Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara – 30 minute flight {there’s an option by surface to}

After b/fast, we drive to the airport for our flight to Pokhara early in the morning. We can get superb views of the Himalayas right from the windows of our airplane. on our arrival in Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchare {the sacred peak of fishtail}, the five peaks of Annapurna and a whole range of other peaks. The rest of our day is free in Pokhara to chill out your way and prepare for your trek the next day. Overnight in the city of lakes

Day 02: Trek to Ghandruk – 1940m – 4-5 hrs trek

Today, after b/fast, we take a one-hour leisure drive to Naya Pool along the graceful Modi Khola Valley. On reaching our destination, we begin our highly panoramic Annapurna trek. The route skirts through lush forest leading finally to Birethanti after walking for an hour. Birethani houses well-resourced shops, hotels, cafes, a police check post, a bakery and a bank, a nice little village town to have fun and settle in for our first over night on the mountains. Leaving Birethani, we trail along terraced fields beneath the splendid panorama of awe-inspiring glaciated Himalayan mountain ranges. On passing a succession of flatlands, forest, cultivated lands and a suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, we arrive at the lovely lively village of Ghandruk after hiking for 3-4 hours. An ideal vantage point in this pristine village offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchare and Hiunchuli. Several hotels and teahouses at the village welcome us with warmth and sincere hospitality while catering to the requirements of all trekkers’ who hit the trail through this village. Camping on its terraced fields can indeed be very exciting and adventurous! {B, L, D}

Day 03: Trek to Chhomrong – 2100m – 5-6 hrs trek

At this juncture, we climb up for around an hour up to Kimrong danda. On the way, we can enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchare) and Gangapurna. Next, it’s a steep descent for us to the Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere danda, we descend for a while and then it’s a gentle walk all the way to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a lively wonderful village located in the laps of the giant Annapurna massif. Finding yourself in complete isolation amidst the serenity of nature can be quite an experience. Your trek does not stop here. After trekking for a while, you approach teahouses at Jhinu where you can rest and enjoy a drink or snacks. Thereafter, you resume your trek to the north, descending Daulu and after having walked for five hours you will find yourself at Chhomrong. From Chhomrong you can get prominent and mesmerizing views of Machhapuchare. There are many chalet-style wooden lodges at Chhomrong where you can get accommodation and food. Overnight in Chhomrong (B, L, D)

Day 04: Trek to Deurali – 3230m – 3-4 hrs trek

We pass through the bamboo forest which is pretty damp and cold then ascend steadily with fewer steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out once again in the sunshine with fantastic views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most panoramic length of the day we experience on this trail. The vegetation is sparser, allowing magical views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls. We bunk out in Deurali for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 05: Trek to ABC – 4130m via Machhapuchare Base Camp – 3700m – 5-6 hrs trek

After a warm b/fast, we climb gently through a river bed and then over a steep trail to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchare Base Camp is somewhat arduous. From Machhapuchare base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchare along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience after the tough hiking. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary.

From here, we get thrilling views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp we again get to relish mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchare, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. We crash out at Annapurna Base Camp for the night (B, L, and D)

Day 06: Trek to Chhomrong – 4-5 hrs trek

We revert back to Chhomrong as the path descends up to Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to Kuldi Ghar and now the trail gets gently flat until we reach Sinuwa. We trek gradually, descending to Chhomrong Khola from where we follow a stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong once again. Stay overnight at our lodge. B. L. D.

Day 07: Trek to Tadapani – 2540m – 3-4 hrs trek

We descend further along the trail showcasing rich colourful rhododendron forests, gloriously cascading sparkling mountain streams that make us feel in heavenly bliss and other mystical vistas of nature in its most natural form, ever. After continuously climbing for 3 hours, we step on the territory of Tadapani at an altitude of 2540 meters. Tadapani offers the most magnificent mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South. [Walk approx 3-4 hours depending on your pace] we then crash out for the night hereabouts. B. L. D.

Day 08: Trek to Ghorepani – 2880m – 5-6 hrs trekking

From Banthanti, we proceed further along steep trails. Nature spreads exotic sights of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life before us, making us feel emotion and in love with the world we live in, we also think of God and his love for us. We climb through rhododendron forest to Deurali [3100m] and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields. We continue walking for 3 hours and finally we will find ourselves in Ghorepani. Ghorepani also houses lodges to provide food and accommodation to travelers. This where we prepare for the night B. L. D

Day 09: Trek to Poonhill 3195m, Birethanti and Pokhara – 5-6 hrs trekking

After truly enjoying the gripping sights of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poonhill [3195m], this is where our video cams go on overdrive and the pictures taken here will surely decorate the walls of home sweet home; We leave Ghorepani and plod ahead for Nayapul. We further descend towards Birethanti. Birethanti lies stretched beside the Modi River and is a highly resourceful town where the locals purchase their essential commodities.

On our trails of stone steps, we pass through dense forest and the small village of Ulleri. From Ulleri, it’s a very steep section [with 3767 steps! {Lets take them one at a time, because this could tire us, we’ve walked enough anyways, right?] This leads down to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola. Forty minutes beyond Birethanti, we come to the main road. Now we can easily access any means of transportation to drive to Pokhara. In the evening, we are free to wander by the lakes of Pokhara and chill out for the rest of the evening. [6 hrs walking depending on our pace] – Overnight in the city of lakes

Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu by surface – 7-8 hrs cruising.

While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple {temple which houses the goddess of wishes, most couples come here to wish for good partners and pray for wealth or success in life, or so its said} En-route, you can enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and the local folks engaged in their daily chores, if your vehicle hauls up, perhaps you may hear them also sing songs while on their daily chores, this is typical Nepalese rural lifestyles; From Naubishe we climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city, and a warm soft bed at our hotel. Overnight in the valley of cows and temples, probably the most anywhere in the world…and finally, the clanging temple bells send us into the wonderful blissful world of a comfortable sleep.