Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Grace Trekking

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (17 Days)

This is a popular trek. Every day, another wonderful scene.

We’ll see high mountains and villages throughout the trek, enjoy Nepali culture, see houses and schools, learn about crops and the life at altitude. We’ll also see birds and animals and, if in season, rhododendrons.

We’ll get close to Annapurna and reflect on the amazing climbers who have ascended the mountain. Annapurna is the most dangerous in the world, not far ahead of K2 mountain.

We will reflect on the great climbers, in particular Maurice Hertzog and Louis Lachenal and their support team who were the first to ascend Annapurna (8,091m) on 3 June 1950. In fact, they were the first to ascend to the summit of an 8,000m mountain. You’ll be trekking in famous footsteps.

Day 1 Kathmandu

We’ll meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the evening a Nepali dinner will be served with a cultural program.

Day 2 Kathmandu

After breakfast you have the option of a city tour with one of our guides. There are many historical landmarks in Kathmandu and many Buddhist and Hindu temples. In the evening, we’ll prepare for the upcoming trek.

Day 3 Flight to Pokhara and drive to Ulleri (1,960m)

Early morning flight to Pokhara. When we get to Pokhara we’ll drive to Hile, and then a short trek to Ulleri. The terraced fields, traditional houses, and panoramic vistas make this a memorable section of the trek.

Day 4 Ghorepani (2,860m)

Ghorepani used to be a water stop for traders’ horses, thus pani is water and ghore is horse. The trade road by-passes Ghorepani now. It is recommended that you rise early and walk to Poon Hill, about an hour’s hike, for the sunrise. You should be able to identify a wide range of mountains from the viewing platform. It’s stunning.

Day 5 Tadapani (2,616m)

We’ll have a panoramic view of some of the world’s highest peaks, such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and others.

Tadapani’s calm environment and mood are among its best features. The town is a paradise for environmental enthusiasts and birdwatchers, encircled by woods of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. The vibrant colours of the rhododendron blooms, particularly in the spring, enhance the area’s attraction. In addition, Tadapani is renowned for its kind smiling locals.

Day 6 Chhomrong (2,170m)

Here we have a stunning location on a hillside overlooking the lush Modi Khola valley with terraced fields, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls. You’ll have views of the majestic Annapurna range, including the iconic Machapuchare peak. The Gurung ethnic community, who are renowned for welcoming visitors with open arms, will invite you to experience the traditional way of life in the Himalayan foothills.

Day 7 Bamboo (2,340m)

The village is surrounded by dense forests, including rhododendron, bamboo, and oak trees. The vibrant colours of the flowers, the serene atmosphere, and the gushing sound of nearby rivers and waterfalls create a peaceful and captivating ambiance.

There are stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On clear days, you can catch glimpses of majestic peaks such as Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South on a little stretch. The snow-capped peaks against the backdrop of the blue sky create a breathtaking spectacle, leaving trekkers in awe of the Himalayan grandeur.

If you’re lucky you may encounter wildlife species like langurs, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and a variety of bird species in this area.

Day 8 Deurali (3,230m)

We are gaining height now and the landscape transforms into rugged terrain, with steep trails and deep valleys. This is a very beautiful village, small and focused on trekkers. It has awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, cascading waterfalls, and the beauty of the natural surroundings.

In addition to a closer view of Machhapuchhre, known locally as “Fishtail,” we’ll now see Hiunchuli, along with other mountains in the Annapurna range. The sight of these towering summits leaves an indelible sense of wonder and admiration. Machhapuchhre has never been summited and is protected now as one of the homes of Lord Shiva.

Day 9 Annapurna Base Camp (4,100m)

We’ll walk slowly uphill, very close to the mountains and the scenery will be very beautiful. The trek takes us as close to 8,091m mountain as you can get, Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world.

It has the highest fatality rate for climbers, close to 30% and mostly on descent. Mount Everest in comparison gets publicity with a 3% fatality rate. The climbers on this mountain deserve our respect. It is worth reading about Maurice Herzog and his French team who were the first to climb Annapurna in 1950.

Day 10 Bamboo (2,316m)

We’ll return from Annapurna Base Camp back to Bamboo.

Day 11 Jhinu Danda (1,780m)

One of the main attractions of Jhinu Danda is its natural hot springs, known as the Jhinu Danda Hot Springs. These hot springs are situated by the Modi Khola river, providing trekkers with a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience after days of hiking. The hot springs are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including terraced fields, forests, and distant mountain views.

Day 12 Tolka (1,700m)

In Tolka we’ll see typical Gurung and Magar people. The many stunning mountain views are still there, still seeking your attention.

Day 13 Dhampus (1,650m)

This is the second last day of the trek. In the evening, we’ll eat together with the Nepali staff and enjoy the moment. Sunrise and sunset views from this hilltop village are an amazing experience.

Day 14 Phedi to Pokhara

We’ll walk for about 3 hours today and have a final lunch with the porters. Afterwards we’ll drive to Pokhara and drop the porters in town. Expect a fun, relaxing evening in an excellent hotel with a Nepali dance and music show later. You’ll have earned it.

Day 15 Pokhara

Pokhara is the capital of Gandaki Province, once an important staging post on the route between China and India. It is considered the tourism capital of Nepal. For all that, it is delightful with its beautiful Phewa Lake and quiet back streets. A walk around Phewa Lake is recommended if you haven’t done enough trekking by now!

Day 16 Flight to Kathmandu

We fly from Pokhara’s modern airport to Kathmandu and enjoy a final view of the Annapurna circuit of mountains. Relax in the high-quality hotel and enjoy our final Nepali dinner.

Day 17 Kathmandu and flight home

You may have time for final sightseeing and, if so, The Garden of Dreams is within walking distance of the hotel and the perfect quiet place to reflect. Today we transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly home.