The Annapurna Himal is a vast massif of several peaks above 7,000m forming part of the range that forms a natural amphitheatre known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you into this spectacular setting where you will be surrounded by giants such as Annapurna I (8091m), Glacier Dome, Gangapurna (7455m), Fang (7647m) and the sacred Machhapuchhare (6998m), popularly known as Fish Tail.

You will visit the stunning viewpoint of Poon Hill offering up Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna 1 (8091m), Machhapuchhre / Fishtail (6998m), Nilgiri (7041m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna II (7939m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal (6988m) and more, before descending to the Modi Khola valley and through the gates of the Sanctuary.

Passing directly below Machhapuchhare, we will visit both the base camps of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna and explore the Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheatre before returning to Pokhara via a different route. This is a fairly strenuous alpine trek that gives the fitter walker close-up and unbeatable mountain views.

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10 days

Nepal

Destination

Nepal
Departure

Thamel, Kathmandu
Dress Code

Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket.

Best time to Trek?

March to May is one of the best times to trek with lots of flowers in bloom, especially rhododendrons in the mountains. While the sky may not be crystal clear as during the autumn months, it is the second busiest season for trekking and mountaineering.

June to August are wet but the mountains and hills are covered with lush, full green forests and vegetation. The daily cloud coverage means that mountain views are not guaranteed but as very few people travel during this time it can present the perfect opportunity for people to explore the trails and nature in quiet.

September to November are the busiest trekking months due to predictable weather and mostly clear skies. The mountain views are spectacular but the most popular trails can become quite busy.

The winter months of December to February are good to trek due to the clean skies and the reduced number of trekkers. However, you should be prepared for cold temperatures.

Safety on the trail and Acclimatisation

Our guides are trained in First Aid and have significant experience in trekking this and many other routes throughout Nepal. Safety is our foremost priority and our staff will be available for any issues, and alert to any symptoms of illness,v that may come up.

Altitude problems, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can be life threatening and can occur at any point above 3000m. Our trip itinerary has been designed specifically to allow you to have enough time to acclimatise to the altitude as our height increases. Our guides are very experienced and will act in accordance with the seriousness of any mountain sickness suffered. The easiest and best remedy for AMS is to descend quickly, so never ignore the symptoms and please talk to your guide or leader if you feel unwell. They are trained to manage the logistics and assess the situation continually to make sure that you have a safe trip and enjoy yourself.

Arrival in Nepal

It is strongly advised that you arrive in Nepal at least 1 full day before the intended start date of your trek. This will give you the opportunity to allow for any jetlag and to obtain any additional items you may require in the numerous trekking and climbing supply shops in Kathmandu.

An airport pick up and hotel on arrival can be arranged easily for you if you wish and we will be on hand to assist you in picking up any items you need or want and to arrange tours of Kathmandu’s numerous cultural sites.

Food and accommodation

Guest Lodges, sometimes called Teahouses, along the way provide good accommodation and a considerable choice of well-prepared meals. However, it is advisable to bring your own sleeping bag, as during the high season, bedding can be in short supply and it can get very cold at the higher altitudes.

Level of Difficulty - Annapurna

The highest point on this trek is 4095m and while it ultimately depends on the participant’s level of fitness and determination, the trekking can become strenuous at some points as we gain elevation. However, anybody with some reasonable level of physical and mental fitness can enjoy this trek.

Travel to and from Trek

To start your trek, you can choose to take the 8-hour tourist bus drive to the city of Pokhara from Kathmandu or a 25-minute flight. Whilst the bus is the more common means of transport, by choosing to fly you can, for an additional cost, shave half a day off your intended itinerary.

Annapurna Conservation Area

The Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal’s largest protected area reaching across the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi and Lamjung districts. The area is home to some of the world’s highest mountains including Annapurna 1 (8091m), Niligiri (7061) and Machhapuchchhre (6993m), Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge and a diverse set of local flora and fauna.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara - 910m

To being we will travel to Pokhara by tourist bus from Kathmandu, which will take about 7 hours. There you will have a free evening to explore the town, take a walk around Lakeside or go boating on Fewa lake before overnighting at a hotel.

Day 2: Pokhara to Tirkhe Dhunga – 1525m

After breakfast we will drive for one-hour by private car to Nayapul where we start the trek. Heading out of Nayapul we will walk along the banks of the Modi Khola river until we reach Birethanti, a large village with shops and teahouses. From there the trail follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola river and climbs steadily up the valley to Hile after which we will arrive at Tirkhe Dhunga and overnight at a guesthouse. 1.5 hour bus to Nayapul and 4 hour trek to Tirkhe Dhunga.

Day 3: Tirkhe Dhunge to Ghorepani – 2855m

We begin our journey by crossing a suspension bridge over a stream below and trek upwards to a large Magar village called Ulleri. The trail then ascents more gently as we walk by cultivated fields and through forrest of rhododendron and oak to Banthanti. A short while later we reach Nangethanti and stop for lunch. After a short rest we will trek for another hour to Ghorapani where we will over night at a guesthouse. 6 hour trek to Ghorepani.

Day 4: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m) and then Tadapani – 2520m

Today we wake especially early at 4am and hike to Poon Hill with the help of our flashlights. As reward we will get to enjoy a beautiful sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. This is the highlight of the trip and offers up spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and the famous Fishtail Mountain in the clear morning light. After relaxing at Poon Hill, we will come back down to Ghorapani and enjoy a hot breakfast before continuing on to Tadapani via rhododendron and oak forests and the village of Deurali. 50 minutes trek to Poon Hill and 5 hours trek to Tadapani.

Day 5: Tadapani to Chhomrung – 2040m

From Tadapani the trail descends through rhododendron and oak forests to the valley basin at Ghurjung. Trekking along the mountain side we reach the Gurung village of Chhomrung, which is both our lunch and dinner spot.

Day 6: Chhomrung to Dovan – 2580m

Heading out along the Modi Khola we leave behind the inhabited foothills and cross the suspension bridge, before trekking up to Sinuwa Danda, where the trail levels out. Continuing along, we descend long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests and alongside the Modi river before reaching Doban. 6 hours trek to Dovan.

Day 7: Dovan to Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp and then Annapurna Base Camp – 4095m

The day starts with a gentle ascent following the trail above the river. We climb to Hinko Cave, an overhanging rock and then onto Deurali. From here the trek becomes more arduous, but the spectacular unfolding views of Machhapuchhre, Mt. Hiunchulli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III and Gangapurna are a just reward for your efforts. At Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) base camp the valley opens up wide and along the trail to Annapurna Base Camp the vegetation disappears as we enter the sanctuary offering sensational views of the near vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. Annapurna Base Camp boasts spectacular 360-degree panorama views, where we can take in the mesmerising sights of Machhapuchhre, Mt. Hiunchulli, Annapurna South and Annapurna I all around. 5 hours trek to Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 8: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo Lodge – 2310m

We are up before dawn to take in the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas from Annapurna Base Camp. After a warm breakfast we start out following the route back through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Dovan until we reach the settlement of Bamboo Lodge. 6 hours trek to Bamboo.

Day 9: Bamboo Lodge to Jhinu Dada – 1760m

There is a steep ascent to the Kuldi Ghar and then to Sinuwa following the stone steps that lead to Lower Chhomrong. From here we climb down again to Jhinu Danda where we settle into our guesthouse for our last night on the mountain. Once rested you can enjoy the hot springs just 15 minutes walk away before dinner. 5 hours trek to Jhinu Dada.

Day 10: Jhinu Dada to Nayapul and then Pokhara

Leaving Jhinu Dada we traverse along the Modi river before stopping for lunch at Kyumi village. From there we will head to Birethanti and then Naya Pul, where the trek ends. A pre-arranged car takes us back to Pokhara and transfers you to your hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved rest! 5 hours trek to Nayapul and 1.5 hour bus to Pokhara. You can choose to overnight in a hotel and spend some more time exploring this lakeside town (recommended!) and enjoying its food and shopping or you can catch the bus or flight back to Kathmandu where you will be escorted to your hotel. Alternatively, if you have a tight itinerary, you can leave early and return to Pokhara in time to catch a flight back to Kathmandu on the same day if required. Contact Us to learn more about customising your trek.

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Umbrella Trekking Nepal

Umbrella Trekking Nepal is a social enterprise initiative by Nature Treks Himalaya, established to support The Umbrella Foundation, a registered children’s charity in Nepal.

We offer a wide range of stunning treks and adventure activities throughout the country where you can have the time of your life while knowing that you are helping give underprivileged children of Nepal a brighter future.

The treks, operated by Nature Treks Himalaya, provide internship opportunities to disadvantaged youths so that they can learn more about the industry as assistant guides, and all profits go towards the work of The Umbrella Foundation charity.

Their Social Focus

The treks provide internship opportunities to disadvantaged youths so that they can learn more about the industry as assistant guides, and all profits go towards the work of The Umbrella Foundation charity.