Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Morning You'll arrive at Kathmandu's airport, where a friendly face will greet you and take you to your hotel. Settle in and get ready for an exciting adventure. Afternoon Meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing. They'll walk you through the itinerary and answer any questions you have. Evening Explore Kathmandu's vibrant streets, grab some last-minute supplies, and enjoy a delicious Nepali dinner.

Morning: Hop on a tourist bus for a scenic 6-7 hour ride to Pokhara. You'll pass through beautiful valleys and traditional villages. Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara, a laid-back city by the lake. Take some time to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Evening: Enjoy a leisurely walk by Phewa Lake and watch the sunset over the Annapurna range. You can also take a boat ride, or visit a local temple.

Begin with a 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul, the starting point of your trek. The initial 3-4 hour hike follows the Modi Khola river through small settlements and terraced farmland, providing insights into rural Nepali life. After crossing a suspension bridge at Birethanti, the trail climbs gradually to Hile and then to Tikhedhunga, a small village offering your first night in a mountain teahouse with views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Accommodation: Basic teahouse in Tikhedhunga.

Today presents the trek's first significant climb, ascending approximately 1,300 meters over 5-6 hours. The trail features the famous stone staircase of about 3,300 steps leading to Ulleri village, followed by a more gradual climb through magnificent rhododendron and oak forests. This area bursts with color during spring when the rhododendrons bloom. Ghorepani, your destination, is a bustling village with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range, offering a taste of the mountain grandeur to come. Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani with basic amenities.

Rise early for a pre-dawn 45-minute hike to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's most famous viewpoints. Witness a spectacular sunrise illuminating Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and other peaks, a truly magical experience that rewards the early start. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, trek for 5-6 hours along forest ridges with continuous mountain views to Tadapani, a small settlement with excellent vistas of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. Accommodation: Teahouse in Tadapani.

Descend through dense rhododendron forest into the Modi Khola valley, crossing small streams and passing through Gurung villages where you'll observe traditional farming practices. The 5-6 hour trek includes some steep sections as you descend to Kimrong Khola before climbing again to reach Chhomrong, the largest village on the route. This beautiful settlement on a hillside offers stunning views, comfortable teahouses, and your first glimpse down the valley toward the Annapurna Sanctuary. Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhomrong with improved facilities.

Begin with a descent of stone steps to cross the Chhomrong Khola, then climb to Sinuwa through a beautiful forest. The trail then descends to the river before climbing again through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. This 5-6 hour day takes you into the narrowing Modi Khola valley, with occasional glimpses of the peaks ahead. Bamboo, as the name suggests, is surrounded by bamboo forests and marks your entry into the more remote sections of the trek. Accommodation: Basic teahouse in Bamboo.

Trek for 5-6 hours through increasingly dense forest that gradually changes character as you gain altitude. Pass the Himalaya Hotel and continue climbing to Hinku Cave, a traditional trekkers' rest stop. The trail follows the Modi Khola gorge, becoming steeper as you approach Deurali. Above this point, the valley widens and vegetation becomes more sparse, offering increasing views of the mountains as you enter the alpine zone. Accommodation: Basic teahouse in Deurali.

Today's 6-7 hour trek brings you to the highlight of the journey. Climb steadily through alpine terrain, crossing avalanche paths (always with caution and guide expertise), and passing Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) where the valley begins to widen into the natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The final approach to Annapurna Base Camp offers increasingly spectacular views as the full panorama of the sanctuary reveals itself. Reach your destination by early afternoon, allowing time to explore the area and marvel at the 360-degree mountain views, including the south face of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the distinctive Machapuchare. Accommodation: Basic teahouse at Annapurna Base Camp.

Wake early to witness the unforgettable sunrise over the Annapurna range, when first light transforms the mountains into a palette of gold and rose. After breakfast and final photographs, begin your descent, retracing your route down the Modi Khola valley. The 6-7 hour journey today allows you to appreciate the changing vegetation zones from a different perspective as you descend rapidly through terrain that took days to climb. Reach Bamboo by late afternoon, appreciating the warmer temperatures and oxygen-rich air of lower elevations. Accommodation: Basic teahouse in Bamboo.

Continue descending for 5-6 hours, climbing back up to Chhomrong before descending again to Jhinu Danda. This village is famous for its natural hot springs just a 20-minute walk from the main settlement. Soak in the therapeutic waters with spectacular views of the valley below—a perfect way to ease tired muscles after days of trekking. Accommodation: Teahouse in Jhinu Danda.

Complete your trek with a 5-6 hour descent through beautiful villages and terraced farmland to Nayapul, where vehicles wait to return you to Pokhara. The trail follows the Modi Khola through Kyumi and New Bridge before reaching Birethanti and finally Nayapul. Return to Pokhara for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration dinner, reflecting on your accomplishment of reaching the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara.

Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight, enjoying a final glimpse of the mountains if weather permits. The afternoon in Kathmandu offers opportunities for souvenir shopping in Thamel or additional sightseeing. A farewell dinner provides a chance to celebrate your Annapurna adventure with guides and fellow trekkers. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

Your Annapurna Base Camp adventure concludes with a transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you might have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu before leaving Nepal with memories of standing in the heart of the Himalayan giants.