Welcome to Nepal and the start of your Annapurna Base Camp adventure. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you outside the terminal with a name board and assist with the short transfer to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district — the heart of Nepal's trekking scene. After check-in, take time to rest, recover from jet lag, or explore nearby streets filled with gear shops, cafés and temples. In the evening, join your licensed trekking guide for a comprehensive briefing covering the full Annapurna Base Camp itinerary, daily distances, altitude profile, packing recommendations, emergency procedures and cultural tips. Any last-minute equipment can be rented or purchased in Thamel. Overnight at your Kathmandu hotel.
After breakfast, begin the journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the scenic lakeside gateway to the entire Annapurna region. You may choose a short 25-minute mountain flight offering dramatic aerial views of the Himalayan chain, or a comfortable 6–7 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway following the Trishuli River through terraced hillsides, rural villages and green valleys. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel near Phewa Lake. The afternoon is free to stroll the lakeside promenade, enjoy optional boating with reflections of Machhapuchhre, or simply rest and prepare gear for the trail. Your guide will confirm tomorrow's early departure and trailhead logistics. Overnight in Pokhara.
After an early breakfast, drive approximately 1.5–2 hours by private vehicle to Nayapul, the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Meet your porter team, complete final permit checks, and begin walking through the lively village of Birethanti. The trail follows the Modi Khola valley through terraced farmland, subtropical forest and small riverside settlements, crossing suspension bridges and passing local teahouses. Gradual ascent leads through traditional villages before reaching Tikhedhunga, a quiet overnight stop nestled at the foot of the famous Ulleri stone staircase. This first trekking day introduces you to the rhythm of the Annapurna Conservation Area — warm hospitality, changing vegetation and the first glimpses of Himalayan foothills. Overnight in a local teahouse.
Today features one of the most memorable climbs of the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek: the long stone staircase ascending to Ulleri, a traditional Magar village with your first open panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The steps are numerous but the pace is steady, with plenty of rest points and teahouse stops. Beyond Ulleri the trail continues through dense rhododendron and oak forest, passing Banthanti and Nangethanti. In spring the hillsides explode with red, pink and white rhododendron blooms — one of the most beautiful sections of any Nepal trek. Arrive at Ghorepani, a lively mountain settlement perched on a ridge and famous for its sweeping Himalayan scenery and comfortable teahouses. Rest early this evening; tomorrow begins before dawn with the classic Poon Hill sunrise, a highlight of every Annapurna Base Camp itinerary. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Rise well before dawn for the short but steep hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of Nepal's most celebrated viewpoints and a signature experience of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. As the first light strikes the peaks, watch Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre glow in gold and pink — a moment trekkers remember for a lifetime. After sunrise photographs and a warming drink at the viewpoint, return to Ghorepani for a full breakfast. Then continue along scenic ridgeline trails and beautiful rhododendron forest toward Tadapani. The path offers repeated mountain vistas, birdlife and a peaceful atmosphere as you leave the busier Poon Hill crowds behind. Overnight in a quieter forest teahouse at Tadapani with excellent evening views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Descend through mixed forest and terraced agricultural fields, cross the Kimrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climb steadily toward Chhomrong — a large, picturesque Gurung village widely regarded as the true gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Chhomrong sits on a hillside with outstanding close-up views of Annapurna South and the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Explore stone-paved lanes, enjoy local hospitality, and take time to hydrate and rest. This is an important acclimatisation and logistics stop before the higher, more alpine section of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Your guide will brief you on the next days' ascent into the Modi Khola gorge. Overnight in a Chhomrong teahouse.
Begin with a long descent down stone steps from Chhomrong to the river at Chhomrong Khola, then climb again through lush bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest via the settlement of Sinuwa. The trail follows a tranquil corridor of waterfalls, mossy trees and dense vegetation as the valley gradually narrows. The air grows cooler and the sense of entering a more remote mountain environment deepens. Bamboo is a peaceful overnight stop that prepares you physically and mentally for the higher alpine approach toward Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ultimately Annapurna Base Camp. Overnight in a forest teahouse.
Continue the steady ascent through cool, moss-covered forest past Dovan and into the higher section of the Modi Khola gorge. Vegetation thins as steep cliffs rise on both sides and the sound of the river echoes through the narrow valley. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic and alpine. Himalaya lodge sits in a striking setting and marks the clear transition from dense forest to true high-mountain terrain on the approach to Annapurna Base Camp. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and enjoy the changing scenery. Overnight at Himalaya.
The most memorable and rewarding day of the entire Annapurna Base Camp trek. After breakfast, walk past Hinku Cave and continue to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), where the sacred Fishtail peak dominates the skyline. From MBC the trail enters the magnificent Annapurna Sanctuary — a vast glacial amphitheatre enclosed by peaks above 6,000 m and 7,000 m. The final stretch opens into the heart of the Sanctuary, and you arrive at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres with breathtaking 360-degree views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. Sunset and overnight at ABC are the emotional high point of the journey. Dress warmly; temperatures drop sharply after dark. Overnight in the base camp teahouse.
Wake before dawn for an unforgettable sunrise over Annapurna I and the surrounding Sanctuary walls — one of the finest mountain mornings in the Himalayas. After breakfast and final photographs, begin the long descent, carefully retracing the route through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali and Himalaya. Continue through alpine landscapes and re-enter the forest zone toward Dovan. Today is demanding on the knees and legs; trekking poles are strongly recommended. Pace yourself, take regular short breaks, and enjoy the changing perspectives on the peaks as you lose altitude. Overnight in Dovan.
Continue the descent via Bamboo and Sinuwa back toward Chhomrong, then drop down to Jhinu Danda beside the Modi Khola River. Jhinu is famous across the Annapurna region for its natural hot springs — a perfect place to soothe tired muscles after the high days at Annapurna Base Camp. After checking into your teahouse, walk down to the riverside pools for a relaxing soak (small local fee may apply). Evening free to rest, share stories with fellow trekkers, and enjoy a hearty mountain meal. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
Cross a suspension bridge and follow a scenic trail through forests, stone steps and terraced hillsides to Ghandruk, one of the largest and most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. Ghandruk offers traditional stone architecture, cultural museums, local craft shops and outstanding views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Spend the afternoon exploring the village lanes, learning about Gurung heritage, and absorbing the mountain atmosphere. Ghandruk is a cultural high point of the classic Annapurna Base Camp itinerary and a wonderful contrast to the high alpine days. Overnight in a Ghandruk teahouse.
After breakfast, leave the trail and drive back to Pokhara through picturesque mountain roads with final views of the foothills. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax by Phewa Lake, explore the lakeside market, take an optional boat ride, or visit the World Peace Pagoda. Celebrate the successful completion of your Annapurna Base Camp trek with dinner and reflection on the journey from Tikhedhunga to the Sanctuary and back. Overnight in Pokhara.
Fly or drive back to Kathmandu according to your preferred option. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for souvenir shopping in Thamel, optional cultural sightseeing at sites such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath or Kathmandu Durbar Square, or simply resting after the trek. Your guide remains available for any final questions or onward travel assistance. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight. Our team will assist with departure timing and airport drop-off. End of the Annapurna Base Camp trek services. We hope to welcome you back to the Himalayas again.
