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Annapurna Mountain Range

ABC - Annapurna Basecamp Sanctuary Trek

Example 16 Day Tour
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This captivating 16-day journey leads you through the enchanting Annapurna region and the Annapurna Basecamp Sanctuary - ABC. Dominating the region is the magnificent Annapurna Massif, a geological masterpiece. Its highest peak, Annapurna I, soars to an astonishing height of 8091 meters, making it a truly remarkable sight. But the beauty of this region doesn't stop there. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the first of its kind in Nepal, ensures the preservation of the area's diverse habitat. Considered a trek of moderate intensity, this extraordinary journey takes you through a myriad of Himalayan landscapes. Starting from Pokhara, you'll traverse through rhododendron forests and bamboo groves, immersing yourself in the rich cultures of the locals, all the way to the base camp of the world's 10th-highest mountain.
Hiking in AnnapurnaRemote village in AnnapurnaMountain Lodge in AnnapurnaKathmandu, NepalKathmandu Dunbar SquarePhewa Lake, PokharaTemple in PokharaSwayambhunathLama DanceAnnapurna Mountain Range
Highlights
  • Visit Kathmandu, the temple city and capital of the Kingdom of Nepal
  • Get an up-close look at rural mountain life and meet local villagers
  • Experience Nepalese culture by staying in homestays and local lodges
  • Hike the spectacular Annapurna region in Nepal
  • See how serene Phewa Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks
Places Visited
Activity Level: Ultimate
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the representative welcomes you and assists you in transferring to your hotel in Kathmandu. After some time to refresh, you will be transferred to a traditional Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu for a welcome dinner, a trip briefing, and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu City. Also known as Kantipur, the capital of Kathmandu serves as the hub of Nepal’s art and culture. The city offers a day of rest, relaxation, and easy exploration among its historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square showcases an array of temples and ancient palaces once home to Nepali royals. This tour enriches the experience of the centuries-old civilization.

In the afternoon, drive to the holy Buddhist site of Swayambhunath. This ancient stupa sits atop a hill and is believed to be around 2,000 years old. The main stupa features a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a copper-gilt pinnacle. The all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha are painted on the four-sided base of the spire. The hill of Swayambhu displays a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagoda temples and offers a scenic view of Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara

After breakfast, take an early morning flight of about 25 minutes to Pokhara Valley. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding lakeside areas. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Pokhara | Nayapul | Trek to Tikhedhungga

After breakfast, drive for about one hour to Nayapul and begin the trek to Tikhedhunga. Walk to Birethanti, a large and lively village beside the Modi River, then follow the main trail to Sudami and climb gradually along the valley, passing Hile (1,495 meters / 4,904 feet) before reaching Tikhedhunga.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 1,577 meters / 5,173 feet
Distance: 1 hr drive and approximately 4 hours walk
 

Day 5: Trek to Ghode Pani

After breakfast, begin a long uphill trek with a steep ascent on the stone steps to Ulleri village, surrounded by stunning landscapes and Himalayan scenery. Spend the day trekking through rhododendron and oak forests, where the beautiful surroundings inspire each step. After several hours of walking with short breaks along the way, reach Ghorepani and enjoy the impressive views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 2,850 meters / 9,350 feet
Distance: Approximately 5 - 6 hours walk
 

Day 6: Poon Hill | Trek to Tadapani

After breakfast, an early morning start for a 40-minute hike up to Poon Hill. The route offers a glimpse of the pleasant rhododendron forest. A brilliant viewpoint provides you with an unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalayas and a wide range of panoramic scenery from the far western Himalayas of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna, including Mt. Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and Manasalu. After a fun day of hiking, head back to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing to Tadapani for the night.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 2,540 meters / 8,332 feet
Distance: Approximately 6 - 7 hours walk

Day 7: Chhomrong

Dropping down from Tadapani to the Kimrong Khola offers good views of the upper Modi valley. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail follows to Gurjung village for your lunch stop. A further trek leads uphill for half an hour, and then you will arrive in Chhomrong Village (2,210 meters / 7,250 feet). Chhomrong village is the largest Gurung settlement in this valley and lies hidden at the very foot of Himal Chuli.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 2,210 meters / 7,249 feet
Distance: Approximately 5 - 6 hours walk

Day 8: Dovan

After breakfast, your trail descends to the Chhomrong Khola and leads us to a small place on Sinuwa Hill. After that, the trek enters the upper Modi Khola valley. After lunch, continue to trek down to Bamboo through an uninhabited forest area to Dovan for an overnight stay.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 2,600 meters / 8,528 feet
Distance: Approximately 5 - 6 hours walk
 

Day 9: Machhapuchre Base Camp

After breakfast, your day starts with the climb to the Himalayan Hotel (2,840 meters / 9,317 feet). On the way, you can explore the Hinku cave, where the trail crosses a ravine and a major avalanche track. Further is Deurali (3,000 meters / 9,840 feet), where you stop for lunch. Afterward, follow the trail to Machhapuchhre Base Camp for an overnight stay with close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, and Gangapurna.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet
Distance: Approximately 4 - 5 hours walk

Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp

After breakfast, the trail leads you into the heart of the Sanctuary at Annapurna Base Camp for an overnight stay. Hike uphill for a few hours, passing roofless shepherds’ huts along the side of a moraine in a windy and often snowbound area. The scenery of the Himalayas is truly spectacular, offering a rare panoramic view of snow-capped peaks surrounding you. Spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing at the base camp as you wish.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 4,130 meters / 13,550 feet
Distance: Approximately 3 - 4 hours walk

Day 11: Annapurna Base Camp | Bamboo

Wake up to the sunrise over Mt. Annapurna I and begin the journey back to Bamboo for the night. A few guesthouses here serve trekkers with basic comforts and warm hospitality. Spend the evening resting and enjoying memorable views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks over dinner.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 2,300 meters / 7,544 feet
Distance: Approximately 5 hours walk

Day 12: Jhinu Danda

After breakfast, follow the trail to Khuldi Ghar, then retrace the path to Sinuwa Hill and trek onward to Chhomrong. After lunch, descend steeply toward Jhinu Danda for an overnight stay. You may have a chance to visit the natural hot springs down by the stream and enjoy a hot bath.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge.

Elevation: 1,780 meters / 5,859 feet
Distance: Approximately 5 - 6 hours walk
 

Day 13: Nayapul | Pokhara

Today will be a long day of walking that follows the river Modi most of the way, reaching Landruk village. From here, the route follows the downhill path back to Syauli Bazaar. The walk is pleasant most of the way, following the Modi River until Birethanthi, and an easy trek to Nayapul. Your adventure ends here, and you will be driving back to Pokhara for the night. From here, you have completed the ABC trek! 

Elevation: 823 meters / 2,700 feet
Distance: Approximately 6 - 7 hrs walk and 1 hr drive
 

Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu

After an incredible trek in the Himalayas, today is your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, the guide will transfer you to the hotel, where you can relax or explore the surrounding areas on your own. 

Day 15: Kathmandu

An early morning visit to a social community support project under the NGO READI. This program practices sustainable and responsible travel, so as a part of Community Social Responsibility (CSR), this will support the community school at Changunaryan. This program empowers people through education, raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and on-the-job training. At the local community level, mobilize local communities to enhance the people’s skill level through responsible and accountable (technical) training, communication, and computer education.

Day 16: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Today is free for you to do any last-minute shopping for gifts or souvenirs for your loved ones before your departing flight. When the time comes, transfer to the international airport to catch your flight to your next destination.

Goodbye, Nepal! 
 

Accommodations

Hotel Shambala - Kathmandu

Hotel Shambala - Kathmandu
Hotel lobby
Hotel Lobby

Hotel Barahi - Pokhara

Hotel Barahi - Pokhara
Hotel Barahi - Pokhara
Hotel outdoor pool

Annapurna Mountain Lodges

Mountain Lodge
Mountain Lodge
Mountain Lodge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,813 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • 14 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Government fees and taxes
  • Domestic Flight: Kathmandu to and from Pokhara
  • First aid kit
  • All private airport transfer and ground transportation as per the program
  • All necessary paperwork and conservation entry permits.
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Permit
  • An Experienced Guide and Porters (1 porter for 2 people)
  • Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation, and Insurance for the Guide and Porter.
  • Trekking Permit and Annapurna Conservation area permit
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Departure Tax
  • Gear Rental: Sleeping Bags & Trekking Poles (these can be rented from the tour operator)
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
  • Entry Visas to the country
  • Horse renting and additional porters due to unforeseen natural calamities during the trek

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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