Annapurna Base Camp trekking is often called as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek and is one of the best trekking trails in Nepal. This trek is fascinating as it takes you deeper into the majestic Himalayan kingdom discovering the hidden Shangri-La through the green foothills and the dense forest with the backdrop of the beautiful mountain ranges and the rich wonders of the nature. Besides drifting into the tranquility of nature, one gets to witness the distinct lifestyle and tradition of the local inhabitants and their cultural prosperity accumulatively. This trek gives you the wonderful opportunity to get the glimpse of the panoramic Himalayan views and to interconnect with the local ethnic communities and their culture and tradition. The phenomenal view of the morning sunrise and the colorful forests covered in more than five varieties of rhododendron makes the trip colorful and worth every penny and takes you to paradise on earth. No wonder, this trekking route attracts and drags a large number of travelers to its foothill.
You will witness the most wonderful and panoramic views of the mountain ranges such as Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre. This 14-day trek will let you discover the true beauty of Nepal as you make your way through the trails into the dense forests and the green valleys with the lush vegetation, the waterfalls and the streams with mind blowing landscapes to add to it. Annapurna Base Camp trekking will give you lifetime memories to cherish and share.
Trip Highlights
- The phenomenal sunrise view from Poonhill.
- Impressive panoramic views of the Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, and Hiuchuli.
- The colorful and vibrant forests covered with rhododendrons.
- Explore the beautiful villages of the ethnic groups of Nepal; Magar and the Gurung and an opportunity to blend with their lifestyle and culture.
- Stunning views of the glacier and mountain ranges from the Annapurna Base Camp
- Hot spring bath in Jhinu
ABC Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be there to receive you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is for you to rest and recover yourself from jetlag.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Early morning drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Drive for about 6 hours along the Prithvi Highway where you encounter beautiful villages and natural sceneries with picturesque landscapes. As Pokhara city welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty, you will be escorted to your hotel by our representative. Pokhara is one of the major tourist destinations that is famous for its majestic natural beauty and the mesmerizing views of some of the highest peaks of the world.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga
Take an early morning drive 42 km away to Nayapul from Pokhara. About one and half an hour and you reach Nayapul from where you start your trek. En route, treat your eyes to the looming views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre in the horizon. Walk past the beautiful villages, the rhododendron forest, the flowing streams, and the muddy trails with little shops and houses lined up along the way until you reach Birethati which is the checkpoint for you to get the permit to trek in this region. Ascend the trail to Tikhedhunga.
Overnight at a lodge in Tikhedhunga.
Day 4: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Today, we continue our journey from Tikhedhunga via Ulleri and Nangethati village. Ascend the trails for about two hours and you reach Ulleri, a village of the Magar settlement. Continue walking for about four hours from Ulleri via Nagethati until you reach Ghorepani, the base for Poonhill trek. Along the trail, you will come across rivers, rivulets and streams and the colorful blooming rhododendrons in the month of March and April.
Overnight at a lodge in Ghorepani.
Day 5: Ghorepani to Poonhill to Tadapani
Since Poonhill is famous for the exceptional sunrise view, we start our trek early morning today. It takes about an hour to climb the steep uphill to the summit of the Poonhill. Marvel at the magnificent landscape as the first ray of the sunlight hit the mountains. Experience the encompassing views of the Annapurna Himalayan ranges including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri and the enticing sight of the blooming rhododendrons making the forests all lively and colorful. Follow the trails back to Ghorepani to your lodge for breakfast and continue descending downhill trails passing the damp forest for about 6 hours until you reach Tadapani.
Overnight at a lodge in Tadapani.
Day 6: Tadapani to Chomrong
As you continue your trip further from Tadapani, follow the trails downhill through the dense forests of oak and rhododendron. Continue the easy trails that lead you to the village of Chomrong situated at an elevated height of 2140 m via Gurjung, a Gurung village. You can witness the magnificent views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South very closely from Chomrong village.
Overnight at a lodge in Chomrong.
Day 7: Chomrong to Dovan
Todays trek requires you to go uphill trails to Kuldighar as you cross the Chomrong Khola. Diverge to the course of Modi Khola as you follow the trails of the steep stone and pass through the bamboo and the rhododendron forests. With the marvelous sight of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range before you, head towards Kuldi ascending the trails to reach Dovan, your next stop. This whole journey takes about six hours.
Overnight at a lodge in Dovan.
Day 8: Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp
Today, we move further from Dovan overlooking a flowing river with the thin chilly air biting on your skin. Ascend the trails past the Hinko Cave and Deurali and you reach Machhapuchhre Bas Camp. A further 2-hour walk from Machhapuchhre Base Camp climbing along through the parallel ridges of the glacier from one side to the other and then you reach the most awaited Annapurna Base Camp at an elevated point of 4130 m. This area is also known as Annapurna Sanctuary because of the mountainous surroundings. Observe the unobstructed views of the snowcapped mountains to your hearts content. The sunrise and sunset views are indescribably beautiful.
Overnight at a lodge in ABC.
Day 9: ABC to Bamboo
Wake up early morning so as not to miss the view of the radiant sunrise with its color splashing on the mountains. Our stopping end today is the village of Bamboo, named after the dense forest of the bamboo surrounding it. Continue the earlier trails to the village of Bamboo as early as 7 in the morning for about 7 hours savoring the natural beauty on the way back.
Overnight at a lodge in Bamboo.
Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Dada
Today, we continue our journey from Bamboo back to Jhinu Hot Spring via Chomrong. Walk across the sheep farm in Kuldi once again passing the blooming forest of the rhododendron and the bamboo fields. Walk across the Modi Khola and continue uphill climbing to Chomrong. From there, continue your trek downhill to Jhinu and enjoy the natural hot spring bath. It will take you about 6 hours from Bamboo to reach Jhinu Daada.
Overnight at a lodge in Jhinu.
Day 11: Jhinu to Ghandrunk
From Jhinu, gradually descend the trails through the terraced farming lands and the forests to Kummu. The suspension bridge over the Kummu khola will take you to the beautiful village of Ghandruk finally after about 4 hours of walking. Experience the tradition and lifestyle of the Gurung community along with the spellbinding view of the Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre.
Overnight at Ghandruk.
Day 12: Ghandruk to Pokhara
Today is mostly a downhill journey as we walk through the intriguing villages surrounded by the green valleys and pastures. We will walk past the Syauli Bazaar to Nayapul enjoying the picturesque landscape and the enchanting terrace farming below. Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara that takes about one and a half hour. It takes a total of about 6 hours for you to cover the distance between Ghandruk and Pokhara.
Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 13: Pokhara Sightseeing
As you approach to the end of the trip, we leave this day for you to explore and uncover the beauty of Pokhara. Visit some of the popular places of attraction in Pokhara that includes Fewa Lake, Devis Falls, World Peace Pagoda, Taal Barahi Mandir etc. The calm and shimmering lakes, the proud and magnificent mountains, the natural scenic views, the serenity and the hospitality of the people; take them all before you fly off to Kathmandu from Pokhara late in the afternoon.
Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will be there to assist you. Take a stroll around Kathmandu city as you like.
Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 14: Departure Day
Since today is the last day, we leave this day all to yourself for you to take a stroll and explore Kathmandu city. Buy some souvenirs if you would like. Drive off to the airport for your departure.