Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the Hotel in Thamel.

Are you excited to be in the land of the Himalayas, in fact, actually on your way to one of the tallest Himalayas? We believe you are more than excited. The excitement peaks as you enter Nepal's territory and start getting aerial glimpses of the towering Himalayas. As you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport, the representatives from Nepal Unique Treks will receive you. You can see them carrying a placeholder with your name on it.

From there, our representatives drive you to the hotel in a private vehicle and the hotel staff welcome you by offering a refreshing welcome drink. After that, you can check in at your room and freshen yourself up. Once that's done, the rest of the day is all yours. If you seek advice from us about what to do in Kathmandu, we recommend you visit some bars and pubs, get some drinks, and try some cuisines. Moreover, you can also find a spa or massage place to reduce all the stress from such a long flight.

If needed, you can also visit our office, located in Thamel itself, and talk about our services and packages. However, that is not mandatory because, in the evening, we will have a welcome dinner planned for you. Here, the trekkers can meet our team and get to know the guides. Moreover, we will also provide you with all the documents (permits) that you need for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek along with a quick yet thorough trek briefing from the guides.

Well, that's it! After that, you can head back to your room to sleep as we have some real adventure waiting for us from the next day.

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) west of the Kathmandu Valley (205/127 miles) 7-8 hours

Today, we will start the journey towards the Annapurna region. As you wake up, freshen yourself, and have a fulfilling breakfast in the hotel, our guides pick you up. From there, they will drive you to the bus station in a private vehicle. As you board the flight, our journey to the Annapurna Base Camp begins!

The trekkers can also reach Pokhara via flight, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes. In that case, the guides will drive you to the Tribhuwan International Airport from where we fly to the Pokhara International Airport. Remember that, if you take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, this will add to the package cost (USD 120) so you will have to pay a little extra than the regular Annapurna Base Camp Trek package cost.

Whichever option you choose to reach Pokhara (by bus or by flight), our local representatives will receive and drive you to the hotel in Pokhara. Check-in at the hotel room before heading out for a stroll in the city of lakes. Pokhara, famous as one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal, offers the best of natural beauty, lifestyle, and cultural significance. You can go to visit the Phewa Lake and the temple in the middle of this lake. Furthermore, you can also check out some caves, including the Mahendra Cave, and Chamero Gufa (Bat Cave).

In the evening, you can take your time to spend some amazing time around the lakeside. Believe us when we say that you can experience one of the best nightlife of your life in Pokhara Lakeside. In the evening, please return to the hotel and go for a sound sleep.

Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul /Birethanti /Tikhedhunga (1,570m), and Ulleri (1,540m / 5,050ft) 2 hours (Driving) 3-4 hours (Trek) 7km / 4.34miles

On the third day, we will start trekking on the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route. However, that's not how the day begins. As you wake up and have breakfast in the hotel, we will first go for a drive from Pokhara to Ulleri via Nayapul, Birethanti. It takes about 3 hours for us to complete this drive and reach the starting point of the 13-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trekking map.

As you reach  Ulleri Check in the guesthouse and take your time for freshness. Located at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level, Ulleri is a beautiful and traditional Magar village. Moreover, this village also offers outstanding views of the Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Not to mention, the locals welcome you with great pleasure and happiness. Moreover, you also start getting the sense of cool breeze coming from the Himalayas.

Talking about this section of the trek to Annapurna Base camp, you will find endless stone staircases. Due to that reason, you can also prepare yourself for longer walks at a higher altitude. Just imagine walking through the ancient stone paths, past cascading waterfalls, and through dense forests and quiet villages. Wouldn't that be something best to do on one of the less traveled trekking routes? In the evening, you will reach Ulleri and check in at the hotel. Take your time to stroll around the village and interact with the locals before having dinner and sleeping for the night.

Day 4: Trek from Ulleri (1,540m / 5,050ft) to Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,385ft) 11 km / 6 miles (Trek Distance) 3-4 hours

On the fourth day, we will have to cover an approximate distance of 11 kilometers, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. This section of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes us past the most beautiful and peaceful part of the Annapurna region. What more? Well, in the trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani, you also gain the amazing experience of walking through the rhododendron forests, oak trees, and mass-covered stone steps. You know what? We recommend you go for this trekking adventure in the spring season. Why? Well, because in the spring season, you can witness the forest burst into colors and rhododendrons blossom, making the entire route colorful.

Ghorepani, if you do not know, stands as one of the best day hiking destinations in Pokhara. Moreover, this village is also surrounded by tall pine trees and offers outstanding views of some sky-touching Himalayas, including the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Take your time to rest for the rest of the evening after a tiring walk. Also, check out some prayer wheels, interact with the locals, and try some locally prepared delicacies before dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m / 10,525 ft), then trek to Tadapani 2,874 meters (9,429 feet) 11.50km / 7.1miles (Trek Distance ) 5 hours

Visiting the Annapurna Trekking region and not going for a Poonhill viewpoint hike makes no sense at all. So, to add more sense, and a little more adventure and excitement to this trekking journey, we take you on an early morning hike to the Poon Hill Viewpoint. It takes an average trekker about 45 to 1 hour for us to reach the top of Poon Hill Viewpoint. From here, the trekkers can witness one of the best sunrise views.

We will spend about 1 or 1.5 hours at the top of Poon Hill before walking further towards Tadapani. Take your time to capture as many photos, and videos, and make as many memories as possible while you stay on Poonhill Viewpoint. Well, while ascending the Poon Hill Viewpoint, remember that you will have to walk through dense rhododendron forests, shaded oak groves, and peaceful mountain trails. Besides, while walking from PoonHill to Tadapani, we get chances to pass through some amazing spots, including the Deurali Pass.

This pass, along with the entire PoonHill viewpoint to Tadapani also offers outstanding views of mountains and forests. Take your time to enjoy every peaceful and tranquil bit of the forest up until Tadapani. As you reach Tadapani and check into the hotel, you can freshen up before taking a quick stroll in the area.

Day 6: Trek from Tadapani (2,630m / 8,630ft) to Chomrong (2,165m / 7,105ft) 10km / 6.2miles (Trek Distance) 7 hours

How is the trek to the Annapurna Base Camp with Nepal Unique Treks going? We believe that the team makes pa erfect arrangement for the trekkers. Being on the sixth day of this trek means that we are just 2 days away from the Annapurna Base Camp. Yup, it is something to be excited about. However, as we have ascended to a little higher altitude, we recommend the trekkers be patient and follow the guides strictly.

After breakfast, the guides lead you on a journey that will be more of a descent than ascent. Yes, we will descend to an altitude of 2165 meters (Chomrong) from 2,630 meters (Tadapani). Due to that reason, the walk on this day will be comparatively easy and the walk will be shorter. However, there will be no compromise in the adventure, experience, and excitement, that's for sure!

It takes about 5 hours for us to cover this distance of 10 kilometers on the sixth day. This means that the trekkers will reach Chomrong in the afternoon, giving them much time to explore the village, feel the cool breeze, and prepare themselves for a trip to the Himalayan Hotel on the next day.

Day 7: Trek from Chomrong (2,165m / 7,105ft) to Hotel Himalaya (2,890m / 9,425ft) 12km / 7.4miles (Trek Distance) 6/7 hours

The seventh day marks one of the most remarkable days of the entire Annapurna Base Camp Trekking trail as we finally step into the highest point before the ABC. Popularly known as one of the best resting spots on the ABC trail, Hotel Himalaya sits between two villages; Dovan and Deurali. We leave Chomring on the seventh day immediately after the trekkers have their breakfast. Following the Chomrong River, our walk becomes so exciting, scenic, and adventurous, that you might not have even imagined that. Also, remember that all this is happening below the altitude of 3000 meters.

Walking through a trail mixed up with ascents, descents, slopes, and stone steps, we delve deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Moreover, the trekkers also get chances to cross the Chomrong River on a suspension bridge during this section of the 13-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek. On your way to the Himalayas from Chomrong, you will also come across some beautifully settled Magar and Gurung villages, including Sinuwa and Bamboo.

Even though most parts of this section of the trail are somewhat leveled, the final part requires the trekkers to go for a steady climb. Once you do that, you can see yourself walking across narrow valleys and stumbling upon some small wooden bridges. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Well, that's how we reach Hotel Himalaya from Chomrong on the seventh day of the ABC Trekking journey.

Day 8: Trek from Himalaya (2,890m / 9,425ft) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550 ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp 12.5km / 7.7miles (Trek Distance) 7 hours

Today's walk will be like the famous proverb; two birds with one stone! How? Well, let us tell you. On the eighth day of this trekking package, we finally reached the Annapurna Base Camp. However, before that, we will also come across the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. This means that we will get to ascend on two different base camps in a single day.

Though comparatively shorter, this section of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers you all the adventure and excitement. Just imagine waking up at an altitude of 2890 meters above sea level knowing that you have two base camps to conquer! Doesn't that sound amazing? Well, this is just the day for that. Our journey on the trail begins with a gentle climb through some lush vegetation and dense forest. However, as you reach higher and higher on the trail, the trees and vegetation start becoming sparse.

The trail first takes us to a village named Deurali from Himalaya. Deurali is a small village settled between huge rocks and a narrow valley. While reaching Deurali, you would have already passed through small streams, and wooden bridges, and walked along a trail carved beside cliffs. So, yes, adventure never stops in the trek to ABC.

Keep in mind that the trail from Hotel Himalaya to Deurali can sometimes be prone to avalanches and landslides during the rainy and monsoon season. So, be safe and before leaving Himalaya, check for the trail updates as well.

From Deurali to Macchapuchhre Base Camp

As we leave Deurali, the trail converts itself into a wider and open form. Moreover, the trekkers can witness a dramatic glacial valley. Not to mention, it will almost be like watching any animated movie because you will be entering into a different universe. As you keep ascending the trail, you can see the giant Machhapuchhre mountain approaching near and near. This scene, without any doubt,t makes you more excited,d and adrenaline rises to the peak.

What more to see on this trail? An approximate distance of 4 kilometers to cover within 2 hours, that's how the hike from Deurali to Machhapuchhre goes for us. In a while, you will walk beside the Modi Khola River cutting through a deep gorge with occasional wooden bridges and stream crossings. As you ascend higher and higher, you can sense the temperature decreasing and the air getting colder.

Again, this section of the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking trail can be prone to avalanches and rockfalls. Therefore, we recommend that trekkers be highly active and follow the guides very strictly.

Crossing some amazing sections of the trek to Annapurna Base Camp, we finally reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp located at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level. Do you know what MBC looks like? Well, it's a wide plateau sitting beneath the mighty Machhapuchhre Mountain (6,993 meters). After reaching the top, you can take your time to witness the beauty of this base camp. We recommend the trekkers take as many photos and videos as possible.

Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp

Now that we have conquered one of the two base camps of this adventurous trekking package, it's time to ascend to the second and final base camp. Yes, on this day itself, we will also ascend to the Annapurna Base Camp. This section of the map requires us to cover a total distance of 2.9 kilometers, walking past some of the most difficult and strenuous sections of the ABC Trekking route.

As we leave MBC, the trail goes for a gradual ascent which ultimately takes us to the open alpine valley. Well, let us tell you that this stretch of the trail does not have any green vegetation or forests. Due to the extreme climatic conditions in this area and of course, the altitude, the risk of altitude sickness also significantly increases. What to do in such a case? Well, just keep a slow and steady pace, listen to the guides, and follow their advice. That's it!

On the Annapurna Base Camp and Stay in the Camp

Annapurna Base Camp is located at an altitude of 4130 meters above sea level. Due to that reason, this base camp offers magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The first thing that you notice upon reaching ABC is a 360-degree mountain panorama around the wide plateau. Even after being at such a high altitude, this base camo sits a little lower than the EBC. Due to that reason, the weather conditions here might not be as bad as that of the Everest Base Camp.

Once you stand on this base camp after 7 straight days of alpine trekking adventures, you can feel the heart being happy. So, why not make this day a little more exciting? How? For that, we will spend the night in a tent at the Annapurna Base Camp itself. Doesn't that sound amazing?

In the meantime, we recommend the trekkers check out many more things around the base camp, including the prayer flags, and stone lodges. Until then, the guides from Nepal Unique Treks set up tents for you to spend the night. In the evening, you can also witness one of the greatest sunset views of your life. After that, we will have dinner and settle for the night in the tent.

Day 9: Trek from ABC (4,130m / 13,550 ft) to Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft) 14 km / 8.6miles (Trek Distance) 7 hours

So are we returning from the Annapurna Base Camp today? Yup, as you wake up and have a delicious breakfast with an outstanding sunrise view, the guides take you on a descending trail toward Bamboo. Do you remember this village? Well, even if you don't remember, let us tell you that we had been to this village while ascending from Chomrong to Hotel Himalaya.

As this is a descending journey, the journey will be comparatively easy and quick from this day onward. Covering a total distance of 14 kilometers and walking for about 6 hours, the trekkers will enter Bamboo, a beautiful settlement nestled in a quiet and shaded forest. Let us tell you that Bamboo sits as a perfect place for us to rest after such a high altitude ascend and descend.

During your walk on this day, you can witness the environment gradually transitioning from alpine barren lands into thick rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests. Moreover, some smooth and sweet sounds of birds chirping and the air getting warmer make this walk even better and easier. Within the next few hours, you will finally reach Bamboo, check in at the hotel, and utilize the rest of the day to take some long, deep breaths and relax. Do you know what more you can do at this time? Stroll around the village, interact with the locals, and try some locally prepared delicacies as well.

Day 10: Descend from Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft) to Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) and nearby natural hot springs 8.5km / 5.2miles (Trek Distance) 5/6 hours

It's the tenth day in the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking package, approaching closer and closer to the end of the package as well. This section of the trail is mostly downhill. However, we will also have to go for a short and quick ascent on this day. On the way, we pass through several villages, including Sinuwa and Chomrong, villages that we have already been to. Moreover, Chomrong will also be the place for us to take a quick break and lunch.

From Chomrong, we will again go for another descent where the trail takes us through some terraced hillsides and vibrant greenery. Within the next few hours, we will finally reach Jhinu Danda, another beautiful village in the Annapurna region. Check-in at the hotel, and there is still something best of the best remaining for the day. Yes, after leaving your belongings in the hotel room, we will walk downhill for about 15 to 20 minutes. This walk takes us to the hot water spring beside the Modi Khola River.

Surrounded by jungle and boulders, these warm, soothing pools are the perfect way to relax your muscles after several days of trekking. Take your time to soak yourself in the relaxing hot water spring before returning to Bamboo for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 11: Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1,150m / 3,770ft) and drive to Pokhara (820m) via Nayapul 4 km / 2.4miles (Driving hours) 3 hours

How close are we to putting an end to the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking package? Just 3 days more in the wilderness of the trail and that's it! On that verge, we will descend from Jhinu Danda to Siwa and Ghandruk Phedi on the eleventh day. As you have your breakfast in the hotel, our team takes you through a beautifully decorated trail surrounded by rhododendron blossoms, pine trees, and many tea houses.

It takes about 2 hours to cover a total distance of 4 kilometers from Jhinu Danda to Siwa and Ghandruk Phedi. On this section of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we also walk past some terraced farmlands and small traditional villages. As you reach Ghandruk Phedi, our trekking journey concludes. From there, our guides drive you to the hotel in Pokhara.

Well, finally a day to spend in the hotel or guesthouse in Pokhara. Here the trekkers can go for a pleasant, worthy, and heartful rest. Moreover, we also recommend you to stroll around the lakeside. Also, it's the last day for you to enjoy the nightlife in Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu.

Day 12: Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690 ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft) 205 km /127 miles) - 6-7 hrs (Driving Hours)

Well, we are finally on the second last day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the last day in the Annapurna region. As you have your breakfast in the hotel, our guides will first drive you to the bus station. From here, we go for a drive towards Kathmandu. In case you want to go for a quick journey to Kathmandu, you can also go for a flight. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes for us to reach from Pokhara to Kathmandu in flight.

If we go from Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus, we will also stop for lunch and short breaks. Within the next 6 to 7 hours, the bus finally reaches Kathmandu. Whether we take a bus or flight, the guides will receive you and drive you to the hotel. Take your time to stroll around the city for the last time before returning to your home the next day.

Day 13: Drive to the Kathmandu International Airport - Departure

Finally, it's the day when we put an end to the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking package. After having breakfast in the hotel, our guides drive you to the Tribhuwan International Airport. A final farewell to all the trekking enthusiasts with a strong belief of meeting you again for another trekking or tour adventure.