Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Once you have landed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our Travel Diary Nepal team will receive you, maybe with a garland. Then, will take you to your hotel. Once you have freshened up and rested for a while, you can visit our office for briefings about the trek.

We will let you know about the itinerary and do any final preparations. After that, you can do whatever you like to do for the rest of the day. You can visit around Kathmandu Valley to explore various popular sites like Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath, Bouddha stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, or you can just stroll around Thamel. All these sites are also listed as World Heritage Sites.

If you have anything to buy for the trek, you can do so. In case you have no idea what to pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek, then one of our guides can assist you. Relax, prepare for the trek, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the capital city of Nepal.

Drive Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara

After you have had your breakfast in your hotel, your trek guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. Then take you to the bus park to catch a bus to Pokhara. You can also choose to travel in a private shared jeep or hire a private taxi to Pokhara. Also, you can take about half an hour’s flight to Pokhara and start trekking on the same day.

After about 7-8 hours of a scenic drive along the Trishuli River and Marsyangdi River, covering about 200 km (124 miles), we will reach Pokhara. As we leave Kathmandu, you will be amazed to see lush, hilly terrain, terraced land, and several local villages on the way.

In between the way, we will stop at one of the riverside restaurants for lunch. You can order any kind of Western or Nepali food on the menu. We suggest you try the most famous surplus food of Nepal, Dal Bhat. It is a rice set, served with lentil soup, spinach, pickle, salad, and veg. and non-veg curries.

Upon arriving in Pokhara, we will check in at one of the best hotels near Phewa Lake. In the evening, you can go for a walk around the city of lakes, Pokhara, and maybe go boating too. The tranquil ambience of Pokhara, with a beautiful view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre in the backdrop, offers a different sense of calmness.

Finally, over evening dinner, we can discuss the plans for the next day’s trek, call it a day and go to bed.

Drive Route: Pokhara – Naya Pul

Trek Route: Naya Pul – Birethanti – Tikhedhunga – Ulleri

After having a delicious breakfast in the Pokhara, we need to drive for about 1.5 hours to Naya Pul. From Naya Pul only, our actual trekking journey begins.

The trek begins through the terraced fields along the Modi River. After walking for another 1.5 hours, we will reach Birethanti, where our permits will be checked.

We can stop here for a short tea break. After having rested for a few moments, we will continue our trek to Ulleri. In between the way, we will be passing through several local villages like Hille and Tikhedhunga.

The route to Tikhedhunga is a little challenging as we need to hike on a steep uphill route. Tikhedhunga is going to be our first lunch station on the mountain.

Once we have had our lunch and rested, we will continue walking to Ulleri along the Bhurungdi Khola. After 2 hours of challenging stepped (over 3500 steps) path just after Tikhedhunga, we will reach Ulleri. From the top of the hill, Ulleri, trekkers will be awarded with a great view of Annapurna and Hiunchuli.

Finally, after reaching this charming Magar village, we will arrange accommodation to spend the night. If we have time, we can stroll the village and interact with the locals.

About Ulleri

Ulleri is a beautiful Magar village offering some great views. There are about 25-30 basic to good quality teahouses in the area. They provide basic services like hot shower, Wi-Fi, electricity charging, etc., but with some additional charge. Some of the teahouses might also have attached bathrooms. However, the accommodation is neat and warm, and the food is quite fulfilling.

Trek Route: Ulleri – Banthati – Nangethati– Ghorepani

Day 4 of our trek is a mix of steep uphill and gentle downhill trek through vibrant rhododendron forest.

After having breakfast in our teahouse, we will begin our trek around 7:30 am. The spring around this region is one thing you do not want to miss out on, as you can see an excellent view of the vibrant rhododendron forest.

Along the way, we can stop at Banthati for a cup of tea/coffee and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Annapurna region. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to spot langurs and other Himalayan bird species.

After walking for a few hours, at around 11 or 12 am, we will stop at Nangethati for lunch.

Now that we are rejuvenated, we will continue walking for another 2-3 hours to reach Ghorepani. It is a significant village in the Annapurna region, coinciding with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking route.

Ghorepani is our last destination for today. We will stay overnight here.

About Ghorepani

Ghorepani is another key village in the Annapurna Base Camo trek route. It is dominantly inhabited by Magar people, where trekkers can explore their rich culture. There are about 40-50 basic to luxurious teahouses in the region, upper and lower Ghorepani combined. They provide basic facilities just like in Ulleri.

Hike Route: Ghorepani – Poon Hill

Trek Route: Ghorepani – Deurali – Tadapani

Day 5 is an exciting day in our Annapurna Trek Nepal. Today, we will wake early in the morning and take an hour’s hike to Poon Hill viewpoint, at 3210 meters, for a stunning sunrise view.

It is a heart-whelming feeling to see golden sun rising over the Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail (Machhapuchhre). After spending a few moments enjoying the view, we will hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast.

Note: From Ghorepani, you can also go to Khopra Danda Trek.

After a delicious breakfast in the Ghorepani teahouse, we will start trekking to Tadapani. Most of the routes from Ghorepani to Tadapani distance are easy downhill routes. Just a few minutes before reaching Tadapani, there is a little difficult uphill trail.

Trekking about 2 hours through dense forest and small streams, we will reach Deurali. We can stop here for some tea/coffee or lunch; if not, we will reach Tadapani itself for lunch and an overnight stay.

About Tadapani

Tadapani is a small picturesque village situated at an elevation of 2630 meters. There are about 10-15 basic teahouses in the region. The teahouses here do not have an attached bathroom. However, the accommodation is good enough, providing nutritious food from the menu.

Trek Route: Tadapani – Gurjung - Chhomrong – Sinuwa

Day 6 of our trek starts with a steep descent past the rhododendron and alpine forests. After walking for a couple of hours, we will reach Gurjung village. We can have some tea/ coffee here.

Then, after walking for an additional 3 hours, we can reach Sinuwa. In between, we are going to stop in Chhomrong for lunch. From here, trekkers can get an excellent view of Annapurna and Hiunchuli right in front of us and Fishtail on the right.

Thereafter, the trail follows a little downhill path until we cross a suspension bridge. Then, it takes on a little sharp uphill trail until we reach Sinuwa. We are going to stay overnight here for today.

About Sinuwa

Sinuwa is a beautiful village at 2340 meters elevation. The village offers an awe-inspiring view of several mountains. Sunrise and sunset views from here are second to none. There are about 6-8 teahouses offering basic beds and blankets to sleep in and foods available on the menu. They also have Wi-Fi, hot water shower, electricity charging, etc., but for some additional charge.

Trek Route: Sinuwa – Bamboo – Dovan – Deurali

After a satiating breakfast in Sinuwa, we begin to descend towards Bamboo. After walking on a tiring path through the dense forest trail, we can stop in Bamboo for some tasty tea prepared from yak milk.

The route after Bamboo is somewhat easier until we reach Dovan for lunch. After lunch, we continue trekking to Deurali.

In between, there is a Hinku cave amidst dense forest that trekkers can explore. The trail after lunch becomes steeper and harder due to its rugged terrain. With an additional 2-3 hours of walking, we can reach Deurali.

About Deurali

Deurali is a small village at an elevation of 3200 meters surrounded by staggering high cliffs. The village offers stunning views of the glacial valley and its surroundings. From here, trekkers can see the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek route clearly. There are about 5-6 simple teahouses offering basic services. They do not have an attached bathroom, and the Wi-Fi, hot water, battery charging, etc., cost extra. In contrast, trekkers can savour delicious local cuisines here.

Trek Route: Deurali – Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) – Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Day 8 is the most exciting day of the entire trek. Today, you will be trekking to 2 different Base Camps, including the most awaited ABC.

After a belly-full breakfast in Deurali, we will gradually ascend towards MBC (3700 meters). MBC is around a 2-hour walk from Deurali. We will be spending a few moments in MBC for tea/coffee and witnessing the majesty of the Machhapuchhre region from its base. From here, we can see both Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.

Now that you have soaked yourself in the tranquillity of MBC, it's time to venture into another adventurous route to ABC. With just about 2 hours uphill hike, we can reach ABC. The Base Camp of Annapurna offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of various towering peaks.

From the Base Camp, you can witness the views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and several other snow-capped mountains. We are going to stay overnight in one of the best accommodations here, so you can spend as much time as you want. Soak yourself in the magic of nature.

About ABC

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), situated at an elevation of 4130 meters at the base of the world’s 10th highest peak, is an achievement in itself. There are about 5 teahouses here. A bucket hot shower is available, but we do not advise you to take a shower here due to the risk of altitude sickness.

However, the food here is satisfactory enough, and the teahouses also provide battery charging and Wi-Fi service for an additional charge. It is obvious that rooms do not have attached bathrooms, but they are warm enough.

Note: For warmth, it is better to carry your own sleeping bag. Also, if there are not enough rooms at the base camp during peak season, you can trek back to Deurali.

Trek Route: ABC - MBC – Deurali - Dovan – Bamboo

Having watched a beautiful sunrise over the Annapurna range behind us, we start trekking down. We followed the same route to Bamboo that we had taken earlier.

With a delicious breakfast and a stunning sunrise view on ABC, we will head back to Bamboo. The overall trail is easy, downward descent. After walking for a few hours, we stop at Deurali for lunch.

Now that we have rested and energized ourselves, we will continue trekking through dense rhododendron forest and amazing views of Bamboo. We will reach Bamboo only in the evening, at around 4 pm.

We are going to stay overnight here in Bamboo.

About Bamboo

Bamboo, as the name suggests, is a small village that is identified by huge bamboo trees around the village. The village is situated at a low elevation. So, you might not be able to see much views.

There are about 5-6 simple teahouses here, offering basic services. There are no rooms with attached bathroom facilities. However, with an extra fee, trekkers can enjoy modern services like Wi-Fi, hot water, electricity charging, etc.

Trek Route: Bamboo – Sinuwa – Chhomrong – Jhinu Danda

It starts with ascending to Sinuwa, then followed by a descent to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is going to be our lunch place for today. Then, the route to Jhinu Danda is completely downhill.

Jhinu Danda is going to be our overnight place for today, which is about 5-6 hours away from Bamboo. There is a natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda. If we have time, we can go for a relaxing bath and rejuvenate after several days of trekking. This hot spring is believed to cure various skin diseases.

About Jhinu Danda

Jhinu Danda is a small, picturesque village in the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route. The village, situated at an elevation of 1740 meters, is known for some panoramic mountain views and cultural exploration of Gurung village.

There are about 10-12 simple teahouses with rooms with attached bathrooms. They have a common dining hall heated by a central heating service. Additionally, they provide Wi-Fi, a hot water shower, and battery charging with some additional charge.

Trek Route: Jhinu Danda – New Bridge

Drive Route: New Bridge – Pokhara

It is the last trekking day in the mountain.

After having last breakfast in the mountains, we will be trekking for about 1.5 hours to New Bridge. The route from Jhinu Danda to New Bridge is filled with several beautiful views of lush greenery. Occasional spotting of wild animals and trekking along the Modi Khola summarizes the overall trekking experience.

Here, in New Bridge, our trek officially ends. We will be driving to Pokhara, where you can stay in a comfortable hotel near Lakeside. Further, we will have some time to explore Pokhara and everything it has to offer.

If you like, you can end your whole trekking journey here and stay a few more days in Pokhara to visit different tourist places.

Drive Route: Pokhara - Kathmandu

Like on day 2, you can choose how you would like to return to Kathmandu too. You can choose to take a public or private scenic drive, but it is a little tiring to drive to Kathmandu. Or, take a comfortable, short, but a little expensive flight.

Once you have reached Kathmandu, we will drop you off at your hotel. We are going to have our lunch between the routes or in Kathmandu if we take a flight.

Then, you can freshen up and rest for the day. If you feel like it, we suggest you stroll around Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This will be a different, peaceful experience compared to crowded, noisy Kathmandu. Maybe you can meet the Travel Diary Nepal team for dinner or something.

Although we do not want to say goodbye, it is time to return! We hope you had an excellent journey to the Annapurna Base Camp, a memory and accomplishment that you will cherish for a lifetime.

After the last breakfast in Nepal, one of our team members will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby to escort you to the airport. We bid you farewell with the hope of meeting in the upcoming days.