Annapurna Base Camp - Trek

Trek Overview
A classic high-altitude expedition into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. This route manages the logistical transition from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the rugged, remote trails of the Himalayas, offering a perfect balance of challenging ascents, crucial acclimatisation, and unparalleled 360-degree views of towering 8,000-meter peaks.
Daily Itinerary
Arrival & Expedition Prep in Kathmandu
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening: Run through a final gear check, secure necessary trekking permits (TIMS and ACAP), and enjoy a traditional Nepalese welcome dinner to brief the team on the days ahead.
The Transit to Pokhara
Morning: Take an early morning tourist bus or a quick domestic flight to the lakeside city of Pokhara. Afternoon: Check into your accommodation near Phewa Lake. Spend the afternoon resting, organising day-packs, and taking in the views of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.
The Trailhead (Pokhara – Nayapul – Tikhedhunga)
Morning: Drive (about 1.5 hours) from Pokhara to the trailhead at Nayapul. Begin the trek, following the Modi Khola river on a relatively flat dirt road to Birethanti. Afternoon: The trail begins a steady climb through local villages and terraced farms, ending the day at the stone-paved village of Tikhedhunga (1,540m).
The Steep Ascent (Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani)
Morning: Tackle the infamous Ulleri stairs—over 3,000 stone steps that serve as a solid physical test early in the trek. Afternoon: The landscape shifts into dense, cool rhododendron forests. Arrive at the blue-roofed settlement of Ghorepani (2,860m) just in time to rest and acclimatize.
Poon Hill Sunrise & Ridge Trekking (Ghorepani – Tadapani)
Early Morning (4:30 AM): Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m) in the dark. Watch the sunrise illuminate the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Daytime: Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then embark on a rugged ridge-line trek characterised by steep ascents and descents through deep gorges, finishing at Tadapani (2,630m).
Descending to the River (Tadapani – Chhomrong)
Morning: A steep descent through lush, damp forests brings you to the Kimrong Khola river. Afternoon: A demanding climb follows, leading up to Chhomrong (2,170m), a major Gurung village and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Deeper into the Gorge (Chhomrong – Dovan)
Morning: Descend the thousands of stone steps down to the Chhomrong Khola, cross the suspension bridge, and immediately climb back up the other side towards Sinuwa. Afternoon: The trail narrows and enters the Modi Khola valley, passing through bamboo and oak forests before arriving at the small settlement of Dovan (2,600m).
Entering the Sanctuary (Dovan – MBC – ABC)
Morning: The tree line gradually disappears as you push higher into the glacial valley. Pass the Hinku Cave and arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC - 3,700m). Afternoon: The final push. The air thins out as you make the gentle but exhausting two-hour hike from MBC into the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). You are now entirely surrounded by massive snow-capped peaks.
The Long Descent (ABC – Bamboo)
Morning: Wake up before dawn to watch the first light hit the towering south face of Annapurna I. Daytime: After breakfast, begin the long, knee-testing descent. Dropping altitude quickly, you'll retrace your steps back past Dovan, finally resting at Bamboo (2,310m).
Hot Springs Recovery (Bamboo – Jhinu Danda)
Morning: Trek back through the bamboo forests, making the tough climb back up to Chhomrong. Afternoon: Descend a different trail down to Jhinu Danda (1,780m). Drop your bags and take a 20-minute walk down to the riverside natural hot springs to soothe aching muscles.
The Final Miles & Return (Jhinu Danda – Nayapul – Kathmandu)
Morning: Trek the final undulating miles alongside the Modi Khola river back to the Nayapul trailhead. Afternoon: Catch your transport back to Pokhara. From Pokhara, either take a late afternoon flight directly back to Kathmandu, or rest in Pokhara and catch the bus back to the capital the following morning to conclude the expedition.
Trek Gallery




7-Day Destination Forecast
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