This trek is one of the most popular in Nepal and for good reason. Getting to this region you are in for an experience of a life time.
The name “Annapurna” came after the Mount Annapurna, which is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Annapurna is a series of peaks in the Himalaya, a 55-km-long Massif whose highest point, Annapurna I, stands at 8,091 m. It is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalaya by the most famous river, Kali Gandaki and which separates it from the Mount Dhaulagiri. Annapurna is a Sanskrit name which is translated as Goddess of the Harvests. In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture. The region of Annapurna is surrounded by many Himalayan ranges which include the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre – the famous fish-tail mountain that dominates the skyline above Pokhara. In addition this area possesses the Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge. Annapurna Base camp is a big part of the ultimate Himalayan adventure which offers the chance to get to know the locals intimately and experience their cultural hospitality. Recognized as one of the world’s best trekking destination, this trek takes you through scenic villages, rich oak, and pine and rhododendron forests and affords you spectacular views of the giant snow-peaks- Annapurna I (8019m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchchhre (6999m). Exotic flora and fauna, immense glittering Himalayan ranges, mesmerizing local culture and tradition are the trinkets of this region.
ABC is surrounded by a cirque of awe-inspiring peaks, including the awesome south face of Annapurna I (8,091m), in a natural amphitheater which is quite simply mind-blowing. Our trek starts from Pokhara with a short drive to the road head. We ascend well-trodden trails through terraced farmland and traditional villages. As we climb through ancient oak and rhododendron forest, across sparkling streams and past waterfalls, the world of snow and ice starts to unfold above us. This combination of pretty villages and terraced fields of millet and rice, coupled by the majestic splendor of Machapuchare (6,993m), Annapurna I and Hiunchuli (6,441m) make this an extremely rewarding trek. Climbing up the Modi Khola valley towards the sanctuary we are teased with views of towering peaks and dazzlingly high rock walls with waterfalls tumbling down into the roar of the river below. As the gorge widens, we ascend to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) on the lateral moraine of Annapurana South glacier. The steady climb up to ABC reveals the full splendor of this natural amphitheater. When we reach our destination, we are spoil with 360 degree views of Himalayan peaks.
This trekking upstream along the Modi Khola to the heart of the Sanctuary and around the central part of the Annapurna Himal. This course will take you deep into the Annapurna Himal, Machhapuchhre which can be seen from the city proper of Pokhara, stands in the centre. You will also be able to have a 360 degree panoramic view including Annapurna I, Annapurna South Face and Machhapuchhre North Face. Along the way, you will be visiting Gurung Villages with houses of the hipped slate roofs. On the one hand, you can climb up to the glacial area of 4000m of elevation in a short time and can enjoy a marvelous view of the mountains. On the other, as you gain elevation rapidly, you are risking altitude sickness.
Duration: 9-10 Day Trek
Access: One hour flight, or 6 hour drive.
Starting Altitude: 1130m or 3730 feet
Peak Altitude: 4130m or 13,630 feet
Itinerary in detail
See the Overall Tour Summary for details on itinerary for before and after your selected trek.
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820m and drive to Phedi 1130m and trek to Deurali 2100m/3-4 hours.
Early in the morning fly to Pokhara and take a car, drive to Phedi which takes about 30 minutes. Trekking start from this place, a steep climb brings you in Dhampus Village in about 1 and half hour. You have a stunning view of all Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre. Then you climb gently through the rhododendron forests until reaching the village name is called Pothana which takes about 1 hour. You will have lunch here. After lunch the trail gently climbs up through the rhododendron forest till Deurali in about 1 hour. O/N in Lodge.
Day 2: Trek from Deurali to Jhinu Danda 1780m/5-6 hours.
Today, after breakfast, the trail continues through the rhododendron forests and crossing small stream until reaching the Gurung Village of Tolka which takes about 2 hours. Then the trail descends small ups and downs passing beautiful terraced fields till the attractive Gurung Village in Landruk in about 2 hours. You will have lunch here. The trek starts descending through terraced fields and along the Modi Khola River until reaching New Bridge which takes about 2 and half hour. Then the trail climbs steep up and passing small rest houses, the cross a small stream just below the Jhinu Danda and steep climbs till Jhinu Danda in about 1 and half hour. You explore to Hot Spring 15 minutes just below the Village in the river bank of Modi Khola O/N in Lodge.
Day 3: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Sinuwa 2340m/4-5 hours.
This day, you start the trek after breakfast, the trail continues switchback steep ascent with stone steps until reaching picturesque Gurung Village of Chhomrong which takes about 3 hours. You will have lunch here from where you have closest and panoramic view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and other snow-capped mountains. After lunch, the trail descends with many stone steps till small Stream, and then gently climbs up until reaching Sinuwa in about 1 and half hour. O/N in Lodge.
Day 4: Trek from Sinuwa to Himalaya 2920m/5-6 hours.
Today, the trail continues gently up till the ridge and the level trail through the rhododendron forests until reaching Bamboo which takes about 2 hours. Again the trail continues through the bamboo forests till Dovan in about 1 hour. You with have lunch here. After lunch, the trek starts climbing up through the rhododendron forests until reaching Himalaya in about 1 and half hour. There are only two lodges. O/N in Lodge.
Day 5: Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna B.C. 4130m/5-6 hours.
In the morning after breakfast, you start your trek with gaining high altitude in the treeless area until reaching Deurali in about 1 and half hour. Then the trail continues again gently up passing the avalanche area till Machhapuchhre Base Camp which takes about 2 hours to reach. You will have lunch there. After lunch, the trail climbing up gently with viewing majestic Himalayan range till Annapurna Base Camp in about 1 and half hour. You have stunning and closed view with Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III and other snow-capped peaks as well as Glacier. O/N in Lodge.
Day 6: Trek from Annapurna B.C. to Dovan 2505m/5-6 hours.
In the morning after breakfast and enjoying the stunning view of Himalayan Ranges, the trail descends along the Modi Khola through the rhododendron forests. You will have lunch in Himalaya and continues till Dovan. O/N in Lodge.
Day 7: Trek from Dovan to Chhomrong 2170m/5-6 hours.
Today you start your trek through the bamboo and rhododendron forests, then cross the small stream and waterfalls during the trek. You will have lunch in Sinuwa. Then, the trail descends to Small River and climbs with stone steps until reaching Chhomrong Village. O/N in Lodge.
Day 8: Trek from Chhomrong to Ghandruk 1940m/4-5 hours.
In this day, the trek starts from your Lodge; the trail gently descends to the stream which takes about 1 hour. Then the trail steeply climbs up through the rhododendron forests until reaching Kimrong Village in about 2 hours. You will have lunch here. Then the trail descends passing stream to reach the second biggest Gurung Village of Ghandruk which takes about 1 and half hour. You will visit the old Buddhist Monastery and Old traditional Gurung Museum with Guide. You have a great view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre etc. O/N in Lodge.
Day 9: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul 1070m/3-4 hours and drive to Pokhara 820m
In the morning after breakfast, the trail descends with many stone steps passing landslide area until reaching Syaulibazzar which takes about 2 and half hour. Then, the trail continues on the road trail till Birethanti in about 1 hour. You will have lunch and 30 minutes walk to Nayapul. Take a car and drive back to Pokhara about 1 hour. O/N in Hotel.
