20-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp(ABC), Khopra Poon Hill Trekking

Annapurna Base Camp with Khopra ridge and Poon Hill is the best three in one trek-the ABC, Khopra danda and Poon Hill. Pokhara is beginning and ending of this trek. The tea houses and home stay along the trail is pretty good with extensive menus ranging from typical Nepalese foods to pizza and noodles.Hot shower and WiFi is also available except some area on the trail.So, embark on a 20-day Annapurna trekking experience in Nepal, cross the Himalayas, visiting Kathmandu and Pokhara and hike through some of the world's best trekking trail from Annapurna base camp to Poon Hill via Khopra ridge(Danda)

Boarding House on Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Trek
We sleep and eat at tea house lodges during ABC Mardi Himal Trek. The accommodations are basic, neat and clean with twin or 3 to 4 beds with sharing toilets and bathroom. The  tea house lodges offers Nepali, Tibetan, Chinese, Indian and continental both veg and non-veg meals. Mostly, the common meals are porridge, pancake, chapati, omelet, boiled egg, muesli for breakfast, fried rice, noodles, dalbhat, curry, soups for lunch and dinner.

ABC Trek with Mardi Himal Trip Difficulty
Mardi Himal Annapurna base camp trek difficulty is moderate to challenging grade. We hike on mostly uphill and downhill through villages and forest for 5 to 7 hours each day. Please be prepare physically and mentally to enjoy the trip as the trek is challenging. A regular exercise like jogging, gym, hiking is helpful. No previous trekking experience require to join on 17 days Annapurna Base Camp Mardi Himal Trek, and also no age limits. All hikers like children with family to senior can trekking ABC Mardi Himal

ABC Khopra Poon Hill Trek Package
We offer budget, standard and full fledged trekking package to Annapurna base camp trek.Please write us email know about these package price and what is inclusion in the price. We come to see you soon by mail with all details price of budget, standard and full fledged trip package.

Best season trekking ABC with Khopra and Poon Hill
8 days trekking Annapurna base camp is possible throughout the year. But Autumn and Spring are the best time of the year trekking Annapurna Base Camp due to a good weather with clear blue sky and crystal clear view of the Himalayas. Winter is also a good time if you wish to avoid crowds of trekkers on the trail of Annapurna base camp but be prepare with cold. It is still possible to trek Annapurna base camp in rainy season, but we can't see clear view of the mountains, and also the leeches and rain my disturb  you while trekking to Annapurna base camp. 

ABC Khopra Danda Poon Hill Trek Preparation-You will need at least 8 weeks of solid preparation for this trek. You can begin preparation by going for brisk walks and then do brisk jogs to improve your cardio. Your target should be to cover 10 km in under 60 minutes minutes comfortably by the start of the trek.

Weather and Temperature on the Trek-Spring and Autumn are two distinct seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. In Spring, although you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Autumn, when there won’t be any snow on the trek. Even the air is different. While Spring is moist, Autumn is dry and crisp.In Autumn, the temperature is between 15 °C and 18 °C in the day time and at night time, it will drop between 5 °C and -5 °C. Likewise, in the Spring, the temperature is between 20 °C and 24 °C and at it will dorm between 10 °C and 5 °C.

Trek Meals on ABC Khopra Poon Hill Trek
On our full fledged trekking package, we do provide three times meals each day on the trekking.Breakfast and Dinner you have to eat at tea house where you stay.For lunch you will stop anyone of the tea house on the trail.There are different food options you can choose from Menu. 

Breakfast Options-Tibetan Breads, Chapati with Cheese (dry bread- a local wheat bread), Oatmeal, French toast with jam, honey, and peanut butter, Corn Flakes, Hashed brown, fried, Scrambles, and boiled eggs, pancakes, porridge with milk, Muesli, Vegetable items and any kind of hot drinks are available except espresso, Americano.

Lunch Options–Thukpa (noodle soup), Dal Bhat (Nepalese local meal), Momos ( dumplings), Tibetan / chapati bread, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, a variety of soups, steaks, potatoes items, Sandwiches, Pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, burgers and Pizza, Yak steak and desserts items.

Dinner Options- Momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), Dal Bhat (Nepalese local meal), Tibetan / chapati bread, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Sherpa Stew, a variety of soups, steaks, potatoes items, Sandwiches, Pizza, rice with curry, spring rolls, Raman soups, burgers and Pizza, Yak steak, desserts items, hot and cold drinks are available

Desert and Snack Options-Rice Pudding, Apple pie, fruits snicker/ mars bar, popcorn, cake, pastries, etc.

Hot Drinks Option–Hot drinks like black/milk coffees, black/mint/ginger/Green/ lemon honey teas, hot chocolates, hot mango juice, hot oranges juice, hot pineapple juice,

Note: On the tea houses, Menu offers plenty of non-veg items mentioned but officially any of the meats are not on our list of recommendations because the meat in the mountain such as high areas is not sanitary and healthy. However, we would like to request you to avoid taking meat, Alcoholic drinks, and smoking.

ABC Khopra Poon Hill Trek Permit Cost
You need two permits to trek to Annapurna Base Camp.One is Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) card that cost US $ 30. Second is Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card that costs US $20. This we organize you once we get scan passport copy and passport size Photographs. 

Last-Minute Booking
You can make last minute booking a day before this trek gets started. Moreover, the payment should be made 100% if you are booking this for the last minute and the booking can be made directly through the online form, by sending us an email, messages on Whats app and by calling. But, Last minute booking is not acceptable for Bhutan and Tibet tours.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu(1300m)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, receive you at the airport and drive to hotel. Free day on your own,  preparing for trekking, and meeting with guide. Spend night at Standard hotel in Pokhara with breakfast. 
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara(850m, 200km, 6 hours)
Early in the morning, transfer to Tourist Bus station and drive approximately 6 hours to Pokhara. Check in at your hotel and spend the evening Lake Phewa.
Day 03: Pokhara to Tolka(1900m) – Driving from Pokhara to Phedi or Kade.
Drive to Kade and trek to Tolkha via Dhampus or Australian Camp. The rocky path is comfortable to follow as it goes through forest, and crosses a couple of streams on its way to Pothana.  Trek to Tolka enjoying the view of Annapurna south , fishtail and Hiunchuli mountain. 
Day 04: Tolka to Chhomrong(2100m, 15km, 7 hours)
Breakfast and trek on the descend trail along terraced slopes and forest leaving the village Landurk and Jhinu behind to Chhomrong. Chhomrong village offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Day 05: Trek to Bamboo(2600m, 16km, 7 hours)
Breakfast, trek descends to Chhomrong Khola before steep uphill trek to Sinuwa through rhododendron, and bamboo forest. The trail follows the river through another tiny settlement known as Bamboo, which has some teahouses and crosses 3 streams before arriving at Dovan (7,940 feet/2,430 meters) where you will rest for the night. 
Day 06: Trek to Deurali(3200m, 12km, 6 hours)
Start with a continuous climb through intermittent bamboo forests. The valley becomes increasingly hemmed in by ever-steeper slopes, which witness periodic avalanches. You can rest at Hotel Himalayan (2,873meters) before the climb to Hike (3,139 meters). Walk through Bagar to Machhapuchare Base Camp for an overnight rest.
Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp(4200m, 10km, 5 hours)
Today you will take a hike of approximately 2 hours to Annapurna Base Camp (4,095 meters). The trail follows a tributary of the Modi Khola. Overnight rest at Annapurna.
Day 08: Trek down to Dovan(2680m, 18km, 7 hours)
Today’s trail passes through Machhapuchare Base Camp and all the way downhill to Hinku Cave. This area is called Annapurna Sanctuary, since it is totally surrounded by mountains. Get spectacular mountain views as you hike along the trail, before you rest for the night.
Day 09: Trek to Chhomrong(2100m, 18km, 8 hours)
Descend along the trail to Dovan, through bamboo and rhododendron forests, with superb mountain views to Bamboo. This stretch of trail is the most subject to avalanches. Spend the night at Chhomrong.
Day 10: Trek to Tadapani(2600m, 16km, 7 hours)
The trail descends down to Kumrong and all the way to Tadapani. Get a superb view of Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri mountains, as well as the forest of rhododendron flowers.
Day 11: Tadapani  to Bayeli Kharka (3450m)
After breakfast, you will leave the main trail for next five days we will walk in a more remote area on the Annapurna region. We begin our trek by entering into the beautiful rhododendron and oak forest on upward trail. Then after small decent we continue climb gradual and soon you will emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. You will take lunch on the way and then continue to climb gradually we cross several pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayeli Kharka, and the lodge. From the lodge, we enjoy great views of Dhaulagiri which is the seventh highest mountain in the world. Overnight at community lodge
Day 12: Bayeli Kharka to Chistibung (2975m)
After breakfast, we will descend through open ground and beautiful forest to reach pastures of Lower Chistibung. Then the trail continues through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pasture before reaching Upper Chistibung which is a temporary herder´s settlement. It is high chances to see the Himalayan pheasant and Himalayan Thar on the grassy ridge above the trail. Overnight at community lodge
Day 13: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3660m)
To reach the ridge of Khorpa, we embark on a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures. This area is noted for wildlife. As we approach Khopra, we go for a short walk down to viewpoint overlooking Kali Gandaki river far below in the deep valley and we can see the majestic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. Overnight at community lodge
Day 14: Khopra excursion trip to Khayer Lake(4600m, 6 to 7 hours)
Today is long exploring day to Khayar Lake (4600m) from where we attain excellent views of mountains, green valley and river George but it is long day trip and only strong people able to do this trip. Khayar Lake is very famous for Hindu belief on the occasion of Janai Purnima. It is also believed that bathing in the lake will help attain Nirvana. Along the side of lake, we can see a number of Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The views of nature´s beauty are mesmerizing. The client who does not want to walk all the way to the lake, a half day walk from Khopra can also be arranged. Overnight at community lodge
Day 15: Khopra to Swanta Village (2270m)
After Khopra you will descend off the hillside and continue downhill on steep trail. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight. Along the way we get more views of Dhaulagiri with lovely terraced fields and traditional houses in the village. We will explore local school and nearby area and have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit and Stay overnight at Teahouse
Day 16: Swantha to Ghorepani(2800m, 4 hours)
Breakfast and a short downhill and uphill trek to Ghorepani, the best view point of Annapurna treks.
Day 17: Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga(1600m)
Wake up early in the morning, hike up to Poon hill to see the sunrise view and the Himalayan panorama of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Manalsu and Mount Fishtail, back to Ghorepani, have breakfast and continue downhill trek to Tikhedhunga.
Day 18: Tikhedhunga to Pokhara(850m, 4 hours trek and 2 hours drive back to Pokhara)
Breakfast and trek for 4 hours downhill trek to Nayapul and drive for 2 hours to Pokhara.
Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Breakfast and get tourist bus drive to Kathmandu for 6 hours. It is also possible to get flight to Kathmandu, but the cost will be addtional on the package cost.
Day 20: Kathmandu airport
Breakfast and free day on your own, walking around Thamel market and transfer to airport to get your flight back to home.

Cost Includes

• Airport pick up and departure transfer
• Twin sharing standard hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary.
• Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu by tourist bus transfer
• Pokhara to  Nayapul to Pokhara by car or sharing jeep or bus transfer
• All the necessary trekking permit -ACAP and TIMS card
• English Speaking guide on trek and all his expenses like salary, meals, transfer, accommodation and insurance
• Tea house lodge or home stay accommodation during trek
• 3 times meals-breakfast, lunch and dinner during trek
• All the government taxes and company service charge

• Travel insurance of client in case of emergency for rescue and medication
• Porter to carry your luggage
• Expenses of personal nature like hot shower, wifi, internet, telephone
• Price for charging battery where applicable
• Tips for guide and porter
• Flight, Private transfer between Kathmandu and Pokhara
• All the cost not mention on above cost includes

Season for ABC Mardi Himal Trek
You can go to Annapurna Base Camp trek any time of the year. Yet, the monsoon is not a good time. There is heavy rainfall during the evening or night but the dark clouds are ever present. This means bad too, no view of the beautiful peaks. It also means leeches, mosquitoes, possible landslides and slippery roads. But, this is the time when animals are most active. If you are a keen biologist, then monsoon is best for you.

Autumn Season-Autumn is the best time to do this trek. Autumn is a dry season that offers clear blue sky and moderate temperature. This is the best time do any trek in Annapurna and is, therefore, very crowded.

Winter Season-You could go during December if you would like it to be quieter. ABC is possible in winter as well. Dry air and clear sky with the  best visibility but, during winter, it will be very cold and will snow. If you plan to trek in December, you need to prepare well with appropriate packaging.Starting from January, you need to be careful about the avalanche when traveling from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. This stretch is prone to avalanche. Trekkers should be careful no matter what time in a year they are trekking when trekking from Deurali to MBC.

Spring Season-Spring is another best time to do Annapurna Base Camp trek. Watch out for the avalanche though. Listen to the locals for the news about the avalanche ahead. In spring, the trail will bloom with red and white rhododendrons and many other exotic flowers found in this region, a good time to go for botanists.

Electricity and Charging Battery-You can charge batteries en route. For this, you need to bring your charger. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for it.

Money Matter-There are no ATM on this trek route. You have to draw enough cash from Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are many ATMs in these cities. Everything you do is in Nepali rupees. So, you need to carry enough Nepali currency before you set off for the ABC trek.

WiFi and Internet-You will have enough Internet access in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you in your home country and at losing connection is very common at times.

Guide and Porter Cost- For ABC trek, pay for guides range from $25 to $35 per day and porters take $20 to $30 per day.

Tipping-People have become used to receiving tips. However, there is no set amount as tipping is a westerner created culture. They will be happy to receive what you see fit to give. If you feel confused, trekkers have taken 15% of the total pay as the standard.

Annapurna Base Camp with Mardi Himal Trek Equipment
Here is a general idea of what you should bring to Annapurna Base Camp trekking.What to pack for the trek is one of the important questions. Not having proper gears can prove troublesome. It may cause health issues or ruin your mood.
-A few pairs of Thermal tops
-Fleece jacket/pullover
-Windcheater - waterproof shell jacket one pair
-Down jacket -( It will be provided by the company if you do not have your own)
-Comfortable Fleece/wool trousers
-Trekking pants- at least 2 pairs
-Mittens/woolen gloves
-Warm Hiking socks
-Trekking sue with spare laces
-Pair of flip flop
-Underwear & Swimming costume
-Hiking Cotton trousers/t-shirts
-Sun hat/scarf
-Sunglasses
-Sleeping bag -( It will be provided by the company if you do not have your own)
-Trekking poles (Not 100%)
-Day bag above 40 L
-1 set- Headlamp
-Small lock for the day backpack
-Reusable water bottles- 2 liters
-Water purification tablets/ electric light
-Wash towel
-Toiletries (wet tissue, quick-drying towel, toilet paper, moisturizers, lip balms, sunscreens, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clipper, small mirror, toothpaste & brush, etc)
-Rain poncho
-Basic personal first aid kit

Travel Insurance-For safety reasons, Travel insurance is mandatory for trekkers participating in any trek and tour programs in the mountains. Getting travel insurance, especially while traveling in the mountain areas, is like security on which you can rely and enjoy your trip without any worries. We highly recommend getting good compressive travel insurance that covers things like emergency helicopter rescue, and medical evacuation expenses. It will be an assisted protection tour to cover personal injury, injury, repatriation expenses, and any kind of illness will be covered. Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete coverage for anything that may go wrong.

Solo Travelers-Single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Minimum Age-You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a our tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

High Altitude Sickness-Travelers to altitudes higher than 2,50 m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

Medical Facilities and Treatment-Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.

Alcohol and Caffeine-Alcohol and trekking don't mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.
Monsoon-The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.

Departure Tax-All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

Safety and Security-We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. Swimming, including is always at your own risk.

Drugs and Smoke-Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for our travellers, also illegal in Nepal. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. We have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Money Matters-Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.As currency exchange rates in Nepal fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. As of June 2022 the exchange rate for NEPAL was 1 USD = 122 NPR (Nepalese Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard but these are limited to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 4%-6% transaction fee.

Laundry- Laundry facilities are offered by some of tea house and hotel for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Passports-As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.

Nepal Visas-All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US $30: Multi Entry Visa for 30 days - US $50 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $125. All travellers are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to get visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport.

Own Departure-Small groups of four or more can pick their own desired departure dates.  So grab your family, your neighbors, or your best friends and call us.

Customized Private Trip-Family reunions, corporate groups, wedding parties, student groups, church groups, and any groups interested in a customized departure are welcome to contact us.

Trip Cancellation-If you cancel prior to departure, we need written notice and cancellation fees are:
91 or more days -$0
61 to 90 days -$500
31 to 60 days -50% of trip cost
0 to 30 days -100% of trip cost

Go to Nepal for FREE-For private groups with nine full-paying passengers, the 10th person goes free. Well, almost free.International airfare not included and there is a $400 cost which is needed to cover Pokhara flights, and trekking permit.

Payment and Cancellation Policy- Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation. Final balance prior to trip departure.