Annapurna Base Camp Trek is accompanied by the Modi River alongside luxuriant rhododendron forests and bamboo bushes. As soon as we head out from Nayapul, which is the starting point of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you feel saturated by nature and an unidentifiable calm in your heart and soul. Not only do you get to know nature in person but you are going to have the opportunity of talking to the native residents along the way who are known for their hospitality and warmth. The Gurung, Thakali and Magar communities have one of the most special and unique cultures in the country. It is a one-of-a-kind experience to be one of them for a while and rejoice in their hospitality.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with the river bank of the Modi River and keeps changing the settings as you ascend uphill, it transforms its natural landscapes from the river bank to the thick forests and from lush green grazing lands to the paddy field. Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins to raise the adrenaline level when these natural settings bid farewell and the giants themselves get down on the floor to check on you. Within a few hours of the trek, which is nothing less than fun and pleasure, you arrive at Birethanti. You can stop by at one of the restaurants and spend some time sipping at your cups of local tea and coffee before you move ahead. By the time you call it a day, you will already have been captivated by nature and the unprecedented moments you have earned yourself on the very first day of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. That is not even the best part. There is more to come and more than you have expected. On your way up, you can find the mountains like Annapurna watching you step the 3000 stairs of Ulleri. Beautiful mountains all around and serene nature everywhere, it does not get any better than this. It can be almost unbelievable to get back home without a scratch and not even feel fatigued after you have spent some days of your life on the most beautiful trail in the world. It feels unreal and you feel like there is nothing more you could bargain for when you see the colourful rhododendron blossoming along the trek, nine species of rhododendron, to be specific. If that is not enough, this region is sheltered by 100 species of mammals, 60 reptiles and amphibians and more than 450 species of different birds.
Itinerary
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Real Journey Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
At the beginning of the journey today we head to Pokhara. The journey to the city of lakes begins from the valley heading out of its twisty roads and reaching Prithvi Highway and the thrashing Trishuli River. The tranquil journey gives us a peek at the majestic Himalayas right as we enter the mesmerizing Pokhara valley. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The beautiful lake city and catch great views of the Himalayas. We drive to Kimche (2-hour drive on a comfortable private vehicle) and start the trek. From Kimche, we trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. If time permits, we also visit the Gurung museum today. Overnight stay in Ghandruk.
We climb up for around an hour up to Kimrungdanda. On the way, we can enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Ganggapurna. A steep descent takes us to the Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda, we descend for a while and then it’s a gentle walk to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. Overnight stay in Chhomrong.
We descend via 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge above Chhomrong Khola. From here, it is an uphill climb to Sinuwa. Next, we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo. Overnight stay in Bamboo.
We pass through a bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with a few steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail dropping closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most scenic stretch of the day. The vegetation is sparser, allowing magical views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock-face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls. Overnight in Deurali.
Today, we climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp, we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna, which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp, we again get to savor mesmerizing views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.
From Annapurna Base Camp, we retrace our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill, so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the picturesque landscape to cheer us up. Overnight in Bamboo.
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs which is just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight stay in Jhinu Danda.
We leave Jhinu Danda and enjoy the final leg of the hike on the beautiful hilly landscapes of western Nepal. On reaching Matque, we will begin our drive back to Pokhara in a private vehicle. It will take us around 2 hours to reach the city of lakes. We have lunch on the way. The actual trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary and back end today. On reaching Pokhara, we check in at our hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon, we will set out for a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara. Overnight stay in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
After breakfast, transfer to the Tourist bus station and 07: 30 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Real Journey Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
