Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)

  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.

  • Accommodation: 3 star Hotel
  • Meal: Not included
• day 02
  Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Pre-trip meeting.

  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

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast included at hotel
• day 03
  Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus (827m/2,700ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 04
  Drive to Nayapul/Birethanti (1,070m/3,510ft). Trek to Ulleri (1,960m/6,430ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Meal: Not included
• day 05
  Trek to Ghorepani (2,870m/9,416ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 06
  Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,535ft). Then trek to Tadapani (2,630m/8,628ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 07
  Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m/7,120ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 08
  Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2,920m/9,678ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 09
  Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 10
  Trek to Dovan (2,600m/8,530ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 11
  Trek to Chomrong (2,170m/7,120ft)

  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

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 12
  Trek to Jhinu Hot Spring (5,840ft). Private Jeep ride to Pokhara.

  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

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meal: Meals not included
• day 13
  Leisure day in Pokhara/guided sightseeing trip

  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

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast included
• day 14
  Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus. Farewell dinner

  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

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner included
• day 15
  Final Departure.

  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

  • Meal: Breakfast