Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek - 13 Days

Your journey begins upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. When you arrive at the airport, our team will welcome you and take you to your hotel in the tourist district of Thamel.

In the evening, your guide will brief you about the trail conditions and also check your equipment. This is your last opportunity for last-minute shopping for energy bars, extra batteries, or renting missing gear.

The drive to Pokhara takes you on a winding highway along the Trishuli River. You will get your first glimpse of the Nepali countryside. For the best views during the drive, try to secure a seat on the right side of the bus.

Upon reaching Pokhara, you can experience the slow-paced lifestyle and relax at a cozy eatery by the serene Fewa Lake.

A short drive from Pokhara takes you to Birethanti, your trailhead. Prepare for a steep ascent over the 3,000 stone steps of the legendary “Ulleri Stairs.” Maintain a slow and rhythmic pace to conquer these strenuous steps. Focus on one step at a time, and you will find your rhythm.

The trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani takes you deep into ancient forests draped in moss. For birdwatchers, this is a true paradise. Keep an ear out for the calls of Danphe, Nepal’s national bird.

After a 5 to 6-hour hike, you will reach the vibrant Ghorepani, once a rest stop for salt traders.

The climb to Poon Hill begins before dawn. With the help of headlamps, you will navigate the Himalayan terrain. Upon reaching the top, embrace the silence. Also, it can get quite cold at the summit while waiting for the sunrise. Dress in layers to avoid the bitter chill.

As the sun rises, take in the unparalleled view of the Dhaulagiri massif from the vantage point before descending to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, you continue through enchanting forests on your way to Tadapani.

Today’s trek requires you to tackle the “Nepali Flat,” which locals describe as “a little bit of up and a little bit of down.”

On your way to Sinuwa, you will pass through Chhomrung, a village that offers a spectacular view of the trail ahead. Many trekkers enjoy stopping here for a piece of fresh apple pie, a local sugary specialty.

As you trek to Deurali, you will enter the narrow valleys with dense bamboo and oak forests. On your way, you pass "Himalaya" before approaching Deurali.

Keep your eyes on the cliffs above to spot Himalayan Tahr grazing on the vertical slopes. This is a higher altitude zone, so ensure you are well hydrated.

From Deurali, you follow the riverbed and take on a steady climb to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). Take a long rest at MBC to help your body adjust to the 3,700-meter mark before the final push to the Annapurna Base Camp.

The remainder of the trek takes you on a steady incline through the glacial basin. Once you arrive at the base camp, spend some time in active recovery. Instead of heading straight to bed, take a short walk around the camp to keep your circulation moving.

Waking up at ABC offers a rare chance to see the sun ignite the South Face of Annapurna I. After the morning experience, you will begin the long descent. While you will find breathing much easier as you go down, the impact on your knees can be significant. Use your trekking poles to absorb the shock on the descent to Bamboo.

Retracing your steps, you will climb back up to Chhomrung before dropping down to Jhinu Danda. Here, you can relax at the natural hot spring. The Jhinu Danda hot springs are located a 20-minute walk from the village near the riverbank. This is the perfect time for muscle recovery.

Your final day of walking takes you through beautiful terraced fields and across the long suspension bridge over the Modi Khola. A private vehicle will meet you at the road head for the drive back to Pokhara.

You will return to Kathmandu via a tourist bus. The journey takes you back along the winding highway toward the bustling capital of Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in the city, you can explore the markets for souvenirs or head to the vibrant live-music bar in Thamel to celebrate your successful Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel and prepare to leave for your next destination. Our representatives will pick you up from your hotel at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight. For those with late departures, we recommend visiting the Garden of Dreams on the outskirts of Thamel or revisiting some of your favorite places before you bid farewell to Nepal!