Annapurna Base camp trek is one of the best and beautiful treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal
This is the classic trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, the world’s tenth highest mountain and to an astounding viewpoint of Poon Hill.
We start by taking the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara where you will get superb views of the Himalayan mountains. Like any other trip in the Annapurna region, Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins in Pokhara, widely known as the ‘Lake city’. The trek passes through cascading waterfalls, beautiful villages, terraced farmlands, lush rhododendron forests, and amazing mountain vistas before reaching the base of the mighty Annapurna. One of the stops along the trek is Poon Hill from where we can see superb view of the Himalayan peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South and Machapuchare (known as Fishtail mountain). From here we follow the Modi Khola river through the gates of the Sanctuary into a hidden amphitheatre with a superb view of the Annapurna massif.
This trek would be a good choice if you would like to get into the Himalayan mountains without the longer acclimatization period required for some of the other treks in Nepal such as Everest Base Camp. The highest altitude reached on this trek is 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp.
Upon your arrival the Tribhuvan International airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Wanders who will take you to our hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali cuisine restaurant where you will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali meal with a brief cultural program. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
This is a day to explore Kathmandu where we organise guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu, to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Swayambunath – the Buddhist monkey temple and Pashupatinath – a sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River. Three major towns are located in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, each having a great artistic and architectural tradition. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second largest is separated from Kathmandu by a river. Bhaktapur, the third largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley and its relative isolation is reflected in its slower pace and more distinctly mediaeval atmosphere. In the Kathmandu Valley the landscape is dramatically sculpted by the contours of the paddy fields. The towns and villages are alive with the colours of farm produce, ranging from pyramids of golden grain to the vivid reds of chilli peppers laid out on mats to dry in the sun. In the streets and towns there is a constant bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets where the farmers sell their vegetables and fruit. You should get back to the hotel after your sightseeing tour around midafternoon and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city further and pack bags ready for the start of the trek the following morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items you will not need on the trek. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Early morning we fly to Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, we then drive to the roadhead at Nayapul. From there, we start our walking to Birethanti. The trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola through bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Tirkhedunga. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
We continue following the Burungdi Khola pustream then climb a stone staircase through terraced fields to Ulleri. The trail to Banthanti is less steep and then continues on to Ghorepani where there is a superb mountain view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Huinchuli, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung among others. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
It is well worth the effort to walk up Poon Hill for the sunrise (optional), the view from here is know as one of the best in the Himalayas. You will get back to the lodge for breakfast then continue the trek towards Banthanti and then on to a pass where Tadapani is located. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
After a descent to the river we have a steep climb to Chomrong. This is the last permanent village in the valley and again has views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
From Chomrong there is steep descent on a stone staircase to cross the Chomrong Khola, then a climb on the other side as we enter the main Modi Khola valley. The trail passes through bamboo and rhododendrons crossing a few small streams. We stay in Bamboo which is a clearing in the forest with a few tea houses. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
The trail climbs through the stands of bamboo to the tea houses at Doban (2,540m). The trek from Doban is uphill most of the way passing through forest to the lodges at Himalaya Hotel and then further on past Hinko Cave. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
The valley widens and there is less vegetation as we pass through the gates of the Base Camp and to Machhapuchhare base camp. The views from here are superb and the panorama includes Huinchuli, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
From Machhapuchre Base Camp the trail continues up steeply and after an hour walking you enter a hidden amphitheatre with a complete view of snowy peaks spread out before you. After another hour you will arrive at Annapurna Base Camp with views of Huinchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna 1 and 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
Today we leave the Sanctuary passing through the gates back down to Dovan. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
We continue retracing our steps down the Modi Khola valley back to Chomrong. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
From Chomrong the trail descends to Jhinu Danda and then further to the Modi Khola river before climbing steeply to Lhandrung. There are views of Annapurna South and Machapuchre from here. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
There is a steep ascent through rhododendron to the ridge at Bhickok Deurali. The trail follows the ridge through forest and green pastures through Pothana to Dhampus. There is a good view from here of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. From Dhampus the trail descends to Phedi where the transport will be waiting for the drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Fly to Kathmandu, rest of day at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Our representative will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to international airport for onward journey.
10 breakfasts
8 lunches
9 dinners
Comfortable van with A/C
One way flight to Pokhara
Kathmandu (3 nights)
Tea house (no facilities) (11 night)
Pokhara (1 night)