Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 14 Days – 15 Days

Your Annapurna Base Camp trek adventure starts right from your arrival at Tribhuvan international Airport Kathmandu as well. Today is just about hanging your hat, breathing in the buzz of Nepal’s capital, and getting ready for the amazing trip up.

Day Activities:

• Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, TIA at Kathmandu – the door to Himalayas
• Meet your trekking guide or agency representative in the arrival hall holding a welcome nameplate
• Proceed to your issued hotel in Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu’s trekker district.
• Check in, freshen up, relax after a long flight, your body will definitely thank you
• Walk at leisure around the colorful streets of Thamel – shops that sell trekking gear and cafes, temples, bakeries on every corner.
• Trek briefing with your guide: permits, packing list, daily schedule, safety tips
• Welcome dinner in a local Nepali restaurant — the perfect way to be introduced to Dal Bhat, momos and other Himalayan dishes.
• Off to bed early — tomorrow’s long trek drive to Pokhara begins bright and early!

Today, you leave the busy streets of Kathmandu behind for the tranquility of lakeside living in Pokhara – Nepal’s adventure capital. The picturesque Prithvi highway runs parallel to the rivers Trishuli and Marsyangdi, providing breathtaking views of the valley all the way.

Day Activities:

• Early breakfast at the hotel, then load the vehicle for the west
• Drive  the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara - see terraced hillsides and river valleys on this route
• Rest stop optional at Mugling or Abu Khaireni - some excellent local teas, and sugarcane juice
• We join your hotel on the shores of the lake in Pokhara.
• Afternoon at leisure to wander: walk along the lovely Phewa Lake riverside.
• Optional stop at the International Mountain Museum — interesting displays on the history of Himalayan climbing
• Catch views of the celebrated Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) at lakeside at sunset
• Final gear and pack check for tomorrow – your trek starts now!

The real adventure starts today! A brief drive from Pokhara to Nayapul — the official trailhead — will have you strapping on your boots and setting foot on the Annapurna Base Camp trail. The trail meanders through riverside villages, suspension bridges, and green terraced farmland.

Day Activities:

• Morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hour) — watch as the city turns into farmland
• Carry out the obligatory TIMS Card and ACAP Permit verification at Birethanti Check Point
• Take your initial steps on the ABC trail away from Nayapul following the Modi Khola river
• Trek to Birethanti village — a pretty little village with teahouses and a waterfall in the wild nearby
• Track following the river through the native Magar villages and ricked terraces
• Pass over a series of wooden suspension bridges that sway over the turquoise waters of the Modi Khola
• Climb steadily to reach Tikhedhunga — a tiny yet bustling teahouse hamlet
• End your first day hike over a hearty dinner at the lodge – you deserve it!

Today is among the most fulfilling yet challenging days of the beginning hike. The path ascends at a sharp angle through one of the most stunning rhododendron forests in Nepal, each step up is answered by a view of the mountain that you can take with you. When you get to Ghorepani, the Annapurna range will be within your reach.

Day Activities:

• Early departure from Tikhedhunga — the trek right away starts with the long stone stairs
• Steep climb beyond Ulleri village — a traditional Magar village with authentic stone-paved lanes
• Step into the enchanting rhododendron and oak forest —a crescendo of red and pink blooms in spring (March–April)
• Rest stop at Bantanti and Nangethanti — best places to catch your breath and drink
• Hike into ever-more breathtaking mountain landscapes with wild views toward Annapurna South
• Views of Hiunchuli, Nilgiri and the high ridges of the Annapurna Massif
• Reach Ghorepani (2,874m) - a very common mountain town located on a ridge
• Early check, have hot soup and sleep well – tomorrow’s early morning hike to Poon Hill

Rise early — today arguably has the most iconic highlight of the entire trek, if not all trekking, sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill. The seemingly endless array of snowcapped giants glowing gold and pink in the morning light is one of those moments that will change you forever.

Day Activities:

•  Rise at 4:30–5:00 AM and start the 45-minute trek to Poon Hill (3,210m) with the help of a flashlight
• Make it to the hilltop lookout for one of the most stunning sunrises in Nepal
• See the golden light on Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri and more than 20 other peaks
• This is the most photographed vista on the Annapurna Circuit
• Go down to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast that you’ve long been owing yourself
• Continue on trekking through the thick rhododendron and bamboo woodland towards Tadapani
• So many birds to see, - this forest is the rightful home of Danphe (Himalayan Monal), national bird of Nepal.
• Come to Tadapani with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre towering over the skyline.

Your today’s trek takes you further into the land of Gurung, you descend through misty forests, crisscross the wild Modi Khola through gorge, then climb to the dramatic ridge village of Chhomrong widely accepted as the “real door” to Annapurna Sanctuary.

Day Activities:

• Early morning views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre at Tadapani — last big panorama before the gorge.
•  Descend in beautiful oak, rhododendron & bamboo woodland.
• Travel through traditional Gurung villages - observe distinct culture, stone houses & warm hospitality.
• Descend sharply to the Modi Khola river valley and cross a long suspension bridge.
• Hike up the Kimche village – terraced potato and mustard fields decorate the trail.
• Reach Chhomrong: a large and bustling Gurung village situated on a sunny ridgeline.
• Go to the Chhomrong monastery and meet some of the villagers.
• From the lodge rooftop, take in outstanding views of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli towering straight ahead.

From the exposed ridges of Chhomrong, today leads you down to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, a secret land enclosed by towering peaks that is home to the world’s highest mountains in a broad sense. The trail drops steeply, crosses the Chhomrong Khola and then ascends again through dense jungle to Dobhan.

Day Activities:

• Descend the legendary stone  staircase from Chhomrong — nearly 2,000 steps carved into the mountainside
• Cross the Chhomrong Khola bridge at the bottom of the valley.
• Ascend again through Sinuwa with its exquisite bamboo and rhododendron cover.
• Step into the wilderness of the Annapurna Conservation Area – green, untouched, and animal rich.
• Watch Himalayan Tahr (wild goats) on the rocky ledges, and red pandas if you are lucky.
• Trek down into mossy forest clammy with fog.
• Hear the thunder of the Modi Khola river below you as you zigzag along the gorge,
• Reach Dobhan — a tea house cluster squeezed between steep valley walls.

Today as you rise higher and higher the landscapes  you pass over is changed greatly in appearance. The thick jungle dies out, replaced with alpine terrain, the air gets cooler and thinner, and sheer walls of the Modi Khola gorge surround you on all sides. When you arrive at Deurali, you will get the feeling that you have gone to a different world completely.

Day Activities:

• Morning trek from Dobhan in mossy rhododendron forests and bamboo thickets.
• Through Himalaya (village) (Hinku Cave) —Historic rest stop of early Annapurna expeditions
• Cross the river Modi Khola multiple times on robust wooden bridges
• The valley walls start to rise overhead – epic gorge backdrop
• Go into the zone where it can snow at any time of the year – wear warm layers
• Let us go through the (Himalaya – Deurali) section which is avalanche-prone efficiently and keep your senses alert
• Reach Deurali a claustrophobic settlement nestled between glacier-sculpted cliffs
• Sleep well tonight — tomorrow is the biggest day of the entire trek!

This is the day you have been waiting for, dreaming about, and hiking toward all week. Today you arrive at Annapurna Base Camp — a high-altitude amphitheater ringed by some of the most spectacular mountains on earth. And at 4,130 meters surrounded by giants, it’s an experience that words can barely describe.

Day Activities:

• Early morning departure from Deurali — the trail flattens out on a wide open alpine plateau
• Cross snowfields and glacial moraine covered with stones as the Sanctuary takes shape
• Arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700m) — see the full Annapurna range for the first time
• Enjoy the breathtaking sight of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain, 6,993m) right overhead
• Final 2 hours on ice and boulders to Annapurna Base Camp
• Arrive at ABC (4,130m)  inside the triumphant natural amphitheater –  360° panoramic view: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tharpu Chuli and Machhapuchhre
• Celebrate with your guide and the rest of your group - you have arrived at one of the most iconic locations in Nepal
• Observe a golden sunset on the Annapurna glacier and snowfields from base camp

After the triumphant high of reaching base camp, the long trek back down to the valley starts today. You will head back the way you came through the breathtaking gorge, as the mountains recede behind you and the air grows warmer, the forest thickens, and teems with green once again.

Day Activities:

• Wake up early for one last sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp – it’s even better on a clear day.
• Take one last stroll around the base camp and say goodbye to those amazing peaks.
• Start dropping down from Machhapuchhre Base Camp — the trail seems to fly by when you are going downhill.
• Through Deurali and then Himalaya teahouses — the once strange landmarks now feel like old friends.
• Down through the towering walls of the Modi Khola gorge.
• Re-enter beautiful bamboo and rhododendron forest – a much welcome change of scenery.
• Reach Bamboo – a tranquil, forest-shaded teahouse stop off the river.
• Relax your aching legs, enjoy a hot meal, and sleep soundly in the warm lodge.

Today, leaving the main ABC route behind, you will be venturing into one of Nepal’s finest Gurung villages — Ghandruk. This large and beautiful hilltop village presents a fascinating cultural experience with traditional stone houses, a museum and the finest views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre that you can find on the trail.

Day Activities:

• Trek from Bamboo, retrace your steps through the lower forest via Sinuwa
• Go back up the stone stairs to Chhomrong for a rest in the late morning
• Rather than back to Tadapani from Chhomrong, head along the trail to Ghandruk
• Trek across terraced farmland, holding on to slowly widening views of the Annapurna South face
• Reach Ghandruk — the second largest Gurung village in Nepal, at an elevation 1,940m
• Drop in on the Ghandruk Gurung Museum – discover about the history, culture, jewellery and the Gurkha soldier tradition of the Gurung people
• Visit the cobbled streets and old stone house of the village
• Best line-of-sight to Annapurna South (7,219m) you have had on the whole trip

The trek ends today as you descend from Ghandruk through terraced farmland to Nayapul – the same gateway where your journey started just over a week ago. From there, a beautiful drive takes you back to the stunning lakeside city of Pokhara.

Day Activities:

• One final morning in the mountains – rise early to watch Annapurna South turn rose at Ghandruk
• Have a relaxed breakfast before you start your final descent
• Walk down through thick rhododendron forest and terraced fields
• Go through Kimche and lower Gurung settlements as the trail descends to the valley floor
• At the bottom, cross the Modi Khola river and hike through the valley to Nayapul
• Reach Nayapul – the end point (trail head) of your Annapurna Base Camp trek
• Board your vehicle for the drive back to Pokhara (1 hour)
•  Head to your hotel and finally have that long, hot shower you have been hoping for.
•  Toast the end of your trek with a farewell dinner at Phewa Lake

Your final full day in Nepal starts with the scenic drive to Kathmandu. The mountains might be disappearing in the back window, but the memories you have collected on the trail will last a lifetime. Use this day to unwind, think back over your experience, and maybe get in some last-minute sightseeing.

Day Activities:

• Spend the morning checking out your hotel in Pokhara after a leisurely breakfast
• Drive back towards Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway — back the way you came, now well acquainted
• Stop for tea, fresh fruit, and a rest at an optional stop at the riverside in Mugling
• Reach Kathmandu by mid afternoon and proceed to the hotel
• Option to visit Patan Durbar Square, one of the best UNESCO Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley
• Final souvenir shopping in Thamel — pashminas, thangka paintings, singing bowls, prayer flags, Nepali spices
• Feel free to take a trekking certificate from us as a memento of your accomplishment
• Farewell dinner with your guide and trek team

All good adventures come to an end, but the essence of the Himalayas never leaves you. Now you leave Nepal with an empty heart, weary legs, and a collection of memories that you will carry for the rest of your life. Have a good journey and Namaste!

Day Activities:

• Wake up and savor a final Nepali breakfast - one last Dal Bhat or butter tea.
• Pack up and check one last time that you have all your things.
• Proceed to TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) – at least 3 hours for International flight.
• Check-in and formalities for departure at the airport.
• Thinking about the amazing 14 days – the mountains, the people, the culture, and the personal achievements.
• Fly home with the spirit of the Himalayas in your heart.