Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 14 Days

On the first day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 14 Days, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport from your country. Our representative will pick you up and escort you to your hotel. You can either rest or stroll around the city.

Kathmandu holds numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites which tell of Nepal’s deep spiritual roots. One of them that could not be missed is Swayambhunath or Monkey Temple, looming over a hill that offers a 360-degree view of the city down below. The other landmark here is the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the largest stupas of Buddhism globally, where pilgrims walk clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and uttering mantras. The grand architecture of Durbar Square adds more contrast to the cultural fabric of the city; a wonderful assemblage of intricately carved wooden palaces and temples. 

With this, you check into your lovely hotel, and either take the opportunity to hit the streets, embracing the life of the city or take the time to rest for the trek coming up. As is customary, the trek briefing will occur in the evening, where the guide will give some final details about your journey. Half-excited, you spend your first evening in Nepal, knowing tomorrow your real journey begins.

The ride to Pokhara from Kathmandu is a whole adventure by itself that takes about 6-7 hours by tourist bus and 25 minutes by air. You can take the winding Prithvi Highway, absorbing a breathtaking panorama of terraced hills, green valleys, and the Trishuli River far down below along which white-water rafters often navigate through the rapids. On the way, small roadside villages offer glimpses into the life of the locals-farmers with their rice paddies, while children wave to the vehicles crossing their paths.

Near Pokhara, the environment changes drastically, giving room to offer uninterrupted views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains that tiptoe over the horizon. The serene city by the Phewa Lake is a beloved place for trekkers and nature lovers. Many a traveler will be seen enjoying a boat ride on the lake, marveling at the mighty peaks cast into reflection on the tranquil water. The gentle atmosphere rests on the shoulders of a cool mountain breeze, making a well-deserved spot to chill and unwind before trekking kicks in.

Evening brings an exploration of the Lakeside—an energetic area studded with restaurants, cafes, and trekking gear shops. Enjoying either a traditional Nepali meal or a cup of tea and watching the sunset on the lake gives Pokhara that charmingly relaxed yet energizing feel. Excitement is already settling in as you hit the sack, looking forward to a start the very next morning.

Today, you wake up and take an early morning drive to Nayapul from Pokhara. This is the gateway to the Annapurna region and it takes roughly an hour and a half to reach. During the drive, some scenic villages, terraced farmlands, and lush green hills can be seen. Reaching Nayapul, the trek starts, crossing a small bridge across the Modi Khola River. The trail goes up a gentle ascent through subtropical forests and small Gurung villages with warm smiles and greetings from locals. The good path consists of some stone steps and several suspension bridges providing thrilling river crossings that have become the route.

You wind through the village of Birethanti, which is also the checkpoint for registering the permits. A gradual ascent along the trail that cuts through terraced fields of rice, millet, and wheat exhibits nice views of the valleys below, marked with small teas houses where you can stop to sip a few Nepali teas. You would also come across donkey caravans transporting goods – one of the typical sights in the foothills of the Himalayas. Combine this background with the sound of streaming water and chirping birds, and you’ll be trekking into a very interesting place.

The real challenge of the day comes with the ascent of thousands of stone steps that climb toward Ulleri, a Magar village clinging on the hillside. It is a great test of your endurance but worth all the effort for the mountain views and your strong sense of accomplishment. Once at Ulleri, you are welcomed by magnificent southern views towards Annapurna and Hiunchuli. The village is characterized by traditional stone houses-and, of course, the friendly local population. Settle into a nice little tea house and prepare for your next trek towards Ghorepani.

On the fourth day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 14 Days, you will trek to Ghorepani from Ulleri. The trail rises out of Ulleri through the deep woods of rhododendron and oak, often surrounded by mist, giving the trek an eerie effect. The stone path is well-maintained but partially steep and requires constant upkeep. The rhododendron forest is beautiful in spring when bright red, pink, and white flowers blanket much of this part of the trek.

Vegetation changes as you gain altitude, and the air becomes cooler. The trek is considered gradually moderate, with some sections rising steeply, only to descend gently thereafter. There is always warm hospitality extended to trekkers by the local villagers, most of whom are Magar and Gurung. Their culture is entrenched in the mountains, and you will see the fluttering of prayer flags, which are symbols of the Buddhist faith. 

After a few hours of trekking, you will walk to Ghorepani, another major stop for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp routes. The village sits strategically on a ridge, presenting stunning vistas of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri. All is set for rest in Ghorepani, with hot food and pleasant company at the friendly tea houses, before the dawn climb to Poon Hill the following day.

Today, you start a trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m) early in the morning. You will climb up steeply for an hour in darkness, headlamp illuminating the way up through rhododendron forests. It breaks at the viewpoint to reveal the dawn light spilling out across the Himalayas. The sun rises and touches the snow-capped summits with a golden hue as the daylight progresses over the massive Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and other towering peaks. One of the greatest breathtaking panoramas, it is one of the best-known viewpoints in Nepal that draws photographers and trekkers from all over the world.

Having enjoyed the beautiful, golden views and clicked stunning pictures, you head back to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing up to Tadapani. The trail climbs denser forests initially, going past moss-laden ridges to descend. It meanders through streams and waterfalls, occasionally clearing up to give the trekker a glimpse of the mountains. This part of the trek abounds with life, from the black-faced langurs to the colorful Himalayan pheasants and much more.

Tadapani, which means ‘Far Water’, is an insignificant village set on a ridge so that you can see Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli close up. It is completely surrounded by thick forests, making the place uninhabited and peaceful. The sound of leaves rustling in the wind, plunging waterfalls far in the distance makes an excellent place to unwind after a long hike. You will spend the night in a cozy teahouse, recharging for the journey ahead.

The trek from Tadapani starts by descending through a thick rhododendron forest, with mist in the morning an artist adding to the mystique of the atmospheric scenery. The trail is serene, with birdsong and the occasional glimpse of the snow-capped horizon through the thick forest cover. Further down, the landscape opens up, and views of the terraced fields and tiny settlements break through. Climbing and descending, the trail leads past Gurjung, a Gurung village where a quick rest can afford a chance to interact with the local people and taste a cup of traditional tea.

Moving along, the trail ascends gently toward Chhomrong, considered one of the largest and most beautiful villages along the trail. Perched on the slope of a hill, Chhomrong bestows stunning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare (Fishtail). This Gurung village is an essential checkpoint for the trekkers towards the Annapurna Sanctuary.The farmlands on the hillside surrounding the village depict the verdant agricultural heritage, while the neatly maintained teahouses are a warm haven. As you relax, a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas against the starry night sky will be a memory for life.

From Chhhomrung, a downward trek leads to Chhomrong Khola through a sturdy suspension bridge. The ascent is highly strenuous to Sinuwa. The ascent is challenging, but you can have a view of surrounding mountains and deep valleys. After entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, the scenery now turns into dense bamboo and rhododendron forests than that of the earlier settlement. The temperature of the air begins to cool, and the sounds of rushing water through the forest ring through hidden waterfalls.

It is a continuous, gentle up and down, through the small settlement of Upper Sinuwa, before the trail descends to Bamboo, a peaceful village deep within a forest. The village itself truly mirrors its name, with thick groves of hanging bamboo trees surrounding it, thus creating a cool and tranquil ambiance. There are a few teahouses, which provide pretty and basic accommodation. Silence is, however, broken now and then by the rustle of leaves, distant calls from animals, and others. Hence, Bamboo is, perfect for resting and recuperating prior to trekking at high altitudes.

From Bamboo, the trail proceeds through a dense forest filled with moss-covered trees and ferns which extends serenity to almost mysticism. Ascent is gradual with several small wooden bridges crossing the streams of mountains. There you cross Dovan, one more small settlement with tea houses and resting stops. The air is obviously thinner as you climb and dry the landscape begins to change. Where there were once trees, ochre and more rugged terrain replace them. The forest opens to valleys around sheer cliffs as you approach Himalaya. 

The little settlement is enriched with views of steep rock faces and glimpses ahead of snow-clad mountains. Farther you go, the lesser the trekkers are compared to the lower villages, leaving Himalaya with a peaceful remoteness. Here the sound of Modi Khola river reverberates all over the valley, carrying the chilled mountain breath, reminding you are getting closer to the real Annapurna Sanctuary.

The ninth day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 14 Days is one of the most rewarding as you head toward the conclusive destination of Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The trail heads to Deurali, where the valley opens up with stunning glacier-carved scenery. Once beyond Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), which is very impressive, the climb gets steeper below the hallowed Machapuchare Mountain. From here the air is fresh, and the last scramble toward ABC is a gentle rise over rocky terrain. 

Reaching Annapurna Base Camp is greeted with a 360-degree panoramic view of some of the tallest peaks of the world: Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. The towering ice walls and the colossal body of the Annapurna Glacier cast a spell over the entire landscape. When the sun sets, the mountains glow in pink and orange hues, which is one of the most remarkable sights in the Himalayas. The night will be spent gazing out at all this, and you will cherish the moment with a heavy sense of accomplishment.

Today, you will go back to re-trace steps in the sanctuary that you have just stepped from. It would not only bring you memories of ascent but be as aesthetic as the ascent because of how morning light-play shadows across the glaciers and rocks cliffs. Even at Machapuchare Base Camp, Deurali, the lighter density of oxygen in the air and a lower altitude take to ease, allowing movement to make better comfort. This trail has been taken back to Dovan, even if the views changed for its return the other way always invoking fresh gasps for these towering sceneries. 

Then, you will head back to dense forest areas of bamboo and rhododendron which so long ago became absent from the alpine zone. When Dovan welcomes you, the warm breath of air comes back that would have created a new impression compared to the ugly heights of ABC. Overnight stay at a tea house.

The eleventh day of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 14 Days will take you to Jhinu Danda. The path leads downhill through Bamboo and Sinuwa, retracing the way back into Chhomrong. The steep ascent into Chhomrong is one of the last major climbs of the trek; however, the incredible views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare justify the effort. After passing over the village, the trail descends sharply toward Jhinu Danda, a tiny village known for the natural hot springs.

Jhinu Danda provides an excellent opportunity to relax in warm water hot springs by the river. After consecutive days of trekking, a soak in the mineral-rich water is indeed a soothing and gratifying experience. The village itself has a quiet ambiance, terraced farms, and glorious views of the sunset over the rolling hills. Hence, the relaxing environment suits well to commemorate the nearing end of your trek.

The final day of trekking brings the hiker down an easy trail alongside the river Modi Khola. It gently descends through a narrow trail alongside small villages and terraced fields to walk in a way that feels relaxed, taking in the last sights of the Annapurna foothills. It’s a last moment of looking around at pretty villages: you now see the people who have ended up in a circle, exchanging words once more with those who want to hike through such areas.

At Nayapul, get into a vehicle to drive back to Pokhara. You will return to the woods after a wonderful experience, coming straight away to Pokhara’s lakeside area; to celebrate this trek would mean a hearty meal down into some warm confines, possibly enjoying a lakeside sunset over Phewa Lake.

You may either prefer taking a scenic drive or a short flight back to Kathmandu. If driving, then you will follow the familiar Prithvi Highway – one last glimpse at all that is countryside rolling hills, rivers, and villages. If flying, you get a 25-minute flight that gives you fantastic aerial views of the Himalayas as you have your last look at the peaks under which you trekked. 

And in the evening, you will be back again at Kathmandu. Rest of the day is your own: wander, shop for souvenirs, or sit in some rooftop café. That evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali food for reminiscing about the journey and bonding with trekkers over those things they did.

Today, you will depart from Nepal as you have completed the Annapurna Base Camp Trek 14 Days successfully. Our representative will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport and you can fly back to your home country.