Poon Hill and ABC Trek Review: An Outstanding Holiday of a Lifetime in Nepal

Post Date: 30 Oct 2026 Post by - Katharine T

Reviewed by: Katharine T | Date: October 2026
Trip: Customized Nepal holiday with Alliance Treks and Expedition, including a 4-day trek covering Poon Hill and part of the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) route
Team: Mr Kishor (trip organizer), Jaybir (mountain guide), Race and Aashis (trekking supporters), Sudhil (cultural guide), Surendra (driver)

Quick answer

Is Alliance Treks good for a customized Nepal holiday? For Katharine, who traveled for a big birthday and a lifelong dream of seeing the Himalayas, the answer was yes. She called the whole team outstanding and said she would thoroughly recommend Alliance for any trip to Nepal.

Katharine’s review, in her words

Just returned from the most spectacular, special and memorable holiday I have ever had; I would thoroughly recommend Alliance for any trip to Nepal. The entire team were outstanding: Firstly Mr Kishor who organised the perfect trip based on my priorities and the timeframe, he did this with the utmost graciousness and patience given the number of changing variables (travel impact in the Gulf, people joining me on the trip, landslide, flooding etc) and all of my endless questions.

Experiencing the Himalayas has been a lifelong dream for me. The trip was for a big birthday so expectations were huge but Mr Kishor was not phased and he well and truly delivered – from the moment we arrived to be greeted with marigold garlands to a sad goodbye to Surendra, our kind, calm and ever patient driver (on the “bumpy, jumpy roads”), everything was carefully planned with our full enjoyment in mind.

The trip included a 4 day trek encompassing Poon Hill and a small section of the ABC route – it was the absolute highlight of our trip, realising a life dream for me. The trekking team, Mountain Guide Jaybir along with supporters Race and Aashis, were absolutely outstanding. Jaybir is the most calm, patient and capable guide; he went above and beyond to ensure we had the most magical experience through his immense knowledge of the environment, routes, nature, foods, tea houses – guides from other groups often stopped to ask him questions and we felt very privileged that he was our guide! Not only did we feel thoroughly safe and confident throughout, we also had great fun with the team – from mountain football, badminton and banter to teaching each other card games and traditional dances, we could not have asked for more.

Sudhil was our knowledgeable guide for the cultural activities, he brought history to life with many entertaining stories and anecdotes whilst keeping a perfect pace for us.

I have already told Mr Kishor I will be back to trek in the Everest region and will plan well ahead to request the same incredible personnel! Top quality, outstanding team – I cannot thank them all enough, a lifelong dream realised!

Originally posted on Tripadvisor, October 2026.

Trekkers with mountain guide Jaybir on the Poon Hill and ABC route trek, Nepal

Highlights from the review

A trip built around her priorities. Mr Kishor organized the itinerary around Katharine’s timeframe and priorities, and kept adapting as plans changed, from travel disruption in the Gulf to a landslide and flooding.
A warm welcome. She was greeted on arrival with marigold garlands, and she was sad to say goodbye to Surendra, the driver, on Nepal’s “bumpy, jumpy roads.”
The trek was the highlight. She called the 4-day Poon Hill and ABC route trek the absolute highlight of the trip.
A guide others admired. Guides from other groups often stopped to ask Jaybir questions. She praised his knowledge of the environment, routes, nature, food and tea houses.
Fun on the trail. Mountain football, badminton, card games and traditional dances made the trek a shared experience as well as a walk.
Culture with a story. Sudhil’s cultural tours brought history to life at a comfortable pace.
She plans to return. Katharine wants to trek in the Everest region next and requests the same team.

Why combine Poon Hill with the ABC route?

Poon Hill (about 3,200 m) is famous for its sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and it is one of the most accessible short treks in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp route starts in the same region, so a short trek can combine the Poon Hill viewpoint with the first sections of the route toward the Annapurna Sanctuary. That makes it a good fit for trekkers who want Himalayan scenery without committing to a full week or more.

If you want the whole route to 4,130 m, see the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and its complete details page.

Who is this kind of trek for?

First-time trekkers who want a shorter, well-supported introduction to the Himalayas
Travelers celebrating a birthday or milestone who want flexible, customized planning
Mixed groups where some people prefer culture, sightseeing and a few days on the trail

What to pack

Bring layers, a warm jacket, broken-in boots, a rain jacket and sun protection. Even on a short trek, mornings and evenings can be cold. Alliance Treks’ Annapurna Base Camp Packing List is a useful checklist.

Best time to go

The best seasons in the Annapurna region are March to May (spring, with rhododendrons) and September to November (autumn, with the clearest views). Katharine’s trip was in October, which falls in the autumn season. As her review notes, weather and road conditions such as landslides and flooding can affect plans, so build in some flexibility.

Why a customized Nepal trip works

Katharine’s trip combined cultural activities, a driver and a mountain trek, all arranged around her timeframe. Customization lets you adjust the number of trekking days, add sightseeing, and change plans if conditions shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do Poon Hill and part of the ABC route in 4 days?

Katharine did a 4-day trek that included Poon Hill and a small section of the ABC route. The exact route depends on your dates and the conditions.

Is the trek suitable for beginners?

Katharine felt safe and confident throughout her trek with her team. Poon Hill is generally considered one of the easier treks in Nepal, but it still takes some fitness and preparation.

Can Alliance Treks customize a Nepal holiday?

In Katharine’s experience, yes. Her trip was planned around her priorities and timeframe, and adapted as circumstances changed.

What was the guide like?

She described Jaybir as the most calm, patient and capable guide, with deep knowledge of the environment, routes, nature, foods and tea houses.

Can I request the same guide and team?

Katharine plans to ask for the same team for her next trek, in the Everest region. Availability depends on dates, so ask early.

What if I want a longer trek?

See the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, or compare them in Which Is Better: Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit?