Mid-September to November (autumn) and March to May (spring) are two high season to trek Annapurna Base Camp. The weather remains mild with outstanding views. June to August (monsoon) is rainy season in Nepal but this time can be ideal for keen botanist. If you wish to avoid the crowd and enjoy some alone time with nature then Annapurna trip during (Dec, Jan and Feb) is also possible. However, you must check the availability of teahouse before starting the journey.

Trekkers having high previous trekking experience with high fitness can complete this trek within short period of time. Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m elevation is the highest point of the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek and doesn’t demand high fitness level so any passionate walkers can take pleasure in nature walking during the trek. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skills are required.

The teahouses and lodges of Annapurna trekking routes are well-equipped and well-pander the need of its travelers. It offers extensive menu ranging from the typical Nepali Dal Bhaat to continental and Indian. Hot showers are also available.

A short drive takes us to the starting point at Nayapul. We follow the dense forest of oak, rhododendron and bamboo and ascend to the glacial Modi Khola Valley which carries melt water from the ring of peak above. Forest line gradually gives way to scrub vegetation and the architecture changes accordingly. As we reach the amazing Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheater, you will start noticing the change in landscapes and the mountain comes full in view. An adventurous hike to Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) Base Camp is followed by the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft). Here you will be surrounded by immense wall of snow and rock rising 4,000m/13,100ft above. You get the panoramic view of majestic peaks like Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m). The sunrise view from Base Camp is equally fascinating. The returning journey takes three nights via Jhinu Danda route where we give our tired muscles a well-deserved rest in the delightful natural hot springs.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a great hiking trail through diverse landscape and culture enriched with mountain vistas, terraced farmland, cultural Gurung village and collection of variety of floral and faunal species. Walking through the small settlements and beautiful rhododendron forest, this trek offers great opportunity to get amidst of snowy peaks without having altitude problems. En route, we discover many ethnic group: mainly Gurungs and Magar who are known for their bravery in British Gurkha Regiment. Moreover, we stay in local teahouse which allows us to gain in-depth knowledge about local cultures and traditions.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best trek in world. There are very few treks in Nepal that combines so many landscapes and brings you close to the base camp of 8,000m & 7,000m peaks in such short time period. It literally takes us to the base camp of eight thousander in a moderate - difficult trail.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1300m/4264ft)

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), a representative from Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition will receive you and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, trip discussion with the management and trek leaders. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Included Meals: Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu: Cultural tours to Buddhist and Hindu Shrines and preparation for the trek

Today, your trek leader will introduce you to the city tour expert who guides you to the most revered Hindu and Buddhist religious sites that are listed in the world heritage sites.

Here are the list of cultural and religious sites that you will be visiting during the city tour:

Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Hindu temple in the world. It is located along the back of sacred Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu city, close to Kathmandu airport. While the entrance to the main Pashupatinath temple is strictly forbidden to non-Hindus, there’s quite a bit to explore and discover around the rest of the area. Ritual activity are conducted on daily basis and one can observe the Hindu cremations on the bank of the river. You can discover mystic Sadhus to nearby temples and stupas. A vantage point located opposite to the temple, across the river offers the clear look of the main Pashupatinath temple.

Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Located 7 km north of mid Kathmandu city, Boudhanath is one of the largest and oldest stupa in the world- dating back to 5th century. It is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet and Tibetan merchant rested here and offer prayers for centuries. When Tibetan refugee entered Nepal in 1950, many of then decided to live around Boudhanath. They established many Gompas and celebrate Tibetan tradition and since then “Little Tibet” of Nepal was born.

The stupa is surrounded by beautiful stupas that houses many Gompas and traditional shops selling singing bowls, thankas, prayer wheels and more. You can also find few cafes and guesthouses in the immediate area.

Boudhanath was partially affected by earthquake in 2015 but the repartition was carried out throughout 2016.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

Swayambhunath, revered Buddhist stupa, is located within walking distance (3km) west of Thamel in Kathmandu on a hillock. Swayambhunath is commonly known as “Monkey Temple” due to the large number of rhesus primates living there. Travelers need to climb 365 stone steps to reach the main Stupa complex (can be tiring and slippery if raining). This stupa is believed to date back to 5th century. The large dome shaped stupa, two big Buddha eye and surrounding small shrines and temples are the major attraction of the temple. This hilltop temple offers the 360 degree view of Kathmandu city. This significant heritage site holds immense cultural, religious, architectural and historical values for Nepalese people.

After exploration, we gather to Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition to get better acquainted with our travel plans and fellow trekkers.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft) and trek to Ghandruk (1940m/6360ft) – 30 minutes flight, 5 – 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we take an early morning flight to Pokhara, the beautiful lake city and enjoy the great view of Himalayas from the right side of the plane. From Pokhara, We drive to Nayapul (1 hour and 20 minutes) drive to begin our trek. We trek to Ghandruk via Birethanti. It is beautiful settlement inhabited by Gurung community. If time permits, we explore the Gurung museum today.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Ghandruk

Day 04: Ghandruk – Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft) – 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast, we follow the trail that heads north, pass pasture and climb to a ridge. We then descend into a green valley and cross suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. After lunch, we climb out of the valley and ascend through the forested route of rhododendron and oak to reach Chhomrong.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Lodge in Chhomrong

Day 05: Chhomrong – Bamboo (2310m/7120ft) – 5 – 6 hours

Today we climb down via 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge over Chhomrong Khola. Next we ascend through the cluster of rhododendron to reach Sinuwa. From Sinuwa, we walk across the beautiful forest of Kuldihar followed by an easy descend to Bamboo.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at Lodge in Bamboo

Day 06: Bamboo – Deurali (3230m/10,595ft) – 3 – 4 hours

Today we walk through damp and cold forest of bamboo before ascending steadily with a few steep sections. After Himalayan hotel, the forest widens up and we can enjoy the sun and great views of glacier below. We make a steep climb through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku cave. Now the trail drops closer to the river and then climb gradually to the village of Deurali.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Deurali

Day 07: Deurali – Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,135ft) – 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast, we start our journey with a gentle climb through a river bed and join a steep trail over to the mountain side. From Bagar, we hike through the strenuous path to Machhapuchhre Base Camp but the scenic view around worth it. From Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we get the close view of Machhapuchhre (fish tail peak), Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna. It is truly a rewarding experience. On the way to Annapurna Base Camp, the vegetation starts disappearing and the path open up as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here we get the excellent view of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna soaring above us. Annapurna sanctuary offers grand 360 degree panorama. From the base camp, we get to admire the unforgettable views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Annapurna Base Camp

Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp – Bamboo – 7 – 8 hours

Today we retrace our step back to Bamboo. Since today’s trek maximally follows downhill section, it shouldn’t be very difficult.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Bamboo

Day 09: Bamboo – Jhinu Danda (1760m/5770ft) – 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast, we make an uphill climb to Kuldighar before making a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we ascend via stone stair to reach Chhomrong. Now we choose a trail that descends to Jhinu Danda where we will be resting overnight.

Today we get opportunity to soothe our tired muscles in natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Jhinu Danda

Day 10: Jhinu Danda – Nayapul and drive to Pokhara – 6 hours trek/1 hour drive

Today we descend down to Nayapul admiring the amazing hilly landscapes of western Nepal. We take lunch on the way. We end our trek at Nayapul where we board our vehicle that leads us to Pokhara

Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight in hotel at Pokhara

Day 11: Flight or Drive from Pokhara – Kathmandu

We either fly or drive back to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will be transfer to the hotel. We enjoy the free day or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any physical landmarks. In the evening, we attend farewell dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Final Departure

It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if your wish, you can catch last-minute shopping Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.

Farewell!!!