15 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Region: Annapurna
Trek Type: Lodge
Trek Grade: Moderate
Trek Days: 9
Max Altitude: 4100m
Best Season: Oct–Dec & Mar–May

The Annapurna Base Camp is a high glacial basin lying north of Pokhara. The combination of easy walking and majestic scenery makes the trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4200m), commonly known as Annapurna Sanctuary, one of the most popular treks in Nepal. This magnificent amphitheatre is called a “sanctuary” because of its natural serenity, beauty and the divine presence of the Hindu goddesses Annapurna and Gangapurna.

This isolated cirque of peaks can only be approached by one route, a deep gorge that carves into the fortress of mountains between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. Many of the peaks are over 7000m, including the famous twin-peaked Machapuchare, as well as Annapurna I and lll, Annapurna South, Gangapurna and Glacier Dome. Enjoy mountain views, thick bamboo and rhododendron forests and a mix of cultures unparalleled by other treks as you venture deep into the Annapurna Himal.

Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel. Check in & trek briefing. Late afternoon leisure walk in Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture.

After breakfast transfer to trek start point via Pokhara (6 hrs). Lunch will be on the way. Upon arrival short walk for 30 mins to rest stop at Birethanti.

Pokhara’s pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural beauty. It is also the gateway to the Annapurna region where many trekkers finds his Shangri-la, The mesmerizing Annapurna massif towering over the valley includes peaks over 8000m such as Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail), Annapurna 1 to IV, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.

After breakfast start trek. You will ascend stone-cut steps made by ancients of old to access villages from one to another. As you climb higher, the panoramic view of villages dots the land below. After Lunch will be steep climb up hill it will take about 2 and half hours.

Today, the trail continues to ascend, albeit more gently, through fine forest of oak and rhododendron. Ghorepani means “horse-water” in Nepalese. Indeed, along the whole trek, you probably have seen caravans of packed mules adorned beautifully thronging the high roads. Nestled on top of the mountain, this village is shrouded with clouds and offers the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.

At dawn (about 430am) climb to Poon Hill (3210 m) takes about 1.5 hours. This high point offers a panoramic 360 degrees Annapurna range, Fishtail, Dhulagiri and Nilgiri Mountain around you. Your climb will be well-timed such that you will be able to watch sunrise approaching the mountains. It will be a memorable experience to relish; especially catching the sight of the distant snow peaks bathed in a coat of gold. After spending morning at the Poonhill then trek back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast trek to Tadapani trek about 5 hours.

From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. The route passes through the west bank of the Modi Khola. Then, we descent steeply down the village of Chuile coming over to the Kimrong Khola. Then, we continue a steep climb till to Chhomrong. Upon arrival at Chhomrong, we encounter with the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare) facing it across the valley. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of giant Annapurna massive.

The trail drops down a set of stone steps to Chhomrung Khola and then uphill to Sinuwa and on through rhododendron forest to Kuldi (2470m). The trek now enters the upper modikhola valley. The section of the trail is a bottleneck and only few lodges in Bamboo, which open during the high season.

The day starts with gentle gradual ascend following the trail above the river through a thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. In the winter it is very common find snow from this point.

Today we start our trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). The trail climbs gently through a river bed and then it rises steeply over the mountain side. There are also avalanche prone areas at some points on the trail. After about half an hour’s walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in middle of river bed surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. When the sun rises, the snow on mountains shine and river valley is filled with warm sun rays. The hike to Machhapuchhare Base Camp is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding views of the majestic Machhapuchhare are certainly a rewarding experience.

On the way to Annapurna Base Camp (4100m) from Machhapuchhare Base Camp, the vegetation disappears. We will encounter with the snow boulders melting and forming small streams. The path widens as we enter the Sanctuary, follows a stream, and then climbs to a few huts alongside a moraine. Upon arrival at this juncture, we will have sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding panorama of the 360 degrees. After all that hard work in the last few days, you will be rewarded with the inspiring views of Machhapuchre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli. We have about 2 hours to explore and walk around the area for photo taking. After which we trek back to Machhapuchhare Base Camp and down to Himalaya Hotel.

Trek back to Chhomrung Village and rest for the day.

After breakfast gradual flat and then uphill till lunch point. After lunch downhill trek all the way to Ghandrung. Ghandrung is modern Gurung village. Also popular as “Gurkha” village as most the Gurkha’s are from this village.

Trek downhill about 3 hours and take the transport back to Pokhara. Upon arrival check in hotel. Afternoon free at leisure to explore the Lakeside – a mix of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops that has thrived along the eastern shore of the enchanting Lake Phewa.

After breakfast enjoy a five hour scenic drive along Trisuli to Kathmandu. Lunch will be on the way. Upon arrival check in hotel. Afternoon free to explore Thamel.

After breakfast, check out of hotel. City tour visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the famous Kumari, the world’s only living Goddess. Transfer to airport for departure.