Annapurna Base Camp Trek

After having breakfast with pack, get ready for the Tourist Bus Departure for an overland journey to Pokhara. Generally, an exhilarating drive of about 6 to 7 hours if there is no Traffic jam following the main busy highway of Nepal. The road passes along the Trisuli River which is a very popular river for rafting adventure, then the road changes direction towards the west to finally reach the city of Pokhara. During the trip, one can see rural farm life with great views of snow capped peaks. The drive finishes in Pokhara by the beautiful side of Phewa Lake where most good hotels are located. After getting a nice room one can spend time strolling around the Phewa Lakeside. (Optional: by air from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a scenic flight of 30 minutes)

Start by taking a picturesque route from Pokhara to Ghandruk (1,940 m / 6,365 ft) - 60km will take about 2 hours. The vehicle will follow a narrow mountainous route along rivers, passing beautiful hills, terraced farmland and friendly villages of the countryside, along with a view at the lifestyle of the people living in the Annapurna region. Getting higher up, the temperature drops and the mountain panoramas start to unfold. At your arrival in Ghandruk, which is among the largest and most beautiful villages primarily inhabited by the Gurung people, you can lodge in a guesthouse and spend some time visiting the village. Stroll along the traditional stone-paved lanes, see the houses with slate roofs, and have a look at the local museum that exhibits Gurung culture, the history, and their involvement in the Gurkha regiments. Besides this, you might find the time to get to know the local residents who are eager to share their way of life with you.Later in the day, observe the stunning Annapurna South and the holy Machhapuchhre that light up with wonderful colors, particularly at sunset. Surrounded by a calming mountain setting and enriched with cultural elements, Ghandruk is just the right place to get you started with your trekking adventure. The medium of sleep in a tea house in Ghandruk.

Trek from Ghandruk to Chomrong (2,170 m / 7,120 ft) takes around 5–6 hours, covering a scenic route through traditional villages, terraced farmlands, and forested trails. Starting from Ghandruk, a beautiful settlement of the Gurung people, the trail gradually descends through stone steps and fields to the Kimrong Khola. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trek involves a steady uphill climb through lush rhododendron and oak forests. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South and the iconic Machhapuchhre, which accompany you throughout the day. The trail passes small settlements and offers peaceful natural surroundings with chances to spot local wildlife and birds. As you approach Chomrong, the landscape opens up to reveal a beautiful hillside village perched above the Modi Khola valley. Chomrong is the last major settlement before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary and offers incredible mountain views along with comfortable teahouses. Overnight stay at Chomrong.

Travelling on foot from Chomrong to Bamboo (2310 meters / 7579 feet) is approximately 4–5 hours journey and will take you up and down hills as well as through deep forests. The very first part of the day is a long way down from Chomrong on stone steps right down to Chomrong Khola, then one has to cross a suspension bridge over the river. After the bridge, the path goes up through green woods.If you go a bit further, you will find a way through lovely bamboo and rhododendron woods, giving a cool and peaceful feeling. With this part of the trek, you are going into the Annapurna Himal area where nature is untouched and people quite few. During the walk you meet small villages e.g. Sinuwa a popular place for trekkers to have a meal and then into forested trails up to Bamboo. The meri-lined paths make your walk to a new level at times dense with trees and hardwoods. Bamboo is a nice little village near trees so it is really a calm place to stay and relax after a day of walking. Overnight at a guest house in Bamboo.

The trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3,230 m / 10,595 ft) usually takes about 5-6 hours. It is a continuous uphill trek through thick forests and river valleys. The hike starts as you slowly walk up through groves of bamboo and rhododendrons, while the sound of Modi Khola river keeps you company. Dovan and Himalaya are villages you cross. Even after the villages, the path is mostly under cover and is very quiet which makes the trip very pleasant. Slowly as you go higher and higher, you notice that the types of plants around you are different. Also, you see that the woods are getting lighter until finally, there is hardly any tree left where you are standing. The scenery now is a lot more wild and alpine with the presence of rugged areas and the view of the Himalayan mountains is spectacular whereas the trees are very few. The air is getting colder and one can feel that it is getting thinner too when you get to Deurali, which is a small village at the foot of huge rocky walls. You should also be cautious in this area as there are places where avalanches and landslides occur and the times when one is most vulnerable are between Himalaya and Deurali. Then once there, soak in the peaceful high-altitude surroundings and gear up mentally and physically for the next day's adventure to the innermost part of the Annapurna Himal. You will be staying overnight in one of the teahouses in Deurali.

After breakfast at Deurali, set off on your gradual ascent to the Annapurna Base Camp. The path winds alongside the Modi Khola through a narrow valley, as you gradually climb, opens up to magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Eventually, after a consistent effort, you arrive at Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700 m), a picturesque spot encircled by giant mountains including the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Have a little break here and soak up the stunning alpine landscape. Leaving MBC behind, you find the path getting larger as you go deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, which presents you with breathtaking views of snowy peaks all around. A very light climb will take you to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), which is your point of arrival for the day. Once at base camp, you'll be standing inside a stunning natural amphitheater formed by the high peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Savor the amazing mountain views and your stay at the teahouse will be truly a night to remember.

Wake up early at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) to enjoy a stunning sunrise over the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After breakfast, begin your descent, retracing the same trail back through the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary. You’ll first walk down to Machhapuchhare Base Camp, then continue descending past Deurali, enjoying changing landscapes from alpine terrain to greener valleys. The downhill journey is easier on breathing but can be long on the knees, so a steady pace is recommended. Passing through Himalayan and Dovan, the trail gradually re-enters dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. Finally, you reach Bamboo (2,310 m), a peace and forested stop along the trail. Overnight at a teahouse.

After breakfast in Bamboo, begin your trek with a gradual ascent through bamboo and rhododendron forests toward Sinuwa. The trail then continues with ups and downs as you retrace your route back to Chhomrong, where you can enjoy lunch with beautiful mountain views. From Chhomrong, descend steeply on stone steps to reach Jhinu Danda (1,780 m). After checking into your teahouse, take a relaxing walk down to the nearby natural hot springs along the river. Enjoy a soothing bath in the warm waters, perfect for easing tired muscles after several days of trekking. Return to Jhinu Danda for an comfortable overnight stay.

After breakfast in Jhinu Danda, begin a short and easy trek to Siwa (1,150 m), which takes around 30 minutes. The trail descends gently through terraced fields and small villages, offering a final glimpse of rural life in the Annapurna region. Upon reaching Siwa, board a vehicle for a scenic drive back to Pokhara (820 m). The drive follows winding roads along rivers and countryside, taking approximately 2–3 hours. After arriving in Pokhara, check into your hotel near Phewa Lake. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the lakeside, explore local cafes, or simply unwind after completing your incredible trekking journey.

After breakfast in Pokhara, begin your scenic drive back to Kathmandu (1,350 m). The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on traffic conditions, following the Prithvi Highway alongside the beautiful Trishuli River. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling hills, rivers, terraced farmlands, and small roadside villages, offering a glimpse into rural Nepali life. There will be a few stops for meals and refreshments during the drive. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. You can spend the evening relaxing or exploring nearby restaurants, and cultural sites.