The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is considered one of the best in Nepal. Not overly difficult, it is renown for its varied scenic terrain, different cultural experiences, and spectacular high viewpoints. To reach the start of the track is only a short two-hour drive from Pokhara. From there the ascent is gradual, passing through monsoon rainforests where you should keep an eye out for local wildlife, and then also the unique rhododendron forests.
There are a variety of villages to explore along the way, each with different ethnic communities, including Gurungs, Magar, and Thakali. Every village has its own distinct characteristics. For many, the main attraction of this trek is reaching the summit of Poon Hill (3,193m). The top of the hill offers a perfect viewpoint of the surrounding landscape, including the superb panorama of both Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m). This view is best experienced at sunrise. One of the main highlights on the return trek is passing through the biggest rhododendron forest in the world. In May the whole forest becomes a cacophony of white and red blossoms.
Trekking to Annapurna base camp starts from a new bridge after a 45-minute drive from Pokhara. Further on the trail takes us to the Poon hill (3,193m), crossing through the Modi Khola to Birethanti (1065m), a large and prosperous town with a winding street paved with large stones. Now follow the Bhurungdi Khola as the trail climbs steadily passing through Hille before reaching Tike-Dhunga (1480m). Then the trail climbs very steeply on a stone staircase to the large Magar village of Ulleri at 2070m and finally to Ghore-Pani. Next morning walk to Poon hill, where we experience the breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek goes through the most spectacular high mountain amphitheater, through charming Gurung villages and rhododendron forests.
After passing through a couple of Magar and Gurung villages and rocky trail through forests, then up a steep ravine, brings us to Hinko at 3,160m. Cross a ravine and a major avalanche track and climb through large boulders to Deorali at 3,230m and continue Climb across more avalanche paths, cross a moraine and a stream before reaching an area known as Machha-Puchhare Base Camp at an altitude of 3700m. The route passes through some roofless shepherd’s huts alongside a moraine then climbs to the Base Camp, a collection of a few lodges on a knoll at 4,130m. There are magnificent views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna that towers above the sanctuary to the north-west.
Day 1
Arrival in KTM, Transfer to hotel, BriefingDay 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, Necessary preparation & PackingDay 3
Fly to Pokhara(900m) 35minutes; Drive to Nayapul1hour, Trek to Tikhe-dhunga (1480m) 3hoursDay 4
Trek to Ghorepani (2,750m) – 6 hoursDay 5
Hike to Poon Hill (3,193m) 1.30 hrs, Trek to Tadapani (2590m) 4 hoursDay 6
Trek to Chhomrong(2,340m) – 5 hoursDay 7
Trek to Dobhan (2,600m) – 5 hoursDay 8
Trek to Machhapuchhare Base camp (3,700m) – 5 hoursDay 9
Trek to Annapurna Base camp (4,130m) – 3 hoursDay 10
Trek to Bamboo (2110m) - 6 hoursDay 11
Trek to Jhinudanda (1780m) – 5 hours, take hot spring bathDay 12
Trek to Siwai – 5 hours, drive to Pokhara (3 hrs) check in hotel, evening tours around Lakeside and O/N PokharaDay 13
Fly back to Kathmandu; Check in hotel, Free dayDay 14
Departure for flight to homeThis kind of trek doesn’t really require previous trekking and mountaineering experiences. It doesn’t require any technical experience, only that you be in good physical condition and be able to hike 4 – 6 hours over hilly terrain up to 4,300m of altitude with a light day pack.
Trekking Experience?
If you have any previous experiences would be helpful but if you don’t have is also not an essential matter of issue. This trek will introduce you to trekking in the Himalayas and also about the local cultures, traditions, and local people. Even if you are around the age of 65 years, you can be a candidate for this trek.
Published on : January 28, 2017
We had the beautiful chance to do this trek during our honeymoon trip. We have a hard time to describe with words how wonderful it was: the scenic sights of the Himalayas, the incredible Machapuchare Mount (Fishtail), the magic rhododendron forests, the warm local people, the amazing culture, the funny gray langurs, the wonderful friends we met and the fun company of our dear guide Karma and his son. A unique experience, which we decided to end at the romantic Fishtail Lodge in Pokhara, with gorgeous views over the lake and the Himalayas. Truly one of the best treks we've ever taken, with the best organisator ever: Dawa and his team. We hope to be able to come back soon for another trek!! :-)
Monica & CarlesMonica Sans & Carles Turró, Barcelona
Excellent communication with Dawa! We had some WhatsApp calls and discussed everything necessary in advance. I appreciate the assistance with the rental in KTM and the prompt solution for transporting luggage. Additionally, I am grateful for arranging the rental of crampons when I realized in BC that my crampons didn’t fit my large boots.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake Nov 2024 • Friends We did the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake deviations with Dream Himalaya Adventures in Oct/Nov 2024. The guide Dorje was knowledgeable about the area, and he and our porter Phurba were very attentive to our needs. We had a great time on the trek. I have done several treks with Dream Himalaya and all of them were well organised. I do not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Excellent private Kanchenjunga circuit trek, with Drohmo Ri ascent, Nupchu Pokhari side trip and more Oct 2024 • Couples While we were looking for a support agency for a customized trekking program for the Kangchenjunga area, we immediately appreciated the fact that Dream Himalaya Adventures already included the possibility of climbing Drohmo Ri, a non-technical but almost 6000m high viewpoint, above the North Base Camp of Kangchenjunga. The Managing Director Dawa Sherpa then answered very accurately and quickly all our additional questions about other possible optional excursions, the possibility of managing the stages in a flexible way, the possible overnight stay in Pangpema, the difficulties of the itinerary, the conditions of the accommodation and the current possibilities of road access to the
Family trip to EBC Aug 2024 • Family Dream Himilaya provided superb comms and logistics and bespoke service for my family. Dawa and the team are real experts with good contacts. Would definitely recommend.
Great experience! Oct 2024 • Couples Great experience with the agency and all of the employees who are extremely professional yet warm, welcoming and always ready to help. Everything from beginning to the end was easily arranged and worked perfectly. I definitely recommend it 200 %
Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek Nov 2024, Had an amazing time with Dream Himalayan Adventures. Despite such short notice, they were able to organise an EBC trek and assigned a very capable and competent local guide who happens to be an excellent photographer.
I highly recommend Dream Himalaya. They have a first-rate operation with personal attention to trek planning, good communication before and during the trek, and excellent trek organization. In spring 2024 I contacted Dream Himalaya to arrange a custom solo private trek. Dream Himalaya came recommended by a Sherpa friend who has used their services a lot. Dream Himalaya’s manager, Dawa Sherpa (Lama), corresponded with me via email to plan the trek and made all arrangements. Dawa Sherpa fine-tuned the trip arrangements exactly as I wished and came through on every detail, including arranging a private jeep to and from trailheads, telephoning lodges to reserve rooms (this is important during busy times of the year on popular routes), and providing an
The trip was excellent! This was our third trip to Nepal after Annapurnatrek and Kailash and agencywise it was by far the best one! Already the time in Kathmandu was greatly planned. During the trek and climb (14 days) everything worked out perfectly. Our guide (Nigma, a multiple Everest summiter (!)) was more then experienced and summit days was a blast for me and my son (16 y.). On ChoLa Pass (5.300 m) we got in a little trouble, since my wife had problems with the altitude, but this was solved immidiatly by our guide with a bottle of oxygene and she got down safely. As far as I can tell, we always stayed in the nicest guest- and teahoues
Très bonne organisation de la planification jusqu'au départ. Professionnel. L'équipe au BC est top Merci Dawa. In English translation Very good organization from planning to departure. Professional. The team at BC is great Thanks Dawa.
From the first morning meeting, when Dawa Sherpa Lama (our trip organizer and guide) carefully advised us on what to pack and what to leave in hotel in Kathmandu while we were on our high altitude trek, to the hike from Lukla to Namche Bazaar to the Sherpa village of Thame, to Everest View Hotel and then up to Tengboche Monastery -- and finally back to the city for tourist sites and shopping, we were in the best of hands. We had fun, we felt adventurous and always safe and well accommodated at nice tea houses and lodges. Such an amazingly stunning country! All the special requests I had made for research for my book were met and then some.
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