Difficulty Level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek via Ghorepani Poon Hill:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill is a moderate to difficult trek. It is graded hard best for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared for a big adventure.
This trek is more difficult than the normal treks like Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang Valley Trek because you’ll walk for longer and reach the high-elevation. In a day, you will walk around 5 to 8 hours, including ascending and descending. The trek takes you to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and Poon Hill (3,210 m), which are very popular and cold areas.
You don’t need previous trekking experience, but you should have a good physical fitness level. If you do regular trekking, day hiking, or some cardio exercise, it will help and make it more enjoyable.
Outline Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu – Besishar (790meteres/2,591feet) 6/7 Hours Drive.
Day 02: Besishar – Jagat Village (1300meters/4,265feet) 6/7 Hours Walking.
Day 03: Jagat Village – Danaque (1900meters/6,233feet) 6-7 Hours Walking.
Day 04: Danaque – Chame Village (2675meters/8,776feet) 6/7 Hours Walking.
Day 05: Chame Village – Pisang Village (3200meters/10,498feet) 5-6 Hours Walking.
Day 06: Pisang – Manang Village (3545meters/11,630feet) 6-7 Hours Walking.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Manang Village
Day 08: Manang Village – Upper Yak Kharka (4000meters/13,123feet) 4/5 Hours Walking.
Day 09: Yak Kharka – High Camp (4890meters/16,043feet) 4-5 hours Walking.
Day 10: High Camp – Thorong La Pass (5416meters/17,769feet) – Muktinath (3750meters/12,303feet) 7/8 Hours Walking.
Day 11: Drive from Muktinath – Jomsom Village (2725meters/8,940feet) and Tatopani Village 1200meters/3,940feet).
Day 12: Tatopani Village to Ghorepani village (2830meters/9,284feet) 6-7 Hours Walking.
Day 13: Ghorepani Village - Birethati - Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (830meters/2,723feet).
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 200km
FAQS About the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill:
How long does the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill take?
The Annapurna Circuit with Ghorepani Poon Hill trek normally takes 14 to 16 days, depending on your pace, time frame, and acclimatization.
What is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill?
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill suitable for beginner trekkers?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill section is good for beginner trekkers. But the Annapurna Circuit Thorong La pass requires a good physical fitness level, some prior trekking experience, and a proper need to complete this trek.
When is the best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill?
The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill is the spring and autumn seasons, offering crystal clear skies, mild temperatures, and good mountain views.
Do I need to hire a guide and porter for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Yes, hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended for safety and security, especially while reaching more than 3,000 meters and crossing the High pass of Thorong La. A porter can make the trip easier by carrying your main luggage.
What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
This trek offers teahouses/lodes accommodation in every village. The rooms are cozy but comfortable, with shared bathrooms and washrooms during the trek.
Can I charge my phone, Camera battery, or access Wi-Fi during the trek?
Yes, most of the teahouses offer charging ports, but they might charge an extra cost or free, and Wi-Fi in main places such as Besishar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani.
What permits are needed for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill?
You need only the ACAP permit:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit.
Are there hot showers available during the trek?
Yes, most of the teahouses offer hot showers, usually powered by Gas or Solar. But they may charge an extra cost.
How difficult is the Annapurna Thorong La Pass?
The Thorong La pass (5,416m) is a challenging climb due to altitude, cold, and strong wind. The trip starts early in the morning around 3:00 am and takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach Muktinath Village.
Essentials Trekking Equipment
You will need the following trekking gear for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill:
Body Clothing
- Sleeping Bag
- Down Jacket
- Three pairs of trekking t-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Thermal Shirt for colder places
- Fleece Jacket
- Warm wool Sweaters
- Waterproof and windproof Jacket
- Cotton Trekking pants with folding
- Waterproof and windproof pants
Head and Face
- Sun Hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Headlight
- Sunglass
- Sunscreen 50
- Face wipes and a towel
List of Footwear
- Trekking Boots
- 3–4 pairs of preferably cotton or wool trekking socks
- Crampon
- One pair of extra sports shoes
Necessary Gears
- Gaiters, just in case of snow
- Gloves and Thick Gloves
- Big rucksack above 40 L
- Waterproof Bag Cover
- Rain Coat
- Trekking Pole (if needed)
- Laundry Soap
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Toilet papers
- Water purification tablets
- Bottle for drinking water
- Pen and NoteBook
- Notebook and guidebook
- Camera
- Battery charger
- Memory card
- Cell Phone and Charger
- Money Wallet
- Altimeter and playing cards
First aid Kit
- Diamox
- Cotton bandages
- Paracetamol
- Painkillers
- Loperamide to Control diarrhea (just in case).
- Water purified tablets
- Lozenges
- Elastic bandages
- Thermometer
- Moleskin and sling.