Annapurna

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14 days
Dhampus Phedi/Naya Pul
Moderate

Highlights

The trail follows the narrow Modi Khola valley and features scenic beauties such as waterfalls and rivers, as well as a dense and red rhododendron forest.

Introduction

With an elevation of 8091 meters, Mt. Annapurna is the world's tenth tallest peak, located in Nepal's western zone. The Annapurna region is a protected area and Nepal's largest conservation reserve. This area covers 7,639 square kilometers. The Annapurna Base Camp, often known as the ABC Trek, is located nearby and is one of the world's most popular hiking destinations. ABC is situated at a height of 4130 meters. Ghorepani-Poonhill, Ghandruk route, and Dhampus – Chhomorong route are the three routes to ABC. Col. James Roberts of the United Kingdom discovered ABC in 1956. He was so taken aback by its beauty that he dubbed it the "Sanctuary of the Gods."

Pokhara, the city of lakes, is the starting point for the walk. We normally take the trek through Ghandruk, a popular Gurung village. Ghandruk is one of Nepal's most popular homestay and short trek destinations. The trail follows the narrow Modi khola valley and features scenic beauties such as waterfalls and rivers, as well as a dense and red rhododendron forest. Furthermore, the dazzling magnificence of Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), and Himchuli entices us to walk towards them.

The journey is relatively short (12-13 days depending on your walking speed), but it offers an adventure to see vistas of breathtaking mountains and be a part of the tremendously rich Gurung, Magar, and Thakali culture and traditions. This is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Trip Profile:-

Duration: 13 nights/ 14 days

Trek duration: 11 nights/ 12 days

Trek grade: Moderate

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Kathmandu.

As you land in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the designated hotel.

DAY 2

Fly to Pokhara. Drive to Dhampus Phedi (914m/3,000ft). Trek to Pothana (1,829m/6,000ft) - 4-5 hour trek.

You will be transferred to the domestic terminal for your flight to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, there will be a short drive towards dhampus phedi where from where the trek begins towards Pothana.

DAY 3

Trek to New Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,839ft) - 6½ hour trek.

From pothana, you will march towards Jhinu danda where there is a natural hot spring. The trek will take as long as 6 to 6 and half hours before you reach Jhinu danda. This will be your destination for your overnight stay.

DAY 4

Trek to Sinuwa (2,340m/7,677ft). 4-5 hour trek.

On this day, you will trek towards sinuwa from Jhinu danda which is approximately 5 hour of walk.

DAY 5

Trek to Deurali via Bamboo (3,200m/10,498ft). 7 hour trek.

On this day, you will trek for seven hours towards bamboo via Deurali where you can have mesmerizing views of the nearby villages and not to forget the magnificient peaks along the way.

DAY 6

Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp (3,658m/12,000ft). 3 - 4 hour trek. From Bamboo

On this day, the walk continues in the cool shade of the forest, generally following the river Modi upstream with a few ups and downs until you reach Himalaya Hotel near Hinko cave, which is right at the base of Himchuli summit. The Himalaya Hotel is a small establishment with only a few lodges to accommodate hikers' needs. The track then gently ascends for another 1-2 hours to Deurali, the last teahouse on the way to Machhapuchre Base Camp. The trail is scenic in places, with a few challenging rises every hour or two, and eventually leads to Machhapuchre Base Camp. Machhapuchre base camp consists of 4-5 huts on level terrain beneath Machhapuchre massive north face, the Fish Tail Mountain.

DAY 7

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft). 3 - 4 hour trek.

Today's trek starts at the ABC and continues uphill on a snowy grassy route for a few hours. The trip is fairly pleasant depending on the season as you reach higher terrain with wonderful views of an assortment of snow peaks all about you, including Annapurna I, a tremendous wall of a mountain on the North West face, and Annapurna II, a great wall of a mountain on the South West face. At Annapurna Base Camp, there are 2-3 teahouses, each with a beautiful view. After a terrific day here, retrace your feet back to Machhapuchare Base Camp for the night.

DAY 8

Sunrise views at Annapurna Base Camp. Trek to Dovan (2,630m/8,628ft). 6 - 7 hour trek.

Wake up to one of the most stunning sunrise view from Annapurna base camp before you head towards the next destination which you will reach after trekking almost 6-7 hours. The overnight stay is scheduled in Dovan.

DAY 9

Trek to Chomrong (2,177m/7,144ft) 4 - 5 hour trek.

The trek begins with a steady descent through pristine oak and rhododendron woodland from Annapurna Base Camp. This section of the hike is quite fun till you reach Kimrong khola for lunch. The trail climbs for 1-2 hours from here; once at the top of the ridge, the trek is rather straightforward all the way to Chomrong, the last town and Sanctuary entry.

DAY 10

Trek to Tadapani (2,590m/8,497ft) 5 - 6 hour trek.

After descending down to a tiny brook in the middle of the rhododendron forest, it's an hour uphill hike to Tadapani. A Rhododendron, Magnolia, and Oak woodland surrounds Tadapani. This vantage point offers a panoramic view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchre (fishtail). There are 8-10 lodges in Tadapani, a town created by the indigenous Gurung people to service and cater to the needs of trekkers on the trail.

DAY 11

Trek to Ghorepani (2,750m/9,022ft) 6 hour trek.

From Tadapani you start your trek towards Ghorepani, as you get closer to Ghorepani, you'll notice a cool breeze and the vegetation changing as you gain elevation. You'll soon be strolling through rhododendron forests before arriving in Ghorepani, a Pun/Magar village where you'll spend the night.

DAY 12

Climb Poon Hill (3,210m/10,532ft) and trek to Hille (1,520m/4,987ft) 5 - 6 hour trek.

From Ghorepani you ascend towards poon hill from where you can have an outstanding view of the rhododendron forests before you trek towards hille where you will stay for the night.

DAY 13

Trek to Naya Pul. 2½ hour trek. Drive to Pokhara. 1½ hour drive. Afternoon flight to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On this day, you trek for almost 2 and half hours before reaching Nayapul, from where you will be driven to Pokhara. The drive will last about 1 and half hours. Upon arriving at Pokhara, if there is time you can have a city tour before your afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the domestic airport, our staff will further transfer you to the designated hotel for the overnight stay.

DAY 14

At leisure in Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport

You will have a leisure time in Kathmandu for visiting the major tourist attractions in the valley before you are transferred to the airport in the afternoon for the international departure.