Head towards the Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara passing through several hilltop villages along the way. The beauty of the locations and the thrill of travelling through forests and above gorges make this a perfect adventure.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic adventures, taking you through diverse landscapes to the majestic Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). This 15-day journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and high-altitude adventure.
Mountain Kick provides a comprehensive package that includes tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara back to Kathmandu, all accommodations, sightseeing tours, and professional guides and porters. Our carefully designed route ensures you experience the best of the Annapurna region, from charming villages and lush forests to the breathtaking amphitheater of peaks at Annapurna Base Camp, including Annapurna I (8,091m) – one of the fourteen “eight-thousanders” in the world.
We will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft) and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from jet lag or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel on your own.
Today we explore the cultural and historical treasures of Kathmandu Valley with visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath stands as a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The massive mandala-shaped structure features the watchful eyes of Buddha gazing in all four directions. You’ll witness pilgrims circumambulating the stupa in a clockwise direction, spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with monasteries and shops selling Tibetan artifacts, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Pashupatinath Temple: This sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva sits on the banks of the Bagmati River. As one of the holiest shrines for Hindus, Pashupatinath features a distinctive two-tiered golden roof and silver doors. Here, you’ll observe Hindu funeral rituals at the cremation ghats along the riverbank, offering insights into Hindu beliefs about life, death, and rebirth. Note that only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple, but visitors can observe the complex from the opposite bank.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This ancient royal complex showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Newari people. You’ll explore the Royal Palace, the Golden Gate, the 55 Window Palace, and numerous temples featuring intricate wood and stone carvings. Bhaktapur is often called an “open living museum” where traditional crafts, architecture, and customs continue to thrive. The city’s narrow alleys, traditional pottery squares, and ancient temples provide a glimpse into Nepal’s medieval past.
In the evening, we’ll hold a pre-trip meeting to discuss the trek itinerary, introduce you to your guide, and answer any questions you may have about the journey ahead.
Time: 5-6 hours guided sightseeing | Difficulty: Easy
We’ll take a morning tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city situated at 827 meters (2,700 feet). The 6-7 hour journey offers spectacular views of rural Nepal, terraced farmlands, and river valleys. The road follows the Trishuli River for much of the way, providing scenic vistas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we’ll check into our hotel and have the evening free to explore Pokhara’s lakeside area, known for its relaxed atmosphere, restaurants, and shops. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare mentally for the trek that begins tomorrow.
Distance: 200km by road | Time: 6-7 hours bus ride | Difficulty: Easy
We drive from Pokhara to Nayapul/Birethanti (approximately 1.5-2 hours), which is the starting point of our trek. From here, we begin our trek to Ulleri, climbing through beautiful villages and landscapes. This first day of trekking helps us acclimatize and prepare for the days ahead.
Distance: 40km drive + 8km trek | Time: 2 hours drive + 4-5 hours trek | Difficulty: Moderate
From Ulleri, we trek approximately 10.5km (6.5 miles) to Ghorepani. The trail involves a steady uphill climb with stone steps laid along much of the route. We’ll pass through several villages, forests, and streams that provide beautiful distractions from the physical effort. The day’s trek gains significant elevation, so we’ll maintain a steady pace with regular breaks.
Distance: 10.5km trek | Time: 5-6 hours trek | Difficulty: Moderate
We’ll wake up early (around 4:00 AM) for a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,535ft), a journey of about 1km (0.6 miles) that takes approximately one hour. From this vantage point, we’ll witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges—one of the highlights of the trek. After enjoying the panoramic views and taking photographs, we’ll return to Ghorepani for breakfast.
After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey to Tadapani, covering approximately 9km (5.6 miles) through rhododendron forests and streams. The Himalayan peaks will be visible throughout much of this trek, making the challenging sections worthwhile. The trail includes both uphill and downhill sections, with a net descent to Tadapani.
Distance: 1km/0.6mi to Poon Hill + 9km/5.6mi to Tadapani | Time: 1 hour to Poon Hill + 6-7 hours to Tadapani | Difficulty: Moderate
Today we trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong, covering approximately 10km (6.2 miles) in about 5 hours. The trail begins with a steep descent to the Kimrong Khola (stream), followed by an ascent to Chhomrong, a large Gurung village at 2,170 meters (7,120 feet). The trek offers magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). Chhomrong is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary and the last permanent settlement in the valley.
Distance: 10km/6.2mi | Time: 5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Our journey continues with a steep descent to the Chhomrong Khola, crossing a suspension bridge at 1,900 meters above sea level. We then begin a gradual climb to Sinuwa, followed by a trek through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak trees. The trail passes through the villages of Kuldi and Bamboo before reaching Dovan. From there, we continue to the Himalaya Hotel, situated at 2,920 meters (9,678 feet). The day involves approximately 10km (6.2 miles) of trekking over 6 hours, with significant elevation gain.
Distance: 10km/6.2mi | Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
Today marks the highlight of our trek as we make our way to Annapurna Base Camp. The journey begins with an uphill trek through thick forest toward Hinko Cave. From there, we navigate an avalanche-prone trail before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,139ft). After a short rest, we continue to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft), covering a total distance of approximately 13km (8.1 miles) in about 7 hours.
Standing at the base of the Annapurna massif is truly breathtaking—you’ll be surrounded by mountains over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The panoramic 360-degree mountain views and the unique glacial basin setting make this a moment to treasure. This area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary for good reason—it feels like a sacred place, considered by locals to be the home of the gods.
Distance: 13km/8.1mi | Time: 7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
After enjoying the sunrise over the Annapurna range, we begin our descent from the base camp. We’ll first trek down to Machhapuchhre Base Camp through the moraine route, enjoying continued views of the snowy peaks. Following the Modi Khola river, we descend through forests of rhododendron and fir, passing Deurali and Himalaya before reaching Dovan at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).
Distance: 12km/7.5mi | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Today we continue our descent from Dovan to Chomrong. The trail passes through bamboo forests and small settlements. We’ll cross the Bamboo area (2,310m) and continue through the Modi Khola valley. After crossing a suspension bridge, we’ll climb up to the large Gurung village of Chomrong at 2,170 meters (7,120 feet). Chomrong offers magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).
Distance: 10km/6.2mi | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
We begin our day with a trek from Chomrong to Jhinu Hot Spring, covering approximately 8km (5 miles) in about 4 hours. The trail is initially steep but eventually leads us to the natural hot springs where we can soak our tired muscles and relax. The hot springs are located about 30 minutes downhill from Jhinu Danda, on the banks of the Modi Khola river. After enjoying the therapeutic waters, we’ll cross the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola river to reach the jeep station at the base of Jhinu Danda. From here, we’ll take a direct jeep ride to Pokhara. The journey covers approximately 50-60 kilometers and takes around 4-5 hours.
Distance: 8km/5mi to Jhinu | Time: 4 hours trekking + 4-5 hours jeep ride | Difficulty: Moderate
Pokhara is the most beautiful city in Nepal and that is why tourists from all around the world come here. Major tourist attractions are the Devi’s Fall, the Mahendra Cave, the Bat Cave, the World Peace Pagoda and the Phewa Lake. The lakeside area is a great place for tourists to hangout and the nightlife here is amazing.
Today we explore Pokhara’s major attractions with a guided sightseeing tour:
Phewa Lake: The second-largest lake in Nepal and the centerpiece of Pokhara. We’ll enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake, which offers stunning reflections of the Annapurna range on clear days. The lake is also home to the Tal Barahi Temple (Varahi Mandir), a two-tiered pagoda-style Hindu temple situated on a small island.
World Peace Pagoda: Perched on a ridge high above Phewa Lake, this brilliant white Buddhist stupa was constructed by Japanese monks from the Nipponzan Myohoji organization. The pagoda offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city, and Phewa Lake.
Other attractions we may visit include the International Mountain Museum, which showcases the mountains of Nepal and the people who climbed them, and the Seti River Gorge, where the roaring Seti River has carved a deep, narrow chasm through the middle of the city.
Time: 5-6 hours sightseeing | Difficulty: Easy
After breakfast, we’ll depart Pokhara by tourist bus around 7:30 AM for Kathmandu. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours with rest stops along the way. You’ll arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon, with time to rest before the farewell dinner. The bus journey offers final views of Nepal’s beautiful countryside.
Distance: 200km | Time: 6-7 hrs | Difficulty: Easy
We’ll transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. It will be a bittersweet moment as you leave this wonderful country, but you’ll take with you rich memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Distance: Hotel to airport transfer (6-10km) | Time: 30 minutes drive
In Kathmandu and Pokhara:
During the Trek:
Note: Accommodation facilities become more basic as you ascend to higher altitudes.
Daily walking times vary throughout the trek:
Most days involve 4-7 hours of actual walking time
The longest day is Day 9 (trek to Annapurna Base Camp): approximately 7 hours
The descent days (Days 10-12) range from 4-6 hours of walking each day
Some days are shorter, around 4-5 hours
Walking times are estimates and may vary based on your pace, weather conditions, and group size. Your guide will ensure a comfortable pace with regular breaks for rest, hydration, and photography.
This trek package does not include meals during the trekking portion. Breakfast is included at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Trekkers will need to purchase their own food at tea houses along the route. Tea houses offer various meal options:
Typical breakfast options:
Porridge, muesli, or cornflakes
Pancakes, Tibetan bread, or chapati
Eggs prepared in various ways
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Typical lunch and dinner options:
Dal Bhat (traditional Nepali meal with rice, lentil soup, and vegetables)
Momo (Tibetan dumplings)
Noodle soups and pasta dishes
Fried rice or noodles
Soups and stews
Vegetarian options are widely available and often recommended as meat storage can be unreliable at higher elevations. Food prices increase with altitude as supplies must be carried by porters.
Medical consultation is essential before your trek – consult with a doctor regarding any medications you plan to take or bring during the trek, as high altitude can affect how medications work in your body. Disclose all medications you plan to bring to your trek leaders and guides.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is commonly used for altitude sickness prevention, but should only be taken after consulting with your doctor about proper dosage and potential side effects.
Vaccinations recommended before coming to Nepal include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza. Consult your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before travel for personalized vaccination advice.
Group discounts: Special rates are available for groups booking together, with larger groups qualifying for greater savings. Contact us for specific pricing based on your party size.
These items are considered absolutely critical by our Mountainkick guides. Based on our extensive experience in the Himalayas, we strongly recommend prioritizing these items:
Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability to changing conditions
Comfortable hiking boots – Well broken-in with ankle support and water resistance
Daypack – For carrying daily essentials while trekking
Water bottles/hydration system – For maintaining proper hydration
Headlamp with spare batteries – Essential for navigating in dark conditions
Trekking poles – To provide stability and reduce stress on knees, especially on the many stairs
Sleeping bag – Rated for at least -5°C to 0°C
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.
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