This is the most popular and famous trek in Nepal. It is more distinct than any other treks by its variety of people, rich culture, beautiful landscapes and natural scenery. This trek lends you to north west of Pokhara through an ancient trek to Tibet across glaciers, gorges and water falls. From the Annapurna Base Camp you will have a close look of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre.
At the final destination the Annapurna sanctuary (Base camp 4200m.)will be welcoming you patiently. The Annapurna Sanctuary has been treasured by local inhabitants as a place of spiritual refuge since long before trekkers "discovered" it. A natural amphitheatre, ringed by Annapurna south 7219m. and I, Varahashikhar7847m, Gangapurna 7485m. and Machhapuchhre 6993m, it serves as base camp for expeditions as well as favourite trek destination for mountain lovers. Beginning in Pokhara, you'll climb to Naudanda (1,463 meters) and gain elevation slowly through.
Annapurna base camp trek
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Guides will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02 Fly to Pokhara trek to Ghandruk
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara, the beautiful lake city and catch great views of the Himalayas from the right side of our airplane. After landing in the Pokhara airport, we drive to Naya Pul (1 hour and 20 minutes) and start the trek. From Birethanti, we trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. If time permits, we also visit the Gurung museum today. Overnight in Ghandruk.
Day 03 Ghandruk to Chhomrong
At this juncture, we climb up for around an hour up to Kimrungdanda. On the way, we can enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Ganggapurna. A steep descent takes us to the Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda, we descend for a while and then it’s a gentle walk to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. Overnight in Chhomrong.
Day 04 Chhomrong to Bamboo
We descend via 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge above Chhomrong Khola. From here it is an uphill climb to Sinuwa. Next, we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo. Overnight in Bamboo.
Day 05 Bamboo to Deurali
We pass through a bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with a few steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most scenic stretch of the day. The vegetation is sparser, allowing magical views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock-face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls. Overnight in Deurali.
Day 06 Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp we again get to savor mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South , Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 07 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
From the Annapurna base camp we retrace our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill, so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the extraordinary landscape to cheer us up. Overnight in Bamboo.
Day 08 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs which is just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
Day 09 Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara
On our way to Naya Pul from Jhinu Danda, we get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal. We have lunch on the way. Our trek will end at Naya Pul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
*If the road construction connecting Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul is complete, driving from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara could be another option.
Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu
We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. We enjoy the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any landmarks we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 11: Final Departure