Banthanti is a small settlement on the long forest climb between Ulleri and Ghorepani, in the Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill region. Trekkers know it as a tea stop rather than a place to sleep. It comes after the Ulleri staircase and before Nangethanti, and it gives you a chance to rest before the trail enters rhododendron forest.
Where Banthanti is and why trekkers stop
Banthanti sits on the second day of the Poon Hill route, on the trail that climbs from Ulleri towards Ghorepani. Most itineraries pass through it after the steep stone steps of Ulleri and before Nangethanti. Our own day plans describe the climb as continuing through Banthanti and Nangethanti into rhododendron forest, and both are described as popular tea stops. Trekkers stop here because the ascent is steady and tiring, and a short rest with a hot drink makes the rest of the morning easier. It is a pause on the way, not a destination in itself.
What to expect at Banthanti
Expect a handful of simple buildings beside the trail, serving tea, snacks and basic meals to walkers passing through. The setting is mostly forest and terraced hillside, and the path here is still part of the steady climb, so you rarely have long flat stretches. Other groups tend to bunch up at the same stops, so you may share the benches with trekkers heading the same way. Prices and menus vary, so carry some cash in small notes. Spend a few minutes drinking water, adjusting layers and checking that your boots are comfortable before moving on.
Altitude and how you may feel
Banthanti is higher than Ulleri and lower than Ghorepani, which our guides place at about 2,860 m. You gain height steadily along this stretch, so the main effect is tired legs rather than altitude trouble. Even so, altitude illness can strike some people at modest heights, so watch for headache, nausea or unusual tiredness and tell your guide early. Drink water regularly, walk at a pace that lets you talk, and do not hurry to beat other groups. If symptoms worsen, the safe response is to descend rather than push on.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Most trekkers treat Banthanti as a break, then sleep at Ghorepani at the end of the day. If you want a longer rest, a late lunch is more usually taken at Nangethanti, the next stop up the trail. Bring a light waterproof, because the forest can turn damp, and keep a warm layer in your daypack for when you stop and cool down. Carry some water purification tablets or a filter, and use stone steps carefully when wet. Start early to keep the climb cooler and leave time to enjoy the forest.
Common questions
Is Banthanti a place to stay overnight?
It is mainly a tea stop on the climb from Ulleri to Ghorepani. Most trekkers sleep at Ghorepani instead, so treat Banthanti as a short rest on day two rather than an overnight base.
What comes after Banthanti on the way to Ghorepani?
Nangethanti is the next tea stop, and the trail then continues through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani. Our day plans describe the climb in that order, and Ghorepani is at about 2,860 m.
Do I need a guide to walk through Banthanti?
The Poon Hill route is busy and well used, and many people walk it independently, but a guide helps with pacing and spotting altitude symptoms. No restricted area permit is needed here, though standard trekking permits apply.
