Machapuchhre Base Camp Trek-15 Days

Your Machhapuchhre adventure begins in Pokhara, Nepal's serene lakeside city. After arrival, settle into your hotel and attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide. Take time to explore Lakeside (Phewa Tal) for any last-minute trekking supplies and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while preparing for your upcoming adventure. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Pokhara with hot showers and WiFi.

Begin your journey with a 1.5-hour drive to Nayapul, the starting point of your trek. The 4-5 hour hike today follows the Modi Khola River through terraced fields and small villages, offering views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The day concludes with a moderate climb to Tikhedhunga, a small settlement that provides your first taste of teahouse accommodation. Accommodation: Teahouse in Tikhedhunga with basic amenities.

This challenging day involves a steep ascent of over 1,500 stone steps, known as the "Ulleri stairs," followed by a more gradual climb through magnificent rhododendron and oak forests. The 6-hour trek rewards your efforts with increasingly impressive mountain views as you approach Ghorepani, a bustling village situated at a strategic mountain pass. Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani.

Rise before dawn for a 45-minute climb to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's most famous viewpoints. Witness a spectacular sunrise illuminating the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges – a photographer's dream. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, continue your 5-6 hour trek along undulating trails through rhododendron forests to Tadapani, which offers its own impressive views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Accommodation: Teahouse in Tadapani.

Today's 5-6 hour trek begins with a descent through dense forest to Chhomrong Khola, followed by an ascent to Chhomrong, the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. This large Gurung village spreads across a hillside and offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. The stone-paved main street contains numerous teahouses and small shops catering to trekkers. Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhomrong.

The day begins with a descent of stone stairs to the Chhomrong Khola, followed by an ascent to Sinuwa. After lunch, the trail enters the Modi Khola valley, passing through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. The 5-6 hour trek concludes at Bamboo, a small settlement nestled in a forested area with several teahouses. Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo.

Continue ascending through the Modi Khola valley for 5-6 hours, passing the settlement of Himalaya before reaching Hinku Cave, a traditional rest stop for trekkers and porters. The trail then climbs more steeply through thinning vegetation to Deurali, where the landscape opens up, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Teahouse in Deurali.

Today's 4-5 hour trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail follows the western side of the Modi Khola valley through increasingly barren terrain, crossing glacial streams and moraines. The vegetation becomes sparse as you gain altitude, replaced by stunning views of the Annapurna massif. Arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, a natural amphitheater surrounded by mountain giants, with the iconic Fishtail Mountain dominating the skyline. Accommodation: Teahouse at Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

For those wishing to complete the journey to Annapurna Base Camp, wake early for the 2-hour ascent through glacial moraines. At ABC, you're surrounded by a 360° panorama of mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre. After spending time absorbing the magnificent scenery, return to MBC for the night, completing a 4-5 hour round-trip journey. Accommodation: Teahouse at Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Begin your descent with a 6-7 hour trek back to Bamboo. Enjoy the changing perspectives as you descend through alpine landscapes back into the forest zone. Many trekkers find the return journey offers visual rewards missed during the ascent, when focus was more on the physical challenge. Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo.

Continue your descent for 5-6 hours, retracing your steps to Chhomrong and then descending further to Jhinu Danda. This village is famous for its natural hot springs, located about 20 minutes from the main settlement. Soak your tired muscles in the therapeutic waters while enjoying views of the Modi Khola valley below – a perfect reward after days of trekking. Accommodation: Teahouse in Jhinu Danda.

Complete your trek with a 5-6 hour journey to Nayapul, passing through traditional villages and terraced farmland. The trail follows the Modi Khola downstream, offering a gentle conclusion to your trekking adventure. From Nayapul, a 1.5-hour drive returns you to Pokhara, where hotel comforts and lakeside restaurants await. Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara.

Your Machhapuchhre Base Camp adventure concludes with a transfer to Pokhara Airport for your departure flight or alternative transportation. Depending on your schedule, you might have time for last-minute shopping or relaxation in Pokhara before leaving with memories and achievements that will last a lifetime.