Luxe Annapurna Basiskamp Trek

Your exciting adventure to the Annapurna Base Camp begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel. 

As you settle into your accommodation, take some time to rest after your journey. Kathmandu, a city rich in culture and history, offers a fascinating blend of traditional architecture, bustling markets, and serene spiritual sites. 

The evening is yours to explore the local surroundings, enjoy a delightful meal at a nearby restaurant, or relax at the hotel. This day is about easing into your journey, soaking in the initial sights, and preparing for the adventure ahead.

Today, we are dedicated to exploring the cultural heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will tour some of the city's most iconic landmarks. You will visit Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. 

The tour continues to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, you will have a briefing session about the trek, during which the guide will provide crucial information on the itinerary, safety protocols, and necessary preparations. 

You'll have time to purchase any last-minute trekking gear and ensure your equipment is in order. The day concludes with a group dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can enjoy local cuisine and get to know your fellow trekkers.

After breakfast, you will leave the hotel and head to the airport for a scenic flight to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city and the gateway to the Annapurna region. The short flight offers breathtaking Himalayan ranges, including glimpses of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains.

 Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Pokhara at your leisure. Stroll along the tranquil Phewa Lake, visit the International Mountain Museum, or relax in one of the many cafes along the lakeside. 

In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the bustling streets of Lakeside Pokhara, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and preparing mentally for the trekking days ahead. Pokhara's serene environment and stunning mountain backdrop make it the perfect starting point for your trekking adventure to Annapurna Base Camp.

Your adventure continues with a morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. The drive takes you through beautiful landscapes, with terraced fields and scenic views of the surrounding hills. Upon reaching Nayapul, you will begin your trek along a well-defined trail that follows the Modi Khola River. The path gradually ascends, passing through small villages like Birethanti and Hile, where you will experience the local culture and lifestyle. 

The final stretch of the day involves a steep ascent on stone steps leading to Ulleri, a charming Magar village situated at an altitude of 2,070 meters. The trek today covers around 10 kilometers and takes approximately 5-6 hours. You will spend the night in Ulleri, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and the warm hospitality of the local teahouses.

After breakfast in Ulleri, the trek continues with a steady climb through lush rhododendron and oak forests. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and distant mountains. As you ascend, you will pass through several small settlements and terraced fields before reaching Ghorepani (2,874m). 

This quaint village, nestled in the heart of the Annapurna region, serves as a popular stopover for trekkers. Today's trek takes about 5-6 hours and covers a distance of approximately 8 kilometers. Upon arrival in Ghorepani, you can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

The village is also known for its colorful rhododendron blooms in the spring, adding a magical touch to the landscape.

You will wake up early for a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), a famous viewpoint in the Annapurna region. The one-hour ascent is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges as the first rays of the sun illuminate the snow-capped peaks. After enjoying the sunrise and magnificent scenery, you will return to Ghorepani for breakfast.

Following breakfast, the trek continues toward Tadapani (2,630m). The trail initially climbs through dense rhododendron forests, which are particularly beautiful in the spring when the flowers bloom. As you continue, the trail winds through serene oak and bamboo forests, offering glimpses of various bird species. 

The trek today covers about 8 kilometers and takes 4-5 hours. Tadapani, meaning 'far water,' is a small settlement with a few teahouses and offers stunning views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

After a restful night in Tadapani, the trek continues with a descent through lush forests of oak and rhododendrons. The trail offers a beautiful mix of descending paths and flat stretches that lead you to the village of Chhomrong (2,170m), one of the largest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region. 

The trail to Chhomrong involves some ups and downs, including crossing a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola and a steep ascent. The trek today takes about 4-5 hours and covers approximately 9 kilometers. Chhomrong offers incredible views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre and serves as a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Leaving Chhomrong, you will descend on a stone staircase and cross the Chhomrong Khola. The trail then climbs through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, offering a relaxed and refreshing environment. The path meanders along the Modi Khola, with occasional steep sections and stone steps. 

After about 4-5 hours of trekking, covering around 8 kilometers, you will reach Bamboo (2,310m), a small settlement named for the thick bamboo groves surrounding it. You will spend the night in Bamboo, enjoying the tranquility of the forest and the sound of the river flowing nearby.

From Bamboo, the trek continues gradually through the lush forests of Bamboo, rhododendron, and oak. As you approach the Himalayan Hotel, the trail becomes steeper and continues to Deurali (3,230m). 

Along the way, you will pass a narrow gorge with spectacular views of the glacier and waterfalls. Today's trek is relatively shorter, taking about 3-4 hours to cover approximately 7 kilometers. Deurali is a small but scenic spot with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and serves as a great place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes.

Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek as you make your way to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). The trek begins with a gradual ascent to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), where you can enjoy incredible close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other peaks. 

After a short rest at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you will continue ascending to Annapurna Base Camp. The trail takes you through a wide open valley, with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After 5-6 hours of trekking and covering approximately 12 kilometers, you will reach the Annapurna Base Camp, a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. 

You will spend the night here, enjoying the stunning sunset over the mountains and the starry night sky at this high-altitude base camp.

Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). As the first light of dawn touches the peaks, you'll be treated to a breathtaking spectacle with the surrounding mountains bathed in hues of gold and pink. This is a perfect moment to capture stunning photographs of the Annapurna Massif, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and other surrounding peaks.

After soaking in the views and the serenity of the Annapurna Base Camp, it's time to prepare for a thrilling helicopter ride back to Pokhara. The helicopter flight offers a unique bird's-eye view of the breathtaking landscapes you've trekked through over the past few days. Flying over deep valleys, lush forests, and terraced fields, you'll finally glimpse the majestic Annapurna region from above.

Upon landing in Pokhara, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and unwind. You can explore Pokhara further, visit the serene Phewa Lake, or rest after your exhilarating adventure. The evening is perfect for a stroll along Lakeside or enjoying a celebratory dinner to mark the end of a memorable journey to Annapurna Base Camp.

After a leisurely breakfast in Pokhara, you will head to the airport for a short flight back to Kathmandu. This flight offers a final chance to enjoy the stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, giving you one last look at the snow-capped peaks that have been a constant companion throughout your trek.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Kathmandu's bustling markets, such as Thamel and Asan Bazaar, are perfect places to find unique souvenirs, handicrafts, trekking gear, and local spices. You may also want to revisit cultural sites or relax and reflect on your journey in one of the city's charming cafes or gardens.

In the evening, you can enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, celebrating the completion of your Annapurna Base Camp trek with your fellow trekkers.

Today marks the end of your incredible adventure in Nepal. After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time to relax or do any last-minute packing. A representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. 

As you leave Nepal, you will carry unforgettable memories of the stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and the incredible experience of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again for another adventure in the Himalayas!