Annapurna Base Camp Trek

On your second day in Kathmandu, soak in the cultural richness of the city. The streets of this city are lined with traditional houses and temples that blend seamlessly with modern buildings and malls.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a private Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour with your guide. The city is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions. You’ll have an opportunity to visit some prominent UNESCO World Heritage sites inside Kathmandu Valley.

Begin your tour by visiting the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath temple on the banks of the Bagmati river. Next, you’ll tour around the iconic Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath.

Finally, conclude the tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to centuries-old temples, palaces, courtyards, and statues.

Return to the hotel after the Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Attend a brief meeting where your guide will discuss the upcoming trek. They’ll go over the ABC trek itinerary, check your gear, and address any concerns or questions you may have. If you need any last-minute trekking gear, you can do some shopping in Thamel.

Day’s Highlights: An interesting world heritage sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu valley, covering Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today, you’ll take a road journey to Pokhara, a charming city serving as the gateway to the Annapurna region.

Nestled by lakes and surrounded by trekking trails, Pokhara is a picturesque tourist hub in Nepal. The drive follows the Prithivi Highway, linking Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The road trip unfolds the serene beauty of Nepal’s rural side, featuring lush green hills, dense forests, picturesque villages, terraced fields, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rivers.

Along the route, enjoy the panoramic mountain views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.

Once you reach Pokhara, settle into your hotel. Freshen up quickly and take a stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake. The lake is perfectly calm offering reflections of the Himalayas. Walking around the lake-side path is one of the most relaxing things to do in Pokhara.

Go to bed early tonight— as your ABC trek starts tomorrow!

Day’s Highlights: Scenic road trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, providing a glimpse into Nepalese rural life.

Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Today is your first day of trekking. A short ride takes you to Nayapul, the starting point for this ABC trek. After an hour’s drive, you reach Nayapul, a small village sitting next to the river and Pokhara Baglung highway.

From Nayapul, you’ll begin your walk towards Tikhedhunga. The trekking routes unfold with magnificent views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, quaint villages, green pastures, terraced fields, and waterfalls along the Bhurungdi Khola.

Along the way, you’ll pass by several vibrant villages like Birethanti, Lamdawali, Sudame, and Hile. This is one of the common trekking routes that connects the main other trails of the Annapurna region like the Annapurna Circuit trek, Khopra Danda trek, Mohare Danda trek, etc.

At Birethanti, there is a permit check post where you need to show your trekking permits. The guide will help you register your details.

Continue the trek to Tikhedhunga, where you’ll spend a night. Once you reach the teahouse, you can change into comfortable clothes and rest. Explore the scenic village, surrounded by staggering mountain vistas.

Day’s Highlights: A short, scenic drive from Pokhara lakeside to the Nayapul trailhead.  Hiking through the forest trail and enjoying the majestic view of Mount Machhapuchhre. Passing captivating villages like Birethanti, Sudame, and Hile, offering a taste of rural life.

Overnight stay in Tikhedhunga.

Today you’ll trek towards the enchanting Ghorepani village, nestled within the Annapurna Conservation Area. This village holds significance as one of Nepal’s renowned hill stations.

The village earned its name from ancient traders who, in their resting stop, allowed their horses (ghodas) to drink water (pani), giving rise to the name Ghorepani. Today, it serves as a popular stop for trekkers, especially those on the Poon Hill trek.

The trail presents a moderate challenge due to the elevation gain, featuring sections with steep stair climbs. Beyond the Magar village of Ulleri, the terrain levels out but retains a moderate difficulty. As you head towards Ghorepani, you’ll enter into the dense rhododendron forests.

Finally, after crossing the villages of Banthanti and Nangethanti you arrive at Ghorepani village. Surrounded by Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains, it’s one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. While you stay there, you can learn about Gurung culture and traditions.

Day’s Highlights: Trek through culturally rich villages like Ulleri, Banthanti, and Nangethanti amidst majestic mountains. Enjoy a sunset view over the Himalayas including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Overnight stay in Ghorepani.

Begin your day with an early morning hike to Poon Hill, where the awe-inspiring sunrise over the majestic Himalayan peaks awaits. The journey begins before dawn, ascending a steep stone staircase. As you climb, stay hydrated and pace yourself, taking moments to catch your breath.

Once you reach the Poon Hill viewpoint, immerse yourself in the breathtaking sunrise, casting a golden glow on the snow-capped mountains of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre.

After this mesmerizing experience, we will descend to Ghorepani village for breakfast. Later, you’ll continue your trek to Tadapani village.

Day’s Highlights: Marvel at the stunning sunrise against the backdrop of Himalayan wonders, including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.

Overnight stay in Tadapani.

Today’s trek leads you through magnificent landscapes, fascinating villages, and dense forests. The hike begins by going downhill into the valley, crossing suspension bridges over Kimrong Khola. After passing Taglung village, you’ll climb up to Chhomrong village.

Chhomrong is the last permanent settlement along the ABC trekking route and is famous for thousands of stone steps. From here, you can see the impressive Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. As you continue your trek, these gorgeous peaks will be your companions.

When you reach Chhomrong village, take some time to explore. It’s a large settlement mainly inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities. Exploring the village will give you a glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar people.

Day’s Highlights: Trekking to Chhomrong village, meeting the the Gurung and Magar communities, and exploring their culture and lifestyle. The village, surrounded by lush green hills, provides captivating sights of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains.

Overnight stay in Chhomrong.

Today you’ll begin your trek from the charming Chhomrong village, known for its stone-paved streets and marvelous mountain views. Start your day with a hearty Himalayan breakfast while enjoying the impressive mountain scenery. As you set out, descend steeply through a series of stone steps leading you to the Chhomrong Khola (river). En route, soak in the beauty of the hills and terraced fields surrounding you.

After crossing the Chhomrong Khola, the path takes you uphill through a forested area. After walking for a couple of hours, you reach Sinuwa village, a popular lunch stop for trekkers heading to Annapurna Base Camp.

Continuing your journey, the trail winds through lush bamboo forests alongside the Modi Khola. Soon you’ll arrive at Bamboo Village, surrounded by bamboo thickets. This village offers basic accommodation options and serves as a common overnight stop for ABC trekkers.

Later, the trail leads through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, eventually reaching Dovan.

Day’s Highlights: Trek through scenic routes with beautiful valleys, dense forests, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains.

Overnight stay at Dovan.

Today you’ll cross one of the most exciting parts of the ABC trail as you navigate an area prone to avalanches.

You’ll begin your trek from Deurali village and pass the forested areas of pine, rhododendrons, and bamboo trees. First, you’ll reach a place called the Himalaya, which is located below Hiunchuli Peak and the large Hinko Cave.

From the Himalayas, hike up to Hinko Cave, then cross the old avalanche area to reach Deurali.

Close to Deurali, you might feel the air is thin. While the terrain is not too tough and is filled with big rocks, you might need some extra effort to get through this trekking section.

Day’s Highlight: Adventurous trekking through an avalanche-prone area, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

Overnight stay in Deurali.

Today is when you’ll finally reach the last stop of our journey, Annapurna Base Camp. But before that, you’ll pass by another base camp of the alluring Machhapuchhre Peak, known as Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC).

The trail from Deurali is steep and leads further up to the MBC beneath the towering North West Face of Machhapuchhre Peak, also called Fishtail Mountain.

At MBC, take a short break and, if you choose, stay overnight in the basic accommodation options for an overnight stop. Many trekkers choose to rest here before an early morning hike to ABC.

Moving on from MBC, your path leads to Annapurna Base Camp, the ultimate destination of your trek. The climb takes less than an hour to enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides.

The trail from MBC to ABC is relatively flat and easy, but the high altitude can affect you differently as you approach the trek’s highest point.

Upon reaching ABC, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque place, surrounded by ice and glaciers within the towering mountain range of Annapurna I.

Take in the breathtaking panorama of Annapurna’s massive peaks at the base camp, including the beautiful sunset over the snowy mountains. As the sun sets, the mountains transform, painted in beautiful colors against the calming evening sky.

Day’s Highlights: Hiking to the base of the 10th world’s tallest peak, Annapurna I (8,091m). Enjoying a splendid sunset over the Annapurna Mountains.

Overnight stay in Annapurna Base Camp.

Today, wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the lofty peaks of the Annapurna mountain range and Machhapuchhre peak.

As the first ray of sun emerges behind the snowy peaks, a glorious light spreads, creating a mesmerizing canvas-like view. It’s a truly enchanting experience.

After soaking in the sunrise from ABC, savor a hot breakfast against the backdrop of magnificent Himalayan views.

The return journey follows the same route, mostly downhill and relatively easy. As you trek back, you’ll gradually lose altitude. After a few hours of walking, you’ll reach Bamboo Village.

Day’s Highlight: Witnessing the sunrise over Annapurna (8,091m) from Annapurna Base Camp. Standing in the middle of the Annapurna Sanctuary, you’ll see impressive peaks like Singu Chuli (8,501m), Bharha Chuli (7,647m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna (7,454), Annapurna South (7,219m), Tare Kang (7,069m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Patal Hiun Chuli (6,441m), and Gandhwara Chuli (6,248m).

Overnight stay in Bamboo.

Today you’ll begin your hike from Bamboo Village with a short climb, then wind through the trail to Sinuwa Danda. Descend to the Chhomrong River and climb long stone steps to reach Chhomrong village.

Take a small lunch break in Chhomrong before walking down to Jhinu village for the night. Jhinu is known for its natural hot spring pools by the Modi River.

Once you arrive in Jhinu, treat yourself to a relaxing hot water bath at the springs. The warm water will ease any soreness from the trek. Ending your ABC adventure with a dip in these natural hot springs is both refreshing and rejuvenating.

Day’s Highlights: Enjoy a soothing bath in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda, washing away the fatigue from days of trekking in the mountains.

Overnight stay in Jhinu Danda.

Today is the last day of your trek, where you’ll get to relish the marvelous hilly views of the ACAP region. Follow the Modi Khola, enjoying a few hours of pleasant walking until you reach Birethanti village.

The trail is mostly flat, making it the most enjoyable walk of your ABC trip. After about one and a half hours of walking, you’ll arrive at Nayapul. From there, approximately an hour's drive will take you to Pokhara.

Day’s Highlights: Relish the picturesque hilly landscape of the ACAP region. A scenic short drive back to Pokhara brings the perfect end to your adventurous ABC journey.

Start your day early as you hit the road back to Kathmandu. Following the same highway from earlier in the journey, the drive provides ample opportunities to reminisce about the wonderful memories you made during the Annapurna base camp trek in Nepal. Enjoy the countryside scenery once again as you make your way back.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can quickly freshen up and head towards the lively Thamel area for a taste of Nepal’s nightlife. Alternatively, if you prefer a relaxing evening with good food, there are plenty of options near your hotel.

Day’s Highlight: A scenic road trip from Pokhara to Kathmandu, treating you to views of picturesque terraced fields, pleasant villages, lush green hills, rivers, waterfalls, etc.

On your last day in Nepal, it’s time to wave goodbye to the beautiful Himalayan country. Heading back home, our friendly Heaven Himalaya representative will drop you off at Kathmandu International Airport three hours before your flight.

As you leave, remember that it’s not goodbye forever but “see you soon” for more adventures in Nepal. Reach out to us when you are ready for more Himalayan exploration!