Annapurna Base Camp

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Transfer to your hotel in the Thamel district. Rest, recover from international travel, obtain local SIM cards (Ncell or Nepal Telecom work best on the trek), and conduct an initial briefing with your trekking guide. Elevation: 1,400m

Morning cultural tour visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, or Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Afternoon dedicated to gear checks in Thamel to rent or buy missing equipment (down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles). Final verification of required permits: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
Elevation: 1,400m

Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara with views of the Langtang and Annapurna ranges. Drive via private jeep from Pokhara through Nayapul to Tikhedhunga. Cross two suspension bridges over the Bhurungdi Khola before beginning the famous, relentless ascent of 3,200+ stone steps directly up to the Magar village of Ulleri. First clear views of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m).
Elevation: 820m (Pokhara) $\to$ 1,540m (Tikhedhunga) $\to$ 2,070m (Ulleri)
Distance & Time: ~9 km | 3–4 hours trekking + 25-min flight + 2-hr drive

A sustained, gradual ascent through dense, moss-draped forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine. You will cross several clear streams and waterfalls, passing through Banthanti and Nangethanti. As you arrive in Upper Ghorepani, the landscape opens to reveal panorama views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs.
Elevation: 2,070m $\to$ 2,850m
Distance & Time: ~8–10 km | 4–5 hours trekking

4:30 AM Hike: A 45-minute to 1-hour steep climb up stone steps to the Poon Hill viewpoint. Watch the sun illuminate Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhare (6,993m), and NilgiriReturn to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek along a ridge toward Deurali Pass. Descend through deep forest gorges and streams before making a short final climb into Tadapani.

Elevation: 2,850m $\to$ 3,210m (Poon Hill) $\to$ 2,750mDistance & Time: ~11–13 km | 6–7 hours total (including the sunrise hike)

The day begins with a steep forest descent toward the village of Chuile, crossing the Kimrong Khola via a suspension bridge. From the riverbed, you face a long, switchbacking uphill climb through terraced farmlands to reach Chhomrong. Chhomrong is the primary Gurung settlement in the region and serves as the mandatory entryway into the narrow Modi Khola valley
Elevation: 2,750m $\to$ 2,170m
Distance & Time: ~10–11 km | 5–6 hours

Descend 2,500 continuous stone steps down to the Chhomrong Khola river, cross the bridge, and climb up to Upper Sinuwa (2,340m). The trail transitions into dense bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests as you enter the Modi Khola canyon. Pass through the small settlement of Bamboo (2,310m) and Dovan before climbing steadily to Himalaya Hotel.The valley narrows significantly here, and temperatures drop noticeability
Elevation: 2,170m $\to$ 1,900m (Chhomrong Riverbed) $\to$ 2,850m
Distance & Time: ~11–12 km | 6–7 hours

Climb past the historic Hinku Cave, a natural rock shelter historically used by porters. Proceed through Deurali (3,230m), where the tree line ends and the landscape transforms into rugged alpine terrain. The trail follows a narrow avalanche-prone corridor (exercise caution in winter/spring) before opening into the gateway of the Annapurna Sanctuary at MBC. You are surrounded by close-up views of the vertical face of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail).
Elevation: 2,850m $\to$ 3,700m
Distance & Time: ~7–8 km | 4–5 hours

A steady, relatively gentle incline following the lateral moraine of the South Annapurna Glacier. Because of the high altitude, pace yourself strictly to prevent altitude sickness. Arrive at the natural amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp.You will be encircled 360 degrees by massive snow-capped peaks: Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Gandharva Chuli. Overnight at ABC.
Elevation: 3,700m $\to$ 4,130m
Distance & Time: ~3–4 km | 2–3 hours

Wake early to witness the sun hit the 8,000-meter wall of Annapurna I. After breakfast, begin a long descent back down the same valley corridor. Descending 1,820 vertical meters in a single day is heavy on the knees; using trekking poles is strongly advised. Re-enter the forest zone as oxygen levels increase, terminating the day at Bamboo.
Elevation: 4,130m $\to$ 2,310m
Distance & Time: ~13–14 km | 6–7 hours

Climb out of the forest back up to Sinuwa, drop down to the Chhomrong Khola, and tackle the steep stone staircase back up into Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, branch off on a sharp downhill trail toward Jhinu Danda.
In the afternoon, take a 20-minute walk down to the banks of the Modi Khola river to soak in natural thermal hot springs.
Elevation: 2,310m $\to$ 1,780m
Distance & Time: ~8.5 km | 4–5 hours

A short final walk along the lower valley, crossing one of Nepal’s longest suspension bridges near Jhinu. Reach the roadhead at Matque or Siwai. Board a private 4×4 jeep or local transport for the drive back to Pokhara. Check into your Lakeside hotel for a warm shower, rest, and dinner by Phewa Lake.
Elevation: 1,780m $\to$ 820m (Pokhara)
Distance & Time: ~4–5 km trekking (1.5–2 hours) + 2.5-hour drive

Spend the morning resting or sightseeing in Pokhara—options include boating on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda, or exploring Devi’s Fall. In the afternoon, transfer to Pokhara Domestic Airport for your 25-minute scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel.

Essential safety cushion day in case domestic mountain flights between Pokhara and Kathmandu are delayed or canceled due to weather. Use this time for leisure, deep-tissue massage, visiting Patan Durbar Square, or buying souvenirs in Thamel.

Check-out from your hotel. Private transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) approximately 3 hours prior to your scheduled international flight home.