Trek to Annapurna Base Camp Over a 13-Day Trip from Kathmandu
Highlights
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghorepani, Annapurna
Locations Covered
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghorepani, Annapurna
nature, trekking, Hot Springs
Group Tour
13 Days
Hard
English
Description
Embark on an adventurous trek of the Annapurna foothills and see outstanding views of the mountain ranges as you trek to Machhapuchhre, then make your way to the serene village of Gurung. Pass by the lovely and lush forests of Chhomrung and Ghorepani and enjoy the splendid sunset view of snow-clad mountains from Poon Hill. Also, go for a warm dip in Jhinu Danda Hot Springs.
Itinerary
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Day 1- Arrival in Kathmandu
- Connect with the tour representative, who will greet you at the airport terminal once you arrive, make your way to the hotel, and check-in.
- Later in the evening, your trekking guide will give you a pre-hike briefing. Check your gear, and if you've missed anything, you may hire or buy it from any of the Thamel stores. Thamel, a renowned tourist destination, has a variety of outlets that sell and rent out hiking equipment.
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Day 2- Kathmandu - Pokhara - Ulleri
- After an early breakfast in the morning, you'll catch your flight to Pokhara to take in the breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurna's, Langtang, and Dhaulagiri range.
- Upon arriving at Pokhara, you'll take a private vehicle and go to Hile, passing through lush countryside and traditional farmlands. You'll begin your hike after arriving at Hile. The trail passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, rich in flora and fauna.
- Climb a series of stone steps from Tikhedhunga and walk through traditional Gurung and Magar communities. Ulleri is situated at the top of a hill and is among the most challenging periods of your trek, with over 3,000 stairs to climb.
- When you get to Ulleri, go directly to a teahouse to relax your sore feet.
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Day 3- Ulleri - Ghorepani
- Today's hike is simple in comparison to yesterday's strenuous ascent; the route passes through one of the world's largest rhododendron woods. This section of the trail has been described as "a stroll through heaven" by hikers who have completed it in the spring, where the route is blanketed with red and pink rhododendron flowers, creating the impression of wandering through a magical realm.
- As you ascend, you'll pass through the arched doorway a check post where your permits will be examined. For trekkers visiting Poon Hill, the village of Ghorepani (literal translation: "Horse Water"), which has a substantial Magar (ethnic group) community, is a popular halt. In the past, the region served as a rest stop for horses and mule packs travelling in caravans on their way to Tibet.
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Day 4- Ghorepani - Tadapani
- Early in the morning, head to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's most iconic viewpoints.
- The trek to the top of the hill takes around an hour. Walk to Bahadur Poon, a former major who served in the British Army, titled this vantage point 'Poon Hill.'
- Watch the sunrise across the Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri snowy ranges.
- After that, descend to Ghorepani and make your way to Tadapani, taking an ascending path through dense rhododendron and pine woodland. From there, hike down to Tadapani after passing across Deurali Pass.
- When you get to the village, relax and take some needed rest.
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Day 5- Tadapani - Chhomrong
- Head to Chhomrong, a Gurung village with close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, from Tadapani (Fishtail Peak), the path to Chhomrong passes through a dense rhododendron forest.
- Enjoy views of the Modi Khola Valley's hillside communities and the Annapurna Himal as you descend.
- After crossing the bridge at Kimrong Khola ascend the Modi Khola Valley to get to Chhomrong, follow a route carved into the mountainside.
- After you reach Chhomrong, enjoy the view of deep gorges and Himalayan peaks from the settlement. Stop at a teahouse and rest or explore the village.
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Day 6- Chhomrong - Bamboo
- Your exhilaration is heightened by the near-vertical view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) from Chhomrong, where each step brings you closer to the mountains. Before you know it, you'll be standing beneath them.
- After an early breakfast, follow the trail towards Bamboo, a rest station for trekkers and backpackers with a few teahouses. You'll cross the Chhomrong Khola and pursue the Modi Khola's meandering track. The trail passes through dense Bamboo and rhododendron forests, follows the path, and climbs down a stone stairway from Khuldighar to Bamboo.
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Day 7- Bamboo - Deurali
- Hike along the route covered by bamboo groves. Once you reach Himalaya Hotel, the bamboo leaf cover dissipates, and you can get a glimpse of the clear sky. You'll acquire altitude as you ascend higher, so take frequent rest.
- As you pass along, you'll notice a vast stone structure known as the Hinku Cave. The earliest Annapurna expedition parties used this Cave as an overnight camp and supply store. From here, the route descends to the river and then ascends until you reach Deurali.
- Pass through captivating waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and forests alive with singing birds and colourful butterflies on your way to Deurali. Get some much-needed rest after you reach a teahouse in Deurali, as you'll be heading towards Annapurna Base Camp tomorrow.
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Day 8- Deurali - Annapurna Base Camp - Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Leave Deurali and make your way to a nearby stream. Stroll down the stony banks until you come to what appears to be a natural doorway. The route leads into the heart of massive mountains, where you'll see the snowy Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre peering down at you as you enter this beautiful realm.
- Step onto the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which is located at the base of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), a sacred peak. Climbing is prohibited on this mountain because the inhabitants consider it to be the home of gods. Take a short break here and keep going until you reach Annapurna Base Camp.
- As you approach Annapurna Base Camp, you'll feel a rush of adrenaline, finding yourself staring at the icy walls of the Himalayan peaks, the Annapurna Sanctuaries glacial basin surrounded by the snowy walls of Annapurna Massif (including Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world), Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. Take pictures and celebrate with your friends and crew. Enjoy the glorious sunset before heading to the teahouse.
- Later in the evening, stargaze if the sky is clear. The clusters of the Milky Way are visible from Annapurna Base Camp.
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Day 9- Machhapuchhre Base Camp - Bamboo
- Get up early in the morning to witness the sun rising over the Annapurna peaks. The colour of the white snowy mountains slowly turning into a variant of colours is a sight not to miss.
- Return to the teahouse after spending some time at the Annapurna Base Camp, pack your gear, and retrace your trail down to the Bamboo. It's a long way down, so be cautious as you descend the stone stairs.
- When you get to Bamboo, have your well-earned rest.
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Day 10- Bamboo - Jhinu Danda
- Today after the morning meal, head towards Jhinu Danda. The hot springs in the area are very well known.
- Hike down to the river after you've arrived in the village, which takes around 25 minutes. The hot spring is located just alongside the river. Soak your aching muscles in the Himalayan hot spring water.
- After a relaxing plunge, make your way to a teahouse and enjoy your last day on the trail.
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Day 11- Jhinu Danda - Matque - Pokhara
- Head to Matque from Jhinu Danda.
- Board a vehicle at Matque and drive to Pokhara. Check into your accommodation and relax. If you're not too exhausted, take a stroll along the lakeside and take a private boat ride on the peaceful Phewa Lake. Look up at the mountains, where you've been hiking for the last week in its shadows.
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Day 12- Pokhara - Kathmandu
- Take a flight back to Kathmandu, check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day as you choose.
- Later in the evening, have an authentic dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant while participating in a cultural event with our representative and your trekking guide.
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Day 13- Departure
- Three hours before your flight's departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please do let us know if you want to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries, or let us create a journey just for you.
Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking details are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.