Annapurna Base Camp Experience

Your Annapurna journey begins in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 feet). Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative of Jagadamba Holidays will welcome you, holding a clearly marked sign displaying the “Natura Himalaya Tours” name and logo. From the airport, you will travel to Thamel, the city’s main tourist district, with the drive covering approximately 7 km and usually taking 30 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic. Once you arrive at the hotel, the rest of the time is yours to relax or step outside and experience the atmosphere of Kathmandu’s historic streets, cafés, and local shops.

In the afternoon or early evening, you will meet our local partner and tour coordinator, Mr Narendra Bohara, at the hotel for a personal orientation session. During this meeting, the trekking plan will be discussed, your local trekking guide will be introduced, necessary travel procedures will be completed, and any remaining arrangements finalised. The remainder of the day is left free, allowing you to rest after your journey and slowly adjust to the rhythm of Nepal’s capital city. Overnight stay at Kathmandu Guest House or a hotel of similar standard in Thamel, with breakfast included.

After breakfast, depart Kathmandu and drive west toward the Trishuli River, following a scenic route through rolling hills, winding rivers, and traditional rural settlements. Upon reaching the rafting put-in point, prepare for an enjoyable rafting experience on gentle to moderate rapids, well suited for beginners and first-time rafters. The journey offers a balanced mix of excitement and safety, allowing you to appreciate the surrounding river valleys and natural landscapes. A refreshing lunch is served at the riverside after completing the rafting section.

In the afternoon, continue the scenic drive to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft), travelling through lush river valleys and picturesque countryside. As you near Pokhara, the environment gradually becomes calmer, with views of green hills, serene lakes, and distant Himalayan peaks creating a relaxing transition from adventure to leisure.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to stroll along Phewa Lake, explore nearby cafés and local shops, or simply unwind in the peaceful lakeside atmosphere. Overnight stay at Hotel Middle Path or a hotel of similar standard in Pokhara, with breakfast included.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, begin the next stage of your Annapurna adventure with a scenic 57 km drive (3–4 hours) to Ghandruk (1,940 m/ 6,365 ft.). The journey passes through terraced farmland, traditional villages, forested hills, and waterfalls, with distant snow-capped peaks gradually coming into view.

From Ghandruk, start the 10.3 km trek to Chhomrong (2,170 m / 7,119 ft.), taking approximately 4–5 hours. The route involves an 850 m ascent and 600 m descent on moderate terrain with stone stairways, narrow mountain paths, and forested slopes. Walking through rhododendron and oak forests, past streams and Gurung homes, you arrive in Chhomrong with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchchhre. Overnight at Chhomrong Cottage with all meals included.

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, the trek begins in Chhomrong village and continues towards Dovan (2,600 m / 8,530 ft). The trail descends through terraced fields, stone stairways, and traditional village paths, offering brief insights into daily Gurung life before entering the deeper valleys of the Annapurna foothills. Cool mountain air, soft morning light, dramatic cliffs, and narrow river corridors create an immersive wilderness experience within the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The trek covers 9.56 km and takes approximately 5–6 hours, with an ascent of 780 metres and a descent of 450 metres, making the day moderate to challenging due to steep sections and varied terrain. Dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, flowing streams, waterfalls, and occasional wildlife line the route. Overnight accommodation at Dovan Guest House includes all meals, peaceful forest surroundings, and distant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchchhre, led by a professional local Nepalese guide from our trusted local partner.

After breakfast at Dovan, the trek continues deeper into the upper reaches of the Annapurna Sanctuary, gradually ascending into striking alpine landscapes. The trail climbs steadily along hillsides and open valleys, where crisp mountain air, alpine vegetation, and the sound of glacial streams define the surroundings. As the terrain opens up, expansive views of surrounding peaks emerge, and the sense of remoteness and Himalayan grandeur becomes increasingly pronounced.

The trek to Machhapuchchhre Base Camp (MBC, 3,700 m / 12,140 ft) covers approximately 8.97 km and takes 5–6 hours, with a steady ascent of 1,200 metres and minimal descent, making the day moderate to strenuous due to sustained uphill sections and rocky trails. Bamboo groves give way to sparse alpine forest, rocky clearings, and icy streams, with possible sightings of Himalayan tahr and soaring ravens. Overnight accommodation at Fishtail Guest House includes all meals, offering spectacular views of Machhapuchchhre, Annapurna III, and surrounding peaks, supported by professional local Nepalese guides as trekkers prepare for the final ascent to Annapurna Base Camp.

After an early breakfast at Machhapuchchhre Base Camp, the trek begins towards Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,550 ft), entering the very heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail gradually opens into a vast glacial basin surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, with Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Tent Peak dominating the skyline. Crisp mountain air, soft morning light, and snow-covered ridges create a powerful sense of achievement as trekkers approach this iconic destination.

The trek covers approximately 3 km and takes 2–3 hours, with an elevation gain of 400 metres, rated moderate due to altitude despite the gentle gradient. The route follows rocky glacial trails, alpine grass patches, and icy streams, with possible sightings of snow pigeons and Himalayan vultures. Overnight accommodation at Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge includes all meals, high-altitude surroundings, and breathtaking 360-degree views of the Annapurna massif, led by a professional local Nepalese guide from our trusted local partner.

After witnessing sunrise over Annapurna I and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, the trek begins with a descent from Annapurna Base Camp toward Bamboo, following the same route through the Annapurna Sanctuary via Machhapuchchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya Hotel, and Dovan. As altitude decreases, the landscape transitions from glacial terrain to alpine meadows and forested sections, with rhododendron, oak, and bamboo vegetation becoming increasingly prominent.

The return journey covers approximately 14.1 km in 6–7 hours, with an elevation loss of 1,810 metres and minor ascents of around 10 metres. The day is rated moderate, mainly due to the long distance and sustained downhill walking. The trail includes stone steps, forest paths, and uneven surfaces, requiring steady footing. Overnight accommodation at Green View Lodge includes all meals, set in quiet forest surroundings, with guidance provided by a local Nepalese guide from our trusted local partner.

After breakfast at Bamboo, the trek continues toward Jhinu Danda (1,780 m / 5,840 ft), descending through forested trails and terraced hillsides as the climate becomes gradually warmer at lower altitudes. The route passes through bamboo, oak, and subtropical vegetation, with occasional rural settlements offering brief insights into local village life. As the Himalayan views slowly fade into the distance, the walk becomes gentler and more relaxed.

The trek through Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda covers approximately 9.52 km in 5–6 hours, with a descent of 1,090 metres and ascents of around 490 metres, rated moderate due to mixed downhill sections and short climbs. The route moves across natural stone stairways, shaded woodland tracks, and gentle creek crossings that add variety to the walking experience. Upon arrival at Jhinu Danda, a short walk leads to the natural hot springs beside the river, offering a relaxing end to the day. Overnight accommodation at Hotel Ever Green includes all meals, with guidance provided by a local Nepalese guide from our trusted local partner.

After breakfast at Jhinu Danda, the trek continues toward Pothana (1,890 m/ 6,201 ft), descending through terraced farmlands and traditional mountain villages where daily rural life and Gurung culture add a rich cultural dimension to the journey. The trail follows shaded footpaths, gentle hills, and open clearings, with occasional views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchchhre ranges appearing between forests and fields. Warm morning light spreads across the terraced fields, enriching the landscape and creating a peaceful, visually rewarding walking experience.

The trek through Landruk (1,565 m/ 5,135 ft) and Tolkha (1,700 m/5,577 ft) covers approximately 14.5 km in 6–7 hours, with ascents of around 900 metres and descents of about 610 metres, rated moderate due to the longer distance and combined uphill sections. The route passes along stone stairways, village pathways, and forested stretches that require a steady pace. Upon arrival at Pothana, enjoy panoramic mountain views before settling in for the night at Gurung Guest House, where all meals are included. The day concludes in a peaceful hilltop setting, supported by a local Nepalese guide from our trusted local partner, as you prepare for the final descent toward Kande and Pokhara.

After an early breakfast at Pothana, the final leg of the trek begins toward Kande (1,770 m / 5,807 ft), passing through Australian Camp (2,060 m / 6,759 ft). The trail follows gentle forest paths and terraced hillsides, with soft morning light illuminating farmland and lush greenery. This final trekking section offers a relaxed and reflective walk, marking a peaceful conclusion to the Annapurna trekking experience.

The trek via Australian Camp covers approximately 3.61 km and takes about 1–2 hours, with ascents of around 90 metres and descents of about 340 metres, rated easy to moderate due to the short distance and gentle terrain. Upon arrival at Kande, your driver will be waiting for the onward journey. A scenic drive of approximately 30.5 km (around 1 hour) brings you to Pokhara Lakeside, where you can relax beside Phewa Lake and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Your overnight accommodation in Pokhara is arranged at Hotel Middle Path or a comparable hotel, with breakfast provided and the trek supported by a professional local Nepalese trekking guide from our trusted local partner in Nepal.

After breakfast in Pokhara, enjoy free time to explore the Pokhara Valley before lunch, either independently or through optional private activities based on your personal interests. This easygoing morning gives you the freedom to enjoy Pokhara’s lakeside charm, browse local markets, or visit nearby viewpoints at a comfortable and unhurried pace.

After lunch, at around 1:00 pm, you will proceed to Pokhara Airport for your scenic flight to Kathmandu. The flight normally departs between 2:00 and 3:00 pm, offering beautiful aerial views of rivers, terraced hills, and the Himalayan range as you transition from the lakeside city to Nepal’s capital. Your trekking guide will brief you clearly on flight timing and airport arrangements upon your arrival in Pokhara to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated journey.

Upon landing in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) , you will be transferred to Kathmandu Guest House or a hotel of similar standard, where you can relax and enjoy the comfort of city accommodation after your Annapurna trekking adventure. The remainder of the day is free for leisure—ideal for exploring local markets, visiting nearby cultural sites, or simply unwinding and reflecting on your Himalayan journey.

As your remarkable adventure through the Himalayas comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences that have defined your journey. From towering mountain scenery to the warm hospitality of local communities, each step has created lasting memories of connection and discovery in Nepal.

Airport Transfer Arrangement
For a smooth and stress-free departure, a representative of our trusted local partner in Nepal will meet you at your hotel approximately 3.5 hours before your scheduled flight. The team will ensure a reliable and comfortable transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, allowing you to conclude your Nepal experience with ease and peace of mind.

We sincerely thank you for traveling with us and look forward to welcoming you again on future journeys across the Himalayas and beyond.