When Is Ideal Time For Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill?
Annapurna region treks are ideal in Spring and Autumn. The beautiful natural scenery of the place in a tranquil atmosphere is the main highlight of trekking in these seasons.
Spring (March-May)
A scenic environment and stable weather conditions in the Spring season are ideal for trekking in Nepal. Moreover, there are wildflowers like rhododendron blooming all over the trails of this trek. Trekkers can observe these beautiful landscapes in an incredible trekking environment.
You can experience warm weather with moderate temperatures that do not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. There are unobstructed views of snow-capped mountains on the backdrop of a clear blue sky. Therefore, the Spring season is one of the best times for this trek.
Autumn (September-November)
Trekking the Annapurna Base Camp in Autumn is another excellent adventure. Trekkers can experience clear blue skies, soothing weather, and mild temperatures in Autumn. The weather remains calm, and there are breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.
The temperature stays at 15-20 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for trekking. The most exciting aspect of trekking in Autumn is that it is a cultural time in the region. Many festivals get celebrated by locals, which allows you to go on a cultural exploration. Moreover, you can also trek the seasons of monsoon or winter.
There are many weather-related challenges in these off-seasons. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall all around. Furthermore, The summer monsoon brings heavy precipitation and muddy trails. The temperature can drop below -20 degrees Celsius in the winter season, especially at night and mornings.
Avalanches and landslides are quite common during the summer monsoon. However, with immense enthusiasm and proper preparation, you can take this trek any time of the year.
Read more on: Seasons in Nepal
Difficulties of Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a challenging adventure in the foothills of Annapurna massif. The primary difficulty factor of this trek is altitude sickness. The trails of this trek lie at a high altitude of above 5000m. There are fewer oxygen levels and air pressure, which makes breathing difficult for trekkers.
Acclimatization is essential to tackle altitude sickness. Your guide will help you set up acclimatization points in your journey. Besides, you will also need to drink water at regular intervals while trekking as dehydration is the primary cause of altitude sickness in the region. Anti-nausea tablets like Diamox will help you prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.
This trek requires a 6 to 7 hours taxing trekking journey in uphill and downhill terrains. You will need to trek rugged landscapes, steep uphills, and stoney paths. Therefore, a good training regime before the start of the trek is vital for all trekkers. This training will help you to gain the physical fitness and stamina required for this trek.
You also need to stay in tea houses and lodges that do not have any fancy facilities. Meals in these teahouses are basic too as you will get served a local Nepalese dish of “Dal Bhat.” With proper preparation, you can take this trek in the Annapurna region with ease.
Things to consider for Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill
Acclimatize and hydrate regularly
Acclimatization and hydration are essential parts of any trekking journey. This Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill is one of the best treks in the country. You should acclimatize so that you can adapt to high altitude conditions. Besides that, you should not gain more than 600 meters in altitude on a trekking day.
Hydration helps you tackle altitude sickness along trails. You can also take Diamox tablets to prevent altitude sickness symptoms, including nausea, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, insomnia, and others.
Get professional trek guides and porters.
Hiring a professional trekking guide is essential for navigating along trails. They also help you interact with the local people, explore their culture, tradition, and heritage. Porters will carry your luggage along the route. These porters will allow you to trek with ease. Besides, there are porter-guides available as well who work both as porter and guides. They will cost you less and are ideal if you are trekking on a budget.
Train well for the trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a challenging trek that requires proper training. You need to trek at least two months before the start of this trek. Trails of this trek move uphill and downhill a lot in the rugged landscapes. A Training regime will help you gain proper physical fitness and stamina.
Moreover, You can perform various activities, including cycling, swimming, jogging, hiking, etc. These cardiovascular activities or aerobics will help you adapt to high altitude regions. Mental preparation is essential, as well as it can help you prepare for this challenging trek. You can also trek well with a positive attitude.
Time of travel
Time of travel is another factor that you should consider for your trekking journey. Autumn and Spring are peak seasons for travel. Stable weather conditions and tranquil atmosphere is the highlight in these seasons. You can also trek in Winters and Monsoon, which are off-seasons. But you need proper packing and preparation whenever you decide to hike in the Annapurna region.
Get Travel insurance.
Travel insurance is essential for the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill. Moreover, Trekkers should get proper travel insurance. It should cover medical emergencies, accidents, helicopter evacuation, flight cancellations, theft, and others. Hence, you should get adequate travel insurance before traveling on this trek.
Food and Accommodation facilities in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill
The Annapurna Base Camp trek has many tea houses and lodges in its trail. The accommodation facilities are basic with facilities like beds, a pillow, sheets, a mattress, and a blanket. There are squat-style toilets in these teahouses. However, you need to bring your toiletries.
The food that gets served twice a day is “Dal Bhat.” This local Nepalese dish is ideal for trekking adventures. Different varieties of bread, toast, boiled eggs, porridge, and others are available for breakfast in the tea house. You can get burgers, pizza, pasta, noodles, momo, and other cuisines as well.
Hot beverages like tea, coffee, and garlic soup are also available along the trail. Moreover, You can carry tea bags and coffee powder to save costs. Snickers, chocolate bars, protein bars, granola bars, and others will keep your hunger away during the trek.
Read more on: Nepalese Food
Why Take The Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill?
Staying at Ghorepani village
Ghorepani Village, among magical forests, is one of the scenic settlements of the Annapurna region. Furthermore, the stunning view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will enchant any travelers. Full bloom rhododendrons all through the hills is a highlight of this trek. You will stay in one of the slated roof houses in the village. A homestay allows you to observe the beautiful culture and lifestyle of locals.
Breathtaking views of snow-capped Mountains
This Annapurna region trek provides you with the best views of the snow-capped mountains. Trekkers can observe the glorious sunrise from the Poon Hill viewpoint. Furthermore, The majestic view of Annapurna massif in a clear blue sky is the prime attraction of this trek. You can observe other Himalayas from the trails, including Mt. Annapurna II, Dhampus, Gangapurna, and others.
Relaxing Jhinu Danda Hot Water Spring
Jhinu Danda Hot Water Spring is one of the best aspects of this Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill. Moreover, Dipping in the hot waters of Jhinu Danda is quite relaxing after a long, taxing trekking adventure. Jhinu Danda is just 20 minutes away from the Bamboo settlement.
Cultural tour
This incredible trek is also a great cultural tour. There are small mini settlements around the Annapurna base camp trail. The settlements of local people provide you with a unique aspect of the region. There are many ethnic groups in the Annapurna region.
The culture, heritage, and lifestyles of different communities will enchant you. A professional trekking guide is essential during this trip as it will help you interact with the locals. They will also act as a translator.
Gorgeous Sunrise views from Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a scenic viewpoint in Annapurna base camp trail. The gorgeous sunrise overlooking Annapurna III, Dhampus, Gurja Himal, and others are quite an attraction of this trek. The green forests and terraced farmed hills are some of the best parts of this trek.
Pokhara Sightseeing tour
Pokhara is a Lake City with many lakes and sightseeing points. There are many waterfalls, lakes, monasteries, temples, and caves in Pokhara. You can also relax in cafes, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in Lakeside. Hence, this tourist hub of Pokhara is a great sightseeing spot.
Packing List of Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill
Clothing
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Trekking shirts
- Thermal wears
- Down jacket
- Woolen socks
- Fleece jackets
- Warm woolen cap
- Woolen gloves
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking boots
- Raincoat
First Aid
- Rehydration salts
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Water purifying tablets
- Anti-nauseant medication
Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Toothbrush
- Quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Sanitizer
Important documents
- Travel Permits
- Passport
- Travel insurance
Others
- Phone
- Camera
- Power banks
- Solar chargers
- Extra Batteries
- Local SIM card
- Water bottles
More details on: Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing List
Final Say
Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill is a scenic trek in the foothills of Nepal’s Himalayas. This incredible trek provides you with the best views of snow-capped mountains and the cultural beauty of the Annapurna region. This article provides you with complete details regarding this Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill. Contact us for further information on this trip. Book your trip now!