Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Sanctuary, also known as Annapurna Base Camp, forms a natural amphitheater, ringed by peaks which offers a 360-degree panorama of Annapurna South and I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare or "Fish Tail" as it is commonly known. The trek starts from Pokhara, then heads north along the traditional trade route towards the Tibetan villages via Birethanhti and Ulleri to Ghorepani. From here, the trek contours eastward through thick rhododendron and oak forest to Tadapani to follow the Modi river valley, through thick bamboo and rhododendron forests into the Sanctuary itself. The return is via a slightly different route through the villages of Chhomrong, Ghandrung and Birethanti to Pokhara and Kathmandu. The Sanctuary falls within the area managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which is an exercise in environmental and cultural protection accommodating the needs of both the visitors and local inhabitants.
There is a good mix of high mountains and Himalayan culture on this trek. The Annapurna Himal lies between the Kali Gandaki and Marshyangdi river valley, forming a solid, mountain basin. In its span of 40 miles, it encompasses some twelve peaks higher than 7000m and numerous others over 6000m. Rhododendron forests give way to bamboo groves, which in turn vanish into the high, desert landscapes. People of Aryan stock give way to those of Mongoloid stock and the dominant religion changes from Hinduism in the lower reaches to Buddhism higher up.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
🌟 Trek Highlights
- Natural amphitheater: Surrounded by towering peaks, offering a breathtaking 360° panorama of Annapurna I & South, Machhapuchhre (“Fish Tail”), Gangapurna, and Varahashikhar.
- Scenic route: Begins in Pokhara, passes through villages like Birethanti, Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Tadapani, winding through rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests along the Modi River valley.
- Cultural immersion: Encounter diverse communities — Aryan and Mongoloid ethnic groups — with traditions shifting from Hinduism in the lower valleys to Buddhism higher up.
- Annapurna Conservation Area: A protected region balancing environmental preservation with cultural heritage and local livelihoods.
- Mountain basin: The Annapurna Himal stretches 40 miles, encompassing 12 peaks above 7,000m and numerous others over 6,000m.
- Varied landscapes: From lush rhododendron forests to bamboo groves, and finally into stark, high-altitude desert terrain.
- Return journey: Descends via Chhomrong and other villages, offering a different perspective before returning to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
✨ In essence, the Annapurna Sanctuary trek blends majestic Himalayan scenery, rich cultural diversity, and ecological awareness, making it one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking experiences.
Itinerary
Day of arrival and transfer to your Hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
A Snow Leopard Trek representative will be there at the airport to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Make trekking permits.
Optional Kathmandu Valley sightseeing Tour.
If you opt for it, we can organise a guided "walking tour" of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Heritage sites: old bazaars and Durbar Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, stupas and Temples for cultural discoveries of ancient temples and religious shrines of the three medieval kingdoms.
Flight to Pokhara. Drive to Ulleri. Trek to Ghorepani (2850 m)
Early morning, take a scheduled 25-minute flight to Pokhara. About a 3-hour drive to Ulleri or Banthanti. Our trek starts from Banthanti. The trail passes through rhododendron and oak forests and across streams before making a final climb to Nangethanti. From Nangethanti, the trail heads up to Ghorepani where views of the Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre peaks start opening up. Overnight at a local lodge.
Visit Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2540 m)
Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210 m) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar (7847 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna III (7855 m), Machhapuchhare (6993 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Lamjung Himal (6931 m) and other numerous snowcapped mountains. Hike down to Ghorepani after enjoying the sunrise view, have a hot breakfast at the guest House/Lodge and trek to Tadapani (2650 m). The trail follows the rhododendron forest. During springtime, the entire forest is colorful with hues of pink and red.
Trek to Chhomrong (2050 m)
The trail is relatively easy, mostly descending all the way through rhododendron, oak, and other kinds of dense forests. You can hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way to Kimrung Khola. Chhomrong is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary (Base Camp) trek and is inhabited by the Gurung, one of the major Ethnic groups of Nepal.
Trek to Bamboo (2340 m)
Leaving Chhomrong, the trail descends to cross the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs high above the Modi Khola on its west bank. The trail then ascends through the villages of Tilche and Sinuwa and finally reaches Kuldi at 2350 m. From here, the trail descends a long, steep stone staircase into bamboo and rhododendron forests, and eventually we reach the small settlement of Bamboo Lodge at 2340 m.
Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3720 m)
From here, the valley widens up, and the vegetation starts to thin out. One can even feel the thin air climbing to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Overnight at a local Lodge.
Visit Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), and trek back to Dovan (2606 m)
We start early and make the 2-hour trek to Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m. The trail continues upwards, on a good path, to the south of the moraine. This is the highlight of the trip and affords us marvelous close-up views of the mountains that make up this incredible natural amphitheatre. On arrival at ABC, we get a superb view of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna. After spending some time, we initially retrace our steps and descend to Deurali, through Himalayan Hotel, and eventually to Dovan, where we spend the night.
Trek to Jhinu Danda (1800 m)
The trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar, and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descend to the Chhomrong Khola, and you have to follow a stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong. The last part of the trail is steeply downhill to Jhinudanda. From the town, you should walk down for 20 minutes to reach the hot spring at the bank of the Modi Khola. You can also relax at the hot spring. Overnight at the lodge.
Trek up to Sewai and drive to Pokhara
Gradually walk down from Jhinu Danda, followed by the Modi River up to Sewai. On our way to Nayapul from Jhinu Danda, we get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal via Sewai (1500 m). Once there, we take a reserved vehicle to Pokhara. Hotel in Pokhara.
Flight to Kathmandu. Hotel in Kathmandu.
Fly back to Kathmandu and check in at the hotel. Evening free time, so you can have a walk around the local market to hunt for some last-minute souvenir pick-ups. Overnight hotel.
Departure transfer to the international airport.
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