Annapurna Base Camp Trek - with Intrepid Small Group Tour

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. If you arrive in the city early, make sure to do some exploring. Kathmandu is an incredible mixture of traditional and modern development, with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. Why not take time to climb to the Swayambhunath Temple? Situated on a hilltop, the instantly recognisable stupa with its Buddha eyes attracts a steady stream of pilgrims and the views out over the valley are superb. Alternatively, check out Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess. After your meeting, you might like to get join your fellow travellers for a group dinner.

Leave Kathmandu early this morning and drive to Pokhara. Enjoying a delightful setting on a lake, and beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, Pokhara is an excellent place to relax and prepare for what lies ahead. Part of a once-vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet, this is the land of Magars and Gurungs – hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. This afternoon you’ll have your trek briefing and preparation, and depending on when you arrive, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main streets are full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. If you need to hire some extra trekking gear, then there are numerous shops available offering everything you could possibly need.

Meals: Breakfast

At 8091 m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create incredible panoramas from any viewpoint. This trek covers a wide variety of terrain – lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, you stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali people as they go about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visually superb but also a chance to learn about local cultures. Along the way, see thundering waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and reward yourself with a soak in natural hot springs. A drive will bring you to Nayapul where you commence your trek. Gear up and follow the Bhurungi Khola to Thikhedhunga, trek through farmland before a steep ascent to reach Ulleri. At Ulleri, if the sky is clear, you’ll get views of Annapurna South for the first time.

Ascend to Ulleri Village through a pleasant bare rhododendron forest, then stay overnight at Ghorepani.

Early birds can bounce out of bed to witness the sunrise over Annapurna from nearby Poon Hill – the best place to get views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains. It’ll be an early start, but you have to do this at least once in your life, right? Then the adventure continues as you continue your trek on to Tadapani.

Meals: Breakfast

Keep your sunrise streak going with some stunning views of the Annapurna range from Tadapani, including Machhapuchhare – also called ‘the fishtail’ for its characteristic double-peak. Then descend to Kimrung Khola before climbing again to Chhomrong village, at the base of Hiunchuli (6441 metres). There are breathtaking views of Annapurna from here, plus delicious pizza!

Today, your journey is going to be (literally) full of highs and lows. The trail drops down to the Chorong Khola, where you’ll cross a suspension bridge. Then embark on an uphill adventure by climbing up stone stairs as you make your way to Lower Sinuwa, followed by Upper Sinuwa. Continue to trek to Khuldighar until you come across a mix of trails and stairs going through forests of bamboo and rhododendron, as well as a temple. A beautiful waterfall marks an end of the day’s trek, then head to the teahouse which will be your abode for the night.

Leaving the Himalaya Hotel behind, continue up the narrow valley to Deurali. Sticking to the west bank of the Modi River, enter an open valley near Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Putting it simply, today’s a special one. Ascend further from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp, the highest point of your trek. The views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli and all-around views of many other snowcapped mountains will give you the impression of being on top of the world. You can decide how your legs and your lungs are holding up. You may remain at Machhapuchhre Base Camp or stay at Annapurna Base Camp for the night. The views from both base camps are fantastic – all the hard work to get here is worth it!

Wake up early for the beautiful sunrise view in Base Camp! You're close enough now to (almost!) reach out and touch the peaks of Annapurna 1 (the 10th highest mountain in the world), Macchapucchhre, Annapurna South, Tent Peak, Gangapurna, Himchuli and Annapurna 3. After watching a sunrise on these snowy peaks, head back down the valley the same way to Bamboo (or further if the knees can handle it). It’s a long day but you have plenty of time to get there.

Passing back through the up and down staircases of Chhomrong, continue the decent to Jhinu Danda. If you’d like to give your legs a well-deserved rest, it’s a short walk down to a nearby natural hot spring by the Modi Khola.

You’re getting close to the home stretch now! Trek down to cross the river and continue the ascent to Landruk, Tolkha, Deurali and Pothana.

Meals: Breakfast 

This is the final day of the trek and it’s a short downhill stretch all the way from Pothana to Phedi via Dhampus village – you made it! After lunch, drive to Pokhara and check into your hotel for a well-earned shower and an end-of-trek dinner celebration to enjoy the good things in life – like a cold beer or cocktail!

Meals: Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to unwind, relax and give those muscles a rest after all that trekking. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. It is worth taking a boat for a row out on the lake, especially if the weather's fine. The lakeside area has great shopping opportunities and internet cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. Perhaps visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. You can also visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. Pokhara is a stunning and peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).