Annapurna Base Camp

• Altitude: 2,000m/6,500ft
• Pick up time: 7:00 am
• Drive to Nayapul: 40km, 1:30 hours
• Trek 5km, 5-6 hours
• Gradual ascend throughout
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
• Views: Machapuchare and Annapurna south

After breakfast, you will have a ride of 1 and half hours to Nayapul. The actual trekking begins henceforth to Ghandruk crossing Lower Gandruk. The path is well paved having stairs intermittently. The trek has gradual ascent taking 5-6 hours to reach our camping site. 

Gandruk is considered the biggest village on the trek route. It is inhabited by stone built small houses. The village is loaded with tea houses that serve typical Nepalese cuisine. In the south, you can notice Machapuchare and Annapurna views. Relax in your bed for the wonderful night in the mountains.

• Altitude: 2,200m/7,200ft
• Trek 10km, 6-7 hours
• First 1 hour descent followed by an uphill hike of 5-6 hours to Chhomrong
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
• Views: Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Fishtail, Hinchuli, sunset on Annapurna range
• Shops for batteries, memory card etc

The hike today is through delightful muddy trail laid up with scenic villages on both the sides. After a descent of 1 hour, you will reach Kimrong Khola. A beautifully snow-covered array of peaks, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Fishtail, Hinchuli, begin to appear. The route henceforth goes uphill until Chhomrong (4-5 hours hike). Picture perfect hilly settlements surrounded by green banana fields, rhododendrons, fern etc. are seen throughout. Chhomrong lies on a hilltop having stone paved stairs. It is the gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary and permits are granted here. The sights of Annapurna South become prominent. Again there are numerous tea houses and shops selling batteries, memory card and other accessories. Watch the peaceful sunset on the Annapurna range and rest for the day.

• Altitude: 2,500m/8,200ft
• Trek 10 km, 5-6 hours
• Descend on 2500 stone steps to ChomrungKhola, steep ascend to Sinwa to Bamboo village
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
• Views: Annapurna III and Fishtail peaks

Welcome another amazing morning in the lush green hilly setup. Start with a descent on 2500 stone built stairs leading to a bridge. The hanging bridge then takes you to Chomrung Khola, seems like entering into dense forests. The Sanctuary is flourished with rhododendrons, oak, alpine trees. Therefore the trail looks lush adorned with reddish-pink flowers. 

The trail is steep till Sinwa village. Sinwa is marked with a few teahouses and lodges. It is enclosed between thin forest cover. Annapurna III comes into clear visibility here. Another climb opens to Kulidhar then a downhill hike ends at Bamboo camp.

• Altitude: 3,700m/12,150ft
• Trek 5-6 hours, 10 km
• Ascending trail with boulders, rocks, snow patches, snow bridges. Crossing ModiKholariver
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
• Views: moon rise on Machhapuchhre and views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna

Get all braced with enough energy as this is the strenuous day of the trek. Yet, the trail will show changing vegetation from sub-tropical to alpine and the sights will keep you revitalised. The height gain is close to 4000 feet, therefore take it slow and stay hydrated. In one hour the first village Dovan comes en route, identified by 5 lodges only. Tip of Machapuchare mountain will be visible. Mix path of gradual ascends and descends with muddy trail lead to Himalaya. Wooden bridge and shrine will be the highlight of the trail. Himalaya has quaint tea houses. 

A few landslide and avalanche prone areas will be seen on the path ahead. An overhanging cave called Hinku arrives after an hour's hiking up. The trail magically passes through a valley now. There are rocks and boulders laid, that end at 2 snow patches back to back. Furiously flowing ModiKhola is seen in the valley. Machapuchare and Gangapurna peaks will be seen every now and then. Another section of rocky terrain of 40 minutes direct to Bagar. There is a bridge over ModiKhola, after crossing this bridge the next halt Machapuchre Base Camp is 30 minutes away. 

MBC is a stunning place well-known for mesmerising moon rise on Machapuchremountain, do not miss this wonderful night sky. Along with it, other peaks seen are Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna.

• Altitude: 4,130m/13,500ft
• Trek 3km, 2 hours
• Steep ascent at the start then moderate ascend
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
• Views: Entire Annapurna range, panoramic views of Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli and Machapuchare

After earlier arduous day this will be the shortest day, a walk literally into the mountains, on the mountains. The route takes a sharp 90-degree turn to the left for ABC. The initial trail has steep ascend followed by gradual ascend. You will be hiking above tree line; hence no traces of trees will be seen. 

Just as you get closer to the camp, the magnificent Annapurna I becomes bigger and bigger. Watching the fluorescent rays lighting the Annapurna range, slowly slowly. The ABC is like being on an island encircled by giant peaks and huge never-ending ranges. 360-degree spectacles of magnificent Annapurna range, Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli and Machapuchare. Enjoy your lunch looking at the white clouds waving over these peaks. Spend the rest of the day breathing with the mountains. Live every moment and sleep in their shelter.

• Altitude: 2,500m/8,200ft
• Trek 8-9 hours, 13 km
• Retracing route with gradual ascend and descend
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses

This is the longest day of the trek retracing the steps back to Bamboo. The trail as you know is mostly a descent so is quite easy. The MBC, Deurali, Himalaya and Dovan habitats will pop up. Relax in your bed at Bamboo lodge.

• Altitude: 1,700m/5,600ft
• Trek 8 km, 5-6 hours
• A mixture of steep ascending and descending trail
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses

Again retrace your path to Sinwa followed by a steep descend to Chomrung Khola. Cross the same hanging bridge towards Chomrung Khola. Another steep ascent will lead to Chomrung village. Try to re-picture the sights you captured earlier and enjoy them.

With downhill and then uphill hike Jhinu Danda settlement arrives. Enjoy the refreshing hot springs of Jhinu 20 minutes away. Cherish your last night of the trek.

• Trek 6-7 hours, 11 km
• Easy trail to Nayapul
• Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
• Reach Pokhara in the evening

 

Note:

• Please book flights on day 10 or after day 10
• Checkout at 10:30am on day 10
•  Distance, Altitude and Trekking hours are approximate and round off

Wake up early to embark upon the last day of the trek. The trail to Nayapul is pleasant with landscape views of Nepal. Say goodbye to them and board a vehicle to Pokhara. In 2 hours you will reach your hotel in Pokhara.

Note:

Checkout time of hotel is 10:30am on day 10. As you will reach Pokhara in the evening, it’s advisable to make any further travel plan on day 10 or after day 10.