Annapurna Base Camp Trek

This evening, meet with your climb guide for a pre-climb briefing, covering transfers, kit, conditions on the mountain, and other related topics. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about the climb.

Pokhara is a beautiful lake city, which offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machapuchare, and five of the Annapurna Peaks.

After a short rest in Pokhara, drive 1½ hours to Nayapul (‘New Bridge’), starting point for our trek.

Today’s trail begins by passing through populated, busy areas where you will encounter all types of people from merchants, traders, and local farmers to other trekkers – and of course the mule and donkey trains! As you come to Bhirethati village, the trail splits in several directions; we follow the main trail along the ancient Trans-Himalayan trade route, and shortly arrive at a suspension bridge over the Khumnu Khola. From here our trek continues through a series of farm villages and waterfalls, before ending at Ghandruk, where we camp (or stay in the tea houses) overnight.

Ghandruk is an attractive hillside settlement of stone houses, home to the Gurung people.

The afternoon is free to relax. You can visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk to learn more about the Gurung, their culture and traditions, or you can simply relax and take in the surrounds. On a clear day, the view of Fishtail, Annapurna, and the towering Hiuchuli Mountains are wonderful!

After an hour of flat, easy terrain, there is another steep ascent taking us up to Chomrong, the gateway to the Annapurna sanctuary. As you gain altitude you will notice the air become cooler and the vegetation change.

Chomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the Annapurna massif.

The path is steep up to Sinuwa Danda, after which it becomes somewhat more level as we approach Khuldighar through thick forests of rhododendron. During March and April, when the rhododendron are in flower, this region is particularly beautiful.

From Khuldighar we descend on stone steps and through bamboo forest to Doban.

After a gradual ascent, we reach Himalaya Hotel (Himalaya ‘Hotel’ is in fact a small lodge, with only a few rooms!) situated near Hinko cave at the base of Hiunchuli peak, where there will be time for a brief rest. The trail then continues on a gradual ascent for another 1-2 hours, ending at Deurali, the last tea-house en-route to Machapuchare Base Camp.

As we climb today, we will notice the dense forests give way to sparser, high alpine flora and shrubs.

From Bagar, it is a short but strenuous climb to Machapuchare Base Camp. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Gangapurna and, of course, the Fishtail, or Machapuchare, itself.

Overnight at Machapuchare Base Camp.

We begin by trekking up a fairly steep trail for 2-3 hours, which, depending on the season, is liable to be covered in snow. As we reach higher ground, you can expect magnificent views of an array of snow peaks. At this height, the vegetation disappears altogether.

Annapurna Base Camp has 2-3 teahouses, where you can relax and enjoy the view – a well-earned reward for your hard work! Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.

We leave Lower Chomrong after a short rest and climb up the steep stone path to Upper Chomrong, from where we descend to the small village of Jhinu Danda. If time allows, you will be able to visit the hot springs down below by the River Modi.

Overnight at Jhinu Danda.

Our driver will be waiting in Naya Pul to greet us. From Naya Pul, it is a short one hour drive to Pokhara. On arrival in Pokhara, check-in at a comfortable hotel located near to the Lakeside.

Dinner and overnight in Pokhara.

On arrival, meet with our driver and transfer to a centrally-located hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to shop or take in the sights of Kathmandu. This evening, we enjoy a celebratory meal in central Kathmandu!

Please keep your air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy.