A Dream Trek at 65 - Halesi Treks Made Poon Hill and ABC Unforgettable
My wife and I have just returned from the most memorable journey of our lives: eight days trekking to Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in Nepal, from 18 to 25 October 2026. At 65, I had dreamed of standing among the Himalayan giants. Thanks to Halesi Treks, that dream became a beautiful reality.
From the first message to the last goodbye, director Man Kumar Tamang was kind, patient, responsive and completely reliable. He coordinated our domestic flights, hotels, jeep transfers, trekking arrangements and Kathmandu sightseeing. The entire package was very good value, with clear arrangements and no unpleasant surprises. He even arranged an additional sightseeing day in Kathmandu without an extra charge.
Our guide, Prakash Tamang, was exceptional. He watched our pace, encouraged us and made sure we were comfortable throughout the trek. His favorite words were "Slowly, slowly - bistari, bistari!" He understood that a successful Himalayan trek is not a race. For two older trekkers, his calm judgment, thoughtfulness and warm personality made all the difference.
Our porter, Tshiring Sherpa, was equally wonderful. He carried the heavy gear with amazing strength and still found the energy to lift everyone's spirits. He often played Nepalese music, especially the beloved "Resham Firiri," on his little speaker as we walked. We learned to sing and dance, and before long we were dancing with local people and trekkers from other countries. Those shared laughs are some of the happiest memories of our trip. One morning in Chhomrong, we even joined a Dashain celebration with flowers, rice and music - a special encounter with Nepalese hospitality.
The scenery was extraordinary. We watched glorious sunrises at Poon Hill, Tadapani and Chhomrong and then, at last, from ABC itself. We were incredibly fortunate to have clear, beautiful weather throughout our eight trekking days. The mountains appeared to glow at dawn and dusk. This good weather was a gift of nature, while Halesi's experienced team ensured that the trek itself ran smoothly.
Our actual route was Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali and then Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). We stopped at MBC for lunch on 23 October, continued to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres and slept at ABC that night. On 24 October, we enjoyed sunrise at ABC before descending to Bamboo. On 25 October, we returned via Chhomrong and Jhinu Danda, then took a jeep back to Pokhara. Reaching ABC together and sharing that moment with Prakash and Tshiring will stay with us forever.
After the trek, Man Kumar personally arranged a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu on 26 October. We enjoyed live music and dancing, and I even joined the performers for "Resham Firiri"! It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to new friends.
We are deeply grateful to Man Kumar, Prakash and Tshiring for their professionalism, honesty, generosity and genuine care. We wholeheartedly recommend Halesi Treks to anyone planning an Annapurna adventure - including fellow travelers from Korea and older hikers who appreciate a patient, personal approach. Thank you for giving us not just a trek, but friendships and memories for a lifetime.
Kyung Changsoo and wife, South Korea
October 2026
