Take the path less traveled as you hike up the glacial Modi Khola River gorge, through Gurung settlements, and into breathtaking alpine areas. Connect with local culture and be rewarded with 360-degree views at Annapurna Base Camp.
Start - End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Total trip: 14 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 4
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Discover a natural amphitheater accessed on a trail that's less about 'that one photo' and more about a life-changing journey on our 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We'll start our trip by exploring the temples and markets of Kathmandu, Nepal's bustling capital city, before flying to the lakeside city of Pokhara at the foot of the Himalayas.
Instead of hiking the now gravel road that makes up much of the Annapurna Circuit, you'll join us on a trek along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail that heads right up into the heart of the Annapurna Mountain Range. Arriving at the base camps of Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fish Tail), you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views of mountains all around you. Throughout your Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you'll explore deep into the Himalayas, hike up the glacial Modi Khola River Gorge, pass through tiny Gurung settlements, and into an alpine area that will take your breath away.
Discover what each day holds on your hike of a lifetime through alpine villages and into the heart of Nepal's spectacular Annapurna region.
Your trip starts in the lively and bustling city of Kathmandu with an explosion to the senses - take a deep breath! If you arrive early, you can head out to explore the city’s labyrinth of back streets, courtyards, colorful market stalls and ancient temples for your first taste of Nepal’s culture and friendly people. Your guide will meet you at our hotel around 5 pm and run through what to expect from the days ahead.
Tonight, we’ll take you out for dinner at a local restaurant, for your first experience of Nepalese dining - a culinary crossroad between the influences of China, India and Europe, which makes for some really interesting flavor combinations.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters)
Today we’ll head a short distance out of town to an ancient stone pilgrim stairway that leads to the Swayambhunath Temple. Keep an eye out for macaque monkeys as they often join us on the walk up the stairway – they’ve even been known to steal hats on occasion, so stay alert! According to local legend, Swayambhunath (meaning ‘self-arisen’), was said to have risen up from a lake that once covered the land where Kathmandu now stands. Up on the hilltop temple, the smell of incense and butter lamps will follow you as you gaze out over the sprawling city of Kathmandu below. Local devotees come here daily to make a ritual circumnavigation of the centerpiece stupa (a domeshaped Buddhist shrine) and spin the prayer wheels set into its base.
After lunch, we’ll head to the airport where we’ll take a short flight to Pokhara, the beautiful gateway town of the Annapurna Himalayas. We’ll enjoy dinner on the lakefront at one of our favorite lakeside restaurants.
Accommodation: Pokhara Lodgings, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Pokhara - 2,713 feet (827 meters)
Today we hit the trail! We’ll journey from Pokhara, past Naya Pul, to start hiking the trail on the banks of the Modi Khola (meaning river), which we’ll follow to its source below Annapurna I. After meeting our Gurung porter team, we’ll start our trek - a gentle trail takes us past rice paddies on our way up the valley, with high peaks looming ahead.
After lunch at Kilyu, at the base of the stairs, we'll start our ascent to Ghandruk. Tonight, you can enjoy a traditional dal bhat (lentil curry) meal cooked by our Nepalese hosts.
Accommodation: Tea House, Ghandruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Ghandruk- 6,364 feet (1,940 meters)
Hiking: 7.5 miles (12 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,296 feet (700 meters) ascent
This morning we’ll head off on a lesser used part of the trail, hiking through low jungle where we encounter monkeys in the trees above us. We'll cross the Kimrong Khola, and enjoy a tea break at Komrong where the views up to Annapurna are mesmerizing, before hiking the steeper section of the trail to the village of Chhomrong. Oddly enough, this town is world famous for its German bakeries - chocolate croissants and apple pie are a heavenly reward after a big day. Whilst we relax and admire the view straight up the valley to Machapuchare, keep an eye out for huge Lamagier vultures as they circle on thermals high above. Machapuchare, also known as ‘Fish Tail’, is unconquered - it’s considered a sacred mountain by the Nepalese and therefore climbing to the summit is forbidden.
Accommodation: Tea House, Chhomrong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Chhomrong - 7,120 feet (2,170 meters)
Hiking: 6 miles (9.6 kilometers), 7 hours,
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,230 feet (680 meters) ascent, 1,476 feet (450 meters) descent
We’ll start the day descending from Chhomrong, past the local school and away from civilization, down towards the river. We’ll stop at Sinuwa for a cuppa and some soup, before continuing through a landscape of dense bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests dotted with orchids and ferns. We’ll follow a cobbled pathway and series of staircases past the village of Bamboo, and onto Dobhan, where silvery langur monkeys can often be spotted at dawn and dusk.
Accommodation: Tea House, Dobhan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Dobhan - 8,530 feet (2,600 meters)
Hiking: 7.1 miles (11.5 kilometers), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,410 feet (430 meters) ascent
Our day begins with a short hike up out of the canyon, with the sights and sounds of the forest providing a fantastic distraction from the climb. After lunch at the settlement of Himalaya (meaning mountain range), we’ll trek a steep section of the trail to Hinku Cave, a shelter that’s been used by yak herders for centuries. The vegetation starts to thin out as we follow the trail out of the canyon to Deurali, our home for the night.
Accommodation: Tea House, Deurali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Deurali - 10,500 feet (3,200 meters)
Hiking: 3.1 miles (5 kilometers), 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,968 feet (600 meters) ascent
Today we’ll break through the treeline and into the alpine region. We’ll leave the forest and its wildlife behind and take in the mountain views, which at this point become even more spectacular. As we progress, the valley becomes gradually flatter and widens as we hike towards the ‘gates’ of the sanctuary. We’ll crisscross the valley a little while longer before we arrive at Machapuchare Base Camp. The mountain panorama that greets us includes the peaks of the Annapurna Massif and the triangular south face of Machapuchare itself. We’ll spend the night at the foot of these icy giants before we set off for the Base Camp of Annapurna in the morning.
Accommodation: Tea House, Machapuchare Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Machapuchare Base Camp - 12,140 feet (3,700 meters)
Hiking: 3.1 miles (5 kilometers ), 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,640 feet (500 meters) ascent
Today is the day! We’ll make our final push to the Base Camp of Annapurna, sitting at 13,549 feet (4,130 meters). It’s an amazing accomplishment, so congratulate yourself and your fellow trekkers! You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the south face of Annapurna I (the 10th highest peak in the world) and the glacier falling beneath it. There are few places on the planet that can match this the peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I and Machapuchare seem like they’re barely a stone’s throw away and yet utterly unreachable at the same time. Make sure you have plenty of space on your camera as you’ll be taking heaps of photos.
After a cup of tea at the Base Camp, we’ll descend down the valley to Machapuchare Base Camp, where we’ll eat a hearty breakfast, and, re-energized, head back into the bamboo and cloud forest, winding our way back to Dobhan in time for a well-deserved shower and dinner. Well done!
Accommodation: Tea House, Dobhan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Annapurna Base Camp - 13,549 feet (4,130 meters)
Elevation: Dobhan - 8,530 feet (2,600 meters)
Hike to Annapurna Base Camp: 1.8 miles (3 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,415 feet (426 meters) ascent
Hike to Dobhan: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 7-8 hours,
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,608 feet (1,100 meters) descent
Today we’ll retrace our steps down carefully maintained cobblestone paths through the forests and canyons, passing waterfalls and crossing rivers along the way. As we get lower, the air becomes more oxygen rich and slightly warmer, giving you a bit more bounce in your step. We’ll have lunch in Chhomrong and afterwards explore the local handicraft markets (keep an eye out for some Tibetan influences here).
Tonight we’ll stay in Jhinudanda and soak in the renowned natural riverside hot pools.
Accommodation: Tea House, Jhinudanda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Jhinudanda - 5,840 feet (1,780 meters)
Hiking: 8.6 miles (14 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,690 feet (820 meters) descent
This morning we’ll cross back over the Modi Khola River, leaving it behind for the first time on our trek. As we ascend to the Gurung village of Landruk, you’ll notice many of the locals still wear traditional dress. After a hot drink, we’ll aim to get to Tolka early in the afternoon so we have a chance to kick back and take in the epic views all around. Relaxed and refreshed, it’s time for a song and dance with our Nepalese hosts.
Accommodation: Tea House, Tolka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Tolka - 5,580 feet (1,700 meters)
Hiking: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 262 feet (80 meters) descent
Our hike this morning rewards us with great views of the Annapurna Himalayas Range and is also an excellent opportunity for birdwatching; there are many different species in this area. Rhododendron forest gives way to grassy meadows before we reach the village of Australia Camp, an excellent ridgetop vantage point, where we’ll farewell the now familiar peaks. After lunch, we’ll weave our way down a series of stone staircases to the village of Kande, where we’ll take the short journey back to Pokhara.
Tonight, we’ll all head out to the Silk Road Restaurant and Bar for a celebratory dinner with our guides and porters.
Accommodation: Pokhara Lodgings, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Pokhara - 2,720 feet (830 meters)
Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,854 feet (870 meters) descent
Today is all yours to relax and explore. Pokhara is the main town on the shores of Lake Phewa and the adventure playground of Nepal. There are some fantastic street and lakeside cafes, outstanding bakeries and heaps of outdoor activities to choose from - just ask your guide for suggestions. Or, if you’re not feeling too lively today, your guide can arrange for you to visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Museum and the Pokhara World Peace Monument instead.
This evening you might like to try some of Pokhara’s restaurants, where local lake fish is a specialty. Or you might like to try our favorites like the Everest Steak House or Monsoons.
Accommodation: Pokhara Lodgings, Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: Pokhara - 2,720 feet (830 meters)
This morning we’ll farewell the Himalayas in Pokhara and take a short flight back to Kathmandu. For those who are keen this afternoon, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the center of old town Kathmandu, and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture – so much so, that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Today is a great opportunity to find a bargain amongst Kathmandu’s many markets.
Tonight we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters)
Today is the final day of your Himalayas trekking trip. You’ll have completed one of the world’s most renowned treks – a feather in the cap of any outdoor enthusiast. If you have extra time after your trip, we’re happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great hiking and adventures you’ve had with us in Nepal!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
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What are the teahouse accommodations like? How fit do I need to be? What should I pack? These questions and more are answered in our Frequently Asked Questions.
On the first day of the trip you'll meet your guide in the lobby of Kathmandu Marriott Hotel at 5pm.
You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Kathmandu, though you must make your own way to Kathmandu Marriott Hotel in time to meet for the start of your trip at 5pm on the first day for dinner with your fellow adventurers. Please bring along your passport, or a copy of your passport.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Kathmandu Airport (KTM) in time for flights departing any time that day or anywhere in the Central Kathmandu downtown area after breakfast.
Arrival: If you're flying into Kathmandu on the first day of your trip, we recommend arriving in Kathmandu before 2pm.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, you can depart at any time too.
Note: Keep in mind though that flights to and from Pokhara airport are weather dependent and can sometimes be delayed. Therefore you might want to book changeable flights just in case we're in Pokhara for a bit longer than expected.
We’ve chosen local tea houses (small guest houses run by the local people) to stay in which are modest and homely with great service. For the most part the tea-houses will have a separate building only a few metres away from the main building where the bathrooms will be located. Each room will be a twin except the higher you get the more limitations with rooming so could reach 4-6 people per room. There are bathrooms along the way each day, usually where you stop off to have tea and/or a break, some may be European while others may be more long-drop style. There will be some what of a shower available though there may only be warm water and the higher we get, the colder the water will become. However nothing is guaranteed!
All tea houses have a communal dining area where you can read, play cards or simply gaze out the window at your spectacular location with stunning views.
Please note; no single rooms are available in the teahouses and the single supplement price takes this into account. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry where necessary during your trek. While there may be opportunities to do laundry, they may not be convenient or efficient, so hand-washing technical or delicate fabrics yourself is recommended along with fast drying clothing while walking, as the cold mountain air makes it hard for things to dry.
You’ll need a good level of fitness for this trek. Hiking at altitude is challenging, so the more preparation you can do, the better—just be careful not to overexert yourself or stress your body, especially in the days leading up to the climb. While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, you should be in the habit of regular aerobic exercise, ideally incorporating hills, stairs, and carrying a backpack. You may have come across the phrase “Nepali flat” in your travels—it’s a tongue-in-cheek way of describing terrain that involves plenty of uphill climbs and downhill descents. We highly recommend training on steep hills or stairs whenever possible: think stair machines at the gym or the stairwells of a high-rise building. The more you prepare in advance, the more you’ll enjoy the active, outdoor nature of your adventure.
Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!
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