Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 16 Days

If it’s a clear day when you are flying into Kathmandu, then your tour begins right from the skies itself. The sights from the windows of our jet shows us glimmering snow-capped mountain peaks spread out down below us, giving us the first thrills of our just begun vacation, sparking off a whole reaction of unforgettable experiences that stay with us for some time to come. As soon as your plane hits the tarmac of Tribhuwan International Airport, Leaf Holiday office representative and driver will be on standby to meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rep will help you check into your designated hotel, and after going to our rooms and refreshing ourselves we will be briefed about our daily activities. The rest of your time is free to move around the neighborhood and get familiar with your surroundings. In the evening we will meet our senior trek guide who will brief the group about details related to our trek. Your first overnight in the ancient city of temples, probably the most in the world. Breakfast

After a good night’s sleep and enjoying a hearty b/fast, we proceed for our tour of Basantapur Durbar Square. Recorded by UNESCO as a cultural World Heritage site, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a bunch of medieval temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. within this square we will find Hanumandhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess), Kasthamandap and other temples and buildings as old as the city itself; from here we head for a tour of the famous Boudhanath Stupa {said to be the largest in the world) and a major centre of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu. The stupa is designed to be like a giant mandala (a representation of the Buddhist cosmos).

We next drive down to Swayambhunath {popularly known as Monkey Temple} “Swayambhu” means “self-created” and refers to the myth that the hill sprung up suddenly from a great lake that once covered Kathmandu Valley. Our next destination is Pashupatinath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva and is said to be the most holy Hindu shrine in Nepal. Hereabouts we see a cremation ritual of Hindus at ‘Aryaghat’, the cremation area of the temple. This cremation site is used for the once royal family of Nepal and also for the simple Nepalese people who live within the country. We then wrap up our Heritage tour with a trip to Patan which is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu and a destination for connoisseurs of great arts. We take a tour of the Patan Durbar Square - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the square is the Patan Museum (originally a Malla palace), Krishna Mandir- a stone temple of Lord Krishna with its 21 spires and art that displays scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics, this includes the Royal Bath or 'Tushahity' and the nearby Hindu and Buddhist temples. We return back to our hotel, refresh, and head down to the airport for our short flight to the city of lakes - Pokhara. Breakfast

From Pokhara, we get on a bus which will take us to Phedi. And from this point we begin our trekking in the lovely Annapurna mountain region. As we climb uphill, we will bask in the grandeur of nature and our trails become more adventurous. Finally, after walking for 3 hours, we encounter several roadside teashops and at last our trail goes by bamboo forest which is damp and chilly and then ascends steadily with fewer steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most charming stretch of the day. The vegetation is sparser, allowing delightful views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock face cliffs above with bands of flimsy waterfalls. Overnight at a lodge in Deurali – B. L. D

We hike by the same trail until Chomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar there is an experimental sheep farm, from this farm, the trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields. From Chomrong the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu hot spring, and this is where we can freak out with bath in this natural hot springs. They say it sooths a tired body. Overnight at a lodge – B. L. D

We go by the same path down today as the trail drops by 1,700m to the banks of Modi Khola to Bamboo at 2,345m where there are several teahouse/lodges available to stay at. Overnight at a lodge – B. L. D

We hike by bamboo forest which is damp and chilly and then ascend steadily with fewer steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most charming stretch of the day.

The vegetation is sparser, allowing delightful views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock face cliffs above with bands of flimsy waterfalls. Overnight at a lodge in Deurali – B. L. D

As we hike the Annapurna circuit trail for 2 hours, we descend a small ridge branching out from the mountain pass to mountainside with widespread green terraced fields displaying serene meadows and lush abundant farming land. As we reach Annapurna South Base Camp, we begin to eyewitness awe-inspiring pictorial landscapes, grandiose panoramic views of snow-capped mountainous peaks and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif. This dazzling display of sweet nature is something we’ll never forget. After this wonderful experience, we head down to our lodge – B. L. D

This is the ideal place to enjoy a rest day, but we ought not to remain idle. We can explore the surrounding area and enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes that are in abundance around here. We can also use the time to freshen up or wash our inside garments, maybe we can also catch up with our favorite novels. We do some discovering and chill out…our way. B. L. D

Leaving base camp, the trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on the west bank, the trail passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky trail (beware of the stinging nettles) you reach three hotels at Sinuwa, at 2350m. Climb in rhododendron forests to Kuldi, at 2520m. Descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests. It is then only a short distance on a muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge (2340m.) and Dovan - overnight at our lodge – B. L. D

From Dovan, we hike along the mountain path of stone steps, pass through a pretty hamlet, cross a suspension bridge and then we walk through dense forest of bamboo. Finding ourselves in complete isolation amidst the serenity of nature can be quite an experience. Our trek does not stop here. After trekking for a while, we approach teahouses at Jhinu where we can relax and enjoy a drink or snacks. We then resume our trek to the north, descending Daaulu and after having walked for five hours, we soon find ourselves at Chhomrong. From Chhomrong we can get gripping views of Machhapuchare. There are many chalet-style wooden lodges at Chhomrong where we can get accommodation and food. B. L. D

We first descend further along the trail showcasing rich rhododendron forests, splendidly cascading sparkling mountain streams and other magical vistas of nature that surprise us. After continuously climbing for 3 hours, we step on the territory of Tadapani at an altitude of 2590m. Tadapani offers the most awesome mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South. We then crash out for the night at our lodge – B. L. D

From Tadapani, we hike at our pace further along steep trails. Nature displays exotic sight of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life before us. We climb through rhododendron forest to Deurali [3100m] and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields. We then continue walking for 3 hours and finally we will find ourselves in Ghorepani. Ghorepani also houses lodges to provide food and accommodation to travelers. We bunk out at our lodge. B. L. D

Today is one of those extraordinary days because we top off Poon Hill - an emblem of Annapurna region. To witness the regal grandeur of sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3200m). Poon Hill is a box office viewpoint from where we are able to enjoy brilliant panoramic views of Mustang and Pokhara valleys including the closest views of more than 20 famous mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us shimmering in the morning light. After taking photos and having some coffee/tea or hot chocolate, we head to Ulleri with a steep 2 hours climb and then level gently passing through the Magar villages of Ulleri at (2070m.) and Banthanti. On the way, we get lovely scenic views of Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Annapurna south (7219m). Now our trail gets easier as it passes through forest and descends gently to Ulleri for the night in our lodge. B. L. D

Today we wrap up our trek at Nayapul followed by a short drive back to Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, we check into our hotel, refresh with some drinks and snack, maybe even have a bath; and then proceed for a half day guided tour that will include visiting some beautiful places like David’s water fall, Tibetan refugee settlement camp and Gupteshwar cave in a private vehicle with a professional guide. We also do some boating on the tranquil Fewa Lake. We then will have a relaxing afternoon where we can simply chill out with some cold beers. Overnight at the hotel – Breakfast

After b/fast, we hang around for some time before our flight, and in this spare time we can do some shopping. We then get into our vehicle and head down to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu. On touching Kathmandu, our day is free to do our own things. For suggestions, you can do some valley shopping, or enjoy a thrilling scenic Everest mountain flight, or even mountain biking, there are a whole lot of other activities if you feel like it. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a cultural performance by the local belles. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.) Overnight at your hotel – Breakfast

After breakfast, our rep and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer you to the airport for your connecting flight home.