15 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill with Chitwan National Park Safari

  • Duration15 Days
  • Route Grade Active Travel
  • Trip Style Trekking & Wildlife Safari
  • Starting City Kathmandu
  • Ending City Kathmandu

Overview

This 15 day trip brings together two of Nepal's most iconic experiences in one journey. You get the scenic Annapurna Base Camp Trek by way of Poon Hill, paired with the wildlife rich landscapes of Chitwan National Park. It is a nice balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation all rolled into one trip.

Trip Info

Trip Detail
Information

Trip Code

 

Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Destinations

Kathmandu → Pokhara → Ghorepani/Poon Hill → Annapurna Base Camp → Pokhara → Chitwan → Kathmandu

Starting Point / End Point

Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Accommodations

Hotel in Kathmandu, hotel in Pokhara, mountain tea houses during the trek, jungle lodge in Chitwan

Max Altitude

4110M, Annapurna Base Camp

Country

Nepal

Trip Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Activities

Trekking, Mountain Sightseeing, and Jungle Safari

Trek Distance

Approximately 102 km (this covers the trekking portion only, road drives and domestic flights are separate)

Highest Elevation

4,110 m (Annapurna Base Camp)

Physical Demand

Moderate to challenging. Daily trekking of 5 to 7 hours, with one longer 7 hour descent day (Day 9). Suitable for trekkers with reasonable fitness and some hiking experience

Best Season

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)

Group Size

Suggested group size 4 to 12 people. Available for private trips only

Required Permits

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) 

Itinerary Overview

This 15 day trip takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara and into the Annapurna region for a nine day trek via Poon Hill to Annapurna Base Camp, then swaps the mountains for the jungle with two days of wildlife safari in Chitwan before returning to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,330 m). Transfer to hotel, final trek preparations. Overnight at The Address Kathmandu Hotel.

  • Day 2: Fly to Pokhara, drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri (1,960 m).

  • Day 3: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850 m).

  • Day 4: Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,610 m).

  • Day 5: Trek to Chomrong (2,130 m).

  • Day 6: Trek to Bamboo (2,200 m).

  • Day 7: Trek to Deurali (3,200 m).

  • Day 8: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,110 m).

  • Day 9: Trek back down to Dovan (2,500 m).

  • Day 10: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,700 m).

  • Day 11: Trek to the road head, drive to Pokhara, afternoon sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel Batika.

  • Day 12: Drive to Chitwan, guided village walk and riverside sunset.

  • Day 13: Jeep safari, canoeing, and elephant breeding centre visit.

  • Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu, free afternoon, farewell dinner. Overnight at The Address Kathmandu Hotel.

  • Day 15: Breakfast, transfer to airport, fly back home.
     

Why You Will Love This Trip

  • Two Iconic Sunrise Views: Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp each offer a completely different Himalayan panorama, so you get two standout moments instead of one.
  • Beginner Friendly High Altitude Trekking: The route via Poon Hill and Ghorepani follows a gentle climb high, sleep low pattern, making it approachable even for first time trekkers.
  • Mountains and Jungle in One Trip: Nine days of high altitude trekking are paired with a jungle safari in Chitwan, so you experience both the Himalaya and the lowlands on a single journey.
  • Rich Cultural Villages Along the Way: You walk through traditional Gurung and Magar villages and rhododendron forests, adding culture and scenery to every day on the trail.
  • Close Encounters With Rare Wildlife: Chitwan National Park gives you the chance to spot one horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and over 500 bird species, all in their natural habitat.
  • Fully Planned, Zero Hassle: Permits, tea houses, and all transport are arranged in advance, so you can just focus on the trekking and the wildlife.
     

Altitude and Activity Chart

This is a moderate to challenging trip, with altitudes ranging from 1,330 meters in Kathmandu up to 4,110 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. The 15 day trip moves at a steady pace, combining nine days of trekking with a jungle safari at the end.

Day
Location
Altitude
Activities
Notes

Day 1

Kathmandu

1330M

Arrival transfer, hotel check in, trek preparations

Airport transfer and briefing

Day 2

Ulleri

1960M

Fly to Pokhara, drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri

Flight, drive, and trek

Day 3

Ghorepani

2850M

Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

Full day trek

Day 4

Tadapani

2610M

Sunrise hike to Poon Hill, then trek to Tadapani

Early morning start

Day 5

Chomrong

2130M

Trek from Tadapani to Chomrong

Full day trek

Day 6

Bamboo

2200M

Trek from Chomrong to Bamboo

Full day trek

Day 7

Deurali

3200M

Trek from Bamboo to Deurali

Full day trek

Day 8

Annapurna Base Camp

4110M

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Highest point of the trip

Day 9

Dovan

2500M

Trek back down to Dovan

Descent begins

Day 10

Jhinu Danda

1700M

Trek to Jhinu Danda, hot springs

Optional hot spring soak

Day 11

Pokhara

827 m

Trek to road head, drive to Pokhara, sightseeing

Trek and drive

Day 12

Chitwan

150 m

Drive to Chitwan, village walk, riverside sunset

Drive and cultural walk

Day 13

Chitwan

150 m

Jeep safari, canoeing, elephant breeding centre

Full day of activities

Day 14

Kathmandu

1330M

Fly back to Kathmandu, farewell dinner

Short flight

Day 15

Departure

N/A

Airport transfer and departure

Airport transfer

Accommodation & Meals Overview

You'll stay in comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, basic twin-share tea houses along the trekking route, and a jungle lodge in Chitwan. Full board is included throughout the trek and in Chitwan; only breakfast is included on hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara, aside from the welcome and farewell dinners. 

Days
Location
Hotel/Lodge
Nights
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1

Kathmandu

The Address Kathmandu Hotel or similar

1 Night

—

—

Welcome dinner included

Day 2–10

Trek route (Ulleri–Jhinu Danda)

Local tea houses

9 Nights

Included

Included

Included

Day 11

Pokhara

Hotel Batika or similar

1 Night

Included

—

—

Day 12–13

Chitwan

Jungle lodge

2 Nights

Included

Included

Included

Day 14

Kathmandu

The Address Kathmandu Hotel or similar

1 Night

Included

—

Farewell dinner included

Day 15

Departure

—

—

Included

—

—

Note: Tea house accommodation on the trekking route is generally basic twin-share rooms with shared bathrooms at most stops, as is standard on this trail. Hotels are subject to availability; a similar standard property will be arranged if unavailable.

Cost Includes

Cost Overview

This 14 night, 15 day Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill with Chitwan Jungle Safari package includes airport pickup and drop off, the Kathmandu to Pokhara domestic flight, ground transport including the Nayapul transfer, the Jhinu Danda to Pokhara drive, and the Pokhara to Chitwan drive, a licensed trekking guide and porters, and accommodation as listed above. Meals are included as noted in the meal plan, along with a welcome dinner on Day 1 and a farewell dinner on your final evening in Kathmandu. We keep our arrangements smooth and our pricing transparent, so what you see is what you get.

Cost Includes
Cost Excludes

Airport pickup and drop off in Kathmandu

International airfare to and from Nepal

Kathmandu to Pokhara domestic flight

Nepal entry visa fee

All ground transportation: Nayapul transfer, Jhinu Danda to Pokhara drive, Pokhara to Chitwan drive

Meals not specified in the meal plan

Licensed trekking guide and porters, 1 porter for each 2 trekkers

Travel insurance, including high altitude trekking and emergency evacuation coverage (strongly recommended)

2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Alcoholic and bottled beverages

9 nights mountain tea house accommodation during the trek

Tips for guide, porter, and driver (customary)

1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara

Any costs arising from trek delays, flight cancellations, or itinerary changes due to weather

2 nights accommodation in Chitwan

Any services not specifically listed under Cost Includes

Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the trek and in Chitwan

 

Welcome dinner (Day 1) and farewell dinner (Day 14)

 

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

 

Chitwan National Park activities: jeep safari, canoe ride, elephant breeding centre visit, guided village walk

 

Personal trekking gear including a pair of trekking poles, sleeping bag, and duffle bag. Down jacket and spikes are available on request

 
Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal! We meet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel around a 30-minute drive. The rest of the day is for final trek preparations: a gear check with your guide, permit paperwork (ACAP), and a trip briefing covering the route and what to expect at altitude. If you're missing any gear, Thamel's outdoor shops make last-minute purchases or rentals easy. A welcome dinner in the evening is a chance to meet your guide and fellow trekkers.

Accommodation & Meals: Overnight at The Address Kathmandu Hotel. Welcome dinner included.

  • ActivitiesAirport transfer, Gear check, Permit paperwork, Trip briefing
  • Trip HoursApproximately 1–2 hours
  • Max Altitude1,330 m (Kathmandu)

An early flight to Pokhara (around 8:00 AM, roughly 25 minutes), followed by a 1-hour drive (~40 km) to Nayapul, the trailhead. The trail follows the Modi Khola valley through small villages and terraced fields before climbing toward Ulleri, a Magar village reached via a long stone staircase of some 3,000-plus steps a fitting introduction to the trek ahead. Depending on conditions, your guide may instead drive as far as Tirkhedhunga and trek only the shorter remaining stretch.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Ulleri. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesFlight to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Ulleri
  • Trip HoursApproximately 5 hours
  • Max Altitude1,960 m (Ulleri)

A 10 km trek, roughly 6–7 hours, climbing steadily through rhododendron and oak forest spectacular in bloom during March and April, atmospheric in any season. Ghorepani sits at the junction of several major Annapurna routes, so expect a busier, more festive atmosphere here than at quieter stops, with trekkers comparing notes ahead of tomorrow's early start.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Ghorepani. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesForest trekking to Ghorepani
  • Trip HoursApproximately 6–7 hours
  • Max Altitude2,850 m (Ghorepani)

An early start, typically 4:30–5:00 AM, for the roughly 45-minute climb up to Poon Hill's summit at 3,210 m, alongside a steady line of headlamps from trekkers making the same climb. The payoff is a genuine 360-degree Himalayan panorama: Dhaulagiri to the west, the Annapurna massif ahead, and Machhapuchhre's fishtail peak to the east, all catching first light. It's cold at the top, so bring an extra layer. After descending to Ghorepani for breakfast, the main trekking continues on a 12 km, 6–7 hour route to Tadapani through more rhododendron forest with intermittent mountain views.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Tadapani. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesPoon Hill sunrise hike, trek to Tadapani
  • Trip HoursApproximately 6-7 hours
  • Max Altitude3,210 m (Poon Hill)

A 10 km, roughly 5-hour trek that drops through forest before climbing into Chomrong, the last large permanent settlement before the trail enters the Annapurna Sanctuary. Chomrong is a striking village, its houses stacked up a steep hillside with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre often visible across the valley. From here, the trail shifts character fewer villages, more remote tea houses built specifically for trekkers.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Chomrong. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesForest trekking to Chomrong
  • Trip HoursApproximately 5 hours
  • Max Altitude2,130 m (Chomrong)

An 11 km, roughly 5-hour trek starting with a steep descent out of Chomrong to the valley floor, crossing a suspension bridge before climbing again through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. This stretch is noticeably quieter and greener than the earlier ridge-top villages, with the river never far from the trail. Bamboo, as the name suggests, is a small cluster of tea houses set right in the forest.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Bamboo. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesSuspension bridge crossing, Forest trekking to Bamboo
  • Trip HoursApproximately 5 hours
  • Max Altitude2,200 m (Bamboo)

A 10 km, roughly 6-hour trek continues through Dovan and past the Himalaya Hotel, with the forest gradually thinning as elevation increases and the valley narrows. This section carries a higher avalanche-risk profile in certain conditions, so pace and timing may be adjusted more here than on earlier days. By Deurali, trees give way to scrub and rock, and the surrounding peaks feel noticeably closer.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Deurali. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesTrekking through Dovan to Deurali
  • Trip HoursApproximately 6 hours
  • Max Altitude3,200 m (Deurali)

The day everything has been building toward a 7 km, roughly 6-hour trek passing through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) around the halfway mark, where a short rest and acclimatization check are common. The final approach opens up dramatically into a natural amphitheater ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, all rising almost vertically from the glacial basin floor. Arriving at ABC is typically an emotional moment regardless of how many mountains you've seen before; the air is thin and noticeably colder, so take it easy on arrival.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Annapurna Base Camp. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesTrek via Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp
  • Trip HoursApproximately 6 hours
  • Max Altitude4,110 m (Annapurna Base Camp)

The longest single day by distance is an 18 km, roughly 7-hour descent retracing yesterday's route back through MBC and Deurali to Dovan. Descending is easier on the lungs but harder on the knees over this much ground, so trekking poles earn their keep. The thin, cold air of the past two days gives way to warmer temperatures and denser forest again as you drop in elevation.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Dovan. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesDescent trekking via MBC and Deurali
  • Trip HoursApproximately 7 hours
  • Max Altitude3,200 m (Deurali, en route)

A 14 km, roughly 6-hour trek retracing the route through Bamboo and Chomrong before dropping to Jhinu Danda, known for its natural hot springs on the banks of the Modi Khola, a short walk below the village. After nine days of trekking, soaking tired legs by the river is a well-earned reward and a favorite stop on this route.

Accommodation & Meals: Tea house, Jhinu Danda. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesDescent trekking, natural hot springs
  • Trip HoursApproximately 6 hours
  • Max Altitude2,200 m (Bamboo, en route)

A short final trek down to Jhinu Bridge, where the on-foot portion of the journey ends. From here, it's a roughly 3-hour drive back to Pokhara. Back in the city, the change is immediate: paved streets, lakeside cafés, hot showers on demand. In the late afternoon, there's time for some easy Pokhara sightseeing before a proper rest.

Accommodation & Meals: Hotel Batika, Pokhara. Breakfast included.

  • ActivitiesFinal trek to Jhinu Bridge, drive to Pokhara, sightseeing
  • Trip HoursApproximately 3 hours drive, plus sightseeing
  • Max Altitude1,700 m (Jhinu Danda, at start of day)

After breakfast, a roughly 4-hour drive south into Nepal's flat, humid Terai lowlands is a sharp shift in landscape and climate from the mountains. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, have lunch, and receive a briefing on the safari activities ahead. In the late afternoon, a guided walk through the local town and along the riverbank offers a first taste of Chitwan's slower pace, timed to catch sunset over the water.

Accommodation & Meals: Jungle lodge, Chitwan. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesDrive to Chitwan, village walk, riverside sunset
  • Trip HoursApproximately 4 hours drive, plus evening walk
  • Max Altitude415 m (Chitwan)

A full day dedicated to Chitwan's wildlife. The morning starts with a jeep safari deep into the park, roughly 4 hours, through sal forest and open grassland where one-horned rhino sightings are highly likely, alongside deer, monkeys, and a wide range of birdlife. After lunch, the pace shifts to the water with a canoe ride along the Rapti River often turning up crocodiles and waterbirds combined with a visit to the elephant breeding centre. In the evening, a local cultural show, typically Tharu stick dancing, rounds out the day before dinner.

Accommodation & Meals: Jungle lodge, Chitwan. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  • ActivitiesJeep safari, canoe ride, elephant breeding centre visit, cultural show
  • Trip HoursApproximately 8–9 hours
  • Max Altitude415 m (Chitwan)

After breakfast, and drive back to Kathmandu, 190KM - 5 hours drive. The late afternoon is free for rest or last-minute shopping in Thamel, followed by a farewell dinner in the evening.

Accommodation & Meals: The Address Kathmandu Hotel, Kathmandu. Breakfast and farewell dinner included.

  • ActivitiesDrive back to Kathmandu
  • Trip Hours5 hours drive
  • Max Altitude1,330 m (Kathmandu)

After breakfast, we will transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight, departing 3 hours ahead of your scheduled time.

  • ActivitiesAirport transfer, Departure
  • Trip HoursApproximately 1–2 hours (depending on flight time)
  • Max Altitude1,330 m (Kathmandu)
Trip Information

Know Before You Book

  • Visa Requirements: All travelers except Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Nepal; most can get a visa on arrival. A 15-day tourist visa is USD 30 (30-day: $50, 90-day: $125). 

  • Required Trekking Permits: This trek requires an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). TIMS Card permit is no longer required in practice. 

  • Physical Preparation: This is a moderate-to-challenging trek with daily walks of 5–7 hours (up to 7 on Day 9) and a high point of 4,110 m. Some prior hiking experience and a reasonable fitness base are recommended; regular cardio training in the weeks before departure will make the trek considerably more comfortable.

  • Altitude Awareness: While the Poon Hill route's gradual ascent profile helps with acclimatization, altitude sickness can still affect any trekker regardless of fitness. Your guide will monitor the group and can adjust pace if needed.

  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended, and should specifically cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation up to at least 4,500 m.

Note: This trip runs 15 days, so confirm your visa duration covers your full stay with a margin.

Accommodations, Meals & Transportation

  • Tea House Standards: Accommodation along the trekking route (Days 2–10) is in local tea houses typically twin-share rooms with shared bathroom facilities, becoming more basic at higher altitudes. Hot showers, charging, and Wi-Fi are usually available for an extra charge as you climb.

  • Domestic Flights: Two domestic flights are included, Kathmandu–Pokhara and Bharatpur–Kathmandu, both roughly 25 minutes and weather-dependent, particularly in the case of low cloud cover at either airport.

  • Meals on Trek: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) is included throughout the trekking and Chitwan portions. Menu variety narrows at higher-altitude tea houses; dal bhat (Nepal's staple rice-and-lentil dish) is a reliable option at every stop.

  • Room-Sharing Policy: Standard twin-share throughout; a single supplement is available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan hotels (tea house single rooms are more limited and subject to availability).
     

Seasonal & Weather Updates

  • Best Trekking Seasons: Autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) offer the clearest skies and most reliable mountain views. This specific itinerary is scheduled with a late-October Poon Hill sunrise.

  • Winter Trekking: Possible with appropriate gear, though colder temperatures and a higher chance of snow at Annapurna Base Camp should be expected.

  • Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended for this route, leech-prone trails, obscured mountain views, and increased landslide risk on the lower sections.

  • Weather-Dependent Flights: Both included domestic flights can be delayed or rescheduled due to weather, particularly the Pokhara sector in the early morning. Building in a buffer day is worth considering for tight onward connections.
     

Health & Safety

  • Altitude Sickness: The route's Poon Hill detour and gradual profile assist acclimatization, but altitude sickness remains a risk above 3,000 m. Guides carry basic first-aid and are trained to recognize symptoms; descent is the primary treatment if symptoms appear.

  • Emergency Evacuation: Helicopter evacuation is possible from most points along this route in case of emergency, provided travel insurance covers it. Confirm this before departure.

  • Drinking Water: Bottled or treated water is recommended throughout; boiled water is often available at tea houses for a small charge.

  • Healthcare Facilities: Limited along the trekking route itself; Pokhara and Kathmandu have well-equipped hospitals and clinics.
     

Packing Checklist

  • Trekking Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or down mid-layer, waterproof/windproof outer shell, trekking trousers, and a warm hat and gloves for higher elevations.

  • Footwear: Broken-in trekking boots with ankle support, plus camp shoes or sandals for evenings at tea houses.

  • Trekking Gear: Trekking poles, headlamp with spare batteries, sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C (tea house rooms are unheated), and a daypack for the trekking days.

  • Health & Hygiene: Personal first-aid kit, altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor before departure), water purification tablets or a filter, sunscreen, and lip balm.

  • Documents: Passport with 6+ months validity, visa, travel insurance details, and printed permit documentation.
     

Important Notices

  • Guide Requirement: Nepal's current trekking regulations require a licensed guide for most routes in the Annapurna region; this is included in your package.

  • Trail Conditions: Route sections and overnight stops may be adjusted by your guide in response to weather or trail damage; group fitness safety takes priority over the fixed schedule.

  • Responsible Trekking: Respect local customs in trail villages, minimize plastic waste, and follow "leave no trace" principles throughout the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Trip Preparations

  • How difficult is the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill?

    The trek is rated moderate to challenging, with daily walks of 5–7 hours and a maximum altitude of 4,110 m at Annapurna Base Camp.

  • Previous trekking experience is recommended, but not strictly required. A reasonable fitness level and some hiking experience will make the trek more enjoyable.

  • Yes, altitude sickness can occur above 3,000 m. The itinerary is designed with a gradual ascent via Poon Hill to help with acclimatization.

  • During the trek, accommodation is in local tea houses with basic twin-share rooms and mostly shared bathroom facilities.

  • The Chitwan safari includes a jeep safari, canoe ride, guided village walk, and visit to the elephant breeding centre.

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