Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Today is a solid day of up and down. A steep stone staircase leads up to Chhomrong (2,170 m), the largest village in the upper valley and the last place with a wide choice of shops. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South fill the skyline here. From Chhomrong the trail drops to cross the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs again to Sinuwa before entering thick forest of bamboo, oak and rhododendron. You stop for the night at Bamboo, a small cluster of teahouses tucked into the gorge beside the river.

The trail continues up the narrowing Modi Khola gorge through Dovan (2,600 m) and on to Himalaya (2,920 m), where the forest begins to thin out. Past Hinku Cave the valley opens and you walk beneath huge rock walls with waterfalls tumbling down them. Deurali is the last settlement before the sanctuary. The gain in height is noticeable today, so our guide keeps a steady, gentle pace and makes sure everyone drinks plenty of water. Take it easy in the afternoon to help your body adjust to the altitude.

This is the big day. The path follows the river into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a vast glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks. After about two to three hours you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), with the sacred Fishtail peak towering overhead. The final climb to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is gentle but slow at this altitude. At the top you are surrounded by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre. Watch the evening light turn the snow gold, and prepare for a cold night in the sanctuary.

Wake early to watch the sunrise hit the south face of Annapurna I, one of the most memorable moments of any trek in Nepal. After breakfast and time for photos, retrace your steps down through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali and Himalaya. Losing altitude quickly makes breathing easier and the air warmer with every hour. The descent is long and hard on the knees, so trekking poles help. You spend the night back at Bamboo among the forest and the sound of the river.

Walk back through Sinuwa and climb the stone steps to Chhomrong, enjoying one last look at the peaks you have just stood beneath. From Chhomrong it is a steep descent to Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon, take the 20 to 30-minute walk down to the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola. Soaking tired legs in warm water after a week on the trail is the perfect way to finish. Celebrate the trek with your guide and porters over dinner at the teahouse.

A short final walk brings you back down the valley to Siwai, where the jeep is waiting. The drive back to Pokhara takes about two to three hours. Once in Pokhara, our team transfers you to your hotel or onward bus or flight. In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner by Phewa Lake to celebrate reaching Annapurna Base Camp. If you have extra time, we can arrange an optional white-water rafting day or onward travel to Kathmandu. Thank you for trekking with us.