Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Today’s sightseeing tour will immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of Kathmandu, encompassing UNESCO World Heritage Sites that span Stupas, Temples, and Palaces. Your experienced city guide from TMG will expertly plan the most efficient route tailored to your interests.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square, located a short distance from your hotel, offers a unique glimpse into Nepal’s history. Once a ceremonial site and royal palace where coronations took place, it has transformed into a captivating palace-museum. Exploring this square, you’ll gain insight into the opulent lives of the royals and marvel at the exquisite architecture, temples, and statues dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Prepare for a breathtaking experience at Swayambhunath, a stupa perched at a significant altitude and steeped in over 2,000 years of history. This revered site holds immense importance for Buddhists and boasts a captivating Buddha image on every side. Its base showcases intricate stonework featuring the five Dhyani Buddhas – Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Aksobhya, symbolizing Lord Buddha’s wisdom. Swayambhunath offers a mesmerizing bird’s-eye view of the Kathmandu Valley, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.

Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath, a temple as ancient as the hills themselves, is lovingly maintained by Nepal’s Hindu Committees. Situated close to Kathmandu’s heart, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, making it one of the most sacred in the Hindu faith. While the main gate is exclusively open to Hindus, visitors can appreciate its remarkable architecture from a distance. If fortune smiles upon you, you might witness a Hindu cremation ceremony, a profound and culturally significant experience.

Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath, another magnificent stupa, stands as one of Buddhism’s holiest pilgrimage sites. Resembling Swayambhunath with its striking white dome, Bouddhanath has its own mythological significance, believed by some to house the bones of Kasyapa Buddha or even Lord Buddha himself. Encircling the stupa’s base are 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, inviting you to contemplate their spiritual significance. This sacred site is a profound testament to Buddhist heritage.

Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of these revered locations, each offering a unique perspective on Nepal’s rich religious and historical legacy.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a TMG representative will be there to extend you a warm welcome. From there, you will be escorted to the tourist bus station, embarking on a picturesque journey through charming towns, quaint villages, and breathtaking landscapes. The route will treat you to the sight of terraced farmlands and meandering rivers, offering a delightful taste of rural Nepal.

After a few hours of scenic travel, you will arrive in the enchanting “City of Lakes,” Pokhara. Pokhara, renowned as the second most popular tourist destination in Nepal, boasts a wide array of exciting tourism activities, including paragliding, zip-lining, and bungee jumping. The city is also home to iconic tourist attractions such as Davis Falls, the World Peace Pagoda, Bindhyabasini Temple, and more.

Upon your arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, take the opportunity to leisurely stroll around the serene Phewa Lake, soaking in the picturesque surroundings and enjoying the tranquil ambiance.

Following a hearty breakfast, your journey continues as you drive from Pokhara to Naya Pul, which serves as the starting point of your trek. As you commence your trek, you’ll find yourself enveloped by lush oak and rhododendron forests, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

The trekking trail that lies ahead offers a mix of terrain. It starts as an easy and gentle path, winding its way through the landscape. However, you’ll encounter various elements along the way, including the famous “Ulleri Stairs.” These stairs comprise steps, boulders, steep sections, cliffs, bridges, and passages through quaint villages.

One such village you’ll come across is Tikhedhunga. As you continue your journey, you’ll eventually arrive in Ulleri, usually by the afternoon, marking a significant point in your trekking adventure.

Following a satisfying breakfast, your trek continues towards Ghorepani, passing through the picturesque villages of Banthanti and Nangethanti. This part of the journey leads you through enchanting oak and rhododendron forests, creating a captivating natural backdrop for your hike.

Upon reaching Nangethanti, you’ll pause for a well-deserved lunch, recharging your energy amidst the serene surroundings. From Nangethanti, you’ll proceed onwards to Ghorepani, a charming village known for its breathtaking vistas of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Ranges. It’s a place that promises to leave you awe-struck by the sheer beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

Poon Hill, a renowned viewpoint along your journey, boasts an unparalleled charm as it treats you to a breathtaking and panoramic spectacle of the majestic mountains. From this vantage point, you’ll be privileged to witness the grandeur of Annapurna South (7,219 meters), the iconic Machapuchare (6,993 meters), Hinchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus Peak, Dhaulagiri II, and a host of other towering peaks that adorn the horizon. The awe-inspiring vistas from Poon Hill are bound to leave an indelible mark on your memory.

Following your time at Poon Hill, your trek continues towards Tadapani, guiding you through a varied terrain of uphill and downhill stretches, dense forests, and rocky steps. This section of the trail promises diverse landscapes and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Following breakfast, your journey continues along a descending trekking trail that winds its way through the enchanting rhododendron and oak forests. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Chhomrong, a picturesque village inhabited by the Gurung community. Nestled in the embrace of the colossal Annapurna massif, Chhomrong is a captivating destination. You’ll have ample time to explore the village and soak in its charm. Additionally, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, which add to the village’s allure.

Your day begins with a challenging descent down 2,500 stone steps, leading you to the banks of the Chhomrong Khola river. Afterward, you’ll embark on an uphill trek that will guide you to Khuldighar, situated at an altitude of 2,380 meters, and then to the village of Sinuwa. This portion of the journey involves navigating steep trails and traversing through a gorge.

Subsequently, a gentle downhill path will lead you to the village of Bamboo, known for its cool and damp climate. From Bamboo, an uphill trek through a magnificent rhododendron forest will take you to the Himalaya Hotel. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of glaciers, adding a touch of awe-inspiring beauty to your trek.

On this day, your trek leads you to Hinko Cave, Deurali, and eventually the Machapuchare Base Camp. The trail ascends, with vegetation gradually thinning out as you gain altitude. While making your way up, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the valley and pass by picturesque waterfalls. After approximately two hours of trekking from the Machapuchare Base Camp, you’ll arrive at the Annapurna Base Camp.

At the Machapuchare Base Camp, you’ll be greeted by remarkable vistas of Machapuchare (Fish Tail Mountain), Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and Gangapurna. Upon reaching the Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed and spectacular views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other towering peaks that form the majestic Annapurna Massif. This is a moment of awe and wonder that you won’t soon forget.

Today’s trekking trail is relatively easier than the previous day as it involves a descent. You’ll retrace your steps along the trail, and as you walk, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Annapurna and other surrounding mountains. Your destination for the day is Bamboo, and along the way, you’ll pass through lush bamboo forests, rhododendron groves, and oak woodlands, adding to the natural beauty of the journey.

Today’s trekking itinerary follows the same trail as the previous day, retracing your steps. You’ll start by ascending from Bamboo and eventually reach the Chhomrong Khola, a river. Afterward, you’ll continue along a downhill path until you reach Jhinu Danda. One of the highlights of this stop is the opportunity to relax and soak in a natural hot spring, providing a well-deserved break and a chance to rejuvenate your body after days of trekking.

The final leg of your trek will involve descending to Ghandruk. Upon arriving in Ghandruk, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare, commonly known as Fish Tail. Ghandruk is also home to a museum where you can learn more about Gurung culture and traditions, providing a cultural insight into the region.

Continuing on a relatively easy downhill trail, you’ll reach Kimche and then Nayapul. From Nayapul, you’ll either take a jeep or a bus to return to Pokhara, where you can enjoy the comforts of the city and reflect on your memorable trekking adventure in the Annapurna region.

Today, you’ll leave Pokhara behind and embark on a scenic drive to Kathmandu, known as the City of Temples. Along the journey, you’ll witness the landscape transition from lush forests to areas with less vegetation. You’ll cross rivers, streams, and pass through picturesque hilly landscapes before arriving in Kathmandu. Once you check into your hotel, you can prepare for a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you’ll be treated to Nepali dance performances, a perfect way to reflect on your adventures in Nepal.

A dedicated company representative will provide you with transportation to the airport in a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and convenient departure from Nepal.