Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

You will be picked up at the airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) by our employee. Then  you’ll be transferred to your respective hotel. Not to worry, a briefing session is included, and it  is mandatory. You will have ample time to understand and go through it. After you’re done, you  can visit or walk around the vicinity, and taste the street foods you can find. After all that, you  may start preparing yourself for day two. 

If you plan to get or buy your trekking gear in Nepal, then do not hesitate to ask us about it.  There are decent stores in Thamel, but we can direct you to our well-renowned stores that can  make you a really good deal. We will collect your passport copies and travel insurance for  permits and safety requirements. Therefore, it will be handed to your guides whom you can  trust. 

About Kathmandu:- 

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is full of short travel destinations. Various UNESCO World  Heritage Sites are located in Kathmandu, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar  Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath  Temple, etc. Perhaps, this place is rich in cultural and historical heritage.  

Kathmandu is a blend of modern life and tradition, making it a captivating destination for  culture, history, and urban exploration. All these elements showcase the exquisite traditional  architecture of Nepal. Therefore, bustling markets and colourful streets, along with lively festivals, make Kathmandu a dynamic urban centre. On the other hand, the city is surrounded by  hills providing scenic views and occasional panoramic views of distant mountains. 

• Kathmandu – starting point – early morning departure 
• Prithvi Highway – scenic mountain road 
• Trishuli River corridor – river views – riverside settlements 
• Hill towns and roadside villages – terraced hills – local life and markets 
• Pokhara – lakeside city – lunch stop – short rest 
• Pokhara–Baglung Highway – countryside drive – rivers and farmland 
• Nayapul – road-end point – start of trek 
• Tikhedhunga – small village – lodges – observe local lifestyle 
• Ulleri (optional) – hillside village – stone staircases – overnight stay

Early in the morning, you prepare yourself for the long drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which  is usually about 6 – 7 Hours long. You’ll be accompanied by your guide. Do not hesitate to ask  about anything you would want to know. Also, don’t worry, you’ll have lots of things to enjoy,  look at, reminisce and make a memory out of it during this long drive. You’ll witness beautiful  hills, rivers and various activities along the drive. 

Once you reach Pokhara, you’ll be provided with your lunch. After some rest, your drive  continues to Nayapul in about 2 hours. Your trek officially begins from here. So, the trail then  walks you to Tikhedhunga or even higher to Ulleri. Basically, for your concern, Tikhedhunga and  Ulleri are small villages where you can find lodges and see the lifestyles of the people living in  the village.  

Note: If you don’t want to take a long drive to Pokhara, you may also take a direct flight to the  destination. The Kathmandu to Pokhara flight may cost you around 100 USD dollars. You might  talk about this earlier since the flight may be completely booked or unavailable.  

About Pokhara 

Pokhara is a lakeside city located in central Nepal. It is also one of the most famous tourist  destinations in Nepal. In Pokhara, one can experience a tranquil atmosphere. One of the most  famous parts of Pokhara is Phewa Lake. It is also famous for the Annapurna Mountain views,  and it serves as a gateway to several Himalayan Treks. This is a place filled with natural beauty,  and it is definitely a place for relaxation and adventure.  

You can spend your day lively yet relaxed in the Lakeside area. Lakeside can be an ideal place to  take a rest, go to the cafes, shops and unwind from your long journey. Apart from trekking and  regular activities, there are various adventurous activities in Pokhara like paragliding, boating  and ziplining.  

About Tikhedunga

Tikhedhunga village is an early stop on the ABC trail. It is a small, peaceful village located at the  lower section of the ABC trail that you reach right after you cross a river. This village is known  for the step stones leading to Ulleri. You can find simple teahouses and locals with warm  hospitality. It serves people as a rest and acclimatisation point surrounded by forested hills,  terraced farmlands and nearby streams before continuing deeper into the Annapurna region. Here you will see people of the communities like The Gurungs and The Magars. 

About Ulleri village 

Ulleri village is a traditional Magar settlement which serves as a hillside location at a higher  elevation. It is very famous for its long and steep staircases from Tikhedhunga, which is a  challenge in itself for trekkers. Apart from it being a resting point, you can also visit the wonders  of this village, like the clustered stone houses, surrounding hills and distant peaks on clear days.  Yes, it is a demanding climb to this village, but trust yourself, there are more exciting points  along the trail. 

Compared to Tikhedhunga, Ulleri is a bigger village with people from the communities like  Magars, Chhetris, and Brahmins. There are around 30-35 teahouses, 200 normal houses and  around 1000 people reside in this village. Agricultural and tourism activities are the main  economic activities of these people.

• Tikhedhunga – breakfast and start of the day 
• Ulleri – reached after about 2 hours – long climb of 3,000 stone steps 
• Steep stone staircase section – physically demanding ascent 
• Banthanti (2,250 m) – rest stop – teahouses – lunch and drinks 
• Nangethanti (2,520 m) – higher resting point – short breaks 
• Rhododendron Forest trail – gradual uphill walk – shaded path 
• Mountain viewpoints – views of Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna 
• Ghorepani – final destination – overnight stay – trekking lodge 

You’ll be provided with your breakfast before moving up to Ghorepani. So, after breakfast, you  begin the trail. If you start from Tikhedhunga, you reach Ulleri in about 2 hours after walking  3000 stone steps. Then you gradually climb up to Ghorepani. During the climb you’ll get to view  breathtaking mountains such as Machhapuchre (6997m), Hiuchuli (6441m) and the big mount  Annapurna (7219m). Therefore, this marks the end for that day. And you’ll be provided standard  meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). After that, you may spend your night in the trekking lodge. 

Along the trail, you’ll pass through points like Banthanti (2250m) and Nangethanti (2520m), where you get to have lunch, drinks and rest since there are tea houses, eventually reaching  Ghorepani. 

About Ghorepani village 

Located on the ABC and Poon Hill trail, Ghorepani village is a high-altitude mountain settlement  surrounded by dense rhododendron forests. It is very popular for overnight stops and serves as a starting/ base point for the Poon Hill Sunrise hike. In this village, you’ll have a lively trekking  hub with many tea houses and lodges where you can have panoramic views of the Annapurna  and Dhaulagiri ranges. Apart from that, you can also spend your time in cultural interaction with  local communities as well. 

The name “Ghorepani” has its own significance. Ghorepani means “horse water”. Basically, this  spot served as a historical watering stop, which used to be a key point on trade routes for  trekkers and pack animals, where horses and mules could rest. This stop directly reflects the  rural Himalayan life, which has later turned into a popular trekking hub. Therefore, this village  blends history with trekking culture.

• Ghorepani – early morning start 
• Poon Hill – sunrise viewpoint – panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Varaha  Shikhar, Lamjung Himal 
• Ghorepani – return descent – breakfast stop 
• Rhododendron forest trail – shaded paths – terraced fields 
• Deurali Pass (3,090 m) – highest point of the day – forested crossing 
• Dense woodland section – limited settlements – quiet trail 
• Banthanti (2,650 m) – small lodge – short rest stop 
• Tadapani – arrival point – mountain views 
• Chuile – final descent – overnight stay 
• Moderately demanding day – long walking hours – no technical terrain 

The next morning, we climb up to the sunrise at Poon Hill. From the viewpoint, you witness  several mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna ranges, Nilgiri, Varaha Shikhar, Lamjung Himal and  so on. After that, you descend to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and trek to Tadapani. Along the  way, you get across rhododendron slopes, terraced fields and shaded paths. You also cross the  route with Deurali Pass at around 3090 meters. In this section, you will not see many  settlements since it’s mostly dense forest. 

At a point, it passes through a small lodge named Banthanti at an altitude of around 2650  meters before reaching the vicinity of Tadapani. You will reach Tadapani, but instead of settling  in for the day, you descend to Chuile, where you can finally spend the night. Since there is a lot  of work on this day, this part is considered to be moderately demanding, even though there is  almost no technical terrain. 

About Poon Hill 

Poon Hill is a famous sunrise viewpoint situated near Ghorepani at an elevation of 3210m. From  Poon Hill, people can have a view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchare  and so on. It is a short, steep climb, yet a little demanding. It is one of the major highlights of  The ABC trek. We can basically think of it as a viewing point from where you can see local  villages, the golden sunrise and the panoramic views of all the glory mountains. Therefore, it is  accessible to almost ever trekkers.

Note: Regarding the short morning trek to Poon Hill 

You can ignore this short trek if you don’t want to. 

If you are interested, then you need to prepare yourself to wake up early so that you don’t miss  the sunrise. Be careful while climbing up and down the steep since it might be slippery. You  shall carry only the necessary tools and keep the remaining at your teahouse room. This is also  the part where you need your hiking poles; make sure you have them ready. You can also visit  Poon Hill in the evening when it is less crowded. Sunset seems as beautiful as the sunrise. You  can choose when to trek. 

After returning from this short trek, you may enjoy your meal at the teahouse and start preparing  for your further trek. 

About Tadapani: 

It is a village located between Ghorepani and Chhomrong, which is very quiet. It is a forested  village surrounded by rhododendron and oak forests, which is generally peaceful and less  crowded. We can find small teahouse settlements that serve as an overnight stop where one  can rest and recover. Arriving at this place is making a transition into the deeper Annapurna  Sanctuary. The atmosphere is generally calm in this place.

• Tadapani – start of the day 
• Chuile – initial descent – trail with multiple ups and downs 
• Rolling terrain – steady walking pace recommended 
• Kimrong Khola – river crossing point – suspension bridge 
• Ascent after river crossing – long stone staircases 
• Chhomrong – major village – gateway to Annapurna Base Camp 
• ACAP checkpoint – permit verification 
• Chhomrong – end of the day – rest and overnight stay 

After Tadapani, you descend to Chuile. Here you’ll also face multiple ups and downs, so you  might not want to hurry; instead, walk at a steady pace, calmly. As you descend, you get down to  Kimrong Khola. There you cross the river through suspension bridge. Right after crossing the  river, you ascend to Chhomrong. It requires climbing up long stone staircases. So, you focus on  maintaining your pace rather than being fast. 

As you continue your journey, you reach Chhomrong. It is basically the gateway to Annapurna  Base Camp. Therefore, your permits are checked at the ACAP checkpoint. Going through all  that, you finally can rest for the day. 

About Chhomrong:

Chhomrong is a village which is large and vibrant compared to other villages in the Annapurna  Base Camp trail. It is situated right above the Modi Khola valley, from where the views of  Annapurna South and Machhapuchare are obvious. In this village, visitors can find many  teahouses and lodges along with different shops and bakeries. It is renowned for the steep  stone staircases.  

An interesting part of Chhomrong in this trail is the trek in it, i.e., to descend to Chhomrong  Khola and climb back up to the village itself, which is physically very demanding. It is the key  spot for rest and acclimatisation. Therefore, arrival in Chhomrong is also a transition to a higher  altitude. 

• Chhomrong – start of the day 
• Steep descent – long stone staircases – downhill to Chhomrong Khola 
• Chhomrong Khola – suspension bridge crossing – thrilling section 
• Ascent after the bridge – climb to Lower Sinuwa 
• Upper Sinuwa – continued uphill – forest trail 
• Sinuwa forest section – shaded paths – steady climb 
• Modi Khola valley – a clear and cold flowing river – an echoing valley 
• Bamboo groves – peaceful surroundings 
• Rhododendron forests – a calm and refreshing environment 
• Remote Himalayan setting – quiet trail 
• Dovan – arrival point – teahouse settlement 
• Dovan – overnight stay – guide monitors pace and well-being

In this part, you will steeply descend through stone steps down to the Chhomrong khola/river.  To cross the river, you must walk through a suspension bridge, which is kind of a thrill. So, if it’s  your first time on the suspension bridge, then you might fear or feel fun at the same time. It is  pretty fun to shake it. As you expect after that small thrill, you will need to climb up to Lower  Sinuwa, then to Upper Sinuwa, getting past those forest trails.  

After Sinuwa, you also trail across Modi Khola. It is such clear, cold water flowing and echoing  through the valley. Walking along the trail gets you through bamboo groves and rhododendron  forests, which basically makes the surroundings really peaceful. You’ll find it very calm and  refreshing in that remote Himalayan environment. Eventually, you reach your destination for that  day. Thus, you spend your night in the teahouse in Dovan. Not to worry, you’ll have your guide to  monitor trekkers like you.  

About Modi Khola: 

Modi Khola is a river originating from the Annapurna Base Camp glaciers in the Annapurna  Region, flowing through Annapurna Sanctuary. It is a key geographical feature of the ABC trek  that has a constant sound of water accompanying the trekkers along the journey, adding a  sense of remoteness and natural beauty.

About Sinuwa village: 

Sinuwa is a small village located between Chhomrong and Bamboo, which is divided into Lower  Sinuwa and Upper Sinuwa. Trekkers can reach this village right after climbing from the  Chhomrong Khola. There are limited teahouses in this small forest settlement serving as a  transition from busy villages to the inner Annapurna Sanctuary. This small village is surrounded  by baboo, oak, and rhododendron forests.  

About Dovan: 

Dovan is located in the upper Modi Khola valley. It is a small remote settlement enclosed by  steep valley walls. It is generally calm, quiet and less crowded. It is a rest point before you  move up to the higher elevations. It is a transition zone that shifts you from a lower forested  trail to an alpine landscape. For trekkers, it is a common overnight stay before moving up to  Mchhapuchare or Deurali.  

• Dovan – start of the day 
• Modi Khola valley – narrow glacial corridor – steady ascent 
• Forest thinning zone – transition to alpine rocky terrain 
• Pujinim Barah shrine – small local shrine – rest and lunch stop at Himalaya Hinku Cave – rocky trail section – careful footing required 
• High-risk zone – possible snow and avalanches in late winter and spring 
• Monsoon hazards – rockfall and trail washouts 
• Gradual ascent – increasing altitude and exposure 
• Deurali – high mountain valley – close-up snowfield views 
• Cold temperatures – thinner air felt 
• Deurali – end of the day – overnight stay 
• Next morning – onward walk toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp 
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp – close view of Fishtail Mountain

From Dovan, walking along Modi Khola in such a narrow glacier valley, climbing steadily you get  past forest thins and alpine rocky terrain and reach a shrine named Pujinim Barah shrine. It is a  small local shrine where you can have lunch and rest in the Himalaya. Then you trail to Hinku  Cave. You must be cautious while walking since it is very rocky. 

In this part, there might be possible chances of snow or avalanches, especially during late  spring or winter. And there are chances for rockfalls or washouts during monsoon. So, yes, you  must listen to your guides, and they also help you maintain your safety and pace. 

With gradual ascend you reach Deurali. It is a high mountain valley where you can have close-up  snowfield views. At this point, you will feel colder and find thin air. Now, you settle for the day  and prepare for the following day as you’re done enjoying that day. The next morning, you walk  to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. This is where you finally have the close view of Fishtail  Mountain, rocky slopes, glacial streams and panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. You can also witness mesmerising sunrise and sunset while resting and  acclimatising.

About Machhapuchare Base Camp: 

Machhapuchare Base Camp, also known as MBC, is located inside Annapurna Sanctuary at an  elevation of 3700m. The camp is surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and wide alpine  basins. It is situated right below the sacred Machhapuchare (Fishtail) peak, where climbing is forbidden. The areas in Machhapuchare depict deep cultural and spiritual importance. It is also  an important acclimatisation and overnight stop for trekkers on the way to the Annapurna  Camp, serving as the final transition to the Annapurna Base Camp.

• Machhapuchhre Base Camp – start of the day 
• Final stretch – steady ascent – gradual altitude gains 
• Exposed trail – cold temperatures – windy conditions 
• Altitude and environment challenge – manageable effort 
• Annapurna Base Camp – arrival at dream destination 
• Surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli 
• Dramatic Mountain walls – natural amphitheatre 
• Stunning sunset views 
• Annapurna Base Camp – overnight stay 

The final stretch to the dream destination. Yes, Annapurna Base Camp, and yes, there is a  steady ascent, gradually gaining altitude. The trail is exposed, and you can expect the  temperature to be cold and the weather to be windy. You may consider it as a little challenge  from the altitude and conditions. Therefore, yes. It is worth a shot. 

Your arrival at Annapurna Base Camp will be breathtaking. It is surrounding of towering peaks  like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and so on. As you think, yes. There you’ll witness  huge, dramatic mountain walls and a stunning sunset. And you can also call that place a natural  amphitheatre. After days, you get to spend an overnight at your dream destination.  

About The Annapurna Base Camp: 

The Annapurna Base Camp is the final and ultimate destination of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek at an elevation of 4130m. In the basecamp, you are surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna  South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchare, offering you a dramatic close-up mountain view directly  from the valley floor, creating an overwhelming sense of scale and beauty.  

The Annapurna Base Camp is very rewarding in terms of experience, memory and adventures,  combining physical and emotional achievement as well. Trekkers experience a remote and  sacred atmosphere in this place. As a fact, this is the main highlight of the Annapurna Region.  Therefore, this journey is meant to give you lifelong memories, so you don’t need to think twice  to pick it, and you wouldn’t regret a bit of the moments you spent in the journey. 

• Annapurna Base Camp – start of descent 
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp – retrace trail 
• Upper Modi Khola valley – alpine basins and moraine paths 
• Deurali – descent continues 
• Himalaya – onward downhill 
• Dovan – lower alpine stop 
• Altitude decreases – warmer temperatures 
• Dense bamboo and rhododendron forests – shaded trail 
• Lower valley terrain – muddy or damp sections 
• Bamboo – end of high-altitude section – guesthouse stay and rest

The next day, you start descending from Annapurna Base Camp, retracing the trail through  Machhapuchare Base Camp. You continue your journey to the upper Modi Khola valley, getting  past alpine basin narrows and moraine paths, eventually reaching Deurali, to Himalaya, to  Dovan. In the process, it starts getting warmer as the altitude decreases. Downhill is not an easy  task; you may have fatigue, a knee injury or ankle strain. Therefore, you must mind your footing  and your steady pace. 

Same as going to the top, while returning, you will again get past dense bamboo and  rhododendron forests and so on. 

Your descent continues to lower valley terrain. Here, the trail can be muddy or damp. Your guide  will play a significant role in this journey, managing your pace and rest. Finally, you arrive at  Bamboo, ending the high-altitude section. Then you settle for the day in the guesthouse and  take a rest after a long climb down. 

About Bamboo: 

Bamboo is a small resting settlement positioned between Sinuwa and Dovan. It lies deep inside  the Modi Khola corridor, which is surrounded by thick bamboo thickets, oak and rhododendron  trees. The whole area is a shaded forest environment, making it a narrow, enclosed valley. 

Here, locals perform dense vegetation. The combination of a narrow valley and dense  vegetation creates a calm and oriented atmosphere separating it from more open and  populated lower villages.  

• Bamboo – start of descent 
• Upper Sinuwa – forested trails – gradual downhill 
• Lower Sinuwa – continued descent 
• Chhomrong Khola – river crossing 
• Ascent to Chhomrong – steep uphill section – challenging for returning trekkers
• Terraced hills and mixed forest – steady descent 
• Jhinu Danda – guesthouse stop – overnight stay 
• Hot springs – optional short stroll – relax and soak 
• Return to lodge – peaceful overnight at Jhinu Danda

Gradually losing altitude through forested trails, we reach Upper Sinuwa from Bamboo. You  keep getting down unless you reach Chhomrong Khola passing Lower Sinuwa. Make sure you  do gentle downhill because we do not want to cause any injury. You cross the river and then  prepare yourself for a tough uphill stretch to Chhomrong. This might get challenging for some  people as they are returning.  

After that, you descend through terraced hills and mixed forest. Make sure you watch your step  at a steady pace. Now, you reach Jhinu Danda and settle in a guest house for the day. There,  you can take a brief stroll to warm/hot springs and relax in the healing waters if you want. After  doing It you can slowly return to the lodge and make your overnight very peaceful at Jhinu  Danda. 

About Jhinu Danda 

Along the lower Modi Khola, there lies a small village named Jhinu Danda. This village is  surrounded by terraced hillsides and a bamboo forest, creating a tranquil atmosphere. It is very  famous for its natural hot springs, which provide a relaxing and therapeutic stop for tired  trekkers. They can simply walk downhill to the springs and relax.  

This village has simple teahouses and lodges. Therefore, it also serves as a rest and recovery  point after the Chhomrong section. Here, you can prepare physically and mentally for your next  journey. 

• Jhinu Danda – start of final trek day 
• Samrung – village – designated pick-up point 
• Village footpaths – riverside trails – last suspension bridge crossing over Modi Khola Samrung – picked up by private vehicle 
• Drive to Pokhara – 2–3 hours, depending on road and traffic 
• Pokhara – lakeside hotel – pre-booked stay 
• Leisure time – walk around Phewa Lake – shopping and local exploration 
• Relaxation – reflection on trek – transition back to city life

This is your final trek day. On this day, from Jhinu Danda, you walk to a village named Samrung.  Basically, the village is a designated pick-up point. And yes, while getting here, you will have one  last experience on the village footpaths, those riverside trails and the long suspension bridge in  Modi Khola. Therefore, this is the final point before driving back to Pokhara. 

From Samrung, you will be picked up with a private/reserved vehicle by our team. They will drive  you back to Pokhara. It’s about a 2-3-hour drive depending on the road and traffic. 

There will be a pre-booked hotel for you at the lakeside. You settle there for the day. During that  time, you can walk around the vicinity and along the elegant Phewa Lake. You can reminisce about your journey and do some shopping as a reminder of this journey. Spending your day here  and doing small activities will make it more convenient to return to city life. 

• Pokhara – start of return drive to Kathmandu 
• Scenic drive – hills, rivers, and landscapes – reminisce and enjoy 
• Opportunity to rest or nap during the journey 
• Kathmandu – arrival at hotel – assistance from team available 
• Completion ceremony – certificate and token of appreciation for the ABC trek Evening – free time to relax and enjoy the final moments

Getting back to Kathmandu after a bucket full of experience and memories marks your journey  as the end. Just like getting to Pokhara while returning to Kathmandu, you will have the same  views and scenes to recapture. Make sure you live in that drive wholeheartedly. You can take a  quick nap during the drive and recharge your energy for the rest day. 

As you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be directed to your hotel. Yes, our team will be there to  assist you in case you need anything. At the end, you will be provided a token of love and a  certificate for the completion of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Aside from these, you'd better  enjoy your final moments in the evening. 

After your last overnight stay in Kathmandu, you start preparing to leave Kathmandu, or you may  say international departure. Then you do your lunch and minor works. One of our team members  will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport and also assist in your check-ins and departure  procedures. 

Finally, your dream to do the ABC trek has been accomplished, with a heart full of memories and  experiences of adventure and thrill for the life time. In the end, we express our sincere gratitude  for trusting and selecting us. To make you happy and give you lifelong memories is our job.  Thank you!