The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is among the most popular journeys in Nepal. The Annapurna region is located in northwest Nepal and is home to several of the highest peaks in the world. Embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime trek, you will pass through ethnic villages as well as dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, until you reach the breathtaking Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 meters. At the end of the trek, you will find yourself encompassed by pristine mountains, which form a natural amphitheatre around you.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek itself is initiated from Nayapul via Ghorepani. Travelling through Ghorepani, your body will be able to get adapted and acclimatize with the high altitude. One stopping point is at Poonhill, a famous vista, which offers a panoramic view of the majestic peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. For the first several days, the trail guides you through terraced hillsides and lively forests. Then, dense sub-tropical forests dominate the landscape. Leading up to Annapurna Base Camp, you are surrounded by alpine meadows and rocks. Finally, you will ascend to the base camp, a glacial basin where you find yourself in an incredible mountain walled fortress. From here, you can see Machapuchare (6997m), Annapurna I (7,219m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Tent Peak (5,663m), Gandharba Chuli (6,250m), Gangapurna (7,454m), and countless other mesmorizing peaks. From this point, we will trek back down to Jhinu Hot Spring, a natural skin cleanser and muscle reliever. On the final day of the trek, we descend to Nayapul and drive further to Pokhara, where we explore the natural beauty that the city has to offer. The views along throughout this trek are unforgettable. Equally important, throughout the trek you will be exposed to the rich culture and heritage of the Gurung and Magar villages.
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader. If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.
Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) Boudhanath (massive Buddhist stupa). We can also visit Swyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, which was built roughly 2000 years ago. Finally, we can visit Patan, city of fine arts. In the afternoon, you will be meeting with your trekking guide and will check all the necessary things. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Drive to Pokhara
The region is very scenic with terraced fields and colorful villages. We pass fields of rice and rocky bottomed rivers and there is an ever present majestic backdrop of the Himalayas. We spend the rest of the day preparing for the trek and wandering around this beautiful city.
Driving to Nayapul from Pokhara, the trek begins through the terraced hillside. It is bound within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). A 3-hour trek leads you to Tikhedhunga, passing the paddy fields and enjoying the scenery of the Bhurungdi Khola. Overnight at lodge.
The trek begins by ascending the steep uphill trail for about a couple of hours to Ulleri. Then it goes through the rhododendron forest. After having lunch at Banthanti, the trail leads gradually to Ghorepani, a Magar dominated village, which is located at the middle of the rhododendron forest. Overnight at lodge.
Rise early to climb up Poon Hill to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. Approx 6 hours trekking
Our trail today is one of the most glorious imaginable. First we rise early to climb Poon Hill for the most incredible sunrise that you will ever see. The views are the same as the previous afternoon but the sunrise adds a further dimension and many travelers will consider this to be one of the main highlights of the trip. We return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing, climbing steadily through rhododendron forest.
Once we have reached the top of the ridge we continue walking through the forest with lovely views of Dhaulagiri poking through the trees. We start to descend and continue downhill through lush forests. We follow the river and continue down for several hours. After a final ascent we then arrive in Tadapani where we stay in a teahouse with stunning views of Annapurna South, Machapuchhare and down the valley to the horizon.
The trail is steep downhill from Tadapani, which leads you through the rhododendron forest. Crossing the stream, you climb to the next green hill ridge. Chhomrung is located on a gorgeous terraced hillside, which is a large Gurung village. Overnight at lodge.
We continue uphill to Doban. Approx 6 -7 hours trekking
Following the river bank and with a continual up and down, you trek further to Himalaya from Chomorong. On the way, you cross the landslide area and the rhododendron forest. The stone paved trail is easy to deal with but tiresome. We reach to the juncture of two streams, which is called Dovan and we take a rest. If we still have enough energy, we can continue onto Deurali. Overnight at lodge.
We have a challenging day of trekking as we ascend through the gates of the sanctuary to Machapuchare Base Camp and continuing on to Annapurna Base Camp. (3600m) Approx. 6-7 hours trekking
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a natural amphitheater of mountains at the heart of the Annapurna region. The trail initially follows the Modi Khola river and continues along a rocky path to Hinko Cave. We ascend steadily with great views of steep-sided mountains and the majestic Glacier Dome mountain at the top of the valley. Finally, after several hours, we pass through the gates of the sanctuary where we are rewarded with a 360° view of the Annapurna giants. The trail is not especially steep but many trekkers find this a difficult ascent due to the altitude. Take it slowly and make sure that you drink lots of water. From ABC itself you can see Machapuchare (6,997m), Annapurna 1 (7,219m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hinchuli (6,441m), Annapurna 3 (7,555m), Tent Peak (5,663m), Gandharba Chuli (6,250m), Gangapurna (7,454m), Annapurna Frank (7,647m), Khangsha Kang (7,485m) and Glacier Dome (7,193m). The feeling of achievement after reaching the Base Camp, combined with the extraordinarily beautiful views, make this a very special day.
Retracing our steps, we return along the only route to Bamboo. Approx 7 hours trekking
There is only one route in and out of the Sanctuary, and today we return the way that we came, steadily descending. Bamboo is 1600m lower than ABC so you should be prepared for a hard day on your knees. The views are beautiful and you see the valley unfold in a new direction. It is also interesting to see the change in scenery from the snowy rocks of the base camps, past steep-sided rocky mountains, then later into rhododendron and bamboo forest, lush with foliage and rivers. Bamboo is a small village with pleasant tea houses.
Descend to Chomrong and continue to Jhinu Hot Spring where we can enjoy a hot spring bath. Approx. 6 hours trekking
We continue back down the valley on a gently undulating path with lovely views before descending steeply to the Chomrong Khola. From here the path ascends steeply to Chomorong before descending again to Jhinu. About 20 minutes walk downhill from Jhinu are some hot springs (about 105°F) where you can relax and soothe and heal your muscles.
Our last full day trekking, we follow the route to the bank of Modi khola . Approx 6 hours trekking and one hour by private vehicle to Pokhara
We follow the bank of river. The views back up the valley to Annapurna South are absolutely breathtaking with green terraced hills topped by snowy peaks. Our path then continues on through farmland .
Pokhara is set in a lovely valley at the foot of the Machapuchhare so you get spectacular views of the mountains from all parts of the town. There are some nice short walks or bicycle rides from Pokhara, or you can swim/canoe on Lake Phewa or just watch the last rays of the sun stream across the dip in the mountains that hold the lake. Along the lakeside road there is a continuous stretch of small hotels, restaurants and shops.
From Pokhara, take a drive by the tourist bus through the Prithvi Highway. After 6 hrs, you reach to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Take a rest and walk around the tourist street. Overnight at hote
We will transport you to the airport. Thanks for trekking with Adventure Himalayan Travels. We look forward to seeing you again!