THE TREK TO THE ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP

Difficulty:

Hiking days: 15 days

Season: Autumn / Spring

Highlights of the trek

Hiking in this region is very rewarding as it allows you to discover the landscapes of the Himalayas with their beautiful countryside.

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp explores central Nepal and its majestic peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Machhapuchre (6,998 m). From Nayapul, the route passes through subtropical forests, rhododendron groves and alpine zones, takes in Poon Hill (3,210 m) for panoramic views, and reaches Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).

This 15-day trek, accessible without mountaineering, offers varied landscapes, cultural immersion and Himalayan wildlife. The best seasons are spring and autumn. Accommodation is in lodges located along the route, which also serve meals. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, accommodation is in hotels.

Trekking itinerary to the Annapurna Base Camp

Itinerary details

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to rest after your long flight. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu: city tour and trek preparation

After breakfast, we offer a guided tour of two sites of your choice from among Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual attractions, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can choose between the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist sanctuary (Bouddhanath), which is also home to one of the largest stupas in the world.

In the afternoon, a trek preparation meeting will allow you to meet your trek leader and other team members. Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will inform you of the details of your trek and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our upcoming adventure. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m): 6-hour drive

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will take a bus to Pokhara. It is a pleasant journey on a winding road that follows rivers and passes through lush green forests, passing through many towns.

Along the way, you will also see lively markets in villages. Lunch will be at one of the roadside restaurants. Once you arrive in Pokhara, you will be taken to your hotel. You will spend the night in Pokhara.

Day 4: Bus ride to Nayapul (1,000 m) and trek to Ulleri (1,960 m): 4 to 5 hours of walking

After breakfast, you will take a bus that will take you to Nayapul (43 km northeast of Pokhara) in just over an hour. This is where you begin your walk.

Shortly afterwards, you cross the Modi Khola River at Birethanti and head north-east up a gentle slope to reach Tikhedhunga (1460m) where you cross the Bhurungdi Khola River and begin a steep climb before reaching Ulleri. You spend the night in Ulleri.

Day 5: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2850m): 5 to 6 hours of walking.

Today, you will frequently share the trail with mules carrying goods, and they have priority over hikers.

As you cross a narrower valley, you will occasionally catch glimpses of the peaks ahead. You will pass through a rhododendron forest and eventually reach Ghorepani. This is a beautiful spot offering panoramic views of Mount Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. You will spend the night in Ghorepani.

Day 6: early morning: climb to Poon Hill (3,193 m); later: from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,600 m): 6 to 7 hours of walking.

Early in the morning, still in darkness and using a headlamp, you will climb for about an hour along a narrow path to reach Poon Hill, where you will witness a spectacular sunrise. This is one of the most popular sites in the region and one of the highlights of your tour. It is located on a small isolated plateau from where you can see the giant peak of Dhaulagiri and the summits of the Annapurna range.

As the light changes with the beginning day, it is difficult to leave the spectacle of this magical place to return to the village of Ghorepani where you have breakfast before starting your daily walk.

From Ghorepani, the trail heads west, following a path through deep rhododendron forests. It finally emerges onto a grassy mound that offers beautiful mountain views, including the elegant peak of Mt Machhapuchhare or Fishtail (which was not visible from Ghorepani).

You continue climbing along the ridge through pine and rhododendron forests to reach a pass called Deurali (3,030 m), then descend to two inns before reaching a second pass at 2,960 m. The trail then descends steeply, crosses a stream before climbing again, passing through a forest to reach Tadapani. You spend the night in Tadapani.

Day 7: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,340 m): 5 hours walking

Tadapani is a small village where the trail reaches a fork: while the southern trail heads towards Ghandruk, you take the northern trail towards Chhomrong. The trail descends through a dense forest to reach Gurajon, which is just after a suspension bridge.

Later, you reach Chhomrong, a beautiful village located in the foothills of the giant Annapurna range. It is a typical Gurung village that has modernised and is in danger of losing its original culture and traditions. A local women’s group is involved in a cultural preservation initiative and organises visits. You spend the night in Chhomrong.

Day 8: From Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel (2,900 m): 6 to 7 hours of walking

After descending to the suspension bridge over the Chomrong Khola River, the trail climbs and descends, passing through the villages of Sinuwa, Kuldihar and Bamboo before reaching Dobhan.

About half an hour later, you will reach a shrine dedicated to the deity Panchhi Baraha. From there, you will have a view of an impressive waterfall nearby.

After crossing the Modi Khola River, a steep trail leads to the Himalaya Hotel. You will spend the night at the Himalaya Hotel.

Day 9: From Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m): 5 to 6 hours of walking

After walking for about an hour from Himalaya Hotel, you will reach a huge rock that forms Hinku Cave, a landmark and favourite camping shelter for mountaineering expeditions. It is a pleasant place to rest. About 30 minutes further on, you pass Deurali. The trail crosses several streams before reaching Machhapuche Base Camp (3700m), where a few lodges are located.

You continue climbing on a moderately steep trail towards Annapurna Base Camp. This is a very pleasant stretch that will take you along the river through peaceful meadows with numerous rocks where you can rest and admire the surrounding peaks. From here, the view is breathtaking. The summit of Annapurna I rises above a glacier covered with scree, while to the south, Mount Himchuli and Annapurna South emerge, with Mount Machhapuchre (Fishtail) appearing magnificently in the background.

To enjoy a view of Mt Gangapurna to the south, you must climb the moraine with a few rock cairns to find the trail. You rest here and enjoy the panorama of the Annapurna range before returning to Annapurna Base Camp where you spend the night.

Day 10: From Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,310m): 7-8 hours of walking

From Annapurna Base Camp, you take the same route as on the way up, descending to Bamboo. Today’s trek is long but downhill, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. What’s more, you’ll always have the extraordinary scenery to keep you entertained. You spend the night in Bamboo.

Day 11: Bamboo to Jhiu Danda (1,760m/5,770 ft): 5-6 hours of walking

From Bamboo, you will climb to Kuldighar, then descend to the Chhomrong Khola River. From there, you will climb the stone steps until you return to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs located just a 15-20 minute walk below Jhinu Danda. This is a good opportunity to relax and soothe your body, which will be sore from the exertion of the previous days. You will spend the night in Jhinu Danda.

Day 12: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul: 6 hours of walking; then to Pokhara: 1 hour by road

During your trek to Nayapul from Jhinu Danda, you will enjoy the incredible hilly landscape of western Nepal. You will have lunch along the way. Your trek ends in Nayapul, where you will board a vehicle to reach Pokhara. You will spend the night in Pokhara.

Note: a road is under construction connecting Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul. Once completed, it will be possible to return directly from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara. However, you can also choose the option* to extend your trek by one day, walking from Jhinu Danda to Phedi via Pothana and Dhampus. From Phedi, there is a frequent bus service to Pokhara

Day 12: from Jhiu Danda to Pothana (1900 m): 5-6 hours of walking

Leaving Jhinu Danda, you follow the trail to Pothana, crossing several suspension bridges. There will then be a steep climb of 550 m, but by now you will be a veteran of Himalayan trekking and this will not pose any major difficulty. Along the way, you should be able to see Mt Dhaulagiri. Towards the end of the day, the path descends gently to Pothana. You will spend the night in Pothana.

Day 13: From Pothana via Dhampus to Phedi (840/2,755 ft): 3-4 hours walking + ~30 minutes drive to Pokhara

During your hike today, you will once again be amazed by the spectacular views of the southern peak of Annapurna. Once you reach Dhampus, the largest village on the trek, you will see cars again, and even a local school – all signs that you are almost back to civilisation.

The last day of your trek includes a fairly steep descent from Dhampus to Phedi, from where you will be taken back to Pokhara by bus. You will spend the night in Pokhara.

Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours by road (alternatively, 25 minutes by plane)

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to Pokhara and its beautiful lake, and head back to Kathmandu by bus. Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day to rest or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. To celebrate the success of your expedition, we will organise a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight stay in Kathmandu

Day 15: Final departure

Your adventure in Nepal ends today! After breakfast and on your last day in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will be at your disposal to accompany you to the international airport, where you should arrive three hours before your scheduled return flight. Bon voyage! We hope to see you again someday.

Useful information:

Difficulty: Moderate