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
To: Dream Himalaya Adventures c/o Dawa, The service you have provided during my trek was superb. Your services are excellent and worthy of recommendation. You deserve this recognition and appreciation!!! There is always a touch of excellence in your work! Thank you and God bless! Keep it up!
Thank you to Dawa and Dream Himalaya Adventures for making our trip an adventure of a lifetime! Very professional with outstanding communication even during our preparation. All our expectations were exceeded! Staff was very kind and professional as well. Shout out to our Sherpa Pasang and our porters for a job well done. They took care of us well. Thanks to my hiking buddies Gary and Vlad your the best! Dream Himalaya Adventures is the way to go! 🙏
A great experience & adventure even though quite challenging. Dawa from Dream Himalayan Adventures was excellent & very accommodating ,he makes sure you are well equiped for the adventure ahead. The accommodation on the trek is serviceable & the food surprisingly very good considering the remoteness. The staff at base camp ,sherpas & porters are all friendly ,helpfull & know their stuff. I would be very happy to use Dream Himalaya Adventures again.
I’m so glad I chose Dream Himalaya to handle the logistics for my EBC Trek this April 2023. Everything was meticulously planned, handled and executed from the get go which enabled me to enjoy a great hassle free trek. Everything from thé coordinator, guides and sherpa were awesome. Truly world class service from the day you arrive at KTM until you say your goodbyes . These are the stuff dreams are made of .
What an adventure ! in a beautiful location surrounded by beautiful people. I was treated like family by Dawa and Pasang. All I have is beautiful memories and superb photos. I loved Nepal / Himalayas/ Everest region and would only recommend Dawa and the team to trek with in Nepal.
We had the best time with the team from Dream Himalaya Adventures they went above and beyond for me and my wife before, during and after our trip I will be 100% returning to do my trips with Dawa and his team
One of the best hiking experiences ever with a very kind trek guide and a motivating porter. The food and accommodation were excellent, and mostly the responsibility of the company towards its clients is remarkable until the end of the trek. Looking forward to travel again with Dream Himalaya Adventures.
Manaslu summit climb expedition - Aug-Oct 2022. Unfortunately we were unlucky with the weather due to crazy amounts of snow and avalanche risk and weren't able to summit but I had a great adventure thanks to Dream Himalaya. Dawa Sherpa and Tendi Sherpa did everything in their power to help our expedition succeed. Dawa Sherpa runs a fantastic company and I would highly recommend his services for any adventure from climbing to trekking in Nepal. He happily answered all my questions in advance of the trip promptly and thoroughly. Tendi Sherpa is an excellent certified mountain guide (IFMGA) which is strong, communicates well and is a pleasure to climb with. All the services provided were fantastic. Base camp was amazing. Comfortable single
Overall we were very satisfied with their services. Dawa really made an effort to fullfill our needs. Top of the cream were services in the base camp. Organization, food, tents and kindness of the personel were on the top level. I very recommend!
Amazing hispitality, excellent and very reliable service, good and diverse food in base camp, very professional and kind stuff!
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