Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The initial step of the Annapurna Base Camp journey involves a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is an attractive lakeside city and the main entry point to the Annapurna region. The Prithvi Highway winds along the Trishuli River and takes you through terraced hills, small towns, and lush valleys.

You can take a break at local restaurants in spots like Malekhu or Mugling for refreshments. After finally reaching the destination, you can either unwind beside the tranquil Phewa Lake, visit the vibrant Lakeside area, or admire the sight of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range mirrored on the lake's surface.

The evening is generally spent either in the discovery of the local coffee shops or taking a boat ride on the lake to see the sunset over the mountains.

The shift from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the peaceful lakeside of Pokhara is the ideal way to get ready for the upcoming adventure.

After having an early breakfast, you will drive for about 42 kilometers northwest of Pokhara through the beautiful countryside consisting of terraced fields, rivers, and small Gurung and Magar villages. 

The road along the Modi Khola River provides occasional views of the snow-covered Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks. In the trek’s starting point, Nayapul, the permits are checked before heading toward Tikhedhunga.

From Nayapul, the gently upward trail takes you to Birethanti, a picturesque village along the river, with tea houses and shops. You will cross the suspension bridge over the Bhurungdi Khola, and the route gradually goes up through terraced plantations, bamboo forests, and small villages like Hile. The path is not difficult, but it does include a few steep parts, particularly near Tikhedhunga.

Once reaching the destination, you will settle in a warm and comfortable teahouse, enjoy a hot meal, and then go to sleep listening to the soothing sounds of waterfalls and mountain streams.

After having breakfast, you will start climbing up along stone stairs with more than 3,000 steps to reach Ulleri, a Magar village. On the way, you will enjoy the picturesque views of terraced hills and even a sneak peek of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The path then goes through the dense rhododendron and oak forest with the melodious chirp of the song birds. 

Continuing further, you will pass through small villages like Banthanti and Nangethanti, where the tea houses are a relief during rest and lunch. The temperature drops, and the forest becomes denser with the trail leading towards Ghorepani. 

It is a pretty mountain village on a ridge. The arrival in the afternoon allows you to take in the magnificent mountain views of the surrounding area, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri.

Eventually, an inviting dinner and sleeping in a teahouse amid fresh mountain air are the closing moments of the day.

Poon Hill is one of the most popular viewing points in the Annapurna region. It is between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. that you wake up and hit the trail towards its summit. The path is well-marked and stony, which usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach. 

The views from Poon Hill at this time are unbelievable, a panorama of the glowing mountains from Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and many more, all in golden colors. After the sunrise visit and photography, you return to Ghorepani for breakfast and then set out toward Tadapani, the next stop on the trek. 

The trail from Ghorepani to Tadapani leads you through a lovely forest of rhododendron, oak and bamboo trees. At first, the path is a slow uphill walk to Deurali Pass (3,090 m) where you can look at the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. 

The path then leads steeply downwards into the woods, crossing brooks, and offering a quiet, almost enchanted, setting. Occasionally, you might spot Himalayan langurs and colorful birds. 

When you finally reach Tadapani, the closest views of the Himalayas make the evening setting perfect. Today's mountain adventure concludes with a night at a comfortable teahouse.

The journey from Tadapani to Chomrong incorporates walking through the enchanting forests and the traditional Gurung villages with the majestic mountain views. 

You will start by descending through thick rhododendron and oak forests on steep trails. As the forest opens up, you can see the wide-angle views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre glowing in the morning light. 

The route continues going down until Chuile and then takes a flatter route towards Kimrong Khola (1,750 m), which is the place where most of the trekkers have their lunch next to the river.

After the suspension bridge across the Kimrong Khola, the track goes up steadily through the terraced fields and the traditional Gurung villages toward Chomrong. The climb may be hard on the legs after the morning's descent, but the reward is the spectacular close-up sighting of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre towering over the village. 

Chomrong is one of the biggest and most picturesque villages in the area. You can bask in warm teahouses, have nice meals, and get ready for the next day’s trip into the deeper heart of the Annapurna range.

Today is the day 6 of our Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary. The first part of the day sees you down the steep and stone-steps trail to Chomrong Khola. There is a suspension bridge that connects the two hillsides of the valley.

After crossing the bridge, you have to face a gradual but continuous uphill march through the terrace fields and the woods to get to Sinuwa (2,340 m). This is the spot where you can take a break, sip some tea, and let nature's beauty work its magic before going deeper into the woods.

Next, the trail rises and falls slightly through thick bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests, finally leading to Bamboo (2,310 m), a tranquil place for lunch with nature all around.

The last part from Bamboo to Dovan is a steadily increasing climb through the forest trails that are often shaded. There is a cooling and refreshing effect of the air as you gain altitude, and the landscape is more peaceful with fewer human settlements and the overpowering presence of nature.

 When you finally reach Dovan, you can settle in a quaint teahouse surrounded by trees.

The route from Dovan to ABC is the most thrilling and picturesque part of the whole trip. The route slowly approaches the central part of the Annapurna Sanctuary. After breakfast, you will start walking by the Modi Khola river, rising slowly and steadily through the dense bamboo and rhododendron woods. 

The initial stage leads to Himalaya (2,920 m) and then on to Deurali (3,200 m). Deurali is often selected as a quick nap or lunch break before moving on to higher.

Then, you will walk past tranquil environments with waterfalls rushing down cliffs and sometimes Machhapuchhre appearing between the clouds. The closer to the top, the sparser the vegetation becomes, and the forests give way to vast alpine meadows. 

The onward path steeply ascends alongside the river and moraine to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) at an altitude of 3,700 m, which is a stunning spot encircled by great mountains. At this place, you can see the close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Macchapuchhre itself, very clearly. After a short pause at MBC, the walk proceeds for another 1.5 to 2 hours on a slight rise to Annapurna Base Camp.

Eventually, the large ice-covered semicircular area of the Annapurna Sanctuary is revealed with an all-around view of Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Tent Peak, and Glacier Dome. The sunset casts a golden hue on the mountains that turns the whole scene into a fairytale. You will spend the night at ABC, soaking in the silence and the majesty of the Himalayas.

The walk from ABC to Bamboo marks the start of the transition from the high Himalayas to lower regions, presenting a new view of the mountains and the landscapes around. You take the trail after a hearty breakfast at ABC and descend gradually to MBC. 

The route then goes straight down to the Modi Khola valley where you pass alpine meadows and streams formed by melting glaciers. Along the way, you will also have the chance to see the grand peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre.

After descending more, you go through Deurali and eventually get to Bamboo. The route is scenic with lush forests of rhododendron, oak and bamboo which provide coolness and sometimes offer views of the summit above. The descent requires close attention to your footsteps on the rocky or muddy parts. 

Once at Bamboo you can stay in one of the warm teahouses, enjoy a hot meal and get ready for the next part of the trek.

Today, you will trek further down towards the lower valleys. The hike from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda mostly goes through green forests and traditional villages. After a meal at Bamboo, the trail first goes down through the rhododendron and oak trees, crossing small streams and getting hold of waterfalls once in a while. You then walk through Sinuwa, a nice place for a short rest and refreshments, and go along the Modi Khola valley.

Following the Annapurna Base Camp Trek map we will move forward. The route goes downhill slowly through the terraced fields, bamboo groves, and small hamlets until it reaches Jhinu Danda, a village known for its natural hot springs. The hot springs give a perfect chance to ease tired muscles after the long weekend hiking. 

The route is rather easy in comparison with the earlier high-altitude ascents, yet carefulness is still necessary at the sections that are rocky or slippery.

The night at a tea house in Jhinu Danda gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful riverside area and serves as a revitalizing stop before heading back to the ending point of the trek.

We are on the final day of our Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary. Your journey will begin with an early breakfast in Jhinu Danda. Then, you will have a scenic drive to Pokhara. The ride steadily and slowly goes down from mid-hill forests to the lowland valleys.

It will be quite pleasant for the eyes as you will see some of the most beautiful hilly landscapes. The road will frequently lead you through the terraced fields, the meandering rivers and the small local villages.

After arriving in Pokhara you can relax, go sightseeing in the lakeside area, taste the local food and have a party to celebrate the successful completion of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. 

Today, you will leave Pokhara in the morning for a long drive along the Prithvi Highway, which is a winding road through the hills, valleys and rivers. Small towns, terraced fields, and the Trishuli River are the highlights of the journey, which also shows the rural lifestyle of Nepal. The highway is characterized by its sharp turns and sometimes narrow sections, with pleasant changing scenery.

After you arrive in Kathmandu, we will arrange a smooth ride to your hotel. The incredible Annapurna Base Camp hike has been finished. You can spend the remaining time as you wish.