Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Welcome to vibrant Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal! Once you land at Kathmandu Airport, sitting at around 1,400 meters, you will be greeted with a beautiful smile by one of our friendly staff. We do the airport transfer and take you to your hotel where you are going to rest upon your arrival. Ancient temples, bustling streets, and historic places await your arrival.

This is a free day, though there will be optional tours of some of the great UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Swayambhunath or the Boudhanath Stupa. A welcome dinner in the evening will also include a brief explanation of the trekking program ahead as well as becoming familiar with the culture in the Annapurna region.

We'll head to the bus park to board our bus to Pokhara after eating breakfast about 8 in the morning. Pokhara is approximately 210 kilometers from Kathmandu, which takes six to seven hours via the main highway with delightful views of terraced hills, flowing rivers, and small villages dotting the countryside. One gets all these views on the way, a teaser of what lies ahead—viewing some glimpses of the mighty Himalaya.

You would thus be led towards Pokhara, and at 822 meters above sea level, the view is picturesque and tranquil. The lakeside city has an overall quiet atmosphere contributed to by Phewa Lake and the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The evening shall be spent walking the lakeside or just letting the calmness seep in before the actual commencement of your trek.

Drive to Birethanti, a very attractive village at 1,025 meters of height. So the trek begins, and the trail isn't difficult in the early stages as it goes through terraced fields and small villages. You will like the freshness of mountain air as we go up steadily to Ulleri, a beautiful village with 2,050 meters.

The hike to Ulleri has many stone steps, but the amazing views of the nearby valleys and mountains will make it worthwhile. Ulleri is known for its cultural beauty and has great views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After a day of walking, you’ll relax in a comfortable teahouse, getting ready for the next day's adventure.

Now, leaving Ulleri, the land changes in character. Today's hike to Ghorepani at 2,874 meters goes through forests of rhododendron that are bright with colors in spring. En route, we find local villages, from where you get peeps into daily life in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Ghorepani is the key point of the trek and is famous for panoramic views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The place at day's edge gives the feeling that all mountain spirit surrounds a person, and mountaintops are close to touching. Rest well tonight because tomorrow's sunrise hike will be unforgettable!

Up early this morning for one of the highlights of your trek-an early morning sunrise hike to Poonhill. Poonhill is at an altitude of 3,210 meters and a place of breathtaking views of the early rising sun over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri peaks. The way the first light of the sun brightens up the snowy peaks imparts a golden shine to the land-an unbelievable moment that will be imprinted in your mind forever.

After the view we descend for breakfast at Ghorepani and then push off for Tadapani at 2,630 m. The trek now passes through a dense forest of oak and rhododendron and sometimes through the openings between trees, which welcomes us with a fine view of the mountains. It is a very small place in the wonderful setting of nature; it's nice to rest here after that great day.

Actually, today's trek submerges us in the Annapurna region on our way to Sinuwa at 2,340 meters. First downhill parts continue for a while and then you reach a river followed by uphill climbs through the thick woods and suspension bridges. You will see different types of land from green valleys to steeper and rougher parts.

Not like busy villages, Sinuwa is quiet and uncrowded, which makes way for the solitude that Annapurna is more famous for. Enjoy beautiful mountain views and the quietness of the place at high altitudes.

Totally different scenery as we gain altitude, today we will move to Deurali, which is 3,230 meters above the sea level. The trail lays through high ridges with waterfalls streaming down the trails. The trail becomes steeper and steeper as it approaches the base of the Annapurna mountains. Plants grow lesser in number as one walks his way up to the higher altitudes.

Deurali is a stopover for most of the trekkers heading to ABC. It feels much more distant here with tall mountains all over, making one feel now in the center of the Himalayas.

Today is the apex of your trek as you ascend to Annapurna Base Camp, located 4,130 meters above sea level. You will follow a trail of immaculate beauty to Machapuchhare Base Camp at 3,700 meters, where the views of the holy Machapuchhare, or Fishtail, are very nice. The scenery now is greatly different as you move further in the naturally curved bowl that is the Annapurna Sanctuary—ringed by some of Earth's highest peaks.

The higher one goes, the rockier it gets with higher walls of rocks and glaciers. Though it might be hard going at times, each beautiful scene will keep you inspired throughout every step. There is a good view from Annapurna Base Camp: 8,091-meter Annapurna I and other big mountains. It’s a surreal feeling to stand at the base of these towering giants, knowing you’ve made it to the heart of the Himalayas.

Take some pictures around, enjoy some great views, and savor that feeling of your success. Warm teahouse soothes your pain as the sun is lost behind the mountains, and you sink in a restful night with the silence of the high Himalayas. Here comes the night that brings special moments that will never get forgotten: the sensation of triumph and awe.

After one night at the amazingly beautiful Annapurna Base Camp, we return back on the same trail which brought us to this very special place. The return journey to Sinuwa at 2,340 meters above sea level gives varied landscapes from a different angle. While going uphill, the same kind of challenge will bring pride while walking down the trail.

It is far easier on the legs to go down, so you really get to see fantastic views of mountains. Walking through the bamboo forests, with suspension bridges swinging over the rushing rivers, you will see how the land gradually changes from rocky and filled with snow to green. Each turn brings another sight of the tall peaks into view; the way back is just as enjoyable as the climb up.

At Sinuwa, you will be welcomed warmly by the services of the local teahouses, after which you doze off for the night in a calm village deep in nature. On the other negative part, this trek has its pluses in sightseeing and the balance of rest and fun.

Today's hike takes you to Jhinu, which stands at 1,780 meters above sea level. What a nice surprise-natural hot springs await you here! After days of hiking, nothing is more relieving than being soaked in warm, mineral-rich water. They lie among the foothills of the Himalayas. The serene hot spring will relax your muscles and give you a perfect time to rest as you think about your amazing journey.

From the hot spring, we walk back down a short way to the road, where the waiting car will drive us on the return to Pokhara. It's a very scenic drive past the village and up through hilly fields. On arrival at the lively lakeside city of Pokhara at 822 meters, you would probably like to relax by the evening at Phewa Lake, shop at the local market, or take dinner with the mountain backdrop that you have been viewing quite some time during your trek.

On return to Pokhara, a rest and reflection on your trek offer time for celebration on the close of your Annapurna Base Camp adventure. You can spend your time relaxing around the lake or entertain yourself by testing what the nightlife in this city has in store. Pokhara is a great place to round up the trekking journey.

We will then conclude our rejuvenating stay in Pokhara and take the trip back to Kathmandu, for which the scenic route offers one last stunning Nepalese countryside with its rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and picturesque villages.

In Kathmandu once again, further time is spared to explore the city, pick up some souvenirs, or simply relax before departing the next day. It's also a great opportunity to once again play the scenes of this Annapurna adventure through your mind.

Optional: You can take flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu at an additional cost.

Upon completion of this trip, as you take your flight back home, we will help you reach Tribhuvan International Airport. We suggest being there at this place three hours before your flying time. Just remember what a great number of memories were given to you by this Annapurna Base Camp Trek: you considered one of the wonderful trekking areas in Nepal. Have a safe trip and see you once again for another adventure in the Himalayas.