Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 9 Nights 10 Days

Welcome to Nepal! As you land in Kathmandu, the city greets you with warm air, bustling streets, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a short briefing about your trek. If you have some free time, you can explore nearby attractions like Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which offers stunning city views. Or perhaps take a quiet walk through the lively streets of Thamel filled with music, food, and souvenirs.

Good morning! Today you’ll either take a short 25-minute flight or enjoy a scenic drive through lush hills and winding rivers to Pokhara. If you choose to drive, get ready for glimpses of village life along the way. Once in Pokhara, you’ll be greeted by the peaceful Phewa Lake and the breathtaking sight of the Annapurna range shimmering in the distance. Take a gentle evening stroll by the lakeside and maybe enjoy a meal watching boats float by. It’s the perfect place to unwind before your trek begins.

After breakfast, you’ll hop on a private jeep and begin your drive through the countryside. The route passes Nayapul and Siwai, where green fields, stone houses, and cheerful villagers give a glimpse of rural Nepal. Once you arrive at Jhinu Danda, you can rest in your cozy lodge or take a short walk down to the natural hot springs near the river. Imagine soaking your tired feet in warm mineral water surrounded by nature – what a way to start your trek!

Your trek begins! The trail climbs through charming villages and terraced farmlands. You’ll pass Chhomrong, a lovely Gurung village known for its stone-paved paths and warm hospitality. The views of Machapuchare, also called Fishtail Mountain, peek through the clouds now and then. As you move ahead, dense bamboo and rhododendron forests surround you until you reach Bamboo village, where the soft sounds of rivers and birds make the evening calm and peaceful.

Today the trail becomes more exciting! You’ll walk through thick forests and cross small wooden bridges over lively streams. The air gets cooler as you ascend through a narrow valley with waterfalls tumbling down steep cliffs. The landscape starts to change – fewer trees, more rocks, and a wild alpine feel. By the time you reach Deurali, you’ll feel the crisp mountain breeze and a deep sense of being closer to the Himalayas. The night sky here is often dazzling with stars. Have you ever seen the Milky Way so clearly?

This is one of the most thrilling days of the entire trek. The trail takes you through Machapuchare Base Camp first, where you’ll see jaw-dropping views of Fishtail Mountain standing tall and elegant. From here, you continue your steady climb to Annapurna Base Camp. Step by step, the panorama opens up, revealing massive peaks like Annapurna South and Hiunchuli all around you. When you finally reach ABC, it feels like standing in a giant amphitheater of snow and rock. Take a deep breath and just soak it all in – you made it to the heart of the Himalayas!

Wake up early for an unforgettable sunrise over the Annapurna range. The mountains slowly turn golden as the first light of day touches their peaks – a sight you’ll never forget. After breakfast, you begin your descent following the same scenic trail back to Bamboo. It’s mostly downhill, and with every step, you’ll see familiar forests, rivers, and villages from a new angle. You might even spot some mountain goats or colorful pheasants along the way.

You’re heading back toward Jhinu Danda today. The path winds through familiar trails, and the sound of rivers and birds keeps you company. Once you reach Jhinu, it’s time to treat yourself again! Walk down to the riverside hot springs, dip your feet, and feel all that trekking fatigue melt away. The warm water and mountain air make this moment extra special. You’ve truly earned this relaxation!

Today’s walk is easy and filled with cheerful moments as you make your way to Nayapul. You’ll pass through charming villages where children wave and locals greet you with smiles. Once you reach Nayapul, a private jeep will take you back to Pokhara. The lakeside city feels even more peaceful after days in the mountains. How about a nice dinner by the water to celebrate your adventure?

It’s time to return to Kathmandu. You can take a short flight or drive back, depending on your preference. Once in the city, you can relax, enjoy some local Nepali cuisine, or explore places like Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu site filled with history and culture. The journey might be ending, but the memories of the Himalayas will stay with you for a lifetime. What part of the trek will you remember most?