Annapurna Base Camp

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12 days
Kathmandu/Annapurna Base Camp
Moderate To Strenous

Highlights

Experience typical gurung farms and villages in the hills at Annapurna Sanctuary, which is contained within an amphitheater of snow-capped huge peaks with a sweeping panoramic view of peaks from low subtropical temperature to alpine cooler zone and towards arctic landscape of ice, snow, and glaciers." At Annapurna Sanctuary, which is encircled by an amphitheater, you may visit traditional gurung farms and villages in the hills, which are rich in colorful culture of old history.

Trip Profile

Mode of Trekking: Hotel and Lodge

Trekking Grade: Moderate with Ups and Down Hill Walks

Trekking Duration: 09 / 10Days. (Pokhara to Pokhara)

Maximum Altitude: 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp

Total Trip: 12 / 13 Days Kathmandu-Kathmandu

Introduction

Annapurna Base Camp trekking rewards you with a diverse range of climate, vegetation, and colorful local culture in a short amount of time, which is extremely unique on this spectacular Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, which is unrivaled by any other country on the planet.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins in the low-altitude warm subtropical valley of beautiful city 'Pokhara,' a tourist destination blessed with natural scenery of mountains and lakes, as the walk heads into high green hills covered in lovely cool alpine forest laden with tall and mesmerizing rhododendron-magnolia-oaks-pines and fir trees and mesmerizing sceneries.

During the spring and summer, wildflowers will blossom, creating a riot of vibrant colors that will cover the hills of the Annapurna Himalaya from its base camp in the Sanctuary's core.

The trek is not particularly strenuous, though some uphill and downhill encounters can be exciting as you discover the traditional 'Gurung' villages along the way in Nepal's characteristic heartland.

With the backdrop of beautiful Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri, including majestic Machapuchare Himal, often known as the 'Fish Tail' Mountain, little villages with thatched roofs situated among terraced fields provide an attractive image.

A British adventurer named Col. James O.M. 'Jimmy' Roberts first explored the Annapurna area in 1956 and then revealed the whereabouts of this amazing destination to the rest of the world as the 'Sanctuary of Gods.' Since then, this magnificent and picturesque plateau has been known as the "Annapurna Sanctuary." You will be surrounded by snow peaks such as Annapurna (26,545ft-8,091m), Annapurna south (23,693ft-7,219m), Gangapurna (24,457ft-7,455m), and Annapurna III (24,787ft-7,555m) as you arrive at Annapurna Base Camp and the Sanctuary (Fish-tail). On the way back, we pass through the lush terraced Modi Khola valley before arriving in Pokhara, a popular tourist destination known for the serene and calm Phewa Lake, which mirrors the towering Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges with a magnificent view of the unconquered and majestic 'Machhapuchhre Himal' (Fish-Tail).

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel (1,300m)

Our staff will meet you at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and escort you to the hotel, where our guide will give you a quick orientation of the hotel, the city, trekking programs, do's and don'ts, and other pertinent information that you may require while in Nepal.

DAY 2

Flight to Pokhara, Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri (2,050m)

After an early breakfast, head to the domestic airport for a short picturesque flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, meet the trekking crew and travel by coach for a short 1.5 hour drive to Nayapul (new bridge), where the walk begins. The journey begins by passing through busy places, where you will come across a variety of people, including merchants, traders, locals, trekkers, and mule and donkey trains. After passing the freshly built suspension bridge, the trail splits into several directions as you approach Birethanti hamlet. We choose the main trail to the ancient Trans-Himalayan trade route. After crossing the bridge, our walk continues to the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance, where all hikers must check in.

DAY 3

Trek to Ghorepani (2,874 m.) Approx. 5-6 hours of walk.

From here, the trail ascends steeply for 1.5 hours on paved stone steps to Ulleri village, after which it gently ascends for a few hours through the cool rain forest with a few ups and downs. As you get closer to Ghorepani, you'll notice the chilly breeze and the change in vegetation as you gain altitude. Soon, you'll be strolling through rhododendron groves until you reach Ghorepani, a Pun/Magar village where you'll spend the night.

DAY 4

Trek to Tadapani

One hour trek to the top of Poon-Hill 3,190m in the early morning for a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, from Dhaulagiri-Annapurna to Mt.Manaslu range. Return to the tent in Ghorepani for breakfast after the hectic picture shoot. After Ghorepani, the trail follows the upper ridge to Deurali through rhododendron forest, from here the path narrows downhill through the temperate rain forest, stepper path in some places as you approach Bhaise Kharka, a spot in the middle of the forest, after a short break or lunch, the trek continues on the gradual trail for an hour. An hour uphill trek to Tadapani after coming down to a tiny brook in the center of the rhododendron forest. Tadapani is surrounded by a Rhododendron, Magnolia, and Oak forest. A vast vista of Annapurna South and Machhapuchre (fishtail) can be observed from this vantage point. Tadapani, a town built by the indigenous Gurung people to service and cater to the needs of trekkers on the trail, has 8-10 lodges.

DAY 5

Trek to Chomrong (1,951 m.) Approx. 5-6 hours of walk. (2310 m.)

The walk from Tadapani begins with a steady descend through pure oak and rhododendron forest, with occasional views of the Annapurna. Until you reach Kimrong khola for lunch, this part of the trek is extremely enjoyable. From here, the trail goes uphill for 1-2 hours; once at the top of the ridge, the walk is rather easy all the way to Chomrong, the last settlement and the Sanctuary's entrance.

DAY 6

Trek to Dovan (2,130 m.) via Bamboo (2,050 m.) Approx. 6 hours of walk.

From Chomrong, the trail travels across terraced farm fields as you descend to the river; after crossing the river, the trail is mostly uphill for 2-3 hours until you reach Khuldi-ghar, a small village. Your trekking permit as well as your conservation ticket will be checked and registered here. Following Khuldi, the trail descends for 1-2 hours through bamboo bushes until you reach Bamboo, a location in the middle of a bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forest with a couple of teahouses. After a quick stay here, an hour's trek upward leads you to Dovan, an isolated place with 2-3 teahouses in the middle of the forest along the rushing Modi River, where we'll spend the night.

DAY 7

Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3,720 m.) via Deurali (3,350 m.) 6 hours of walk.

After Dovan, the walk continues in the cool shade of the forest, mostly following the river Modi upstream, with a few ups and downs until you reach Himalaya Hotel near Hinko cave, which is right at the bottom of Hiunchuli summit. Himalaya Hotel is a tiny establishment with only a few lodges to meet the needs of trekkers. From here, the trail gradually ascends for another 1-2 hours to Deurali, the final teahouse on the road to Machhapuchre Base Camp. The lush vegetation fades as you approach Deurali, leaving high alpine flora and shrubs in its place. There are roughly 3-4 teahouses in Deurali. From Deurali, the walk ascends to follow the rushing Modi River upstream; the track is pleasant in spots, with a few tough climbs every hour or so, and eventually arrives at Machapuchre Base Camp. Machhapuchre base camp includes 4-5 lodges on level ground beneath the tremendous north face of Machhapuchre, the Fish Tail peak.

DAY 8

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,095 m.) 3 - 4 hours of walk.

Today's walk begins at the ABC and continues uphill for a few hours on a snowy grassy path. Depending on the season, the trek is very pleasant as you reach higher ground with magnificent views of an array of snow peaks all around you, including Annapurna I, a great wall of a mountain on the North West face. There are 2-3 teahouses at Annapurna Base Camp, each with a spectacular view. Retrace your steps back to Machhapuchare Base Camp for the night after a fantastic day here.

DAY 9

Trek from Bamboo (2,050 m.)

The hike down to the lush green foliage, after a delightful time in the peacefulness of the mountains and in its serene nature trek, is mostly downhill with a few ups to Bamboo for the night.

DAY 10

Trek to Jhinu Danda (Hot Spring) (1,500 m.) Approx. 5-6 hours of walk.

The morning walk from Bamboo leads to a short ascent to Khuldi, then the track drops all the way to the bridge, followed by an uphill hike to Chomrong from the bridge. After a short rest at Chomrong, continue on the steep downhill towards Jhinu danda (Hot spring) for an hour, till you reach Jhinu, a little settlement perched on the mountain with 5-6 lodges; if you have time, explore the hot springs down below by the river Modi from Jhinu danda.

DAY 11

Trek to the Kande and drive back to Pokhara.

A simple downhill hike from this spectacular location follows the Baglung-Pokhara highway via the settlement of Kande; it is also the starting and stopping point for numerous trekking routes in the Annapurna region. After an hour's drive, you'll arrive at the Hotel on the Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

DAY 12

Transfer to Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu.

According to the flight schedule, a short drive will take you to the Pokhara domestic airport, followed by a half-hour scenic sweeping flight back to Kathmandu. After clearing your bags at the Kathmandu airport, our employees will meet you and transport you back to the hotel.

DAY 13

Transfer to Airport for International departure.

Keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy today, according to your overseas travel time. Our office staff will assist you in getting to the airport for your last departure from Nepal.