Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 12 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are met and transferred to Hotel Manaslu or Hotel Tibet, a hotel set in the quiet Lazimpat area of Kathmandu. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to rest or recover from international travel. The hotel’s peaceful setting offers a comfortable introduction to Nepal before heading toward the mountains.

This day is reserved for trek preparation and final arrangements. Time is spent reviewing equipment, completing any required documentation, and meeting the trekking team. The remainder of the day is free for rest or light exploration of Kathmandu, allowing you to relax and prepare comfortably before heading toward the Annapurna region.

A scenic morning flight takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara, offering views of rolling hills and Himalayan ranges when weather permits. From Pokhara, a drive leads through terraced farmland and river valleys to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in the region. Stone houses, traditional lifestyles, and views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare define the village setting.

The trek begins through cultivated fields, forest trails, and small settlements inhabited mainly by Gurung and Magar communities. The route descends to river crossings before climbing steadily toward Chhomrong, a prominent village perched above the Modi Khola. From here, the first close views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare dominate the horizon.

The trail descends steeply from Chhomrong to the river before gradually climbing through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest. As the route moves deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary, the landscape becomes quieter and more enclosed, with forested slopes, streams, and shaded trails shaping the day’s trek.

The trail ascends gradually through Himalaya, following the river valley as cliffs rise higher on both sides. Waterfalls and rock faces define the landscape, and vegetation becomes sparser with altitude. By the time you reach Deurali, the environment feels distinctly alpine, signaling entry into the upper sanctuary.

Passing Machapuchare Base Camp, the valley opens into the Annapurna Sanctuary—an immense glacial basin encircled by towering Himalayan peaks. Annapurna Base Camp lies beneath Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare, creating one of the most dramatic mountain settings in Nepal. The sense of isolation and scale here is profound.

The return journey retraces the same route, offering a new perspective on the landscape while descending back into forests. The warmer air and richer vegetation provide contrast after time spent in the high sanctuary.

Continuing downhill and across suspension bridges, the trail climbs back to Chhomrong. Familiar views return, along with cultivated fields and village life that mark the transition out of the sanctuary area.

After breakfast, we take a comfortable drive back to Pokhara. The rest of the day is free for rest or exploration. You may take a walk along the lakeside, visit local markets, or enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake with views of Machapuchare in the distance.

A short flight brings you back to Kathmandu. You return to Hotel Manaslu, where the remainder of the day is free for rest, reflection, or light exploration of the city.

Our team will provide transportation to the international airport. You will leave Nepal with incredible memories of the Annapurna region and the warm hospitality of its people.