Annapurna Base Camp Trek-10 Days

Starting right away after an early breakfast, you’ll depart from Kathmandu, headed towards Pokhara. The highway is called Prithvi Highway, where you can have a scenic journey that lasts around seven hours. To cover the approximate 200 kilometres, you will start from Kantipath, reach the checkpoint at Nagdhunga, drive along Trishuli to reach Mugling, have lunch, enter Marshyangdi River Valley, arrive at Damauli, and finally reach Pokhara. As you approach Pokhara, you’ll enjoy views of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges. Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel and explore Lakeside before calling it a day.

After an early breakfast in Pokhara, we will begin with a drive to Nayapul, the start of our trek. As we embark on a 5-hour trek to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk, we will pass through rhododendron forests, thick bamboo woods, and lush vegetation. Along the way, breathtaking views of terraced rice-fields and majestic mountains will keep us moving along. This section of the trek is moderately challenging, with steady ascents. Although the terrain is varied, it will test your stamina and endurance. Upon reaching the serene village of Ghandruk, you will be greeted with splendid views of Machapuchare and Annapurna mountain ranges. Check into a cosy lodge, and spend the evening enjoying the food and views of white mountain vistas.

On the fourth day of the program, you will set out from Ghandruk and begin the trek through dense forests and small villages — headed towards Sinuwa. The journey today is slightly less than six hours with challenging ascents. Along the way, you cross the Kimrong and Modi rivers via suspension bridges, and also traverse through steep trails. However arduous the journey might seem, you will be fueled to keep going by stunning views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges. The final stretch for today will bring you to the village of Chhomrong and a little further up to Sinuwa, a hilltop village. At Sinuwa you will spend the night in a local lodge. The trek is strenuous today, but the breathtaking Himalayan vistas and the welcoming smiles of the people will keep you right on the track. 

Starting from Sinuwa after breakfast, the trek leads you through dense forests of bamboo, oak, and rhododendron until you reach the hamlet of Kuldahar at 2,380 metres. The ACAP check-post is located at this place where you’ll also have a brief stopover for rest and some air. From here, the trail descends remarkably and steeply to Dovan and then further on to Bamboo, aptly named for its thick forests of bamboo. Trekking on, once you arrive at the Modi River, you will go through more forests and the popular Hinku Cave. While you may not see the river at all, you will definitely hear it gushing on your side. And Hinku Cave, once a key resting spot on a popular route to the mountains, is today a name to remember as you tread along. Taking some steep and some not-so-steep gradual ascents, you will head on despite the challenging terrain. Beautiful views of Machhapuchchhre and Annapurna III, will make the day memorable, before arriving at the village of Deurali at 3,200m for the overnight stay in a comfortable lodge.

Today is the day you’ve been trekking all along for, for we’ll be reaching the famed destination of Annapurna Base Camp. After a quiet breakfast, you will make a gentle climb through a riverbed and as you set on a steep ascent to Machhapuchchhre Base Camp,  you’ll not miss the lush vegetation and stunning views of mountains. Some of the peaks you can see along the way are Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare, among other majestic peaks. With rests along the way you will continue along the trail. Vegetation will begin to get sparse, terrains will turn rocky and at one point you will reach an avalanche-prone area. Fret not, as your guide will steer clear of danger and keep you on the right track. As you climb higher and keep travelling through moraines & ridges, you will suddenly arrive at  the base camp. This, you will notice while being surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains on all sides and you standing inside what seems to be a nature’s amphitheatre. As the cold strengthens, you will get inside a lodge for the night’s stay — far from civilization inside the unparalleled elegance of the giant peaks.

A memorable night at Annapurna Base Camp, followed by an early morning view of stunning sunrise over Annapurna Massif — this is what you will cherish before starting the descent to Sinuwa. On what is probably this route’s longest day of trek, you will mostly tread downhill today through picturesque forests, beautiful streams, and serene waterfalls. The elevation drop today is approximately 1,700 metres through rocky terrain and steep descents. Sights will be familiar as you will be retracing your trail past. Once Bamboo is in sight, you will find that it is unusually isolated yet, a sense of serenity fills the village. Flanked by lodges and tea-houses, this village is where you will see views of greenery and majestic mountains. You will also notice that the challenging terrain of the morning has given way to a peaceful contrast made up of beautiful landscapes. Upon arriving at Sinuwa, a little ahead of Bamboo, you will spend the night in a guesthouse with warm food and comfort.

Start from Sinuwa after breakfast and begin your trek towards Jhinu Danda. Popular for its natural hot springs, you can relax in its hot waters later in the day. The trek today takes you through charming villages with views of green valleys and white mountains – an all-natural scenic backdrop. The trail today comprises steep ascents and also steep descents, thereby adding a challenge and excitement to the day’s trek. Crossing Chhomrong, you will descend sharply towards Jhinu Danda. The area, which is nestled by Modi Khola Valley, is known for its beautiful setting where tired and weary trekkers can unwind and relax. At the hotspring, please do not get your hopes too high because there are no private baths, and all you can indulge in is a dip with many people who have shared the trek with you. On a lucky day, you will find only one or two people sharing the pool with you. After the bath, you will begin the drive to Pokhara and in a matter of hours, you will have arrived in comfort where you will have hot food, a warm bed, and a rejuvenating night to ease away your trek-induced fatigue.

After breakfast, we will begin the scenic eight-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Right after embarking you will have final glimpses of the majestic Annapurna mountain range coming out of Pokhara. The route is scenic, with mesmerising views of the changing landscapes, but the ongoing construction and expansion on the highway means the trip will be a slow one. Leaving behind the serene beauty of Pokhara, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the remarkable adventure you had in the past weeks. Later, upon arriving in Kathmandu you will immediately notice the vibrant energy of the city — a stark contrast to the peaceful trails you just travelled. In the evening, you can explore around, visit shops for souvenirs, or simply relax in a session of massage. Later, as we gather for the dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip in the Annapurna Region.

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.