Classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 13 Days

Your Annapurna Base Camp adventure begins the moment you step out of the plane at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The air has a unique blend of urban bustle and distant mountain crispness, which immediately signals you have arrived in a different world. A representative from our company, holding a sign with your name, will greet you and handle the transfer to your Hotel.

This transition is a crucial first step, allowing you to bypass the initial disorientation of a new country. After checking in, you are free to explore the vibrant and sensory-rich streets of Thamel, where the aroma of incense mingles with the scent of roasted coffee and spices. The sounds of temple bells and vendors calling out their wares fill the narrow, winding alleys.

Later in the evening, your guide will provide a detailed trek briefing, outlining the next day's journey and offering essential advice. This first day is a narrative prologue, a chance to adapt to Nepal's rhythm and prepare both body and mind for the immersive journey ahead.

The journey begins in Kathmandu and continues to Pokhara, offering a glimpse into rural Nepali life. You'll travel via a private jeep or tourist bus and enjoy a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway. The road winds through rolling green hills, past terraced fields clinging to steep slopes, and alongside the churning Trishuli River.

You will stop along the way for local lunch at roadside eateries offering a taste of authentic Nepali cuisine. As you near Pokhara, the landscape transforms, and the first breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges emerge in the distance. Upon arrival, you'll settle into a comfortable hotel with great views. The evening can be spent strolling along the tranquil lakeside, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling markets.

Guide's Insight/ Local Tip: Although this drive is long, it's an excellent opportunity to witness the diverse landscape of Nepal. A good tip is to pack some motion sickness medication if you're prone to it, as the road can be quite winding.

Today marks the official start of our trekking journey after a scenic two-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, you'll officially hit the trail. The initial part of the trek is relatively gentle, following a flat path along the Modi River. The air is warm and humid, filled with the scent of damp earth and tropical vegetation.

You’ll pass through small villages like Birethanti, where your trekking permits are checked, before the trail begins its ascent. The latter part of the day is a challenging climb of over 3,000 stone steps to the village of Ulleri. This steep, arduous climb is a test of your willpower, but the panoramic view of the terraced fields and the surrounding hills as you ascend becomes a powerful motivator.

Morning in Ulleri greets you with a refreshing mountain breeze, peaceful villages, and magnificent Himalayan scenery. The trek to Ghorepani is a beautiful one, taking you deep into lush rhododendron and oak forests. The trail takes you through the dense woods, sunlight filtering through the canopy and casting a soft, green glow on the path.

In spring, this section of the trail is particularly stunning, with the rhododendrons in full bloom, painting the landscape in shades of red, pink, and white. The peaceful trail echoes with nothing but your footsteps and the distant melodies of birds echoing through the mountains.

As you are near Ghorepani, the air grows colder, and you will find yourself surrounded by the charming, traditional homes of the Magar and Gurung communities. The village itself is a bustling hub for trekkers, offering magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Guide's Insight/Local Tip: Today is all about a steady pace, so don't rush through the forest. Look for the ponies used by the locals for transporting goods, which are a common sight and an essential part of the local economy.

Starting the journey at dawn is crucial, as it gives you a head start on the trail. You'll begin a one-hour ascent to Poon Hill (3,210M), a renowned viewpoint. The pre-dawn hike is a magical experience; the air is cold and thin, and the path is lit only by your headlamps and the faint starlight.

Reaching the summit offers a spectacular reward with a panoramic, 360-degree sunrise view of the Himalayas. The first rays of light illuminate the snow-capped giants, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and others, while also displaying color in a breathtaking vista. The sight of the mountains glowing from gold to pink is an unforgettable moment of pure awe.

After this remarkable experience, you'll return to Ghorepani for breakfast before beginning your trek to Tadapani. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests and descends steep stone staircases, leading to the village of Tadapani. Your evening is spent in a comfortable lodge, with stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli right from your window.

After reach Poonhill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise views over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow capped mountains in the morning.

The trail today is a mix of steep descents and ascents, providing a good rhythm for your legs. You'll start by descending steeply through a dense, wet forest of rhododendron and bamboo, the air thick with the scent of damp earth. You’ll pass over a suspension bridge, the roaring sound of the Kimrong Khola river echoing in the gorge below.

From here, a long and winding uphill takes you through terraced farms and small Gurung villages, before the final challenge of the beautiful village of Chhomrong, which sits on the hillside. After Chhomrong, you begin the long downhill walk to the final stop before the sanctuary, but this is the last major village offering intimate views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

The scenery begins to change as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. The day starts with a descent from Chhomrong, down a long stone staircase to the Chhomrong Khola river. After crossing the river on a large suspension bridge, a steep, tiring climb leads you to the Sinuwa Danda. From here, the landscape transitions, and you'll pass through a bamboo forest, a transition change from the rhododendrons.

As you ascend further, the air becomes noticeably colder, and the trail becomes more rugged, with the Modi River raging far below. The trail passes through Dovan and then continues to the small settlement of Himalaya. The atmosphere is quiet and serene, as the true high-altitude landscape is just beginning to reveal itself.

Begin your ascent toward Annapurna Base Camp while the trail takes you through a breathtaking glacial valley, surrounded by towering, ice-covered peaks. You'll pass by the sacred Hinku Cave, a natural overhang used by shepherds and porters as a shelter. As you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), the grand "fishtail" peak dominates the skyline, its distinctive summit an awe-inspiring sight.

The landscape here is stark and alpine, with no trees and only short grasses and shrubs. From MBC, the final, gradual ascent to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) begins. Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp, 4,130 meters above sea level, feels like an actual achievement. You are now in a stunning amphitheater of mountains, surrounded by the giants of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. The sense of accomplishment and the sheer majesty of the Himalayan scenery are overwhelming.

You will wake up to the most spectacular sunrise as the early morning light paints the Annapurna massif in brilliant shades of gold and orange, a truly unforgettable sight. After a final lingering look at the majestic mountains, you will begin your descent. The trail retraces your steps from the previous day, but the downward journey offers a new perspective on the scenery you ascended through.

The air gets warmer with every step, and the landscape gradually transitions back to the lush green of the lower altitudes. The downward trek is relatively easier but more demanding on the knees. You'll pass by Machhapuchhre Base Camp and continue to Dovan. You'll spend the night in a comfortable lodge, reflecting on the incredible experience of reaching the base camp.

The trek today takes you back through the familiar rhododendron and bamboo forests. You'll pass through Sinuwa and then begin the final steep descent to the village of Jhinu Danda. The area is renowned for its natural hot springs, which are believed to possess healing properties.

A dip in the hot springs is the perfect way to soothe your tired muscles and celebrate the completion of the trek. The contrast between the hot water and the cool mountain air, along with the sound of the roaring river, is an incredible, sensory-rich experience.

Today is your concluding day on the trail, offering a memorable farewell to the towering peaks. The path from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul is relatively easy, as you follow the Modi River. The air is warm and humid, and the landscape is filled with terraced rice fields and small villages. You'll walk alongside the river, crossing it several times on long, swaying suspension bridges.

You'll encounter more local life along this trail, with villagers going about their daily routines. The trek ends in Nayapul, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara. The drive is comfortable, and upon arrival, you'll feel a powerful sense of accomplishment. The evening in Pokhara is a time for celebration, a warm meal, and perhaps a celebratory drink as you enjoy the comforts of a hotel.

Today's trip will consist of a beautiful, contemplative drive back to Kathmandu. This is a chance to appreciate the wonderful Nepali landscape and to think about the incredible trek you have just experienced. With the green hills, tangled rivers, and sometimes the far-off view of the Himalayas, you can now bring it all together with your memories of the last eleven days.

As you approach Kathmandu, the urban sounds and sights return, but you’ll feel a sense of calm and accomplishment that only a journey of this magnitude can bring. You'll spend the night in Kathmandu, perhaps revisiting Thamel for some last-minute souvenir shopping and a farewell dinner with your guide and trekking partners.

A representative of our trekking company will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. On your way to your next destination, you will have lasting memories from the Annapurna Base Camp trek with you.

You will reminisce about the traditional dal bhat, the aromas of the rhododendrons, the thrill of standing atop a Himalayan summit, and the friendliness and hospitality of the Nepalese people. We wish you a safe journey back home, and would like to welcome you again for a remarkable journey with us in the near future.