Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a moderate nature trek that starts at Phedi, a short drive of about 45 minutes from Pokhara, which takes you to the foot [Base Camp, 4130m] of Mt. Annapurna, one of the most magnificent peaks in the world. The trail takes you through fascinating traditional villages of Nepal’s ethnic communities of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali who will greet you very warmly if you cared to stop for a conversation. The hike continues through dense rhododendron forest with towering snowy peaks in the background. The return walk is even more interesting as the trek winds around different ridges towards Ghorepani, where you witness breathtaking views of an early morning sunrise where a red halo seeps through glistening gaps over the snow capped peaks of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Mountains. The sceneries seen throughout this trek grace the landscape of the Himalayas where imagination defines the beauty of nature as an experience that can never be forgotten.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek will be even more interesting in spring as the whole forest along the trail turns red, pink and white with rhododendron flowers. This wonder trip can be done anytime of the year except during the monsoons [July thru August].
Day 01 Pokhara - Birethanti - Ulleri
Drive to Birethanti (1140m) from Pokhara. Walk through the lush, green Modi river valley, past waterfalls with plunge pools that invite you to swim. Ascend steep staircase to Magar village of Ulleri (2070m,) where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below and the peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Day 02 Ulleri - Ghorepani
A gentle climb through pasture and cultivated fields. As the trail climbs higher, you walk up beside the cascading river through refreshingly cool oak and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2840m.)
Day 03 Ghorepani - Tadapani
A short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, and all the way south to the plains of India. Trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with birdlife to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Day 04 Tadapani - Chhomrung
The trail drops down from Tadapani, through dense rhododendron forest. From Ghandrung there are good views of the upper Modi valley. The route starts the long ascent high above the west bank of the Modi Khola, and continues up to the village of Chhomrung (2040m.) Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail facing it across the valley.
Day 05 Chhomrung -Himalayan Hotel
We walk through the forest to Kuldi Ghar , before the route goes steeply down a bank of rock and then levels out, running through riverside bamboo thickets along the base of the gorge. Then the track winds steeply up through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Doban. We camp above Himalaya Hotel (2680m.)
Day 06 Annapurna South Glacier Basin
The track remains on the west bank of the Modi, now flowing through a more open valley, and eventually emerges into the Sanctuary. Straight ahead is the high lateral moraine of the South Annapurna glacier and the Modi follows a deep cliff to the right. This is the site of Machhapuchhre base camp (3480m) from which can be seen a spectacular panorama of mountains. We either camp here or continue north west, staying above the glacial moraine.
Day 07 Annapurna South Base Camp Visit
The route begins on a broad grassy path, before climbing over lateral moraine and down to the beautiful ablation valley. We soon reach the British Expedition Annapurna South Face Base Camp (4234m.) The best views are probably obtained from the crest of the moraine, which we follow until it is cut through by the glacier flowing down from Himal Chuli to the north.
Day 08 Annapurna South Base Camp- Dovan
Descend and follow the same route to a pleasant camp spot at Dovan, which lies on the boundary of the Sanctuary.
Day 09 Dovan - Modi Khola
The trail passes the small village of Khuldi Bikas, before continuing through rhododendron and bamboo fields to the Alpine-style village of Chhomrung. Stony steps climb steeply to Kabre Chautara and soon after we turn off for Landrung, leaving the Ghandrung path dropping away towards the river.
Day 10 Modi Khola - Dhampus
After an easy descent to the Gurung village of Landrung, the trail crosses a pass before arriving at the tiny village of Dhampus, perched high on a ridge.
Day 11 Dhampus - Pokhara
It's a short climb down to Phedi, where we meet the road and drive back to Pokhara. Sadly this is the last day of your trek you return to Pokhara. Pokhara will seem like a teeming metropolis after the serenity of the hill trails. You're last night in Pokhara is a great opportunity to throw a party for the Sherpas and porters.