From Pokhara you drive toward Nayapul or Kimche and climb stone steps through Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Rhododendron forest and the Modi Khola lead to Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp in the amphitheatre of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre. Ulleri steps, Ghorepani rhododendron, and the Modi Khola gorge are the walk-in; the sanctuary amphitheatre is the payoff.
A Poon Hill sunrise is often on the way in or out. Jhinu hot springs appear on many descents before the road back to Pokhara lakeside. Sunrise at Base Camp with Machhapuchhre overhead, then a soak at Jhinu, is the finish most groups talk about.
On this lodge route we send one porter for every two guests, or a dedicated porter if you travel solo, with loads around 25 to 30 kg, insurance, fair pay, and kit renewed each year. You'll drive from Pokhara toward Nayapul or Kimche and climb through Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong into the sanctuary. Our office handles ACAP before the first stone steps.
Your guide times Poon Hill when it sits on the way in, then watches height toward Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp under Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre. We'll add Jhinu hot springs on the walk out when the group timing allows. The return is the road back to lakeside Pokhara.
Namaste! You will make your first contact with Nepal’s capital Kathmandu today.
Beautiful with its own charm and its peculiarities, this famous district is famous full of life. When you exit out of TIA Gate, our warm and welcoming representative will greet you and take you by our private 4×4 vehicle to your city accommodation.
Rest of the day is free for your personal activities or rest in the hotel. You can just explore the lively busy streets of Kathmandu and see the temples of various Hindu deities along with the renowned Buddhist stupas.
Today, we will travel to Pokhara boarding the comfortable tourist bus that will take us around 7 to 8 hours. Buckle up for we have an exciting journey today. As we leave Kathmandu via Kalanki and Thankot, the expansive Prithvi Highway will lead us toward the large busy Trishuli market beside the Trishuli River, a hotspot for the seeking rafters.
Continuing our journey, the wide asphalted Highway of Mugling-Narayanghat will guide us toward the small historic Newari town of Bandipur. Taking a moment to admire Annapurna from here is simply extraordinary. As we progress, the majestic peaks of Manaslu, Fishtail, Langtang, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh, and the five summits of Annapurna will gradually come into view.
Above us, the revered Manakamana Temple (the wish granting temple of goddess Durga) will bestow us her blessing.
Today, the journey begins early in the morning, we will take a private vehicle and drive north to Nayapul (New Bridge) traversing the small hamlet of Naudanda. We will commence our hiking now and walk across the suspended bridge over the merging point of two beautiful rivers: the Bhurungdi and Modi.
The new wide track through the captivating rice terraces will lead us through Matathanti, Ramgai, and Sudame. Then after traveling for about 15 to 20 minutes, we will reach Birethanti (1070 m).
After our passage through Tikhedhunga, we will be crossing one after another elegant hanging bridges arching over the massive Bhurungdi Khola. The track after the second bridge now rises sharply leading us toward the notorious 3300 stone steps stairs of Ulleri (2080 m). Each stone step rises approximately a quarter of a meter and the total 3300 steps will make us gain vertical altitude of over 500 m.
Fortunately, the leg-tiring journey ease up with the occasional sighting of the gorgeous white necklace of Himchuli, and Annapurna South range. However, our climb will not cease even after Ulleri, it will continue intensely till we reach Banthanti.
Rising early and putting on our warm gear, we will march for a 2 km climb towards the majestic Poon Hill at around 5 am. The pleasant landscape of adoring rhododendrons will make our climb easier. The final stretch to Poon Hill will lead us along a long staircase.
Get ready to feast on the most beautiful panorama of the world! The Annapurna South will first appear illuminated by the golden light of the rising sun. Then the main Annapurna Peak appears shyly behind its sister and Dhaulagiri will also emerge to steal your heart.
Don’t stop to keep looking, as slowly the mystifying summits of Varaha Shikhar, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, iconic Machhapuchre, known as Fishtail will also start to appear right in front of you.
After Tadapani, we will descend through the dense foliage of rhododendrons and magnolias and pass the small grassland of Bhainsi Kharka (Buffalo pasture). Soon, we will arrive at Ghandruk Village, the Gurung community village surrounded by mystical clouds.
Here, you can explore a temple and a museum dedicated to the rich history of the Gurung people. Take a moment to fully admire the beauty of the Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Annapurna peaks.
We will now follow the bank of the Modi Khla for a while, then we will walk uphill leaving this gorgeous river behind. The rising trail, dotted with massive rock boulders, will guide us toward the Kimrong River, which we will cross before descending towards Jhinudanda (1750 m).
The pathway from Chhomrong begins with a steep descent down the famous natural stone steps which will lead us to the infamous Nepali suspension bridge over Chhomrong Khola. Once we cross this bridge, the trail ascends sharply towards Bhanuwa Village. However, our climb will soon become more gradual as we make our way to Sinuwa (2300 m).
Admire the vast views of Ghandruk and Landruk villages. The path now eases as we continue towards Khuldighar through the rich foliage of bamboo, pine, and fir. Soon, Bamboo Village at 2310 m you reach from where the challenging vertical ascent will begin taking us to Dobhan.
From here, we will descend to the cozy bundle of small lodges which are known as Himalaya.
We have ahead of us one of the most impressive day of ABC trekking. We are approaching the Annapurna Base Camp, the natural sanctuary surrounded by the gigantic Annapurna Peaks rising to 8000 m and above.
But first, we will journey upward through the rich tapestry of the shadowy forest toward Hiknu Cave. Then soon, 3350 m high Deurali Village you reach where the landscape is untamed with sparse grasses and trees.
The open panorama of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Fishtail, and the wide views of jagged cliff will be seen from here. The pathway now constantly keeps rising and after we pass Bagar Village, we will cross the stream and ascend the stone staircase towards the 3700 m Machhapuchare base camp (MBC).
Experience the never-seen-before sunrise that will change your perception forever. From ABC, witness the sun blanketing the snow-topped peaks creating a unique display of lights and colors. After breakfast, we will now begin our descent once again to MBC and then walk through the familiar lands of Deurali, and Dobhan to reach Bamboo.
The sun will continue to reveal the details of the terrain that may have gone unnoticed during our initial journey. Absorbing the serene energy of the Himalayas, we will reach Bamboo where we will conclude our journey for today.
The long trekking days through the sanctuary land of Annapurna are about to end. But first, we will set our sight for a much-needed relaxation at the hot springs of Jhinu Danda known for its therapeutic benefits.
What a finale to our exceptional Annapurna Base Camp trek! The picturesque landscapes of Sinuwa and Chhomrong will pave our way back towards this magical hot spring of nature which we will reach in approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking.
From Jhinu Danda, for one last time, we will walk across the swaying suspended steel bridge over the Modi Khola and head to Kyumi Village. The downhill pathway will now advance us to Birethanti from where we will walk for about an hour to reach Nayapul.
Our private 4 by 4 vehicle is now ready to transport us back to Pokhara. Looking back, we will remember the times we spent together, sharing laughter, experiencing fatigue, and creating lasting memories through our shared experiences.
We are returning home to Kathmandu taking the long bus ride along the vast Highways of Nepal. Reliving the excitement and wonder and keeping the spirit of the Annapurna alive, we will arrive in Kathmandu early this evening.
To celebrate the privilege of experiencing Annapurna together, we will come together and enjoy the delicious Nepali dinner one final time and raise a toast to the remarkable journey we have just shared.
The incredible days of your Annapurna base camp trek 13 days program have come to an end. With a heavy heart, we will prepare for your transfer to TIA.
Do not forget to think of us for your future travels in Nepal!
Most guests fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Share your arrival time ahead of travel so a Thamel hotel transfer can be arranged, or make your own way to the meeting hotel.
Many departures include a road transfer to Pokhara before walking starts from Nayapul or a nearby trailhead. Allow a little extra time after the trek before international flights home.
Twin or double rooms in a comfortable Kathmandu hotel cover your first nights and your return from the trail, with breakfast on those city stays when included in the package. Briefings happen at the hotel, and airport collection from Tribhuvan is available when flight times are shared in advance.
Family-run teahouses or lodges line the route with twin beds and a shared dining room. Rooms get simpler and colder as you climb, with shared bathrooms common at higher villages. Hot water, Wi-Fi, and charging are paid at the lodge when offered.
March to May rhododendron bloom and October to November crisp air are peak windows for this itinerary. July and August mean leeches and cloud on lower slopes; December to February can ice steps above village level.
Your guide reads the forecast before long cols or sunrise hikes. Shoulder weeks need an honest weather call before high passes or dawn viewpoints.
You should be comfortable walking several hours a day on uneven paths with a daypack, including steady uphill sections as you gain height. Hill training and longer weekend walks in the months before travel help your legs and lungs on uphill trail days.
Hill training, stair climbing, and longer weekend hikes in the months before travel help your legs and lungs, even when acclimatisation days are built into the route. Break in boots before you fly and carry a light daypack on practice walks.
Guided trekking with licensed leaders, lodge nights on the trail, meals as described for walking days, and permits for the regions crossed are included when they are part of this trip. Domestic flights, porters, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip.
Domestic flights, road transfers, porter support, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip. Permits for the regions you cross are arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara when included.
International flights to Nepal, visa fees, compulsory travel insurance, personal trekking clothing, snacks and drinks outside included meals, and tips for crew are not covered. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging in lodges are usually paid locally when offered.
Charges for hot showers, Wi-Fi, or battery charging in lodges are paid locally when offered unless your trip notes say otherwise. International flights, visa fees, and personal insurance stay outside the trek package.
Airport collection to your Kathmandu hotel is available when flight times are shared in advance. Thamel hotels are the usual meet point; drivers need flight numbers to meet you at the international terminal.
Pokhara hotel meet applies when your package starts lakeside; allow a full day for the drive from the capital if that sector is included. Allow a little extra time after the trek before international flights home in case mountain roads or flights move.
Guides set a steady pace and watch for headache, nausea, or dizziness as you gain height. Weather can shift daily plans, so your guide keeps a steady pace with regular breaks.
Tell your guide early if symptoms appear so tomorrow's stage can shorten or descent can start before conditions worsen. Trail conditions are checked each morning before the group moves.
Road transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and a short drive to Nayapul or another start point are common when transport is included. Your guide confirms departure times at briefing.
Motion sickness medicine helps on winding mountain roads. Your crew would rather wait for a safe window than rush marginal weather.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS registration apply on this route. The team arranges paperwork in Kathmandu or Pokhara when you provide passport copies and trek dates.
Keep copies in your daypack for checkpoint stops. Monsoon cloud sits lower on the hills while winter brings ice on steps above village level.
Families join when children can manage the daily hours and terrain on this specific route. Pace and daily hours can be adjusted on private departures, though that may extend the calendar.
Ask our Kathmandu team if you are planning with younger walkers. Private departures can shorten daily hours, though that may add a day or two to the calendar.
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking to the highest altitude on your itinerary, medical evacuation, and helicopter rescue when applicable is essential. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name.
Read the wording before you travel so you can adjust cover if trekking above 5,000 metres is not named. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name, so read the wording before you fly.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
About the centre
Kathmandu
You'll travel with a Kathmandu-based team that plans treks, peak climbs, helicopter flights, motorbike journeys, and cultural trips across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Routes range from classic teahouse walks and high passes to luxury lodge itineraries and longer expedition-style climbs, with departures shaped around how you want to pace the mountains.
Licensed guides and office staff train regularly on mountain safety and guest care. Porters are insured, fairly paid, and equipped for the trail, with sensible load limits on lodge routes. We work with remote communities through sustainable tourism, including support for education in village areas, so your booking helps local people as well as your own adventure.
Operated by Himalayan Adventure Treks & Tours, a partner of adventuro.
Bagmati Province, Nepal
From $7000
