Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Ghorepani

Today, we will come across each other, outside the terminal hall of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After interchanging greetings, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You’ll be introduced to your trekking guide. You can have a conversation with him and express your queries regarding the adventure you are about to start. It is obvious that the atmosphere of our nation will be very new to you, so we suggest you taking an evening amble around Thamel: the tourist capital and its colourful market observing the Nepalese and their ancient way of living with the modern touch.

After some breakfast, we’ll set off to the magical city of Pokhara on a private vehicle/tourist bus. The journey takes about 7-8 hours via the Prithvi Highway; depending on the traffic conditions. The highway consists of many twists and turns which can make you feel dizzy and provide you with the experience of travelling on the typical Nepalese highway established on the hillside region. Also, this drive will render you a brief look at the Nepalese lifestyle in the towns outside the valley based alongside the national highway. You will also meet the two ferocious rivers of the country: Trishuli and Masryangdi, and observe the turquoise water flowing in it. Besides that, you’ll see the mountain outlooks, which consist of snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas.

Or you can take a 30 minutes long fight over the snowscapes of the alluring Himalayas to the city of Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, aka the lake city of Nepal, you can visit the renowned lakes of this region such as Begnas Lake, Phewa Lake, Rupa Lake etc. or other landmark sites such as World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, and International Mountain Museum or enjoy the adventure sports that the city flaunts along with its natural beauty.

Today we’ll head from Pokhara to Nayapul on approximately 1-hour drive via private vehicle. Upon arrival in Nayapul, we immediately go ahead with the trekking along the trail, above the Modi Khola. We continue on the trail that passes through beautiful forest embracing blooming flowers of rhododendron to the village of Birethanti (1,015m) where the two rivers Modi and Bhurungdi confluxes. The village comprises small teahouses, shops and an ACAP check-point where we need to show our TIMS and trekking permit.  Thereafter, following the trail along the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola, we make it to Hille (1,495m) and then to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) succeeding a short climb. We continue the journey on the abrupt trail comprising of 3,000 stone steps which take about two hours to climb through; that guides us to the Ulleri village (1,960m).

Leaving Ulleri, we move upward across the forest encompassing rhododendron and oak as the chief vegetation to Bhantanti (2,250m) where you can observe a mossy waterfall. Then, we trek across Nangethanti (2,460m) and walk through an enchanted fairytale forest all the way to the village of Ghorepani (2,860m) that is situated in the heart of the rhododendron forest. Magar communities are the chief inhabitants of this village. The village also presents us with the astonishing outlook of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri mountain peaks along with the opportunity to learn and understand the native Magar culture first-hand via the residents of the village.

In the morning, after having something to eat; we first ascend up through the forest of blooming rhododendron (Full bloom in the month of April) where we can hear the chirping of birds; then, descend abruptly to the stream; finally making an appearance at Tadapani after an abrupt uphill walk.  Along the path are various small shrines and memorials, some of which are quite prepossessing. At the village of Tadapani, we can take pleasure of the vistas that include the snow-capped peaks of Hiunchuli, Macchapuchre and Annapurna South.

After enjoying the alluring vistas at Tadapani, we trek downhill across the rhododendron forest to the village of Chuile and watch the exquisite view presented by Annapurna South Mountains, Macchapuchre, and Annapurna IV   along the way. The trail through the forest continues after the Chuile Village. Before we reach the Gurjung village, we can find the stretch of the trail a bit easy. The Gurjung Village is majorly populated by Gurung communities. Subsequently, we continue our trek to the village of Chhomrong (2,170m) which is also chiefly inhabited by the native Gurungs.

We will have some breakfast in the morning and continue with our today’s final destination. We now descend downhill along the trail via the stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola and move across a suspension bridge. Eventually, we ascend upward for about 2 hours through the splendid forest to reach Sinuwa (2,324m). Further Sinuwa, the trail progresses through the lush vegetation that majorly comprises bamboos; leading to Kuldi (2,470m). Afterwards, we proceed downward to Bamboo (2,310m); housing few lodges that are only serviceable during uttermost tourist season.Beyond Bamboo, there are no permanent human settlements. We now pleasantly climb up uphill through the appealing forest to the alluring village of Dovan (2,600m). Thereafter, we advance along the banks of Modi Khola past the thriving forest of rhododendron to the Himalaya Hotel (2,920m). From here, we mount an abrupt trail to Hinko Cave (3,170m). Afterwards, the trail becomes even that leads to Deurali (3,230m).

From Deurali, we start the most daring trek of our adventure on the trail that ascends abruptly upward on the top of the mountainside. While ascending at higher elevations, we can clearly sense the alpine climatic conditions and continue trekking across Bagar. Beyond Bagar, the trail becomes narrow and lead to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3,700m). Located in the lap of the Machhapuchhre Mountain, MBC renders heavenly panoramic vistas comprising the snow-capped peaks of Macchapuchre and Annapurna Massif that can stun you for few moments. After enjoying those wonderful sights, we ascend further to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Also known as jewel of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the ABC flaunts the awe-inspiring 360o view of surrounding snowscapes that include the formidable snow-capped peaks of Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Annapurna Fang (7,647m) and many more. This outlook is second to none when compared to anything else in the world and when you observe these angelic mountains covered with the white sheet of snow; you certainly tend to feel like the heaven has fallen on earth. After your senses are back, you will conclude that the praises that other visitors bestowed upon Nepal such as ‘heaven is a myth but Nepal is real’ was indeed befitting to the majestic country!!!

As the accommodations are available at ABC, we wake up early in the morning; only to witness the spell-binding moments. “The Annapurna I (8091m): the white gem, steals the spotlight in the ABC when it shines as a massive gold-plated pyramid when the sunrise bestows its rays upon it” is the best the words can narrate those awesome minutes. After imprinting these unforgettable and divine memories in our mind, hearts and of course, in our cameras; we descend back to Bamboo (3,230m).

Today, we trek on the same trail that we followed throughout our journey to Annapurna Base Camp a few days before. The trail will lead us to Chhomrong (2,170m). From here, we will descend all the way to Jhinu Danda pursuing the trail that comprises of quintessential ups and downs adjacent to the lovely hills. Jhinu Danda consists of hot spring within its vicinity that can be accessed through 25 minutes descend along the bank of Modi Khola. There are two hot spring pools and water taps that will help you to brush off your exhaustion. Feel relaxed and embrace yourself for the return trip to Pokhara City.

It's  day eleventh, and we are close to finishing our trekking adventure. Leaving Jhinu, we trek downward and move across one of the longest suspension bridges in the region. Afterwards, we continue our trek to the Jeep station and take a 3-hour drive to Lake City, Pokhara, where you can relax and enjoy the best that the ‘City of Lakes’ has to offer.

Today, you will take a scheduled trip back to Kathmandu on a private vehicle/tourist bus via the serpentine Prithvi Highway. The trip covering 200 km utilizes about 7-8 hours depending on the traffic conditions. Again, you will observe the hills enveloped by lush vegetation with the snowscapes as a backdrop. Also, you’ll witness the towns established beside the highway; its lifestyle and domestic markets. On your arrival in the Kathmandu City, you can take pleasure of the services provided by the hotel or you can enjoy your final moments in the country; enjoying the vivid local markets, taking pictures or buying souvenirs. With the Nepali cuisine at the dinner, you can end your adventures in the perfect way possible.

We are thankful that you put your trust on us, to guide you through your adventures in the Annapurna Region. We hope that you are fully satisfied with us and provide us with another opportunity to help you through your other adventures in this Himalayan nation. Today, our representative will escort you to the airport to ensure your safe flight back home.