Annapurna Base Camp with Vitality

Our trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs,

we are met by our staff and transferred to the Hotel in the heart of Thamel.

The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy before our evening trip orientation.

Enjoy a morning touring ancient cities and UNESCO world heritage highlights of the Kathmandu Valley (Swayambhu, Kathmandu Durbar Square) and take a short, late afternoon flight to Pokhara. The flight is about 25 minutes to the beautiful lakeside Pokhara city. The Pokhara Valley offers a spectacular panorama of Nepal’s central Himalayas with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre dominating the skyline. *Included breakfast

Our trek begins with a drive to the terraced mountainsides of Ghandruk.

After an early breakfast, we drive to Syauli Bazar, a small Gurung settlement and the starting point of our trek. From here, the trail climbs steadily through terraced rice fields and farmland. Along the trail, we’ll hear the melodic bells of mule trains long before we see them. We may even spot Rhesus macaque in the alder forest. We’ll pass through small villages, open fields, and forests and be rewarded with bright mountain views like Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Ganggapurna.

Our destination tonight is the village of Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a truly picturesque traditional Gurung settlement with breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. It’s also a model village within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the first and largest conservation area established by the National Trust for Nature Conservation in Nepal. We’ll sit down to the first of many delicious dinners prepared by our amazing crew. *Included breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking: 3-4 hours, 3.5 miles; elevation gain: 2,126’/765m; elevation loss: minimal; Driving 3.5 hours.

Note: Be prepared to ascend and descend stone steps and hike on long stretches of dirt roads throughout the trip.

As we depart Ghandruk, we walk on a dirt road before turning onto a trail that eventually takes us to the top of Kimrong Danda, a small ridgetop settlement. Here, we soak in the spectacular views of Machhapuchhre and gaze down at Ghandruk village, seeing the distance we traveled. After a short break, we descend on the trail to Kimrong Khola River and cross a wooden bridge before heading upwards again to the next ridge.

This afternoon’s hike is a steady climb of 1600’ to a small tea shop where we take a break. Hiking to Chomrong, our home for the night, we follow an easy contour trail leading to our night’s lodging. Relax with a coffee and enjoy the breathtaking views (weather permitting) of the deep valley and snow capped peaks including impressive Annapurna South (23,684’/7,220m). *Included breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking: 5 hours, 8 miles; elevation gain: 2,132’/650m; elevation loss: 1,312’/400m

Today the trail descends steeply to the banks of the river Chomrung Khola. We cross over the river on a suspension bridge, then climb steeply through bamboo thickets leading to the small village of Sinuwa Danda. Here, the trail levels off and follows a ridge traveling through rhododendron and bamboo forests, always in view of the mountains.

After descending through Khudi and Bamboo village, we hike for about 1.5 additional hours and reach Dovan. The trail still continues through the forest ascending and descending in some portions. We enter into a small opening area where few lodges are operated in the village of Himalaya. *Included breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking: 7-8 hours, 9.3 miles; elevation gain: 3,900’/1191m; elevation loss: 967’’/295m

• Elevation Loss at first 295 meters from Chomrung to Chumrung Khola
• Elevation Gain from Chumrung to Dovan 2320 meters is 138
• Elevation Gain from Chumrung Khola 1887 meters to Dovan 2320 meters is 433 meters
• Elevation Gain from Dovan 2320 meters to Himalaya 2900 meters is 620 meters

From Himalaya, we will start going uphill towards Deurali first, which takes about 2 hours. Deurali is located right after we cross the Hinku Cave. The view from Deurali is just amazing with sheer rock cliffs on both sides of the ridge. We will be hiking along the side of the Modi River from Deurali for about 2hrs until we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Here at MBC, we still stop for our lunch and enjoy some rest, before we make our last 2 hrs ascend up to Annapurna Base Camp. After trekking for about six hours the trail reaches Annapurna Base Camp, where we establish camp for the night. *Included breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking: 7 hours, 8 miles; elevation gain: 4,035’/1230m;

• Elevation Himalaya 2900 meters
  Elevation ABC 4130 meters
  Elevation gain 1397 meters

If there was ever a morning warranting an early wake-up – this is that morning, as the sunrise over Annapurna South is well worth any missed minutes of extra sleep. Enjoy the show with a hot drink, then settle in for a hearty breakfast, snap a few last-minute photographs, then prepare for our descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan.

Along the way, the air becomes more oxygen-rich and the ice-clad walls of the sanctuary give way to green vegetation and the hillsides once become dotted with small villages and terraced farmland. *Included breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking: 7 – 8 hours, 8.5 miles; elevation gain: (none); elevation loss: 5,348/1630m

Today it is worth getting up early in the morning and starting the trek early, as you want to get to the hot springs. Bamboo to Jhinu Danda 1,740m/ 5,709 feet, which will take approximately 5 hours. We continue to retrace our steps through the rhododendron and bamboo forest, where the trail then descends very steeply from Chhomrung to Jhinu and the Hot Springs. *Included breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking: 7-8 hours, 7.3 miles

Today, we crosss the Jhinu river and drive back to Pokhara. The drive from the jeep pickup point to Pokhara will be about 4hrs or little less.

So, you will reach Pokhara before 6pm. *Included breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hiking: 1 hour

Drive: about 4 hours

The perfect way to start a morning in this beautiful nature lovers town after hiking for 9 days is with an early morning 90 minute Yoga session. Pokhara is a yogi destination and your body will thank you for the treat by a local instructor.

After the Yoga Session, we will enjoy our breakfast at the Hotel, and freshen up to explore Pokhara. *Included breakfast

Wake up to sunrise on Fishtail, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. This morning, we will take a flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will drive to Boudhanath Stupa. After Boudhanath Stupa, we will drive to Patan Durbar Square.

Later in the late afternoon, we will go to our hotel, check in and go for a farewell dinner. *Included breakfast

We will reminisce one last time about our memorable adventure, say goodbyes and depart for your next destinations. *Included breakfast