Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Lakeside Calm Before the Climb.

Catch a morning flight or drive to Pokhara’s peaceful valley. The air smells of pine and lake mist as Annapurna’s peaks peek through clouds. In the afternoon, stroll along Phewa’s shores beneath swaying palms and gather with the group for a lakeside dinner. You’ll feel tranquility wash over you – a gentle beginning to the rugged days ahead.

First Steps into Mountain Rhythm.

After a short drive up the winding hills, the trailhead at Dampus bids farewell to city noise. As we climb through terraced fields and prayer-flag-lined ridges, snow-capped Annapurna South peers from behind rhododendron groves. The earthy scent of pine fills the air. Arriving in Landruk by late afternoon, we settle into a cozy lodge and watch the sun warm the valley of distant peaks.

Hot Springs and Village Life.

Today’s trail dips and rises through forests. By midday we reach Jhinu Danda, where a thundering waterfall spills into natural hot pools. Steam curls around the stones — perfect for soaking away sore legs and celebrating the mid-trek milestone. After a bubbly break, we continue to Chomrong’s charming village, then descend a bit to Lower Sinuwa. Night falls on the forest as lantern light glows in the lodge windows.

Bamboo Cathedrals and Alpine Skies.

A chorus of birds sees us off. The trail now climbs steadily, at first through a lush bamboo “cathedral” swaying in the breeze. Higher up, dense rhododendrons blush under foot. By afternoon we pause at Dovan for lunch on a mossy bank by the roaring river. Afterward, the forest opens to sweeping meadows; prayer flags snap overhead as we reach Deurali around dusk. From this ridge-top camp, the cold breeze carries whispering promises of the peaks to come.

Touching the Sky.

This is the big day! In the crisp dawn, we first climb to Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the jutting “Fish Tail” peak looming above us. After a tea break watching its shadow stretch across the valley, the final push begins. Each switchback brings snowfields and jagged ice walls into view, until the Annapurna Sanctuary’s bowl finally opens: ABC lies ahead, dotted with tents and teahouses. You stand on stony ground at 4,130m, swaddled by 360° of towering white giants. As evening falls, watch the circling Annapurnas blush in the twilight — a quiet triumph settles over the camp.

Grateful Descent.

With hearts full of mountains, we retrace steps under the morning sun. We pause once more at Machhapuchhre Base Camp to soak in the view, then begin our descent down through Deurali’s slopes and past bamboo forests. The air feels richer and warmer as we lose altitude; smiles are as high as our altitude was yesterday. By nightfall, we’re back in Lower Sinuwa, swapping stories of the summit over steaming plates of dal bhat and the comforting crackle of the hearth.

Hot Springs and Village Hum.

Today is a steady drop toward the valley. The forest surrounds us in shades of green, birds darting overhead. By midday we reach Chomrong, alive with clanking cow bells and children’s laughter in terraced fields. Afternoon finds us walking to the hidden grotto of Jhinu: a ribbon of river and falls leading to our reward. Slide into the warm spring pools as dusk falls, letting the mineral water ease every ache. Above, stars appear between fir tree branches, and voices tell tales of the trail beside the fire.

From Mountains to Lakes.

Our final trek day winds through quiet forest to the village of Matque, where a waiting jeep means the journey home. The ride down rumples past cliffside villages, before the peaks give way to Pokhara’s valley. As the lake reappears in the distance, you’ll feel relief and nostalgia mingle. Check into your lakeside hotel and celebrate with a hearty meal and hot shower — city comforts taste especially sweet after the wilds.

Lakeside Leisure and Peaceful Vistas.

Stay another day to savor Pokhara. At sunrise, a boat paddles you across Phewa’s mirrored waters, Machhapuchhre’s reflection behind you. Later visit the mystical Gupteshwor Caves and thunderous Davis Falls, feeling the cool mist on your face. In the golden evening light, climb (or taxi) up to the Peace Stupa, where Pokhara’s lights sparkle beneath the stars. Amid the gentle bustle, you’ll spot familiar faces from the trek — laughter over Nepali chai as you relive favorite moments.

Farewell to the Peaks.

A final morning by the lake or last-minute shopping, and then it’s time to board a short flight back to Kathmandu. Watch the Annapurna range fade from view, already dwelling in memory. In the capital’s busy streets, share final stories over dumplings and butter tea. You leave Nepal with legs tired but spirits soaring, mountain dust in your shoes and mountain dreams in your heart.