Day 01: Kathmandu City tour
This is the day that shall be much rewarding for you in terms of excellent architecture and unique cultures and traditions. We shall explore the heritages listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site List. The sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath is an exemplary architecture representing the faith and belief of the Hindus all over the world. The other star attractions of this guided city tour are the Buddhist pilgrimages Boudanath Stupa, the largest stupa of its kind in the world and the 14th century Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple). These represent the essence of Buddhism and are treasured as national treasure by Nepal. Other attraction in this city tour is the Patan Durbar Square, a grand complex with royal palace, courtyard, temples, museum and many other monuments. After exploring medieval aged capital city and its companion city of Patan, we shall also interact with the trekking guide who shall provide you with information required for the tour beginning the following days. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (800m) by Bus/Car/Air
Today we shall head for Pokhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal and famous for its lakes, panoramic view of the mountains and amusing landscape. From the cultural capital of Nepal to the tourism hub of the nation, the journey is itself an entertaining one. The journey on road is a 6-7 hours journey with nice green views, rural settings and smaller towns, occasional view of the mountains far away along the River, waterfalls, religious place of Manakamana at Kurintar and beautiful sceneries. The flight to Pokhara is of 30 minutes duration which takes you over the lush green valleys and hills, panoramic view of the mountains and terraced fields, bird-eye’s view of the vast and diverse landscape to the beautiful city of Pokhara. Either way, the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is an entertaining journey. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 03: Pokhara to Nayapool (1100m) by private Jeep then trek to Tikhedhunga. 1550m (3/4 hrs)
This is the day when we shall begin the trek to the vicinity of the majestic Annapurna Massif. The day shall begin with the drive to the beginning point of the trek, the settlement of Nayapool. To reach Nayapool we drive past some of the most popular places such as Bagar (has a trail leading to the hill of Sarankot, famous for sunrise and sunset view and paragliding), Hyamja, Phedi and others. After reaching Nayapool we begin the introductory trek to the village of Tikhedhunga. Through relatively easy going and wide path, inspiring scenery we trek through forests and rivers, past the sections with fern and moss covered landscape, across suspension bridges and along the Bhurding River. On the stone steps and rocky trails, past some waterfalls and scenic spots, confluence of Modi and Bhurungdi River at Birethanti and interaction with the locals make this journey to the beautiful village of Tikhedhunga an entertaining one. Overnight in Tikhedhunga.
Day 04: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani. 2780m (5/6 hrs)
A diverse and scenic trekking trail is in store for the trekkers today. We shall begin the trek with a steep climb to the village of Ulleri past a hydroelectric plant and a twisting trail. Passing through the rhododendron forest and Phutise village dominated by Magar community, we branch off to the trail on the right only to have a marvelous view of Machhapuchhre Mountain, Annapurna South Peak and Hiuchuli Mountain. Crossing the Bhurungdi River once again, we traverse along a winding trail past the villages of Banthati and Nayathati before reaching to the much awaited Ghorepani village. A village inhabited mostly by the Magar community, Ghorepani boasts of peculiar pattern of housing, well preserved culture and traditions, marvelous view of the majestic mountains including the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli and other sibling peaks. Exploring the village is a beautiful experience for the trekkers. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 05: Hiking an hour to Poonhill for sunrise (3210m) and trek to Tadapani. 2650m (5/6 hrs)
Be ready for a beautiful morning that shall be one of the most memorable ones in your life due to the breathtaking view of sunrise from the hill of Poonhill. We leave the culturally rich Ghorepani before the day breaks and reach to the foothills of Poonhill after trekking for an hour or two depending on how fast you can march in the trail. An uphill climb of about an hour shall take you to the summit of the hill to witness the mind-blowing view of sunrise over the glittering and lofty Himalayas. The sun paints the white snowy mountains of Annapurna South, Annapurna IV, Nilgiri Peak, Dhaulagiri Peak, Lamjung Himal and others in the golden color and gradually changes itself into other shades and you are compelled to hold your breath in awe due to the magnificent scenery. After getting immersed in the strikingly beautiful scenery, we trek down to base of the hill for refreshment and trek towards the destination for today, the village of Tadapani. Through the trail decorated by rhododendron flowers, forests with diversity of flora, fauna and wildlife, stone stairs and pastures, prayer flags, occasional steep trails and stone made houses makes the experience a novel one. Rolling and layered hills, ever-smiling locals and trail of trekkers and porters are some common sights. Finally we reach Tadhapani through settlements of Banthati. Overnight in Tadhapani.
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomromg. 2170m (5/6 hrs)
Another beautiful trekking day is eager to welcome the adventure lovers in this section of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We take on one of the suitable routes to our destination while choosing between the trail leading to Chhomrong and to Ghandruk. We start from the village of Tadapani through the beautiful forests for about an hour before reaching to the village of Gurjung for some refreshment. Past the ups and downs before reaching to this settlement which is to continue to the Chhomrong village, we trek past the settlements of Kimrong, Taulung and the ridges of Kot Danda. Intermittently, we have beautiful scenery, view of the mountains to the far away, stone steps and suspension bridges, terraced fields and cultivations, green hills and lush valleys to make this section of trek an enriching experience. The village of Chhomrong is mostly inhabited by Gurung community and has office of Annapurna Conservation Area, besides the culturally rich settlement and amazing landscape around the village. Overnight in Chhomrong.
Day 07: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan. 2600m (5/6 hrs)
Our trek starts with a short walk followed by the crossing over the Chhomrong River through a suspension bridge and then a trek uphill to the village of Sinuwa past the smaller settlements of Tilche and Dalphu. The trail becomes relatively flat here and further ahead in the trail we explore the dense forests dominated by rhododendron flowers up to the village of Kuldighar in an uphill ascent. This is followed by a descent to the village of Bamboo through rough and rocky terrain. Modi River comes closer to the trekking trail as we move further along the trail surrounded by bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest on one side and the torrential Modi River on the other side. Crossing suspension bridge in the trail we reach to the destination of Dovan village after some walking that has gradually increasing elevation with each step towards the destination. Overnight in Dovan.
Day 08: Trek from Dovan to Deurali. 3230m (5/6 hrs)
Beginning the trek after breakfast through the bamboo forest we have a quaint trek that has gradual ascent in the beginning followed by fewer steep sections till we reach the stoppage of Himalaya Hotel. You are to witness several waterfalls during your trek in this section to the hotel. After this point the forest opens up to outstanding view of the glacial river Modi and beautiful landscape around. Further on the trail lead the trekkers to the Hinku Cave on a path that is steep and Deurali village come in sight of the trekkers. After a trek of about 45 minutes, we reach to the village of Deurali from the Hinku cave. As we move to higher altitudes from the village of Dovan the vegetation becomes sparser, view of the river and valleys appear more magical and terrain starts becoming rocky and gradually difficult. Overnight in Deurali.
Day 09: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp. 4130m (5/6 hrs)
Get yourself prepared for the ultimate destination of this trekking expedition today as we are set to witness the Annapurna Peak up close from the Annapurna Base Camp. We start our trek in a slower pace as we head into the vicinity of the lofty peak and also avalanche prone area in the winter season. The trail is a relatively gradual uphill trek through the rugged path that lies on the foothills of the rocky cliffs to reach the seemingly non-existent Machhapuchhre Base Camp. As the climbing to the unique peak of Machhapuchher is prohibited this spot is a popular spot for taking break (with some tourist lodges) before heading for the Annapurna Base Camp. Past the Machhapuchhre Base Camp is another bridge over the glacial stream shortly after crossing which the trail turns left and seems to leave the valley that we were following for past several days. As we trek into another avalanche prone area through grassy land and besides the Annapurna glacier we reach to the Annapurna Base Camp. This scenic landscape is surrounded by sky-piercing peaks of Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I and III, Gaganpurna peak, Machhapuchhre Mountain and others. We have an overnight stay here to witness one of the most remarkable sunset and sunrise views.
Day 10: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan. 2600m (5/6 hrs)
After an astonishing day at the Annapurna Base Camp, we retrace our steps through the corridor like trail between the Annapurna glacier and the high hills besides several peaks overlooking the trail. After turning right we pass through the familiar trail with Modi River below to the left and the majestic Machhapuchhre Peak to the right. Through the suspension bridges, rough terrain and rocky path, marvelous landscape we descent to the settlement of Dovan. The vegetation becomes increasingly dense as we move down the trail and the walk also is an easier one as compared to the climb to the higher elevation. Overnight in Dovan.
Day 11: Trek from Dovan to Ghinu. (Natural Hot Spring) 1780m (4/5 hrs)
The downhill trek continues as we leave the small and beautiful settlement of Dovan and heads towards the relaxing natural hot spring at Ghinu village. We have a descent till the settlement of Bamboo through the dense forest accompanied by the torrential Modi River. After this settlement we have an uphill climb to the Khuldighar village with a helipad further ahead we trek down in a winding trail to the village of Sinuwa. Passing through the other settlements of Chomorong past a bridge and on a steep stone steps and to a junction past Taulung where we take on the left trail that shall lead us to the Ghinu Danda. This hamlet has the natural hot water spring that is relaxing to the trekkers and seemingly takes away fatigue of the adventurers. Taking our time in the spring and exploring the surrounding area, we stop here for today. Overnight in Ghinu.
Day 12: Trek from Ghinu to Nayapool (1100m) 5/6 hrs, then drive to Pokhara by private Jeep.
After soothing the aching body of ours, we leave the Ghinu Danda and head to the starting point of our trek where we shall put an end to our physical trekking in the beautiful Annapurna region. Enjoying the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal, we trek down to Nayapool through several settlements inhabited by diverse communities, suspension bridges, quaint and buzzing sections of trail, amazing landscape and scenic view of the Himalayas overlooking the trail and experiencing the warmth of hospitality of the local communities. In a relatively easy trek as compared to the ascent we reach the small settlement of Nayapool. After some refreshment we head for Pokhara in a drive by a private jeep. The changing landscape during the drive is as enchanting as the first time we witnessed. After around an hour and half, we reach the scenic city of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus/Car/Air.
After completing the exciting, adventurous and enriching trek in the Annapurna region and exploring the natural beauty of Pokhara valley, we return to the Kathmandu either through the inland route that takes around 6-7 hours or we shall take a flight to the capital city that takes around 30 minutes. The road trip explores the rural landscape and smaller towns, waterfalls and torrential rivers and scenic landscape while the flight provides a bird-eye view of the Himalayas, lush hills and valleys, terraced fields and vast landscape. After reaching Kathmandu you shall be transferred to the hotel of your stay. You may go for some souvenir shopping in the streets of Kathmandu. Get yourself prepared for your onward journey to the respective destinations. Overnight in Kathmandu.
