Annapurna or “The goddess of the harvests” is a series of peaks, among which the tallest is Annapurna I at 8091m/26545ft. Known as the deadliest Himalaya on earth, it is infamous for its higher casualty rate. ABC or Annapurna Base Camp Trek however is not dangerous since we will be witnessing this majestic wonder from the safe foothill, along with Annapurna you will be rewarded with the magnificent Machhapuchhre or “Fishtail” as well.
After spending some days in Kathmandu and Chitwan, you will fly to Pokhara, from where your trek to ABC will start. You first head to Nayapul and from there a steep uphill trail will lead you to a small beautiful Gurung community village called ‘Ghandruk’ and then to Chomrung, Dovan and Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where you will witness magnificent views of the Machhapuchchhre Himal – a sacred and forbidden mountain. After spending a night here, your ultimate journey will lead you to Annapurna Base Camp.
This trip not only takes you to the lap of famous Annapurna Base Camp but it is combined with major places of interest that this country has to offer. Be it the rich cultural heritage of Kathmandu or adventure activities like white river rafting or a jungle safari in Chitwan – this trip will help you know every bit of it. It will get your hands dirty in the mud and bricks, but it will also help you develop a deeper understanding of the social, economic and cultural aspects this country has to offer.
Kathmandu, Nepal
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will meet our representative at the airport who will take you to your hotel in the center of Kathmandu. On your first day you can spend the rest of the day to relax or explore the vibrant streets and winding allies while discovering numerous restaurants, cafés and stores. The evening is yours to settle down after your long journey.
Kathmandu Durbar Square used be a royal palace – now it’s home to the living Goddess ‘Kumari’. Out of three Durbar Squares Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of UNESCO listed cultural sites. The palaces and the pagodas are rich in arts and superior examples of wooden craft that flourished in the 14th century. Afterwards you will head towards Swayambhunath or the ‘Monkey Temple’, which is not only home to many monkeys but also a perfect example of religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism.
Today we want to show you the rich and diverse culture of Nepal: First you will visit the world heritage site Pashupatinath, which is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the world. Situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River, you can observe Hindu cremation processes here. This is a very emotional procedure, yet it offers another perspective on the cycle of life. From here you will then head to Boudhanath; the tallest Buddhist stupa in the world. Try some good lunch in one of the roof top restaurants surrounding the stupa.
You ll drive from to Pokhara, Pokhara is the third largest city of Nepal. It takes around 6 hours by car, 198 km west of Kathmandu. Pokhara is especially famous for trekking and many other activities. It is also a very popular place for travelers of any kind. Around the Pokhara Valley you can have stunning views of the Himalayan range and gorgeous lakes. In addition to that, Pokhara offers activities like boating, trekking, rafting and thrilling adventurous sports.
Today you will drive to Nayapul, which is the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp trek. You start trekking slowly to have a good warm up. After 4 hours of trekking, you will reach a Gurung village – an ethnic community of Nepal – Ghandruk.
It is no question that life is hard in these mountains. Daily supplies and construction materials have to be carried solely by horses to those remote areas. Walk cautiously now over stone stairs and rocky trails – trekking here is no child’s play. You might think that the path now may be flat but it could also be what is called a mountain mirage for many trekkers. After a long 6 hours trek you will arrive at Chomrung valley – rest and take a sigh of relief for the day.
The one hour steep ascent and descent requires lots of stamina, however today you will be rewarded with views of the Fishtail mountain or Macchapuchre. The path from Chomrung to Deurali winds thorugh Rhododendron and Bamboo forests, a beautiful path where you can indulge your senses in.
The trail today is quite demanding as well but rewarding – offering spectacular views of Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli Gangapurna and lots of water streams. Views of such magnificent peaks won’t come without hardship but it is worth in every bit.
This is it, our ultimate destination! Ascending up to Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m, you will have many stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas. Celebrate your successful ascent when you arrive, it was a demanding trek and you did a great job!
After a great time at Annapurna Base Camp today the trail descends steeply and passes mainly through bamboo and rhododendron forests. The weather could be windy and chilly here and often heavy snowfall as well. But since you are descending you will avoid sudden climate changes.
The trail ascends through thousands of paved stone staircases then crosses the Chhumrung Khola via a bridge and then down to Sinuwa. It is an easy walk through rhododendron forests with orchids and ferns, then it becomes more steep with ups and downs, passing many stone staircases to bamboo forests. Leaving Tadapani, the trail ascends down through more forests until you reach Ghomrung.
Leaving Ghomrung behind today you will trek towards Ghandruk. This Gurung village is not only popular for its serene beauty but also for its people. The majority of the male population are serving in the Gurkha rifle unit of the British army. The neat and clean houses and stone paved alleys together with excellent views of the Dhaulagiri range is just remarkable.
Today is the last day your trek. Leaving the Gurung village behind now you will head towards Birethanti and then back to Nayapul. Upon reaching Nayapul you will then take a bus ride of approximately 2 hours to reach Pokhara. Take the rest of the dayto enjoy this beautiful lake city.
Home of seven lakes, this serene tourism capital is a mixture of everything. From leisure to extreme adventure; choose what you would like to do today. We bet! One day in Pokhara is not enough. The more you explore the more you want to stay. Keep your pace and enjoy everything it has to offer.
After an exciting trek and relaxing moments in Pokhara, it’s going to be hard to leave your comfy hotel bed. Enjoy a good breakfast before you will travel back to Kathmandu today. Take the evening to relax with your favorite foods and drinks and explore the Touristic Mecca Thamel.
Today is the day to finally say goodbye to Nepal. We will transfer you to the Airport for your flight back home. We hope you will reminisce in sweet memories of Nepal, it’s forests, mountains, villages, people and their smile.
