ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP

ARRIVE KATHMANDU

We advise traveller must arrive 2 days before the start of the Booked Hiking Date. Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to your pre-trek hotel. On the 2nd day Welcome Lunch will be provided along with trekking briefings and planning. Also, any equipments and gears that are to be bought are done on this day along with suggestions regarding your after trek stay in Nepal can be discussed.

Day 1: Kathmandu / Pokhara / Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m/5051ft)

Annapurna Base Camp trek starts today after an hour’s drive to Naya Pul (42 km drive) in a public car/jeep through the prosperous village of Lumle.  We start walking and we reach a large and flourishing town of Birethanti situated on the confluence of the Modi and Burundi Khola. We follow the main street going through bamboo forests and pass through a large waterfall and swimming fissure. Further we trek ahead, the path climbs gradually up the side of the valley taking us to Tikhedhunga. Walking Time: 4-5 hrs. Accommodation: Local lodgE.

Day 02: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani (2860m/9380ft)

Today is going to be a challenging day as you have to conquer 3300 stone stairs. First, the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge. We climb through the steep stone staircase to Ulleri, a large village at 2080m inhabited mostly by Magar ethnicity. Past the village of Ulleri, the trail climbs gently through meadows, cultivated fields and rhododendron forests.  Further, after one hour’s gradual walk from Ulleri we come across two beautiful streams. If you are a keen birdwatcher, there is good chance of spotting different kinds of redstarts, varieties of kingfishers, dippers, forktails along the river, and magpies, treepies, parakeets, tits, many kinds of warblers, barbets, etc., around the cultivated areas. We further make a short climb to Nangethanti where we have our lunch. From Nangethanti we will climb to Ghorepani at 2850m. From Ghorepani we can see the magnificent panorama of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche, Nilgiri (6940m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). Walking Time: 5-6 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge.

Day 03: Hiking -Poonhill (3210m/10531ft), trek to Tadapani (2,630m/8,626ft)

We get up early at dawn today as we have to reach Poon Hill before sunrise so that we do not miss the magical moment.It is a wonderful experience watching first ray of sun over the mountains. This is one of the best mountain vistas and is well worth the effort taken to climb to Poon Hill (45 minutes climb). Himalayan view from Poon Hill is indescribable when the rising sun’s rays gradually strikes the Himalayan giants including Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna South, Tukuche, Manaslu, Fishtail, and so many others. We spend some time picturing at Poonhill and return to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and continue our trek to Tadapani through rhododendron forest. Specialty of this forest is that it hosts more than 15 species of rhododendron and if you are trekking in springtime the blooming colorful rhododendrons will fascinate you. You will also see abundance of faunas specially the Langur monkey along the trail. After one hour’s steep climb we come to a hill top, the place named Deurali. We see very nice view from Deurali. We climb down through bamboo forests from Deurali. We have our lunch at Banthanti and again continue through rhododendron forest. We have about thirty minutes climb before reaching Tadapani. From here we have great views of Annapurna South (7219m), Huinchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6993m). Walking Time: 5-6 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge.

Day 04: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft)

The trail starts descending off from Tadapani going down for about 4 KM at a loss of 2700 ft (823m). It wines through large and beautiful Rhododendron trees. We reach a stream (Kyumnu Khola) and cross the suspension bridge over it. Note that you cannot buy bottled water after here but boiled water is available in the teahouses along the route to buy. The trail opens climbing up to Gurjung Village and terraced fields.  We have our lunch of the day at Gurjug village. A few more miles of uphill and downhill trek past waterfall and suspension bridge we reach our destination for today, Chhomrong which is a beautiful village located on the lap of the Annapurna range. The Fish Tail Mountain seems gorgeous from the beautiful Chhomrong Village. Walking Time: 5-6 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge.

Day 05: Chhomrong to Dovan(2600m/6190ft)

Today we follow Modi Khola valley/gorge. Leaving Chhomrong we descend 150m on a stone staircase and cross Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge. Then we climb out of the side valley through the tiny settlement of Tilche through the forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. We climb further on a rocky trail to Sinuwa.  Then we climb for about an hour through rhododendron forest up to a small waterfall. We can spot Langur monkeys in the forest.  After a short undulation, we descend through long and steep stone staircase to Bamboo. We now find mixed vegetation of Bamboo and rhododendron. After a short less steep walk, we reach Dovan. Walking Time: 5 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge.

Day 06: Climb to Machhapuchre Base Camp

Day begins with the climb through bamboo forests and we walk today enjoying all the elements of nature at its best – the valleys, the rivers, the flowers, rickety bridges, broken stone steps and many more. Deurali is at the foot of the Modi Himal and Machhapuchhare, one of the most famous mountains in the Himalayas. We will reach Deurali at lunch time. You may prefer to continue to Machhapuchhare Base Camp if you are feeling good and there is no signs altitude on you. But overnight stay at Deurali is scheduled to ensure the gradual acclimatization. Driving Time: 4 hrs. Accommodation: Local lodge.

Day 7:Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft) /  Aannapurna Base Camp / Bamboo

Today is a short day of about two to three hours to Annapurna Base Camp. The vegetation disappears on our way to Annapurna Base Camp and the trail climbs steadily up the gorge between the moraine ridge of Annapurna Glacier and Hiunchuli Peak with an incredible view of Annapurna South and Baraha Shikhar ahead and Machhapucchhre looking back. At Annapurna Base Camp, we are surrounded by Himalayan massifs.  The sanctuary boasts of a vibrant view as there is nothing to block the 360-degree panorama including compelling views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna south, Hiunchuli and so many other peaks. We can walk to the cairns at the edge of the moraine, and walk along this ridge for good views of Annapurna I and the glacier. The rest of the day we can spend relaxing and enjoying the view. In a clear day Machhapuchhre is great at sunset. 

Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m/7576ft)

 The peaks are lit golden by the sunlight. Take your time to snap as much pictures as you want. After breakfast, we retrace our steps back to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill so it shouldn’t be very difficult although you should take care of your shaky legs. Enjoy playing with the crystal clear torrential glacier water pounding through huge boulders. Soon after, we are back in the forest, starting with dry forest and then humid forest near Bamboo.  It’s a long climb down, nearly 2000 meters, but we make it in 6-7 hours including short breaks for tea and lunch. Walking Time: 6-7 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge.

Day 8 : Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m/5840ft)

We continue our detour from Bamboo through the trail that took us days to go up. In this direction, towards Chhomrong, the trail first climbs steeply along stone steps or irregular rocks with occasional sections of a gentler incline. At the top you can see Chhomrong straight across the valley. The trail then plunges down more endless stairs to the Chhomrong River below. Once across the river the trail heads up an alternate route through rice fields before meeting up with the main trail, a stone staircase that climbs to Chhomrong. The final walk of the day is another steep decent to Jhinudanda. If the sunlight helps you, you can take good photos of the dramatic valley views and terraced fields. After a short rest you might take 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to a popular hot spring to get an opportunity to bath and soothe your tired muscles. Walking Time: 5-6 hrs. Accommodation: Local Lodge.

Day 09 : Jhinu Danda to Landruk

The trail is downhill until the stream and the trail climbs back up to the terraced fields before leveling off a bit and continuing to follow the river down through the jungle.  We reach Sauli Bazzar and you will enjoy the straight leveled walk today until Nayapul. We enjoy the beautifully terraced fields among the villages throughout the day today. Upon reaching Nayapul we board vehicle to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara you can take shower, rest and relax in your hotel or roam around Phew Lakeside. Walking Time: 6-7 hrs. Accommodation: City Hotel.

Day 10 : Landruk drive to Pokhara / Kathmandu

We fly back to Kathmandu today. Note: You have the option to extend your trip with an extra day at Pokhara (Pokhara is a beautiful city to relax after a long trek), Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Bunjee Jumping, Kayaking, Canoeing, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, Bhaktapur and Patan sightseeing, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities.

Not ready to leave? Our dedicated team members in kathmandu and Pokhara can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure or stay in Nepal.