Trekking to Annapurna BC

Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most popular hikes in the world. At a relatively low altitude, you can see an eight-thousander, which is a truly unique opportunity given how easy this route is. The majestic Annapurna massif includes the tenth-highest peak on the planet — Annapurna I (8,091 meters), which has a rather tragic reputation, holding the highest fatality rate among all eight-thousanders. Despite this somber fame, the trek reveals countless breathtakingly beautiful landscapes to travelers.

The beginning of the Annapurna Base Camp trek runs through picturesque, lively villages, where participants can observe everyday local life: how rice is grown on countless narrow terraces, houses perched along steep cliffs, women dressed in beautiful traditional clothing, and, of course, mountain rivers and waterfalls. Those lucky enough to trek in spring will be rewarded with blooming rhododendrons, whose scent can feel almost intoxicating if you wander too deeply into the rhododendron groves.

We would like to emphasize that we have designed this program to be as comfortable as possible. We offer our clients a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, allowing you to avoid an exhausting 9-hour bus journey and begin the trek in comfort. In addition, we carefully select the most comfortable lodges along the route for our participants; many of them offer hot showers in the room — a true luxury in the mountain regions of Nepal.

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening — a welcome dinner, meeting the other participants and the guide, and a short briefing. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. In the morning we leave the hotel for the airport and take a morning flight to Pokhara — one of the most picturesque cities in Nepal and the starting point for treks in the Annapurna massif. At the airport we will be met by powerful off-road vehicles and drive to the start of the trek in Birethanti. Birethanti is one of the last settlements in the Annapurna region that can be reached on foot. Here our permits are checked and we begin the long-awaited trek. We will see traditional old stone houses built on the slopes of the mountain massif, drink tea in one of the many teahouses, and leisurely continue along a path crossing a stream bridge toward Ulleri. Trekking time is about 5–6 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 3. In the morning, transfer from Pokhara at 7:00 a.m. to Birethanti. Birethanti is one of the last settlements in the Annapurna region accessible on foot. Here our permits are checked and we begin the long-awaited trek. We will see traditional old stone houses built on the slopes of the mountain massif, drink tea in one of the many teahouses, and leisurely continue along a path crossing a stream bridge toward Ulleri. Trekking time is about 5–6 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 4. Today is one of the most challenging days of the trek — a fairly steep ascent along stone steps. However, altitude is gained quickly and comfortably, so after about 4 hours we will reach the next village — Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a picturesque settlement located at an altitude of about 2,850 meters above sea level and is a popular stop for trekkers heading into the Annapurna region. The village is quite large, with several cafés and souvenir shops. We recommend an early bedtime to wake up early for sunrise at the viewpoint. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 5. Early in the morning we wake up and set off on a short trek of about 3 km to the viewpoint — Poon Hill. This place is famous for its stunning views of majestic peaks, including Annapurna and Machapuchare, especially at sunrise when cloud cover is minimal. At this time the mountain peaks are painted in bright shades of pink and orange, creating unforgettable scenes that attract photographers and nature lovers from all over the world. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, we continue trekking to the village of Tadapani. Trekking time is about 6–7 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 6. Early in the morning we leave Tadapani behind and head toward a village called Sinuwa. The route from Tadapani to Sinuwa passes through picturesque forests filled with rhododendrons and coniferous trees. The trek includes both ascents and descents, making it varied and engaging. Along the way you will pass small villages where you can see how local residents live, engaged in farming and livestock breeding. There are also many cozy teahouses along the route where you can rest and have a snack. Trekking time is about 6–7 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 7. As is now tradition, early in the morning after breakfast we head to the next village called Deurali. This is a small but scenic settlement located at an altitude of about 2,500 meters in the Annapurna region, surrounded by lush green valleys and terraces. Deurali is also known for its magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, so if we are lucky, in the evening we will watch the sunset over Annapurna and Machapuchare. The local residents, mainly Gurungs, live here in harmony with nature, practicing agriculture and animal husbandry. Trekking time is about 6–7 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 8. Today we will reach the highest point of our route — Annapurna Base Camp. Step by step we will approach the snow-white peaks, walking along a roaring mountain river flowing down from the glaciers. Along the way we will pass Machapuchare Base Camp: from this angle the mountain does not resemble a “Fishtail” at all, but later, when we are in Pokhara, participants will understand why it was named so. Here we will stop for tea and a snack before making the final push upward. After lunch we arrive at Annapurna Base Camp and check into the lodge. In the evening, during a walk, we will find the memorial plaque dedicated to the great Soviet mountaineer Anatoly Nikolaevich Bukreev, who died on Annapurna in 1997. Trekking time is about 5–6 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 9. Early in the morning, even before sunrise, we head to a nearby viewpoint to see how the first rays of sunlight gently touch the slopes of the Annapurna massif, quickly flooding the entire expanse of snowy giants with bright morning light. After such a vivid, though early start, we return to the lodge for a hot breakfast. Refreshed with local cuisine, we set off on an easy descent to the village of Bamboo. Trekking time is about 4–5 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 10. In the morning we continue the easy and pleasant descent, walking along the trail to Sinuwa, and then through Chomrong, where we can enjoy a cup of coffee with a croissant overlooking the “house of Shiva.” From there, taking a final look at the Annapurna massif — which will disappear from view by evening — we descend all the way to Jhinu, where a comfortable hotel and hot springs await us. Trekking time is about 6–7 hours. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11. In the morning, leaving all belongings at the hotel and taking swimsuits and flip-flops, we head to the Jhinu hot springs, located very close to the village. The spring waters are hot and rich in minerals considered beneficial for health. Bathing in the hot springs helps to relax, relieve fatigue, and improve overall well-being — the perfect end to the trek. After enjoying the springs, we return to the hotel, have breakfast, pack our things, cross a long suspension bridge, and load into our jeeps to drive to Pokhara. In the evening — a walk along Phewa Lake and dinner by the shore.

Day 12. In the morning we take transfers to Pokhara airport to fly to Kathmandu. In the capital of Nepal, a hotel with various spa treatments and a festive farewell dinner for the whole group awaits us. In the evening — goodbyes, tears, hugs, and promises to travel together again — believe us, journeys like this have a remarkable way of bringing together people who were complete strangers not long ago. If you plan to fly home on this day, we recommend choosing flights after 10:00 p.m., as domestic flights in Nepal are often delayed.

Day 13. Transfer to the airport. Departure home.

• Lunches and dinners during the stay in Kathmandu
• Visa on arrival at the airport – USD 30 (up to 15 days) or USD 50 (16–30 days)
• Meals during the trek (ordered individually from the menu)
• Personal porter – USD 25 per day for up to 20 kg (usually one porter for two participants); porter insurance included (yes, we insure all staff)
• Porter transfer (scheduled bus tickets) – USD 40
• Tips for staff
• Medical insurance and emergency evacuation
• Single-room accommodation
• Boat ride on Phewa Lake (optional)
• Early check-in / late check-out at the hotel before or after the program (we always try to negotiate additional bonuses for our guests; often early check-in / late check-out is provided free of charge)
• Any deviations from the program
• Any expenses related to program changes

Documents:

• International passport
• Airline tickets
• Medical insurance covering helicopter evacuation

Personal equipment:

• Backpack 30–50 L
• Sleeping bag, comfort temperature −5°C
• Trekking poles (mandatory, with baskets)

Clothing and footwear:

• Trekking boots, WELL pre-treated with a waterproofing agent
• Sneakers (for the city)
• Waterproof membrane layer – jacket + trousers
• Fleece set
• Thermal underwear (top + bottom)
• Down jacket with hood
• Warm gloves
• Light gloves
• Bandana or buff (in addition to sun protection in the valleys, can be used to keep the neck or face warm in cold conditions)
• Hat
• Warm trekking socks

Miscellaneous:

• LED headlamp with at least 12 hours of battery life
• Power bank
• Sunglasses
• Rain poncho
• Rain cover for backpack
• Thermos or water bottle – 1 L (optional)
• Gaiters
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm SPF 10–15
• Personal first-aid kit
• Elastic bandage and/or supportive brace
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, flip-flops
• Towel
• Toilet paper (available for purchase in lodges along the route)