Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Leave Kathmandu today after breakfast and drive to Pokhara, a fascinating and lovely town in western Nepal. Breathe the fresh, crisp mountain air and take in the overwhelming beauty of the natural landscape as you are surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. Spend the afternoon boating on Lake Phewa, where the spectacular view of the Annapurna range will be mirrored in the sparkling water. The rugged white peaks of the Annapurna mountain range are in a class all their own, among the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. Watch the sunset from the lake, then enjoy dinner at a well-known lakeside restaurant (not included).

Begin your trek today after a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. The trail from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga is a pleasant dirt road that follows a lovely stream. You will see views of the Himalayas as you begin the trek, but soon the peaks will hide, and you will be surrounded by the lush, green mountain environment as well as local villages as you pass through. When you come to Tikhedhunga, you will spend the night in a guesthouse.

The trail today is more challenging as you will climb 3,300 stone steps along the way. After crossing a suspension bridge over a stream, a set of steep stone steps will bring you to the Magar settlement of Ulleri. A more gradual climb from here leads you through a series of meadows, cultivated fields of crops, and a forest of rhododendron trees. Bird watchers will delight in the variety of birds in this area, including kingfishers, redstarts, forktails, and dippers. Continue your trek on to Nangethanti, then Ghorepani. Ghorepani is known for its incredible panoramic mountain views. Among the peaks, you’ll see are Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Tarke Kang, and Hiuchuli. Rest well in Ghorepani after a day full of climbing.

Get an early start today to make the 45-minute uphill climb to the top of Poon Hill. Your efforts will be well rewarded with an amazing sunrise view of the Annapurna mountain range. Watch as the peaks before you seem to change color in the changing light as the sun rises, first a soft pink then shining like gold as the new day dawns. On a clear day, you can see two peaks that are more than 8,000 m tall. There are only 14 peaks in the world that are over 8,000 m and 8 of these are in Nepal. Return to the Ghorepani lodge for breakfast, then trek from there to Tadapani.

Follow the trail through a forest where you will be surrounded by birdsong. About 45 minutes into your walk, you’ll reach a steeper downhill stretch that passes through a terraced field. This brings you to Kimrung Khola, where you’ll cross a suspension bridge, then continue walking to Gurjung. Here the trail begins to climb again but continue and you’ll soon reach Chhomrong (2,170 m/7,119’).

Leaving Chhomrong, you’ll descend 310 m (1,017 ft) on a long stretch of stone steps to reach the Chhomrong Stream. After you’ve crossed the stream, you’ll climb again to Sinuwa (2,340 m/7,677’). From here, enjoy an easier walk through a forest of rhododendrons, ferns, and orchids. More steep steps will then take you down to your lunch stop at Bamboo. After lunch, another hour of walking in a refreshingly cool forest will bring you to Dovan (2,630 m/8,629’), where you will spend the night.

Walk peacefully through the jungle today from Dovan to Himalaya. These mountains are considered holy and sacred, and Annapurna is the Hindu goddess of food and harvest, and in Nepali, the word ‘Annapurna’ means plenty of food. Notice how the vegetation around you changes as you walk higher. The tropical jungle gives way to more temperate forests of beech, oak, and rhododendron trees. The Machhapuchhare Base Camp trail is full of diverse plant and animal life, so watch for opportunities to observe wildlife. Highlights of today’s trail include caves, waterfalls, and a tea garden. Spend the night in a lodge at Machhapuchhare Base Camp.

At last, today is the day you will trek to Annapurna Base Camp. This camp is within the protected area of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) which was created by the government of Nepal to preserve the native plant and wildlife in this area. You may encounter pika, blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, and snow leopards that call this area home. You may also see a variety of pheasants, such as koklass, Himalayan pheasant, and blood pheasants. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp does not require a steep climb, but rather is surprisingly gentle and peaceful as you trek up through the meadows, always surrounded by majestic Himalayan views.

From the Annapurna Base Camp, the 360-degree panorama is unmatched in its breathtaking grandeur. Take note especially of Machhapuchhare, Gangapurna, and of course Annapurna specifically. It is hard to get enough of this spectacular place, but all too soon you will follow the same trail back to the Himalaya Hotel to spend the night.

Enjoy your morning tea or coffee in the company of majestic mountains this morning. Begin your return trip by descending to Dovan, or possibly Bamboo. The trail takes you once again through the lovely rhododendron forests, which are also full of ferns and orchids. Pass the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, Deurali, and Himalaya along your journey to Dovan. Stop along the trail for lunch, then have dinner and rest for the night once you reach Dovan.

Return to Chhomrong, where you will have the opportunity to explore the Gurung village and learn more about their daily life and culture. This village is the most popular stop in the region for Annapurna hikers, in large part thanks to its incredible views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare peaks.

Leave Chhomrong and hike down to the suspension bridge at Kimrung Khola. Make your way gradually to Landruk where you can stop to rest and eat lunch. After lunch, trek to the Gurung settlement of Tolka. Here you have another opportunity to experience the Gurung traditions and culture, including interacting with the local people.

Today is the last day of your trek! After breakfast, the trail begins with an easy stretch from Tolka to Bhaise Kharka. It then climbs again to reach Deurali. Continue through more beautiful landscapes to your lunch stop at Pothana. Descend from Pothana to Phedi, where a car will be waiting. Congratulations on completing this incredible trek! Enjoy your private transfer back to the beautiful town of Pokhara to spend the night.

Return to Kathmandu by air, enjoying the incredible mountains from above. Once you arrive, you will have free time to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or see a few more points of interest. You can also choose to rest and relax in one of Kathmandu’s many cafes or rooftop restaurants. The evening holds opportunities to celebrate your accomplishments in completing this amazing journey. Well done!