Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 12 Days

Today, you will land at Kathmandu International Airport (TIA), where you will proceed to Immigration to finish the visa application.

Following that, you will meet Eco Nepal Trekkers representative. After that, we will welcome you by putting on the Khata, a ceremonial scarf that is worn in Nepal to welcome visitors and signify respect and goodwill.

then, You will take a journey in the private car we have reserved for you in the airport parking area.

After that, riding comfortably on the Nepal highway, you’ll start to see the lively streets of Kathmandu. You will also get a view of Pashupatinath Nath Temple, which is listed as a UNESCO heritage site of Nepal, during the drive.

Approximately 20 minutes of riding, you’ll arrive in the heart of the Thamel area. Then, you will check into the comfy Hotel that we have pre-booked for you.

Later in the evening, you can step out of your Hotel and wander the streets of Thamel to explore, and you can do last-minute shopping for the Annapurna trek, like buying and renting gear and equipment.

Today, you will be heading to Pokhara early in the morning. You will have two options: either taking a flight to Pokhara or taking a private vehicle.

Option 1: Take a private vehicle( Tourist Bus/ Jeep)

Our private vehicle will be there to pick you up. Since we will depart early in the morning, make sure to prepare for the ride by having all your belongings and luggage packed and ready.

Departure Time: Start your day early, around 6:30 am, to avoid traffic in Kathmandu and maximize time in Pokhara.

Road distance: Around 200km

Road condition: Paved and off-road, expansion work 

Duration: 6-7 hours by road

Scenic Highlights: Ride through Prithivi Highway along the bank of Trishuli River, scenic views of lush hills, terrace fields, charming village, etc.

Option 2: By Air

Departure Time: While booking the Kathmandu to Pokhara flight, make sure to book early in the morning so that you can have enough time to explore after you reach Pokhara.

Early in the morning, normally, the weather remains perfect to enjoy the best aerial view from the domestic plane from your window seat. 

Flight Duration: 30 minutes

Flight Views: On a clear day, you can get the panoramic view of panoramic views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges as well as glimpses of verdant valleys.

Note: If you choose the domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Eco Nepal Trekkers will arrange the transportation for you to reach the airport.

You need to pay for the domestic flight as it will not be included in the package. If you need any help for booking, then we are here to help you. 

Highlights of Pokhara

If you have time after arriving, consider visiting these must-see attractions:

Phewa Lake:

• Take a private or group boat to enjoy the calm water of Phewa Lake.
• Visit the Tal Barahi Temple, also known as ‘Lake Temple’, which is located between the lake.

World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa):

• Take a short drive to the World Peace Pagoda temple, which is situated at the top of the hill. From here, you can see the panoramic view of Pokhara City, Phewa Lake, and, on clear days a stunning view of the Annapurna Range.

Devi’s Falls and Gupteshwor Cave:

• Explore the Unique Beauty of the famous Devi’s Fall that disappears into an underground cavern.
• Opposite Davis Falls, you can visit Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, which holds religious importance.

After enjoying a fantastic time in the popular tourist destination of Pokhara, it’s time to go to Ghandruk, the starting site for the 12-day ABC trek.

You will go to Ghandruk in a private jeep from Pokhara. It takes roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes to drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is about 25.4 kilometres away.

The road to Ghandruk is mostly paved, but in some sections is gravel. During the ride, you pass through terraced farmlands, dense forests, and rural villages.

Once you arrive in Ghandruk, which is situated at an altitude of 2,012 m, you can see the traditional Gurung settlement.

Houses here are slate-roofed, and stones pave trekking routes. Ghandruk serves as a gateway to the Annapurna region, and from here, you can witness breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peaks.

Also, you can visit the Gurung Museum for a glimpse of local culture and traditions.

We will have a delicious lunch in Ghandruk before starting to trek to Chomrong village. Today, we will start our first trek from the beautiful Ghandruk village.

Our first-day trek will be short and easy, as it takes only 3 hours to reach Chomrong village. Passing through dense rhododendron forests( During spring, you can see colourful rhododendron forests) and the suspension bridges, you will arrive at Chomrong.

Chomrong is situated at an altitude of around 2,170 meters (7,120 ft). You will arrive in the Chomrong village by late afternoon and then check into the tea house.

After breakfast at the tea house today, you will depart from Chomrong village. From Chomrong, the trail starts with a steep fall down stone steps that lead to the riverbed.

You will begin your ascent uphill towards Sinuwa after crossing a suspension bridge across the Chomrong Khola, the river that runs through the valley. It’s an easy climb that leads to a ridge with breathtaking views.

After walking for around 1.5–2 hours, you will reach Upper Sinuwa (2,360 m). There are very few settlements and tea houses in this area. You can take a break, rehydrate, and refuel with some snacks while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.

You will now travel through thick woods from here. Bamboo and rhododendron forests fill this lush forest, which can make you feel more natural while providing shade while trekking.

Then, the track gradually lowers until changing into a broad, twisting route through the forest. While passing this area, don’t forget to spot wildlife, including colourful birds, mountain goats, and langur monkeys.

After that, you will reach Bamboo, which is 2,310 meters (7,578 feet) above sea level. Following that, you will check into a tea house, which is a basic but cosy place to stay the night. You can refuel later in the evening with a steaming bowl of noodle soup or some authentic Nepali dal bhat.

On day 5 of the trek, you will pack up and start the journey to Deurali after enjoying a hearty breakfast at your teahouse in Bamboo. We will be gradually climbing higher into the Annapurna sanctuary.

At first, the trail passes through a peaceful bamboo forest before progressively inclining higher.

The journey begins peacefully and gently, thanks to the thick greenery. After about an hour, you’ll reach Dovan, a little settlement where many hikers stop for a quick rest.

Dovan is located at an elevation of 2,500 m. While taking a rest here, you can enjoy the soundscape of rushing rivers and chirping birds surrounding. Now, leaving Dovan, you will pass through lush alpine forests interspersed with cascading waterfalls.

Even though the trail gets steeper and more rugged as you go along, the peaceful surroundings and refreshing forest air make the journey enjoyable. You’ll arrive in Himalaya, another community with basic facilities where you can stop for lunch or a short snack, around halfway through.

The peaks of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South are getting closer to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) area as you continue your walk.

There are some harder ascents and narrower portions of the trail in the last stretch from the Himalayas to Deurali. As the woodlands eventually disappear, more open spaces with jagged cliffs, rocks, and rocky ground take their place.

The Modhi River Gorge, which the trail follows here, provides a breathtaking background for this region of the trip.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Deurali, which is situated at an altitude of 3,230 m. Deurali is a picturesque village that is surrounded by rugged mountain cliffs.

From Deurali, you can get your first close views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks. At this altitude, the temperature at night becomes cold, so make sure to put on warm clothes.

After having a delicious dinner, you will spend your night in the cozy teahouse of Deurali.

Today will be the most exciting day as you will put your foot on the legendary Annapurna Base Camp. After having breakfast early in the morning, with a sense of pride and determination, you will leave Deurali with your trekking guide.

Today’s hike will be around six hours, and because of the steep parts and altitude gain, the difficulty level will be moderate to demanding.

This hike section is truly amazing despite the difficulty of climbing farther into the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is surrounded by gorgeous Himalayan peaks. 

Leaving Deurali, you will climb the ascending trail through a rocky landscape with sparse vegetation. At higher altitudes, the view starts to become more open, and you’ll catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks and massive glacial valleys.

After about 2–2.5 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m / 12,139 ft).  It is a popular stop to take a break for rest, and enjoy the 360-degree views of the mountains, including Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Now, further walking from the Machhapuchhre base camp, the terrain starts to change. There are fewer steep sections as the terrain gets wider and more open while passing through the trail of the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary.

Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin surrounded by towering peaks. Even though this section is flat due to high altitude, you need to be careful of the altitude effects such as Altitude Sickness, Dehydration, Increased Sun Exposure, and Temperature Fluctuations.

Keeping your spirits high and trekking alongside glacial streams, you will now arrive at the ABC around mid-afternoon. When you step into the ABC, your heart will be full of excitement and joy and filled with laughter.

Take your time to enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna massif( 8,091 m), the 10th highest mountain in the world. You will spend the night in a tea house near base camp.

Important Tips for the Day

Altitude Awareness:

• From Deurali to ABC, you will gain altitude, so make sure to acclimate properly. 
• Walk at a steady pace and take breaks if needed. Stay hydrated and listen to your body for any signs of altitude sickness.

Warm Clothing:

• Night at the high altitude of Annapurna Base Camp is chilly, so while you are in a tea house, make sure to wear warm clothes like an insulated jacket, gloves, and a warm hat.

Hydration & Snacks:

• Drink water regularly to keep your body hydrated, and carry   some energy bars to keep yourself fueled

Photography Stops:

Today will be remarkable, so make sure to keep your camera or mobile ready to take the perfect picture of the stunning natural beauty through the journey.

And don’t forget later in the evening to witness the mesmerizing view of the sunset at ABC.

Today, you will depart from the Annapurna Base Camp trek after successfully conquering it. Early in the morning, for the last final time, you will enjoy the breathtaking sunrise at Base Camp.

Then, after that, you will have breakfast in the tea house before leaving base camp. You will start to step on a descending trail through the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Even though you are descending, make sure to keep your body hydrated and walk carefully. Walking about 2–3 hours in Annapurna Sanctuary, you will reach MBC (3,700 m / 12,139 ft).

Because it’s early in the morning, you can enjoy a brief rest here while taking in the breathtaking panoramic vista of the Himalayan ranges.

Further walking from the MBC now the terrain changes as you start to see the vegetation. Walking in rocky and steep descents you will reach Deurali. Further walking for another couple of hours, you’ll reach the Himalayas and then Dovan.

You will stop at the Dovan to take a well deserved tea and lunch. Again, retracting through the lush green forest, cascading waterfalls, and rushing rivers, you will arrive at Bamboo.

You will check into the tea house and spend the night there after you arrive in Bamboo.

Today, the trip from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda will take roughly six hours. With multiple steep descents and a final climb to reach Jhinu Danda, it’s quite an exhausting trek.

Returning to Sinuwa (2,360 m/7,742 ft) first, then You will proceed to descend toward the Chhomrong Khola river from Sinuwa.

After crossing the suspension bridge, you will start the strenuous climb up the stone steps that lead back to Chomrong (2,170 m/7,119 ft).

Once you arrive in Chomrong, you will stop for a well-deserved lunch and rest. You will enjoy lunch in the tea house with the beautiful backdrop views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. After lunch, you will walk through the descending trail toward Jhinu Danda.

This charming village is situated at a lower elevation and is reached via stone steps and wooden walkways. The route offers a view of the Annapurna region’s rural way of life with its terraced fields and scattered communities.

Once you arrive at Jhinu Danda, you will enter the tea house to rest for a while. Since you will arrive by mid-to-late afternoon, you will have plenty of time to explore this village.

Just walking for around a 20-minute downhill walk from the village will bring you to the natural hot springs along the banks of the Modi Khola River.

If you want to take a hot bath in a natural hot spring, make sure to bring a towel and clothes for changing.

Bathing here is like doing a natural massage for your body after a strenuous hike to ABC. It is believed that taking a bath in this natural hot spring will cure skin disease.

You will spend the night in a pleasant and comfortable tea house at one of the Jhinu Danda tea houses after exploring the area.

Today you will begin your trek by travelling from Jhinu danda to Nayapul which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach.

After breakfast, pack all your belongings and get ready to descend through the scenic trails. As you trek downhill, you’ll pass lush forests, terraced farmlands, and small traditional settlements.

During the walk, you can see the local people engaging in agricultural activities, animal husbandry, and daily lifestyle. Now, you will follow the route following the Modi Khola River.

Take time to pause for a while on the route to enjoy the surrounding nature and capture a few last images of the stunning Annapurna mountain slopes.

Your 12 days trek ends once you reach Nayapul. Now, you will say goodbye to your trekking guide and porter who will help you to achieve your dream.

After that, you will take a ride in a private vehicle, which we have arranged for you in Nayapul. Then, riding for around 2 hours from Nayapul, you will reach Pokhara. After you check in the Hotel you can take a rest for a while.

You can keep your language in the Hotel later in the evening and go for a walk around the Lakeside Pokhara. There are lots of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and spas where you can relax and enjoy the night beauty of Pokhara and the peaceful Phewa Lake.

Note: If you have a flight on this day, we will arrange the transportation for the Pokhara International from your Hotel.

The Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes around 30 minutes on average. Once you reach the Kathmandu airport, we will pick you up and escort you to the Hotel in our private vehicle.

After having a wonderful night in Pokhara city, now it’s time for you to get back to Kathmandu for your departure.

You will take a tourist bus from Pokhara bus station and then arrive at Gongabu bus station after 6-7 hours of adventurous ride. One the middle of the journey you will have time to take a rest and lunch.

This day is kept as a leisure day so that in case of weather or flight delays, you have the flexibility to adjust your plans without missing out on any key experiences. If everything goes as per plan, you can use this day to explore Kathmandu city th,e place you choose to travel to.

Here are some suggestions for the top places that you must visit on this leisure day:

Pashupatinath Temple: The UNESCO World Heritage site and for Hindu must-visit destination for Hindus is Pashupatinath temple which you can reach in just a 30-minute ride in public and a 20-minute ride in a taxi.

There are lots of temples, statues, sadhu, guru, and ceremonial activities you can watch. Also, if you are travelling in the evening, make sure to visit around 6 pm so you can watch beautiful evening aarti that involves chanting, singing, dancing, and lighting oil lamps. 

Boudhanath: Boudhanath is another UNESCO World Heritage site that is close to the Pashupatinath temple, around 2.1 km in distance.

This Buddhist pilgrimage site is popular for both local and domestic tourists. You can see many people circling the main giant dome and spinning the prayer wheels as they chant mantras.

This stupa is surrounded by shops, cafés, and monasteries, offering a glimpse into the vibrant Tibetan culture. From the rooftop cafes, you can get an astonishing view of the stupa.

Swayambhunath Temple: Also referred to as the monkey temple, Swayambhunath Temple is only 4 kilometres from Thamel and can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes.

You can get a 360-degree view of Kathmandu city from this temple. Your tour will be made more vibrant and entertaining by taking in the vast number of monkeys that are the palace’s main attraction.

There is a lot to see and do here, including exploring the temple, colourful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and finely carved shrines.

Basantapur: Basantapur is also known by its many names like Freak Street, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kathmandu’s Royal Palace.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a top destination for local people as well as international tourists due to its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.

There are lots of things to do and see in this place, but If you are travelling here, make sure to visit the Museum and House of Living Goddess Kumari.

Note: While travelling for Sightseeing, make sure to carry some Nepalese currency with you as to enter the UNESCO Heritage sites, you need to pay a certain fee.

Also wear decent clothes and follow the rules and regulations properly and most importantly make sure to respect the local culture and traditions.

Your sweet days in Nepal finally come to an end on the 12th day of your visit to Nepal. Today, you will depart from this beautiful country.

Depending upon your scheduled flight we will come to receive you at the Hotel to drop you to the airport for the flight. Remember that you need to reach the airport 3 hours early before your scheduled flight. Have a safe Flight!!!!