sure to get the cleanest rooms, the warmest welcome, and the healthiest meals on the trail.
• No hidden fees or middleman costs. Prices are clear. You get excellent service, all the permits you need, and smooth logistics for a fair price when you book directly.
• Small Group Focus: We keep our groups small so that everyone gets personal attention and you feel like a guest, not just a number.

Last Thoughts  of ACT with Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

In conclusion, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a mesmerizing trekking experience that showcases the natural beauty of the Annapurna region. It has beautiful scenery, colorful rhododendron forests, and amazing views of the mountains, making it an unforgettable adventure for hikers of all levels. The relatively short trek makes it accessible for people who have limited time, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the splendor of the Himalayas.

Finally, you can choose to either watch the sunrise from Poon Hill or explore the charming villages along the way. The Annapurna Circuit with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a trip that will make an impression on anyone looking for an unforgettable mountain adventure in Nepal. You are welcome to get in touch with us.

Are you ready to book this tour?

To book this trip or for more inquiries, you can click Book this trip on our web page. Likewise, we have many different trekking and tour packages, so you can choose your most suitable trek/tour with us. We suggest early booking, and then you have enough time to prepare for the trek. We are ready to organize your trek based on your travel bucket list. You can also contact us by WhatsApp at +977 9841073239 for quick inquiries.

Booking Procedure

Himalaya Darshan Treks makes it easy and safe to book your Manaslu Circuit Trek. HD Treks is a fully government-registered company with more than ten years of experience trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas of Nepal. We are also proud members of NMA and TAAN. We guarantee professional service from the beginning to the end of your trip. To confirm your reservation, just send a 20% deposit by bank or wire transfer to our official bank account. Thereafter, we’ll send you an email with the final confirmation.

Please send us a copy of your passport, travel insurance information, and flight information within a week of making your reservation. You can pay the rest of your balance in cash at your hotel in Kathmandu or by bank transfer a week before your flight to Nepal.

Questions That Are Often Asked (FAQ)

How hard is the trek for people who are new to it?

The Annapurna Circuit and Ghorepani Poon Hill are both moderately difficult. The hike to Poon Hill is simple for beginners, but crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) is hard and requires a lot of physical strength and getting used to the altitude. But we have a lot of experience, so beginners can succeed by maintaining a slow pace and choosing a guided package. HD Treks’ guide helps and fully supports you for success on this trek.

Which permits do I need for ACT 2026?

You need to obtain various permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek with Poon Hill, which include the following:

• The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

Can I skip the road sections of the circuit?

Of course. But still, you have to walk through some parts until Dhikur Pokhari. Thereafter, you will follow the upper route to Manang. While road construction has changed parts of the valley, our itinerary follows the NATT (Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails). These are well-marked alternative footpaths that keep you away from jeep traffic and deep within the authentic pine forests and medieval villages.

What is the best month to see the rhododendrons?

To see the hills painted in red, pink, and white, trek between late March and April. The rhododendron forests around Ghorepani and Tadapani are at their most beautiful right now. It looks magnificent against the snow-capped Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs.

What do I need to pack for the ACT Trek?

For the trekking gear and packing list, you can visit the following link: Trekking Gear.