Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 13 Days

Today, you will take a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is a six to seven hours long drive. The scenic drive shows the diverse landscape of Nepal. During this drive, you will see lush green hills, terraced fields, and occasional views of the Himalayan. Plus, you will follow the Trishuli River, the fastest-flowing river in Nepal.

Upon arriving in Pokhara, you will check in to your hotel. Next day, you will go out to explore the city and try local cuisine. There is plenty to see and do around Pokhara. It is the perfect place to spend a few days before your trek. Here, you can go boating on beautiful Phewa Lake, or if you have time, you can paraglide in the Himalayas.  

You end your day with a warm and relaxing night at your hotel.

Today, you will leave Pokhara to Nayapul. It is a scenic 1.5-hour drive which covers around 25 miles (40 Km). Along the way, you'll see beautiful countryside, stepped fields, and some glimpses of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. 

After arriving at Nayapul, you will start your trek to Ulleri. You will start with an easy trek to Birethanti. At Birethanti, you will register your permits at a checkpoint. After that, you will trail along the Modi Khola and will pass many small villages like Tikhedhunga. At this village, you will cross your first suspension bridge. 

When you pass the village, your first real challenge begins. You have to climb up around 3,200 stone steps to Ulleri. This path is difficult but you are rewarded with stunning views of surrounding valleys.

Finally, you reach Ulleri, which is at a height of 2070 m. It is a quiet Magar village. From here, you can see views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. You can rest at a local teahouse and enjoy a local Nepali meal.

The hike from Ulleri (2,050m) to Ghorepani (2,860m) takes about 5 to 6 hours. Leaving Ulleri, you will follow the trail through a lush pink rhododendron forest. Here, you will find 8 different kinds of rhododendron flowers.

Do you know Himalayan bees use this flower to make the popular “Mad honey”? 

After crossing the forest, you walk on a well-marked path that leads to Banthanti. You can stop here for a short break and enjoy the lovely view. You then continue your climb on stone steps to reach the picturesque village of Ghorepani at 2750m. 

This village is the gateway to Poon Hill. You will spend your night in this village.

On the fifth day, you will hike from Ghorepani to Chuile through Poon Hill. It is a moderate hike which takes about 6 to 7 hours. You begin your hike pretty early to reach Poon Hill (3,210m) at sunrise.

Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint from where you can see the Annapurna range and surrounding mountains. There are the mountains you can view from this place: 

• Dhaulagiri (8167m)
• Annapurna I (8091m)
• Annapurna II (7937m)
• Annapurna III (7855m)
• Varaha Shikhar (7847m)
• Annapurna IV (7525m)
• Nilgiri (6940m)
• Lamjung Himal (6931m)
• Tukuche (6920m)
• Annapurna South (7290m)
• Machhapuchhre (6,993 m)
• Manasalu (8,163 m)

After an hour or two, you trek back to Ghorepani and have breakfast. After breakfast, you start your trek to Chuile. You leave Ghorepani and follow a path through pine and rhododendron forests.

Then you walk for several hours to reach Chuile (2600m). Here, you end your day with a warm meal at a teahouse.

Today, you will wake up in Chuile and prepare yourself for the day's trek. You start by walking along a narrow trail. As you move forward, you reach Gurjung. Here, you can take a short break at a local tea house. After a moment of rest, you continue your walking towards Chhomrong.

The path to Chhomrong is gentle at first. You pass through open landscapes with stunning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchhre. The sight of these snow-capped peaks gives you the energy to move ahead. 

As you reach Chhomrong, the trail changes. You walk down steep stone steps leading to the Chhomrong Khola River. Here, you will cross a suspension bridge carefully.

After this point, the hardest part of the trek begins. The path climbs steeply through dense bamboo forests. The forest feels quiet except for the sound of your footsteps and the rustling leaves. 

After a long hike, you finally reach Sinuwa at 2,340 meters. You check into a teahouse and take a well-earned rest here.

Today’s trek is long, so make sure to carry enough water and snacks. After getting ready, you can then step onto the trail and begin your journey to Deurali.

The trek starts with a climb to Upper Sinuwa. The path is steep but well-made with stone steps. The trail changes after you reach Upper Sinuwa. You now walk downhill and soon enter a dense bamboo forest. 
After some time, you arrive at Bamboo. This small resting point sits inside a deep valley. After resting here for some time, you continue the trek. The trail now leads uphill towards Dovan. The climb is steady but not too steep. 

You reach Dovan in no time. It is a small settlement with a few teahouses. Many trekkers stop here for tea or lunch. You take a moment here to rest before continuing the journey. The next stretch leads you deeper into the Annapurna sanctuary. As you walk, the landscape begins to change. The forests become thinner, and the air gets cooler.

The next stop is the Himalayas. The path to the Himalayas is slightly challenging, with small rocky sections. You take careful steps, moving at a steady pace. After reaching the Himalayas, you will see the famous Hinku Cave. Before this area was renowned, guides, porters, and trekkers used to spend nights here because it was seen as the safest place at that time.

From here, the final stretch to Deurali begins. The trail now becomes rugged, and you can feel the change in altitude. The vegetation grows thin, and the towering cliffs make the scenery more dramatic. As you walk, you cross a long suspension bridge over the Modi Khola. It is the longest swinging bridge, Kadoorie Bridge.

After a long trek, you finally reach Deurali at 3,230 meters. The small village sits on the edge of the mountain. You check into a teahouse and take a well-earned rest.

The journey today is both exciting and challenging. Today, you will trek through Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) before reaching Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The trail will pass through Hinku Cave and Deurali. 

The trek starts early in the morning after a warm breakfast. The trail then slowly ascends through alpine forests and rugged landscapes. After trekking for some hours, you will reach Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m). Here, you will see Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Annapurna I & III, and Gangapurna towering above you. 

After spending a few hours here, you will continue towards Annapurna Base Camp. This part of the trek is challenging yet rewarding. From here, the view of the south side of Annapurna is eye-pleasing. However, be careful moving through this area because it is often windy and snowbound.

Finally, you will arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (4,210m), the highlight of your trek. Here, you stand surrounded by towering peaks on all sides. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, as you witness Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Machapuchare (6,997m) right before your eyes.

At ABC, you will take time to relax and enjoy the moment. The tea houses here provide a warm meal and a place to rest. As the sun begins to set, the sky turns into shades of orange and pink, making the mountains look even more magical.

You will spend the night at ABC. Tomorrow, you will witness the greatest sunrise of your lifetime.

Today, your morning starts early, long before the sun rises. You will go to the base to witness the Annapurna sunrise. Here, you will feel the excitement in the air. Everyone waits for the first light to touch the peaks.

As the sun rises, a golden glow spreads over Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchhre (Fishtail). The view is breathtaking. You will see snow-covered peaks shine brightly, creating a magical scene. The experience feels unreal at this moment.

After soaking in the sunrise, it is time for breakfast at the teahouse. A warm meal helps regain energy before starting the trek down to Bamboo. Leaving Annapurna Base Camp feels bittersweet. The place is special, and many wish they could stay longer.

The journey back takes around 6–7 hours and is easier than the climb up. However, the path is still challenging at times. The trail winds down through Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) before entering the forests. The air gets warmer, and the surroundings turn lush and green again.

After hours of trekking, the village of Bamboo (2,340m) comes into view. It is a quiet village surrounded by towering peaks and thick forests. The lodges here are simple but welcoming. 

You will spend your night here. The adventure is not over yet, but for now, it is time to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

The journey from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda is long but rewarding. It takes around 5 to 6 hours and covers a distance of about 12 km. 

In the morning, you will begin the trek with a short climb to Sinuwa Village. The trail then leads to Khuldi Ghar. From here, the route descends through stone steps to Lower Chhomrong. After reaching Lower Chhomrong, you will climb up thousands of stone steps to Upper Chhomrong. 

Then, the trek continues downhill along a steep trail until you reach Jhinu Danda. This small village is nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna Mountains. Jhinu Danda is best known for its natural hot springs. The springs are located about 20 minutes downhill from the village, near the Modi Khola River. 

The warm water in these springs is rich in minerals and is said to have healing properties. After days of trekking, these warm waters will help relax your muscles and refresh your mind. Sitting in the warm water, you will feel the tension in your body slowly fade away. It is the perfect way to relax before continuing your trek.

After spending time at the hot springs, you will return to Jhinu Danda for the night.

The final day of the trek begins in Jhinu Danda. After breakfast, you will start your journey towards Nayapul. The trail follows the Modi Khola River and takes you through lush forests and small villages. As you walk, enjoy the fresh mountain air and the peaceful surroundings.

The route becomes more relaxed as you approach Nayapul. This small village marks the starting and ending point of the trek. Here, you can rest for a while and reflect on the incredible journey you have completed.

After some time in Nayapul, you will take a private vehicle to Pokhara. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Once in Pokhara, check-in at your hotel and take some time to freshen up.

You will have the rest of the day to explore Pokhara. You can take a walk along the Lakeside and relax by Phewa Lake. If you have time, visit popular attractions like Mahendra Cave or Devi’s Fall. You can even visit Pumdi Kot, where you will find a giant statue of Lord Shiva. 

Your trek has come to an end, but the experience will stay with you forever.

Today, your journey back to Kathmandu begins early in the morning. After breakfast at the hotel, it's time to leave Pokhara. The road trip covers about 200 km and takes around 6-9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The route follows the Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s busiest roads. Along the way, the Trishuli River flows beside the road, creating a beautiful scene. The view is peaceful and the fresh air makes the ride enjoyable. However, the highway has some construction work, making certain parts rough. Despite this, the changing landscapes keep the journey interesting.

You will also stop at local restaurants, known as Dhabas. It’s a good time to relax, stretch, and enjoy a meal before continuing.

After hours on the road, Kathmandu comes into sight. The city feels busier compared to the quiet mountains. Once in Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and freshen up.

In the evening, there’s time to explore the city. Places like Thamel, Durbar Square, and local markets are worth visiting. The atmosphere is lively, with people, shops, and street vendors all around.

To mark the end of the journey, a farewell dinner is arranged at an authentic Nepali restaurant. The meal includes traditional dishes and a cultural performance with music and dance. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the adventure and share memories.

This marks the last full day of the trip. Tomorrow, it will be time to say goodbye to Nepal.

Your journey in Nepal has come to an end. This is the day to say goodbye to this beautiful country and the memories you have made.

In the morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel. If your flight is later in the day, you can take some time to explore Kathmandu one last time. You may want to visit nearby markets, pick up souvenirs, or simply walk through the bustling streets.

When the time comes, our team will take you to the airport. We will ensure a comfortable and timely transfer so you can catch your flight without any worries. If you plan to stay in Nepal for a few more days, we can help you arrange additional adventures or activities.

As you leave, you take the experiences, friendships, and stories of your time in Nepal. This might be the end of this trip, but it could be the beginning of another. Nepal will always welcome you back.
Safe travels, and we hope to see you again.