Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp

DAY 2-3

Pokhara, Ulleri, and Ghorepani

We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Pokhara. From the plane, we enjoy incredible views of the lush, terraced farms of the Himalayan foothills and the mountain ranges high above them. We will overnight in Pokhara, or we may drive to the village of Ulleri, home to Nepal’s Gurung ethnicity.

The next day, we set out on foot for the first hiking leg of our journey into the heart of the Annapurna Massif. We walk through the verdant foothills of the Himalayas, ascending red dirt paths through rhododendron forests and villages until we reach Ghorepani, our destination for the night. Ghorepani means “Horse Water,“ named for the water troughs once used by passing traders.

Hotel in Pokhara or Lodge in Ulleri (1 night)
Lodge in Ghorepani (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 4

Poon Hill and Tadapani

Today we rise early to climb Poon Hill, one of the best mountain viewpoints in all of Nepal. We watch the sunrise illuminate the magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then descend back to Ghorepani for brunch. In the afternoon, we cross Deurali Pass and trek through tropical forest to Tadapani, which means “Far Water.”

Lodge in Tadapani (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 5-7

Chhomrong to Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Today we descend through the rainforest and emerge onto farmland on the side of a deep valley. The trail descends into this valley and takes a bridge across the river, then ascends the far side until we crest a hill above the much larger Modi Khola Valley. Shortly, we arrive in Chhomrong where we’ll stay the night. The next day, we ascend gently through forests of rhododendron and bamboo while keeping an eye out for monkeys. We reach a fork in the trail and bear right to the tiny settlement of Bamboo, where we take a welcome break for lunch in one of the teahouses near the river. In the afternoon, we leave the river and climb again to our lodge in Dovan.

Finally, we enter the Annapurna Sanctuary! As we leave Dovan, we catch sight of spectacular waterfalls cascading from the massive glaciers high above us. Our trail steepens as we ascend through the tiny hamlet of Himalaya and pass Hinku Cave, Fish Tail Mountain towers high above us as we walk into Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Lodge in Chhomrong (1 night)
Lodge in Dovan (1 night)
Lodge at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking

DAY 9-12

Jhinu Danda, Pokhara, and Kathmandu

Leaving the towering peaks behind, we descend back down the Modi Khola Valley past Chhomrong, to Jhinu Danda, where we spend the night. In the morning, we cross one of the longest suspension bridges in Nepal and trek to a small roadside village, where we meet our jeep drivers for the return to Pokhara. We have an extra contingency day if needed, which we spend exploring Pokhara or fly back to Kathmandu.

Finally, we say farewell to our staff and depart to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is flexible depending on the desires of the group. Some may simply want to relax and shop in Thamel, while others may tour Kathmandu’s many world heritage sites.
Or extend your trip by continuing to a summit attempt of Tent Peak

Lodge in Jhinu Danda (1 night)
Hotel in Pokhara (1-2 nights)
Hotel in Kathmandu (1-2 nights)
Activity Strenuous Hiking