Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, complete your customs and visa formalities. One of our office representatives will be there holding an Icicles Adventure Treks sign board with your name. He will transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu of your choice. Check-in at your hotel and rest, or perhaps take some fresh air strolling around the Thamel area.

We start our day with breakfast at the hotel and going for one-day sightseeing around UNESCO world heritage sites within Kathmandu. Starting from Kathmandu Durbar Square, we go to the monkey temple of Swayambhunath, then take a drive to Pashupatinath and finally end at Boudhanath. All these heritage sites are worth visiting that shows us the best of Nepalese culture, Hindu and Buddhist religion, values, architectures, and temples. We also do organize a meeting about our trek and complete our preparation.

Meet your trekking guide, get familiar with the trek, and enjoy the rest of the day.

We take a 6-7 hours long drive to Pokhara, enjoying green valleys, ridges, rivers, fields, and settlements along the drive. We do have a lunch stop in a restaurant. A

Upon arrival at beautiful lake city, Pokhara, we will enjoy the overall atmosphere, take a stroll around the lakeside of Phewa Lake or simply shop and hop into any nice restaurant, or pubs.

The journey begins after breakfast at our hotel in Pokhara, we drive to Tikhedhunga, the village from where we start the walk. The next phase is a trek to Ulleri, another village that lies at an elevation of 2050 meters (6725 feet). The trek from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri is known for its steep stone staircases, comprising approximately 3,300 steps. This part of the trek offers a challenge and is famous for its beautiful scenery, including terraced fields and views of the surrounding mountains. We stay at a teahouse in Ulleri enjoying the views of mountains.

We leave Ulleri after breakfast. The trail ascends. We reach Banthanti and the trail then winds through oak and bamboo forests through the bank of beautiful stream. This offers a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the region. We have lunch at Nangethanti and the later part of the trek is walk through lush forests of rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Depending on the season, trekkers might witness these forests in full bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant colors. The forests between Ulleri and Ghorepani are home to a variety of wildlife. Birds, including different species of pheasants, and occasionally, langur monkeys can be spotted along the trail. Along the way, there are several tea houses and small villages where trekkers can rest, enjoy local Nepali tea, and have snacks or lunch. These stops also provide opportunities to interact with locals and learn about their lifestyle and culture. Upon reaching Ghorepani, trekkers are greeted with stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Ghorepani is a bustling village with a wide range of accommodations and dining options. If you have time and energy, trekkers can explore the village of Ghorepani or simply relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Enjoying the sunset over the Himalayas can be a memorable part of the evening.

We start early before dawn to hike to Poon Hill, aiming to reach the summit in time to witness one of the most spectacular sunrises over the Himalayas. The ascent is relatively steep but short (1.5 km one way) and upon reaching the top, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

After returning to Ghorepani and having breakfast, we set out towards Tadapani. This portion of the trek involves descending through rhododendron forests, offering more enchanting views and a chance to observe the local flora and fauna. The trail from Ghorepani to Tadapani is known for its natural beauty, with several spots offering majestic views of the snow-capped peaks.

The trek passes through the villages of Deurali and Banthanti before making a final ascent to Tadapani. Tadapani provides a serene environment, surrounded by forests, and is a great place to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Himalayas.

The trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong is a picturesque segment of many trekking routes in the Annapurna region, notable for its stunning mountain views and insights into local Gurung culture. This part of the trek descends through beautiful forests, crosses rivers, and passes through villages, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

The trek begins with a descent through lush rhododendron forests, which are particularly vibrant in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. The path offers splendid views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) as it winds down to the Kimrong Khola (river). After crossing the river, there's a gradual ascent followed by a descent to the village of Gurjung, which provides an opportunity to experience the daily lives and culture of the Gurung people.

From Gurjung, the trail ascends again, offering more picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. The final stretch to Chhomrong is a mix of gentle climbs and level paths. Chhomrong is a large and bustling Gurung village that serves as a crucial junction for trekkers heading towards the Annapurna Sanctuary. The village offers excellent views of the Annapurna massif and the valley below.

The trek from Chhomrong to Dovan is an integral part of the journey towards the Annapurna Base Camp, situated in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. This leg of the trek takes you deeper into the sanctuary, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region and offering mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.

The trek begins with a descent from Chhomrong down a series of stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola (river). This initial part is quite steep and can be challenging on the knees. Crossing the suspension bridge over Chhomrong Khola marks the start of the ascent towards Sinuwa. This section is known for its steep and continuous uphill path but rewards trekkers with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. From Sinuwa, the trail becomes relatively more level and passes through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron. The path here is serene, with the sound of the river accompanying trekkers as they move through the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The final stretch to Dovan is through a narrower valley, where the dense forest provides a canopy overhead. Dovan is a small settlement situated at the confluence of two rivers, offering basic lodging facilities for trekkers. The area around Dovan is known for its natural beauty, with the towering Himalayas overhead and the forested valley providing a tranquil setting.

The walk from Dovan to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC) offers trekkers an immersive experience in the heart of the Himalayas, surrounded by majestic peaks and stunning landscapes. The transition from lush forests to rugged alpine terrain is a highlight for many trekkers. Today’s trek offers stunning views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and, of course, Machhapuchre itself. The lower sections of the trail are rich in biodiversity, including dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo, which are home to various bird species and wildlife.

The trail from Dovan to MBC progressively ascends through dense forests, crossing several streams and waterfalls. As you ascend, the vegetation starts to thin, offering clearer views of the surrounding mountains. The path becomes steeper and more challenging as you approach Deurali, the last stop before MBC, situated at around 3,200 meters (10,500 feet).

From Deurali, the trail continues to ascend, leaving the treeline behind and entering a more alpine environment. The landscape opens up, presenting dramatic views of the surrounding peaks, including Machhapuchre (Fishtail Mountain), which dominates the skyline.

Trekking from MBC to ABC is a highlight for many trekkers in the Himalayas, providing an awe-inspiring experience amidst the giants of the natural world. The journey not only challenges the body but also enriches the spirit, offering profound moments of connection with nature's grandeur.

This segment of the trek covers a shorter distance compared to other days on the trail but involves a significant elevation gain, leading trekkers into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacial basin surrounded by a ring of towering Himalayan peaks. The distance from MBC to ABC is approximately 3 to 4 kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 430 meters (1,410 feet). Despite the relatively short distance, the trek can take about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on individual pace, weather conditions, and acclimatization to the altitude.

The trail from MBC to ABC is less forested and more open, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. The path is well-defined and gradually ascends through alpine meadows and over rocky terrain. The environment is stark and majestic, with the high mountains of the Annapurna range encircling the valley.

As trekkers approach ABC, the trail becomes somewhat steeper, but the sight of the Annapurna Massif, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre, provides a breathtaking backdrop that motivates many to push forward. The final approach to ABC opens up to a wide plateau, offering panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

If the afternoon/evening weather is clear, trekkers will enjoy the dramatic panorama. As the sun begins to set, the changing light casts spectacular colors on these towering peaks, creating dramatic and breathtaking vistas. with the snow-capped mountains reflecting hues of pink, orange, and red. The sight of these giants bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun is a highlight for many trekkers and photographers. It's a moment of profound beauty and tranquility, offering a unique opportunity to witness the majesty of the Himalayas in a new light. Dress warmly, as temperatures can drop quickly once the sun goes down. Bring your camera and prepare to capture one of the most memorable scenes of your life.

The day begins early, with trekkers waking up before dawn to catch the first rays of the sun illuminating the Annapurna massif. The experience of watching the sunrise at ABC is unparalleled, as the snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), and Hiunchuli, gradually light up with an orange and pink glow.

After breakfast, we retrace steps back down the valley, passing through MBC before descending further into the Modi Khola valley. The path leads through the same stunning landscapes encountered on the ascent but offers a new perspective as trekkers are now facing the opposite direction, with views opening up ahead of them.

As the elevation decreases, the alpine meadows and rocky terrain give way to lush forests filled with rhododendrons, bamboo, and oak trees. The sound of rushing streams and the sight of waterfalls accompany trekkers as they make their way down the valley.

The main challenge on this day is the strain on knees and leg muscles as we descend 2000m today. It's important to take it slow, use trekking poles for support, and take regular breaks to rest and hydrate. The risk of slipping on loose gravel or wet stones is also higher, so careful footing is essential.

The trail initially involves a gradual ascent through lush forests filled with rhododendrons and bamboo, eventually leading to a steep descent to the Modi Khola river. After crossing the river, there's a final climb to reach Jhinu Danda. Along the way, trekkers are treated to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with the landscape gradually transitioning from the alpine scenery of the higher altitudes to the subtropical environment of the lower regions. One of the day's highlights is the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs located near Jhinu Danda. These springs are a short walk from the main village and offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, especially after days of trekking. The hot springs are situated beside the Modi Khola river, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation.After reaching Jhinu Danda and perhaps enjoying the hot springs, we drive back to Pokhara. The drive can take around 3 hours. The drive back to Pokhara offers a different perspective of the Nepalese countryside, with scenic views of hills, rivers, and local villages along the way. It's a chance to reflect on the trekking experience while transitioning back to urban life.

We drive towards Kathmandu leaving back the trails of ABC and Pokhara. Upon arrival at capital city, we will organize farewell dinner at one of the cultural restaurant with good performances.

Quick Note:  You also have an option to extend your Nepal trekking trip with an extra day at Pokhara to explore even more natural and cultural attractions. Similarly, Chitwan Safari, Rafting, or Bungee jumping and Paragliding, Everest mountain flight and there are many more activities that you can experience while you are in Nepal.

With plenty of wonderful Annapurna Base Camp Trekking memories, you will be transferred to TIA for your scheduled international flight by one of our office representative. We hope that you like our services, and look forward to organize even more treks, tours and adventures in near future. Farewell!