Annapurna Base Camp Trek

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided city tour to explore Kathmandu’s cultural and historical highlights. The tour typically includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), the revered Pashupatinath Temple, the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, and the ancient royal palace complex at Kathmandu Durbar Square. These sites offer a deep insight into Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage and architectural grandeur. In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel for a trek briefing, final gear check, and last-minute shopping for any essential items. The day ends with a group dinner, offering a chance to meet your trekking team and prepare mentally for the journey ahead.

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a journey of approximately 6 to 8 hours depending on road conditions. The route winds through lush valleys, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills and rivers like the Trishuli and Marsyangdi. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll check into your hotel and have time to relax by the serene Phewa Lake or explore the lakeside area. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning mountain backdrop, Pokhara is the perfect place to unwind before the trek begins.

After breakfast in Pokhara, you’ll drive for about 1.5 to 2 hours to Nayapul, the starting point of your trek. The trail begins with a gentle walk through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages like Birethanti and Tikhedhunga. As you ascend, the path becomes steeper, especially during the final climb of over 3,000 stone steps leading up to Ulleri. This challenging section is rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding hills and distant snow-capped peaks. Ulleri, a charming Magar village at 2,050 meters, offers a warm welcome and a well-earned rest after your first day on the trail.

After breakfast in Ulleri, the trek continues with a steady ascent through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. As you gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and the mountain views more dramatic. The trail passes small villages and occasional teahouses, offering chances to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Depending on the season, the forest may be bursting with blooming rhododendrons, especially in spring. After 4–6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Ghorepani, a scenic village nestled beneath the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From here, you’re perfectly positioned for the early morning hike to Poon Hill, known for its breathtaking sunrise views.

Before dawn, you’ll begin a short but steep hike to Poon Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Annapurna region. Reaching the summit just in time for sunrise, you’ll witness a breathtaking panorama of the snow-capped Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and others glowing in golden light. After soaking in the views and taking photos, you’ll return to Ghorepani for breakfast. The trek then continues through dense rhododendron and pine forests, with occasional sightings of wildlife and mountain vistas. After several ups and downs along the forested ridge, you’ll arrive in Tadapani, a quiet village surrounded by greenery, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast in Tadapani, the trail descends steeply through lush forests toward the village of Chuile and then continues down to the Kimrong Khola. Crossing the river, you’ll begin a steady climb to the Gurung village of Chhomrong, which offers stunning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare (Fishtail). After a break in Chhomrong, the trail descends again via stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola, followed by another climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests to reach Sinuwa. This stretch combines both challenging ascents and descents, but rewards trekkers with beautiful landscapes and a deeper immersion into the Annapurna Sanctuary region.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail from Sinuwa starts with a pleasant walk through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, gradually ascending to Bamboo and then to Dovan. The path follows the Modi Khola (river), with the sound of rushing water accompanying you along the way. As you continue climbing, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the landscape begins to change, offering glimpses of towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Passing through Himalayan Hotel, you’ll finally reach Deurali at 3,200 meters, a serene resting spot nestled below steep mountain walls. The higher elevation means cooler temperatures and a sense of being truly surrounded by the Himalayas.

Today is a major highlight of the trek as you journey to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). After breakfast in Deurali, the trail ascends gradually along the Modi Khola, passing through a rugged landscape surrounded by towering peaks and glacial moraine. After a few hours, you’ll reach Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) at 3,700 meters, where the views of Mt. Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli begin to open up dramatically.

From MBC, the trail continues steadily upward through alpine terrain, and the surrounding peaks close in around you. As you reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna massif greets you — including Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world. You’ll spend the night here, surrounded by snow-covered giants under the stars — a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

After an unforgettable sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll begin your descent back down the valley. Retracing your steps through the alpine landscape, you’ll pass Machapuchare Base Camp and continue descending through Deurali, Himalayan Hotel, and Dovan. The trail follows the Modi Khola, gradually leading you back into dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. Depending on your pace and preference, you can either stop at Bamboo (2,310m) for a shorter day or continue a bit further to Sinuwa (2,360m) for a longer push. The descent is easier on the lungs but can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles and a steady pace are helpful. After the day’s walk, you’ll rest at a comfortable teahouse surrounded by forest and the soothing sound of the river below.

Continuing your descent from Bamboo or Sinuwa, the trail leads downhill through lush forests and traditional villages. If you choose to stop at Jhinu, you’ll enjoy the chance to relax in the natural hot springs nearby—a perfect way to soothe tired muscles after days on the trail. Alternatively, trekking further down to Syauli Bazaar brings you back to a more bustling village atmosphere with local shops and guesthouses. Both options offer a comfortable place to rest and prepare for the final leg of your trek as you get closer to the lowlands.

On your final day of trekking, you’ll continue descending through terraced fields and small villages, enjoying the changing landscape as you move from the mountains toward the valley floor. The trail gradually leads you to Nayapul, the gateway to the Annapurna trek. From Nayapul, you’ll be picked up and driven back to Pokhara, where you can relax and celebrate completing your adventure. In Pokhara, enjoy the vibrant lakeside atmosphere, delicious local food, and a well-deserved rest.

After a leisurely morning in Pokhara, you’ll begin the drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes around 6 to 8 hours, winding through picturesque valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Nepali villages. Along the way, you might stop for breaks, stretch your legs, or enjoy local snacks. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll check into your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible trekking experience amid the stunning Himalayan landscapes.

On your last day in Kathmandu, you’ll have time to pack and perhaps do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing depending on your flight schedule. When it’s time, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As you say goodbye to Nepal, you carry with you unforgettable memories of majestic mountains, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, ready for your next adventure or return home. Safe travels

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek via Ghorepani typically takes about 10 to 13 days to complete. This route includes a scenic detour through Ghorepani and Poon Hill, offering stunning sunrise views of the Himalayas before heading toward Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. The trek combines gradual ascents, cultural villages, and lush forests, making it a well-paced and rewarding journey through the Annapurna region.

On the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, the highest point you’ll reach is Annapurna Base Camp itself, at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level. Along the way, you’ll also pass through Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) at around 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), which is often used as a stop before reaching ABC. While the altitude is not as extreme as in some other Himalayan treks, it’s still important to ascend gradually and stay properly acclimatized to avoid altitude sickness.

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek via Ghorepani is considered a moderate trek in terms of difficulty. It doesn’t require technical climbing skills, but it does involve long daily walks, steep ascents and descents, and trekking at high altitudes up to 4,130 meters. The route includes stone staircases, forested trails, and sometimes snowy or slippery paths, especially near base camp. The added Ghorepani and Poon Hill section introduces more climbing but also allows for better acclimatization and more gradual altitude gain. Trekkers with a good level of fitness and some hiking experience can complete this trek comfortably. Proper preparation, pacing, and staying hydrated are key to enjoying this scenic and rewarding journey.

Tea houses along the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek via Ghorepani are well-established and provide comfortable accommodation and meals throughout the journey. These lodges offer basic but cozy rooms, usually with twin beds, warm blankets, and shared bathrooms. In lower villages like Ghorepani and Chhomrong, tea houses tend to be more comfortable, sometimes with hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities (often for an extra fee). As you get higher, especially near Machapuchare Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the tea houses become more basic, with limited amenities and slower internet or power access due to the remote location. Meals are hearty and carb-rich, including dal bhat, pasta, noodles, soups, and sometimes bakery items. Overall, tea houses on this route offer a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to connect with fellow trekkers, making the trek both enjoyable and culturally enriching.

During the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek via Ghorepani, you’ll find a variety of simple but nourishing meals served at tea houses along the route. The most common and recommended dish is dal bhat, a traditional Nepali meal consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles — it’s all-you-can-eat at most places and packed with energy. Other food options include noodles, fried rice, pasta, momos (dumplings), soups, eggs, pancakes, and Tibetan bread. Breakfasts often include items like porridge, toast, omelets, and tea or coffee. While meat may be available in lower villages, it’s best to avoid it higher up, as refrigeration is limited. Snacks like biscuits, chocolate bars, and soft drinks are sold along the trail, though prices increase with altitude. Overall, the food is basic but filling, designed to keep trekkers fueled and satisfied throughout the journey.