Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

This will be a full day of sightseeing with a tour of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa. For 2,000 years, Kathmandu has been a center of trade, culture and religious life in Nepal. We will visit several of the city’s best-known sites, starting with the Pashupatinath temple, a World Heritage Site, which is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu and one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world. We will also visit the 5th Century Boudhanath stupa, the largest in the valley, known for its all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The more than 50 Buddhist monasteries nearby have earned Boudhanath the nickname “Little Tibet.” The ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world. Hundreds of Buddhists spend their days praying at the various temples in the area.

Morning flight to Pokhara, transfer to hotel and rest of the day free for exploring on your own.

After breakfast, we drive to Nayapul and start our trek to Ulleri. We start out on a dirt road, which then narrows to a stone pathway, winding through the forest. We will cross the river at Birethanti and head left along the gentle slope to Tikhedhunga where we cross the Bhurungdi Khola to start the long steep climb (and lots of steps) to Ulleri. You've got a final ascent of over 1,600ft and 3,500 stone steps until you get to your final destination.

Today we have more elevation to gain but the incline is not as steep so it is considered a lighter day than yesterday. Occasional views of the peaks give way to a narrower valley. We are then enveloped in beautiful scenery as we pass through a rhododendron forest and eventually reach Ghorepani. From here we will enjoy the most panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.

Rest Day.

Early this morning, we will climb the long stairs to Poon Hill - one of the most popular vantage points of this trek. From this point we can see the tremendous views of giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. After taking pause to admire these views, we descend to Ghorepani village for breakfast before proceeding to Tadapani. From Ghorepani the trail climbs south following a path through deep forest. It emerges on a grassy knoll which offers good mountain views, including sights of Machhapuchhare (not visible from Ghorepani) and a panorama all the way south to the plains of India. As we continue climbing along the ridge through pine and rhododendron forests we reach a crest at almost 10,000ft. From here we descend to a second pass, called Deurail, at 9700ft.

We continue a more steep descent to a stream before the climbing resumes, taking us through a forest to our final destination: Tadapani.

Tadapani is a small village where the trail splits. The south trail goes to Ghandrung, but we will take the eastern one to Chhomrong. From here, the path descends through dense forest to Gurajon village, just past the suspension bridge; after which you'll breath a sigh of relief: no more ups & downs until Chhomrong village. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of giant Annapurna massive.

We will start our morning descending to Chomrong stream, crossing the suspension bridge then climbing up to Sinuwa Danda. Sinuwa is a beautiful village perched atop on a high outcropping. From Sinuwa, the trail runs through thick & dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. From here we descend over a rocky cliff continuing on until we reach Doban where we will take shelter and celebrate the evening.

Today will be a bit different as we have a silent jungle walk from Doban to Himalaya. There is a temple in the jungle and loud noises are not allowed. You can also see many waterfalls during the journey from Doban to Himalaya. From Himalaya we have a steep climb to reach Hinku cave and even though Deurali seems close to Doban, it takes 40 minutes to get from Hinku cave to Doban.

The trail from here follows the right bank of the stream, through the rugged path along the rocky cliff and can be slippery. In winter, this part is the most dangerous part of the trek for avalanches. From here the trails evens out and at the bottom of the cliff we see many moraines. After a while, the path continues gently uphill until Machhapuchare Base Camp where there are a few tourist lodges. From here we continue up through grassy landscape for two hours before arriving at Annapurna Base Camp.

From Annapurna Base Camp the route rapidly descends past the Machhapuchhre Base camp, Deurali, and Do-
ban, ending at Bamboo; where we rest for the night and remember the amazing journey we've just had.

The route passes through beautiful fields of rhododendron flowers, oaks and bamboo. We trek through Sinuwa, cross the Chhumrung Khola and continue on to Chhumrung Village. From here it is downhill to Jhinu Danda. Jhuiu Danda is small local commercial village where we stay tonight. For those with enough energy there is a 20 min walk to a nearby hot spring to relieve our sore muscles

The trek starts with a downhill section of about 20 minutes to the Kimrungkhola river where we cross a suspension bridge before reaching a small village. We continue to the Modi Khola river and up to the Langdruk village where we stay the night.

Today you will be stunned again by spectacular views of Annapurna South. Once we reach Dhampus, the largest village on the trek, we will see cars again, even a local school- all signs that we are almost back to civilization.

The last day of your trek is a quite steep downhill hike into Phedi. From here we will drive back into Pokhara where we will overnight.

Free day.

After your respit in the mountains, you're re-entry into reality is sure to be memorable, to say the least! Enjoy the comforts of being back and perhaps do some final shopping or sightseeing on your own.

Departure day.