Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Our adventure towards Annapurna Base Camp begins as soon as you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. You will be met by one of the representatives of Explore Nepal Trails outside the terminal and taken to the hotel. You will then take a rest and finally gather around a traditional Nepali welcome dinner and a brief orientation on the trek, permits and preparations of the days to come.

Then you come to the picturesque city of Pokhara, Nepal, which leads to the Annapurna area.

• Flight (25 minutes): A brief scenic flight that provides a view of the Himalayas.
• Drive (67 hours): River, hills, Nepali towns, scenic journey.

After visiting Pokhara, you can enjoy Phewa Lake, a local cafe, or go for a rest before going on the trek.

A one-hour drive will put you at Phedi, the trail head of your walk. The path starts with a gradual climb through the beautiful rhododendron and oak forests alongside pine forest and eventually to the charming village of Dhampus Gurung. It is here that you will start to see your first up close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and some of the Annapurna Range.

The path leads to Deurali by easy passes and provides a great view of the snow peaks and Mt. Dhaulagiri. Having made merry with the landscape atop the ridges, you have descended into the thick forest to the lovely village of Tolka. When you take a nice stroll through the terraced fields and small villages, you will come to an enchanting Gurung village named Landruk with its culture and tradition.

The modern-day walk is a combination of long uphill and downhill. It takes the trail to bamboo groves and farmlands until it arrives at Jhinu Danda, which is a site of natural hot springs. You then have a short pause after which you take a sharp ascent, leading on to Chomrong, the last big settlement before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary. The village has an impressive view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Once down the Chomrong Khola by sharp stone steps and thence up again, first by terraced fields and thence by a bamboo and rhododendron forest. The walk of today is either down or up in steep walks, which are usually paved. Occasionally, we see in front of us the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare, but most of the time, we are too deep in the forest to see further than a seldom satisfying glimpse.

On arriving at the village of Khuldigar, you go down a flight of stone steps into a portion of very dense bamboo woods,This is a good day to take a rest and your body to adapt to the rising elevation. You may venture out to explore the ridges around, you may admire the valley or you may have a rest in the lodge. The short acclimatization hikes are great scenery wise and get you ready in the elevated area to come in the base camps. which leads to a settlement called Bamboo Lodge. Here you ascend gradually with bamboo, rhododendron forest, by the pathway along the river way up to the end of the day at the Himalaya Hotel.

This is a good day to take a rest and allow your body to adapt to the rising elevation. You may venture out to explore the ridges around, you may admire the valley, or you may have a rest in the lodge. The short acclimatization hikes are great scenery-wise and get you ready in the elevated area when going near the base camps.

The day starts with the gradual ascent beyond Hinku Cave, which is a small emergency shelter built in the shape of a cave under a huge rock. The path eventually leads to an alpine landscape country by passing through Deurali and Bagar. You finally come to the broad expanse of the grassy plateau of Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) and are engulfed by glacier scenery and dramatic mountainous landscapes. The sunsets and rays of the sun here are memorable.

Today is one of the highlights of the entire trek. The trail widens as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, a spectacular natural amphitheater surrounded by giant peaks. After a gradual uphill walk, you arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Enjoy breathtaking, 360-degree views of Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre a truly rewarding moment.

Annapurna I (8,091m) with prayer flag from Annapurna base camp, Nepal,

You’ll wake up and have breakfast in Machapuchare Base Camp and then set out for Annapurna Base Camp. Any living vegetation that you may have encountered on previous days will likely be replaced with snow, rocks, and boulders. Dress warm and take the trail slowly so you can acclimatise to the higher elevation.

The path widens as you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, follows a stream, and then continues uphill. You’ll enjoy a rewarding finish with, unobstructed views of Machapuchare, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli, and other peaks.

Spend the day experiencing one of the most stunning high-altitude landscapes in the Himalayas. You may take short hikes around the sanctuary or simply relax at camp while soaking in the panoramic mountain views. This is ideal for photography, reflection, and enjoying the peaceful environment.

After breakfast, you begin your descent from ABC, retracing your steps past Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Bamboo. The scenery looks different from a new angle, and you’ll descend through forests before stopping for the night at Himalaya Hotel.

You continue descending through bamboo and rhododendron forests until reaching Khuldigar. The trail climbs again toward Chomrong, where you’ll enjoy your last major viewpoint of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South before leaving the upper valley.

Today’s trek leads you to the charming village of Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung settlements in the region. This village offers stunning mountain panoramas and a cultural experience with its museums, traditional homes, and friendly local community. It’s also a great place to rest, shop, and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

You return to Pokhara and then either fly or drive back to Kathmandu. Once in the city, you can enjoy shopping, sightseeing, or a farewell dinner reflecting on your unforgettable trek.

A representative from Explore Nepal Trails will transfer you to the airport for your international flight. Your memorable Annapurna Base Camp trekking adventure comes to a close until next time!