There are few treks that combine many different landscapes and yet bring you so close to the base of 8 000-meter-high peaks in a short period of time. One of the best examples is the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. The trail goes alongside terraced rice paddies, millet fields, unique rhododendron forests and high-altitude landscapes with the Annapurna Range and Fishtail, in view, most of the time. The unique and spectacular Annapurna Base Camp is at 4170 m set amidst the majestic peaks of Annapurna (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441 m).
This Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes 10 days starting from Nayapul (a 1 1/2-hour drive from Pokhara). It then goes north up to Gorepani and the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill (3210m/10,531ft. From Gorepani we go eastward to Chomrong and then north again entering the Modi Kola (true river coming from ice) Valley which leads up to the Base Camp.
Many people prefer to trek the circuit, Nayapul-Ghorepani-Ghandruk-Nayapul, which is very rewarding. This trek can easily be done with children and elderly people.
We can return via Jhinu Danda and give our tired muscles a well-deserved rest in the delightful natural hot springs. Upon your return, it is worthwhile visiting one of the Gurung villages of Ghandruk or Landruk.
The lodges and teahouses in the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Region are well equipped with extensive menus ranging from the typical Nepali dahl bath (rice with lentils) to pizza and mo mo, and much more. The local products are mostly organic. Hot showers are readily available as well. Most of the teahouses along the way do have Wi-Fi so that you can contact your loved ones at home and even send them photos of the day.
It is possible to do this trek in all seasons; however, in the winter the Annapurna Base Camp can sometimes be closed due to the snow level. During spring, the huge rhododendron forests are in full bloom which gives the trek an extra appeal.
A hearty welcome to Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital and cultural hub. We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel by private tourist car. We will then have an early evening briefing about your trek and introduction to your guide.
This is the formal start of our trip from Kathmandu. Your guide will have explained everything to you the night before. All our backpacks must be ready before breakfast as breakfast will be served early in the morning at our hotel. We will be picked up at our hotel at 6:30am and head to the bus station or airport. The bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara leaves around 7:00am and normally stops twice on the way for snacks as well as for lunch. We will have beautiful views of the river valley with rice paddies and millet fields. We will reach Pokhara in the afternoon. It is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. Pokhara is known for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. Pokhara’s small, clean and natural setting is less crowded than Kathmandu and hence a perfect starting point for our trek. Note: The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara will take only 30 min with spectacular views from the aircraft. After our arrival at Pokhara we will check into our hotel and rest for about an hour before we take a short hike to view the Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
We will awake around 6.30 am and have breakfast at our hotel around 7.30 am. After a one and a half hour bus ride from Pokhara, we will begin our trek from Nayapul. We start our trek along the banks of the Modi Khola, and pass through Birethanti (1 015 m), a large village with many shops and teahouses. From here, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Modi Khola. Most of today’s trail is flat and easy. There are very nice and traditional villages on both sides of the valley. The trail continues with some steep uphill before we reach Ghandruk village, one of the most popular and beautiful mountain villages in Nepal. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghandruk.
After a good night’s rest, we will be greeted in the morning to the beauty of Mt. Annapurna South, Hiuchuli and Fishtail which are close to us. After breakfast, our day starts with a steep downhill through Rhododendron forests. From there, we will climb for around an hour to Kimrungdanda. After that steep climb we will enjoy the steep descent to Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda, we descend for a while and then it’s a gentle walk to Chhomrong. We will continue to view the beautiful Mt. Annapurna South just in front of us. The trail continues down to the bottom of the river valley where we cross a suspension bridge and head uphill to reach Sinuwa. Overnight at Sinuwa for a good rest.
The entire trail today, will take us through a very thick forest and steep downhill until we finally reach Bamboo village. From there the trail will continue on the left-hand side along a deep valley with beautiful mountains on both side. If we are lucky we might see native birds and animals such as white monkey, collared Languor, Black bear and others. After a long walk, we will finally reach Deurali, where we will stay overnight for a good rest.
Finally our dream comes true!! We will start early in the morning following the trail that heads up to the valley. After a couple hours of walking we will reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp at almost 4 000m above sea level. You will notice that there are no trees, only bushes at this altitude. The trail will continue uphill from here on the way to Annapurna Base Camp. At this elevation our bodies will feel the difference. We will need to take it slow and remember to drink lots of water. Our guides will be attentive to your needs and take good care of you. You will reach Annapurna Sanctuary (ABC) after a while. A big congratulation!! You have achieved your goal. We will check into our teahouse and have a well deserved lunch and a good rest. In the afternoon, we will explore Annapurna Base Camp and experience the incredible views of Mt. Annapurna First (8 091m), Annapurna south, Hiuchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and the Fish tail. This is one of the most spectacular views in the world and a must see. Overnight at ABC for a good rest and sleep.
Today, we will be greeted by the most beautiful sunrise in the world. We will have an early breakfast. We will have time to take some last-minute photos before we start our trek back to the start. We will follow the same that will drop by 1 700m to the bank of the Modi Khola. From here we will continue our trek to the Bamboo village where we will overnight at the teahouse.
After breakfast, we will start our day by climbing up to Kuldighar. From here, our trails gradually lead uphill until we reach Sinua. We will continue the trek with a very steep downhill to the bottom of the valley to cross the bridge. We will climb the steep hill back to the top of Chommrong. From Chommrong, the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu hot springs. This is the ideal place to bathe and enjoy the hot springs. We will overnight at the teahouse.
After breakfast, we will start our trek on the right side of the Modi Khola River. This is a 6-hour walk that is one of the best and the most relaxing walks along the hillside of western Nepal. We will have lunch on the way. Our trek will end at Nayapul. After a 1.30 hour drive we will have returned to Pokhara where we will spend the night.
After breakfast, we will leave Pokhara by tourist bus or airplane back to Kathmandu. You can have a good rest at your hotel and do some last-minute shopping in the afternoon. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! Wish you all the best!! You can exchange emails with your travel companions and Zam Zam Trekking P. LTD to exchange photos. A representative from Zam Zam Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
You are most welcome to create your own itinerary. Please note that, if possible, we always suggest that you plan one or two extra days in your trip.