Our adventure towards the Poon Hill sunrise trek and Annapurna base camp started on a beautiful morning in Kathmandu, as our Qatar Airways flight touched down at KTM International airport. Fast forward though the endless waiting lines and immigration – finally we enter the country that we’ve heard so much about!
After spending one quick night in Thamel and eating out with the group of like-minded travelers, we boarded the bus the next morning and headed to Pokhara. The way of driving and the so called „roads“ is a topic of its own! Feeling quite seasick from all the bumps, we made it to a village called Hille, where we stayed overnight. Our very first night in the mountains!
I’d like to point out the delicious apple pie we tried at our first lodge! Getting used to Nepalese food took quite some time, but tasty meals like this one made it so much easier!
First day of the trek – the hardest!
We decided to start using sleeping bags as soon as we arrived in the mountains, even though the temperatures would still allow to use simple blankets. It was indeed very enjoyable and warm, so I highly recommend doing so. The lodges are very basic -wooden structures, with outside bathrooms and with little comfort. However, its actually all you need after a long day of trekking.
The first day is the hardest, they say. Well, we really felt it with our own skin. There’s a reason why most people start out early in the morning. As soon as the sun comes out, it gets incredibly hot and difficult to keep moving. Sweating like pig, you force yourself to take another step and end up standing for a few seconds soaking in the air. What a battle!
Tea time every hour or so
What I loved about the Annapurna Basecamp trek are the numerous lodges and restaurants along the way. When you feel out of breath and unable to take another step, there is a nice place with a view right there, offering hot tea and light snacks. Eventually, each member of our group had figured their own favorite drink. As it tuned out, simple black tea was usually one of the best option (coffee lovers – sorry, you might have to pause your drinking habit due to altitude and heart issues).
Ginger tea, on the other hand, was perfect choice in terms of keeping yourself healthy. If you don’t mind milk tea – Masala tea may be an interesting option as well. If you like it in the end, you can buy Masala spices to take home with you and surprise your friends.
What is the trail like?
The trail is mostly steps – big steps and smaller steps. When you feel like you can’t see them anymore, there is suddenly a short strip of „Nepali flatland“ – hilly roller coaster, but so nice to walk it for a change! At the beginning of the trek you will be passing through the jungle, walk next to the river and waterfalls. If you are lucky, you might see languors (we saw them 3 times).
The trail is very well maintained but far from being easy to walk – trekking/walking sticks are a must! They are not only for balance – they will literally save your knees on the way down. You can buy quite good sticks in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek or pick a bamboo stick on the way.
Overnight in Ghorepani
By the time we reached our second lodge in the mountains, it was already getting dark. However, we had an amazing view and the best hot dinner. There are no words to describe the feeling when you reach your goal for the day, exhausted, but happy and satisfied. The feeling of taking off your huge, heavy boots and stretching your tired, aching legs on a real bed! Stepping under a hot shower and just standing there, smiling, for minutes. Then, realizing others are waiting outside for their turn, quickly jumping into the cold air. Finally, eating a hot, tasty dinner with a cup of ginger tea and climbing into a sleeping bag. No words can describe all of that, you simply need to try it at least once in your life!
Poon Hill sunrise trek
What’s that sound? It’s the alarm clock! Am I late for work? No, it’s time to wake up for the Poon Hill sunrise trek! Ready, set, headlamp charged, winter jacket on. We move out in the dark, walking slowly through the crispy air of the early morning. Above us – million stars! We are not alone – around 500 other trekkers climb Poon Hill every day to enjoy the sunset with a hot cup of tea.
Luckily, its not too far, only about one hour or so. By the time I got to the top of the hill, the sun was about to rise. The view was awe-inspiring and better than anything I had seen so far. You realize how small you are, surrounded by these gorgeous mountains.Quick photos, and soon we had to turn back for delicious breakfast in our lodge.
Chomrong
It all became better on the next day. Day two was officially the day we started enjoying our trek. The trail became easier, less steep and with better views all around us. Overall, the spirit was higher than ever. We made some picturesque photos and enjoyed tea stops along the way. It was the day when we learned to know our group mates better.
In Chomrong we had one of the best nights, because we could see the sunrise without leaving our lodge terrace. The mountains were so near, we could almost touch them. I woke up before alarm, realizing it is morning already and urging myself out of the sleeping bag to go and see the fist pinkish shadows on the snow peaks.
Read next – Annapurna basecamp trek – Dovan, MBC, ABC, Djinu hot springs
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