Kathmandu is set in a deep valley surrounded by rolling green hills. A mix of old and new, the city is filled with historic localities dating back to medieval times and new urban structures. Once you land at the airport, our representative will meet you at the airport terminal. Drive to the hotel and check-in. Later there will be a pre-trek briefing by your trek leader.
During the briefing, your trek leader will apprise you in detail about the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek itinerary, the trail’s condition, and what to expect during the trek. Put forward your queries if you have any. Check your gear, and if you have missed out on any items, you can hire or buy from any of the shops in Thamel. A popular tourist hub, Thamel has a range of shops that sells and rents out trekking gear. Ask your trek leader for suggestions. To recover from jet lag and attend the pre-trek briefing, please schedule your arrival to Nepal in the morning or during the daytime.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Wake up early and have breakfast. Later on, you will be driven to the airport to catch your flight to Pokhara. Enjoy mesmerizing views of Annapurna mountains, Langtang range, Dhaulagiri from aboard the plane. Once you reach Pokhara, you board a private vehicle and drive to Hile. The drive takes you past the verdant countryside and traditional farms.
After reaching Hile, you carry your daypack and start your trek. The trail goes past the ecologically rich Annapurna Conservation Area. Walk through traditional Gurung and Magar villages and climb up a flight of stone steps from Tikhedhunga. It is an uphill climb to Ulleri. It is one of the toughest days of your trek as you climb more than 3,000 steps! Find solace in the thought that every step brings you closer to Annapurna Sanctuary, your destination. Once you arrive in Ulleri, head straight to a teahouse and rest your aching limbs. Men from this village usually join the British or the Indian army. The world knows them as the fearless ‘Gurkha’ soldiers.
Overnight in Ulleri.
Compared to yesterday’s arduous ascent, today’s hike is easy. The trail goes through one of the biggest rhododendron forests in the world. Trekkers who have been through this route in spring describe this part of the trail as ‘a walk through paradise’. Red and pink rhododendron blooms cover the trail making it seem like you are walking through an enchanted forest.
Get your permits checked at the checkpoint and walk through the arched gateway welcoming visitors to Ghorepani. The village of Ghorepani (literal translation ‘Horse Water’), which has a large Magar (an ethnic community) population, is a popular stop for trekkers visiting Poon Hill. In the olden days, the place was a watering hole for horses and mule packs of caravans making their way to Tibet.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Wake up early and head to Poon Hill, one of the most popular viewpoints in Nepal. About an hour’s hike brings you to the top of the hill. This vantage point was named ‘Poon Hill’ by Tek Bahadur Poon, a retired major who served in the British Army. Watch dawn breaking over the snowy ridges of the Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Take selfies and click as many pictures as you can.
Later descend to Ghorepani and head to Tadapani. Take an upward trail through a dense forest of rhododendron and pine. After reaching Deurali Pass, make a descent to Tadapani. Once you reach the village, head to a teahouse and take a rest.
Overnight in Tadapani.
From Tadapani, head to Chhomrong, a Gurung village offering close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak). The trail to Chhomrong goes via a thick rhododendron forest. Take a descent enjoying views of the hillside settlements on the Modi Khola Valley and the Annapurna Himal.
Cross the bridge at Kimrong Khola and ascend the Modi Khola Valley. Follow a trail carved on the side of the mountain till you reach Chhomrong. From the village, savor views of deep gorges and the Himalayan peaks. Head to a teahouse and take a rest.
Overnight in Chhomrong.
The near-vertical view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) from Chhomrong heightens your excitement. Each step takes you closer to these mountains, and soon you will be standing at the foot of these snowy giants.
Today’s destination is Bamboo, a rest stop for trekkers and travelers with few teahouses. You cross the Chhomrong Khola and take the trail winding high up the Modi Khola. The path goes through thick forests of bamboo and rhododendron. Walk by Khuldighar and climb down a stone staircase to Bamboo. Follow your trek leader to the teahouse where your rooms have been booked.
Overnight in Bamboo
Walk through a trail shaded by thickets of bamboo. The canopy of bamboo leaves soon disappears, and you can see the open sky once you reach Himalaya Hotel. As you climb higher, you gain altitude. Walk past Hinku Cave, a spot used by the first Annapurna expedition groups as an overnight camp and supply depot when there were no teahouses along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking route. The trail drops down to the river and goes up till you arrive at Deurali.
Before reaching Deurali, pass through scenic waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and a forest filled alive with chirping birds and colorful butterflies. Once you arrive at a teahouse in Deurali, get some much-needed rest as you will be heading to Annapurna Base Camp tomorrow
Leave Deurali and head down to a stream. Walk on the rocky banks till you reach what looks like a natural gateway. The trail cuts right through the middle of gigantic mountains. When you see the icy Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre staring down at you, you feel as if you are entering a divine place. Step on the Machhapuchhre Base Camp situated at the foot of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), a sacred peak of the Gurungs. Climbing on this mountain is not allowed as the locals believe it is the abode of gods. Continue walking to Annapurna Base Camp.
As you approach ABC, you find yourself staring at the icy walls of the Himalayan peaks. You feel a rush of adrenaline as you step on the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial basin surrounded by the snowy walls of Annapurna Massif (including Annapurna I, the tenth highest peak in the world), Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. Take pictures and celebrate with your friends and crew. You have finally made it! Enjoy the glorious sunset before heading to the teahouse. Try stargazing at night if the sky is clear, and you can brave the night chill. The galaxy of the Milky Way is visible from ABC on clear nights.
Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.
Wake up before dawn to witness the wonderful spectacle of the sun rising over the Annapurna peaks. After spending some time at the Annapurna Sanctuary head back to the teahouse, gather your things, and get trekking. Take the trail down to Bamboo. It is a long descent. Tread carefully as you descend the stone staircase. Take a well-deserved rest once you arrive at Bamboo.
Overnight in Bamboo.
Today From Bamboo head to Jhinu Danda. The settlement is famous for its hot springs. After reaching the village, take the steps leading down to the river. The hot spring lies beside the river. Soak your tired muscles in the heated pool. Let the mineral-rich waters dissolve your aches and pains after the soothing dip makes your way to a teahouse and celebrate your last day on the trail with your teammates and crew.
Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
Leave Jhinu Danda and head to Matque. Today’s walk marks the conclusion of your trek. At Matque, board a vehicle and drive to Pokhara.
Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Please note there are no activities planned for today. If you are not too tired, you can stroll around the lakeside and enjoy a boat ride on the serene Phewa Lake on your own. Gaze at the mountains, under whose shadows you had walked for the past week before darkness falls.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Return to Kathmandu by flight. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day as you wish. Rest and relax or go souvenir hunting in Ason Bazaar and Thamel.
Kathmandu city is known for its iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore some of these by booking a guided city tour at an extra cost. Make your last evening memorable with a farewell dinner (complimentary) at a traditional Nepali restaurant. Try out authentic Nepali cuisine and enjoy a cultural program.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Our representative will drop you at the airport three hours before your flight’s departure. If you wish to explore more of Nepal, do let us know. Choose from one of our standard itineraries or allow us to customize a tour for you