Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 days

Welcome to Kathmandu! Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Meet the other team members and trek leader at the pre-trip meeting held later in the day. A briefing by your trek leader on your Annapurna adventure will follow.  Listen carefully as your trek leader describes in detail the trail and what to expect during the trek. Further check your gears for the final time. If you have forgotten any item you can buy or hire it from any of the shops selling trekking gear. Get suggestions from your trek leader. Later head to the lively tourist hub of Thamel. We recommend you to schedule your arrival to Kathmandu in the morning or during the day, so as to enable you to attend the group briefing. After the meeting you can take a stroll around Thamel. Enjoy your first evening in Nepal by attending a welcome dinner hosted by us. End your first day of your trip with a taste of Nepali traditional cuisine at an authentic Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Get up early and prepare to leave Kathmandu. From the domestic airport in Kathmandu take a scenic flight to Pokhara, a pretty lakeside town.  On reaching Pokhara, board a vehicle and drive to Kimchi. A two and a half hours drive brings you to this small settlement from where your trek begins.  Climb on well-laid stone steps all the way to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village and home to brave Gurkha soldiers. Explore the village. There are many interesting places you can head to, like the Gurung Museum for instance. There’s also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Immerse yourself in the local mountain culture while interacting with the villagers. Enjoy fantastic views of Annapurna Himal. Overnight in Ghandruk.

Walk past terraced fields, and follow a winding route down to Kimrong Khola, occasionally passing through cascading waterfalls. From time to time stop for awhile to take in the views. Cross a bridge and thereafter take a steep ascent via a stone staircase to Chhomrong, another Gurung village. As soon as you reach the village head towards a teahouse and rest your aching muscles. From Chhomrong, the snowy walls of Annapurna South and Machhapucchre (Fishtail Peak) seem very close. Take pictures and simply let the majestic beauty of the mountains work its magic on you. Overnight in Chhomrong.

Today’s trek involves more steep descents and ascents on stone staircases. Walk down a flight of steps to Chhomrong Khola and cross the metal suspension bridge. An uphill hike through a wooded trail filled with oak, bamboo and rhododendron trees brings you to Khuldighar. From here take an easy descent down to Bamboo, your stop for the night. Bamboo is made up of a cluster of teahouses catering to trekkers on the Annapurna trail. Overnight in Bamboo.

Hike through a track shaded by thickets of bamboo. The path opens up after Himalaya Hotel offering delightful views of the glacial river flowing down the valley. Your itinerary involves a steep ascent to the historic Hinku Cave that served as an overnight camp for the first group of climbers daring to ascend Annapurna I. Follow an undulating path till you reach Deurali, a small settlement with few blue-roofed stone huts. As you gain altitude the temperature begins to dip and you begin to feel the cold, especially at night. Overnight in Deurali.

Leave Deurali behind and make a quick descent down to a glacial river. In order to reach ABC you need to first cross Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Enter the Machhapuchhre Base Camp through a narrow valley flanked by steep mountainsides. The walk through the ‘natural gateway’ to Annapurna Sanctuary (abode of the gods according to local folklore) is an unforgettable experience; one that you will remember long after your trek is over. As you get higher the tree line disappears and the vegetation gets sparser. From Machhapuchhre Base Camp enjoy glorious views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail peak), Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli. Though the area is known as Machhapuchhre Base Camp, climbing on the peak is strictly forbidden. The mountain is a guardian deity of the locals. Ascend higher till you reach Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp lies in a valley surrounded by glaciers and the grand peaks of the Annapurna Massif. The awe inspiring sight will be enough to melt away all your aches and pains! Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.

First thing you do is get up early to catch the sun rising over the snowy peaks. Secondly head down to the Annapurna Sanctuary to witness this phenomenal sight. Watch the spectacular display of light and colour, as the first rays of the sun touch the frozen peaks making them seem like a ring of melted gold. Capture this moment in your mind and your camera to be treasured forever. Explore the glacial bowl and stand beneath the icy circle formed by the peaks of Annapurna Himal, including Annapurna South, Tharpu Chuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III & IV and Annapurna I, the tenth highest peak in the world. Later on take a long descent down to Bamboo. Overnight in Bamboo.

From Bamboo head to Jhinu Danda, a beautiful settlement famous for its natural hot springs. Follow an up and down trail past a verdant trail. Hike through Chhomrong before you make a final descent to the ridge-top settlement of Jhinu Danda, your overnight stop. After checking into the teahouse, immediately walk down to the riverside and relax your tired muscles with a dip in the naturally heated pool. Later head to a teahouse and celebrate the completion of your trek with the crew and team members. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.

The last leg of your trek takes you to Siwai. Walk past terraced fields and traditional farms till you reach Siwai. As soon as you reach there, board a vehicle and head to Pokhara. Once you arrive in Pokhara check into your hotel. The lakeside city is frequently visited by international as well as domestic tourists. The rest of the day is for you to spend it on your own.  Take a well deserved rest or stroll around the lakeside area. Sit by the serene Phewa Lake gazing at Machhpuchhre’s reflection and colourful boats. If you want to see more of Pokhara you can book a half-day guided sightseeing tour at an extra cost. Overnight in Pokhara.

Take an afteroon flight to Kathmandu. Before you fly back to to the capital, you can visit the popular sightseeing spots of Pokhara or try paragliding. These activities will incur extra costs. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, check into your hotel. Take rest for as long as you like. Later on, go souvenir shopping or visit some places of interest. Celebrate the conclusion of your Nepal Annapurna Base Camp Trek with a complimentary farewell dinner with your guide or a representative from our office. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

You will be driven to the airport in due time to catch your flight (three hours prior to the scheduled departure). If you want you can extend your trip and explore more of the country. Choose from our vast range of itineraries or allow us to customize a tour for you. Bid goodbye to Nepal !