Annapurna Panorama Trek

Nepal Annapurna Panorama or Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular, shortest, and simplest trek but filled with exciting journeys, with stunning scenery of snow-capped vistas and a chance to witness local culture.

Talking about the views, the trek offers the best sunrise and sunset panoramic views of snow-covered mountains such as Annapurna I (the 10th highest mountain in the world), Mount Dhaulagiri (the 7th highest peak in the earth), Mount Machapuchhre (an unclimbed mountain: Fishtail), and many more.

The trekking route of Annapurna Panorama passes through luscious forests, terrace farmlands, and local villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk villages with traditionally built stone teahouses. One can have a chance to engage with local communities such as Gurung, Magar, and Tamang, who have served in Indian and British armies for decades.

There is no age restriction; families with kids and seniors can all join this trek and successfully complete it in a 9-day span.

The trekking difficulty of this trek has been categorized as easy to moderate, meaning that anyone, including first-time trekkers, families with children, senior citizens, and those with a reasonably good level of fitness, can attempt it.

There are several routes on the trail, with most of the stone staircases primarily found in Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani. These stone staircases are a bit tiring and might become an issue for people who are first-time hikers.

The good thing about this trek is that there is not much risk of altitude sickness as you sleep well below 3,500 meters. However, prevention is better than cure, and you should take the necessary measures to safeguard yourself from any health issues.

Note: We recommend you build your strength and stamina. Physical fitness matters; you will be hiking for 4-6 hours daily.

Check out our complete guide to how you can be fit and prepare for the Trek.

On our 9-day Annapurna Dhaulagir Panorama Trek, the chance of getting altitude sickness is quite low. The highest point you'll reach is Poon Hill, which is 3,210 meters high. Usually, altitude sickness worries start above 2,500 meters, but because this trek goes up gradually and doesn't go too high, it's much safer in that respect. Plus, the trek schedule gives your body enough time to slowly get used to the higher altitude, which helps a lot.

So, while it’s good to know about altitude sickness symptoms and how to avoid them, this trek is considered pretty safe from those problems for most people. You can enjoy the beautiful views and exciting walks without too much worry!

Timing is everything when it comes to trekking in Nepal. Annapurna Poon Hill Panorama Trek can be done throughout the year, but each season offers a completely different experience. Let's break down what to expect in each time period.

If you are planning to travel on Annapurna Poon Hill for a panoramic view of the mountains, we recommend you choose during autumn and Spring.

Autumn in Nepal lies between September to November. At this time, anyone can experience clear skies and the best views of the mountains.

However, if you are planning to trek during spring, which is between March and May, there is an added bonus for you. Each part of the trail is surrounded and covered with blooming rhododendron forests, which makes your journey more enjoyable.

Trekking in the Annapurna region during summer has advantages. However, it would help if you were prepared for frequent rainfall and the following circumstances: The trails are less crowded and appropriate for peaceful/solo treks. It is also easier to get good rooms and other amenities. 

However, having proper gear for trekking in the monsoon season would be best, as the trails can get muddy, the weather is hot and humid, and the sky is foggy.

Similarly, you will have an unobstructed view of the Himalayan range and its landscapes during winter.

To book with us is simple. We request first to review our given Annapurna Panorama Trip itinerary.

If you are satisfied with the above itinerary, then move to the departure section (you can find it in the navigation bar as “Departures”). Then, choose the best time and month (2025, 2026) that you are planning to go.

You will be redirected to the Booking page, where you have to fill out the booking form with your details and confirm it with 20 % of the total cost of the trip.

Once a deposit is paid, we will provide trip confirmation via email with all the details of your trip.

Important notice: If you require any modification regarding the trip itinerary and given departure dates, you can contact us directly via email or WhatsApp. Please note that departures are guaranteed after confirmation is made.

The security deposits are not refundable. In case of emergencies or unexpected events, we recommend that you postpone or reschedule the trek. The deposits are then transferred as credits for the trek in the future.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Your travel insurance should cover Medical expenses (hospital charges, cost of medicine), emergency evacuation (heli rescue), repatriation, loss of luggage, flight cancellation, and others. Here are some of the recommended travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.

Trekking in the Annapurna Region with a guide is mandatory. Also, We, the Nepal Hiking Team, only offer guided tours and treks in any region. Our guides are very friendly and know a lot about the Annapurna area and its paths. They keep you safe and teach you fun things about the mountains and the local villages you pass through.

During your trip, our NHT guides do regular checkups regarding oxygen level and heart rate, especially above 3000m, with an oximeter. They always carry essential medical kits which help to care for minor injuries instantly.

Along with that, they can also guide the preparation of organic and healthy dietary plan options. Further, they are experienced and well-known about the trekking trails of Annapurna Trek.

No, the trek does not get canceled. If you or anyone from the group gets sick or experiences altitude sickness, our guide will first assess your health condition and advise resting or descending to a lower altitude. 

For more severe cases, they directly coordinate with nearby medical posts or contact the head office for an emergency evacuation for sick persons. If there are more than four members in the group, we arrange a trekking leader and one assistant guide. The assistant guide will stay with the sick person while the rest of the group continues the trek.

If you can do short hiking, long walks for 5 – 6 hours a day, or jogging without any problem, you are fit for Nepal Annapurna Poon Hill trek.

Check our complete manual of how to be fit for Nepal trekking and what you should consider while trekking in Nepal. We request to consult personal doctors if any health issues.

Yes, you can buy or even rent trekking gear. Thamel shops provide various trekking items like down jackets, sleeping bags, and other necessary items at a reasonable price.

For your 9–day Annapurna Panorama Trekking, we do provide trekking gear such as down jackets (suitable to your size), sleeping bags, and duffle bags (capacity of 65 -70 ltr) for the trekkers who need them for the trek.

Also, a hand map of the Annapurna Panorama Trek, a T-shirt (size M, L, XL), and a cap are a complimentary gift from the Nepal hiking team.

For this Panorama Hike, keep your packing simple and light as much as you can. Carry 3-4 quick-dry t-shirts, 2-3 comfortable trekking pants, a warm jacket, and thermals for the cold nights. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, a warm cap, gloves, and 4-5 pairs of socks and underwear.

Wear sturdy trekking shoes that can handle rough paths, and pack a pair of lightweight sandals for relaxing in the evening. A 30-40L backpack is enough to carry your things. Bring a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a reusable water bottle. A headlamp with extra batteries is useful for early mornings or late evenings.

Pack your basic toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a quick-dry towel. Sunscreen, lip balm, and a small first aid kit with band-aids and painkillers are important. Also, carry some snacks like energy bars and enough Nepali Rupees, and don’t forget your sunglasses, camera, and chargers.

The good news is that we provide some of the essential items for free, which should be returned after your journey. We provide a sleeping bag, a down jacket, and a duffel bag for the trek.

For further details, check your equipment checklist here.

No, we do not arrange any international flights from/to Kathmandu. All the trekkers need to arrange the flights by themselves.

Yes, we Nepal Hiking Team, arrange airport pickup and drop-off as a complimentary service. Upon your arrival, a team member from NHT will pick you up and assist you to the hotel. Also, he will drop you off (3 hours early) at the airport on the departure day.

Yes, you can upgrade to a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu at an additional cost of 90$ for one way and 180$ for roundtrip. It saves you time and gives you a chance to enjoy aerial views of the Himalayas.

Yes, you can customize the Annapurna Panorama Trek to suit your preferences. You can extend your stay in Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara before or after the trek, allowing more time to explore cultural and natural highlights.

Additionally, you can add day tours or even extend the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor the itinerary to match your needs!

The 9-day Annapurna Panorama Trek includes a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, where you can learn about some cool cultural sites. This trek takes you through beautiful villages like Tadapani and Ghandruk, which means you can see more of the mountains and learn about local life!

The 8-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, on the other hand, skips the sightseeing and gets straight to the trekking. It's perfect if you have less time but still want to experience the amazing sunrise over the mountains from Poon Hill.

If you love learning about culture and have a bit more time, the 9-day trek is great! If you're short on time but still want an awesome trek, the 8-day trek is perfect.

Yes, we provide several hikes near Kathmandu, such as Jamacho Day Hike, Chandragiri Hiking, and Nagarkot Day Hiking Tours. If you are looking for a short hike to prepare yourself for the trek, these hikes and tours are perfect.

You are accommodated at 3-star hotels during your stay in the cities of Kathmandu (Woodapple and Spa or similar) and Pokhara. During the hiking days, there is a simple family-run Guesthouse. 

The facilities are decent, and the lodging is comfortable, with most of them having an attached bathroom. For the dining halls, there are typical wood-burning metal and mud stoves made in Nepali style.

Important notice about hotel upgrades: If you have any specific preference regarding hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, let us know beforehand. The services can be upgraded to a 4-star or 5-star category at an additional charge.

There are drinkable spring waters along the route. You can also buy boiled or bottled water from the local teahouses. In the Annapurna area, there are banned policies regarding bottled water, and you cannot find them.

Note: We strongly suggest you bring a squeezable or a regular bottle for drinking. Our guides carry purifying tablets with them, which you can use to fill and drink spring water.

From Poon Hill in Ghorepani, you can witness some of the most spectacular peaks of the Himalayas. Some of the mountains are Annapurna I (10th highest), Dhaulagiri (7th highest), Mahhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and other Annapurna Ranges.

To reach Poon Hill from Ghorepani, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and the weather. The distance is around 1.5 kilometers (about 0.9 miles).

It is bit challenging because of the steepness, especially early in the morning when it’s still dark and cold. But the trail is well-maintained, and anyone can handle it. The views at the top are worth every step.

You should start around 4:30 to 5:00 AM. That gives you enough time to reach the top before sunrise, which is usually around 6:00 AM, depending on the time of year.

Dress warmly as the temperature is cold during the morning time. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the early morning hike, and of course, don’t forget your camera.

Yes, all the necessary permits (Annapurna Conservation Area permit) and government taxes are included in the package. 

Note: For the permit arrangements, you must bring one passport-sized photo and your original passport photocopy.

For this Annapurna Panorama Trek, around 15,000–20,000 NRS is enough for the entire trip. This amount typically covers your daily expenses, such as extra meals and snacks, Wi-Fi, drinks & beverages, hot showers, and charging for electronics.