Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will be briefed about the trek and answer any last-minute questions. If time permits, step outside your hotel to explore the surrounding area. In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel for a short walk to a local restaurant, where you will enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Today, you’ll spend the day visiting the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in Kathmandu Valley. Its elegant architecture, refined culture, colorful bazaars, and simple hospitable people are what make this place special. 

Swayambhunath, a sacred Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Known as the ‘Monkey Temple,’ because of the many monkeys inhabiting the site, Swayambhunath, crowned by its golden spire, is the most ancient and mystical of all the holy shrines in the Kathmandu Valley.

Then visit Patan (Lalitpur) – the oldest city in the valley. Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its medieval palace, intricate wood and stone carvings, pagoda-style temples, and golden statues. The Patan Museum, housed inside the former royal palace, is small but considered one of the finest museums in Nepal, showcasing Nepal’s Hindu and Buddhist art in a beautifully restored setting.

Return to the hotel after the tour. The afternoon is free for a final gear check, and if you notice anything missing, you can easily purchase it at the nearby trekking shops in Thamel, or in Pokhara the following day.

After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for a short scenic flight to Pokhara. Nestled beneath the Himalayas, Pokhara is a serene city renowned for its natural beauty, the tranquil waters of Fewa Lake, and stunning mountain views. After hotel check-in, enjoy a boating trip on Fewa Lake and visit the International Mountain Museum. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around Pokhara Lakeside at your own pace.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the domestic airport for a short, scenic flight to Pokhara. Nestled beneath the Himalayas, Pokhara is a serene city renowned for its natural beauty, tranquil Fewa Lake, stunning mountain views, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect base for relaxation. After checking in at the hotel, enjoy a boating trip on Fewa Lake and visit the International Mountain Museum. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around the colorful lakeside at your own pace.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes through winding mountain roads, terraced fields, and charming rural settlements, until you reach the village of Kimche, the starting point of your trek.

Today’s hike is relatively short, around 1½ hours, with gradual uphill walking along a well-maintained gravel trail. Towards the end, you’ll climb a series of stone steps, offering glimpses of the surrounding hills and distant peaks. Arrive in Ghandruk around lunchtime, a picturesque village famed for its traditional stone houses, terraced farmland, and rich Gurung culture.

After checking into your lodge and enjoying a hearty lunch, take some time to explore the beautiful village of Ghandruk. Wander through narrow lanes, interact with the friendly locals, and enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Learn about the village’s proud history as the homeland of the legendary Gorkha soldiers, renowned for their bravery and valor.

From Ghandruk, the trail heads north, gently descending through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, until you reach Kimrong, a charming riverside settlement. This peaceful village, nestled on the banks of the river, offers a glimpse of traditional Gurung life and terraced farmland along the trail.

From Kimrong, the path gradually ascends through open fields and forested slopes, passing small streams and suspension bridges, until you arrive at Chhomrong, the last major village on the route to Annapurna Base Camp. Chhomrong is a vibrant settlement with traditional stone and mud houses, tea houses, and stunning panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Beyond Chhomrong, only a few small settlements exist, constructed primarily to provide accommodation and rest stops for trekkers on their way to the Base Camp. The village’s strategic location makes it an ideal place to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy the surrounding Himalayan scenery.

Begin your day by descending a series of stone steps through terraced fields, passing traditional farmhouses and small streams along the way. Cross a suspension bridge spanning the flowing river, offering a perfect spot for photos and a moment to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

From here, the trail ascends steeply for about 1½ hours through lush forest to reach the hilltop settlement of Sinuwa, where trekkers often take a short break and admire panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Continue trekking through dense forest to Khuldi Ghar, passing moss-covered rocks and shaded pathways that provide a refreshing retreat from the sun. The trail then descends over rock slabs into a dense bamboo forest, creating a serene and green tunnel-like environment. Afterward, climb again to Bamboo, a small settlement that serves as a convenient resting point. The trek continues with gentle ups and downs through mixed forests of bamboo, oak, and rhododendron, crossing charming wooden bridges and small streams.

Finally, you will arrive at the settlement of Himalaya, a quiet and remote settlement surrounded by towering peaks. The day’s journey is a mix of challenging ascents, forested paths, and rewarding viewpoints, giving you a true sense of trekking through the heart of the Annapurna region.

The trek starts with a gradual ascent up steep stone stairs, winding through rhododendron and oak forests toward the so-called ‘gates’ of the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you climb higher, the landscape begins to change – dense forests give way to alpine shrubs and rocky terrain, signaling that you are entering the heart of the sanctuary.

Along the way, enjoy occasional panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and glacial streams. The trail includes several short but steep climbs, each offering rewarding vistas, before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), a serene and remote settlement nestled at the foot of the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.

Spend the night at MBC to aid acclimatization, rather than continuing directly to Annapurna Base Camp. Take some time to soak in the spellbinding views of the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre itself. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) is considered sacred by the local Gurung people and is believed to be the home of a Gurung goddess, which is why climbing the peak is strictly prohibited.

From MBC, the walk is exhilarating, as the trail gradually ascends into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Beyond this point, the greenery of the forest fades, and the path widens as it winds steeply through rocky terrain and alpine shrubs.

Upon reaching the upper ridge, you enter a vast, open valley – a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks. After another hour or so of steady climbing, you arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), located in the very heart of the sanctuary. Following rest and a hearty lunch at the tea house, you can take a short walk beyond the lodge to climb the top of the moraine for the best panoramic views

From ABC, enjoy breathtaking vistas of Annapurna I, II, III, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, Gangapurna, and many other peaks rising above 20,000 ft. Snow-capped mountains encircle you in every direction, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring landscape. Annapurna I, one of the world’s eight-thousanders and among the most challenging peaks to climb, stands directly before you, appearing close enough to reach out and touch. This is truly one of the world’s premier mountain-viewing locations and a highlight of your trek.

Rise early to witness the spectacular sunrise over Annapurna, a truly magical moment when the first rays of the sun turn the snow-capped peaks pink and golden. The crisp morning air and serene surroundings make this an unforgettable experience and a perfect opportunity for photography.

After enjoying breakfast, begin your descent, retracing your steps back down to MBC and continuing onward to Bamboo, passing through bamboo and rhododendron forests along the way. After several days of steady ascent, the descent offers a refreshing and enjoyable change, allowing you to appreciate the scenery from a different perspective.

Retrace your steps back to Chhomrong, enjoying familiar views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges from a different perspective. From here, leave the main Ghandruk trail and descend toward Jhinu Danda, a hillside settlement famous for its natural hot springs.

After checking into your lodge and enjoying some rest, you may take an optional side trip to the hot springs. The springs are located about a 20-minute walk downhill through lush forest, beside the Modi Khola River. The return involves a slightly longer uphill climb back to your lodge. Relaxing in the warm natural pools surrounded by greenery is a perfect way to soothe your muscles after several days of trekking. Bring along shorts, a skirt, or a swimsuit (if you have one) to make the most of this experience.

After breakfast, begin a short and pleasant walk along the terraced fields and small villages to reach the Modi Khola River at New Bridge (Nyaphul). This marks the end of your trekking journey.

Here, you will meet your vehicle for the scenic drive back to Pokhara, which takes around 1.5–2 hours, passing through charming hillside settlements and fertile valleys. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in at your hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel, stroll along the colorful Lakeside area, or simply sit by the tranquil waters of Fewa Lake.

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Pokhara Airport for your short, scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, you will be driven to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. This sacred site is the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in the country, surrounded by monasteries, prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. You may also enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa, a perfect spot to soak in its serene atmosphere. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax or take a stroll on your own.

Today is departure day and there are no scheduled activities. At the appropriate time, a representative will pick you up and take you to the airport for your return home or to your next destination.