Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Short Version)

After a short flight from Kathmandu (capital) to Pokhara, we will catch a drive to Nayapul. From there, we will walk for 10 mins until Birethanti, where there is the checkpoint of TIMS, and across the bridge, another check post of ACAP awaits. Birethanti is a relatively prosperous town with several lodges dotted around the center of the town. From there, the trail goes parallel to the Modi Khola through a series of ups and downs via Syauli Bazaar until we arrive at a junction, which directs Ghandruk to the left.

However, we turn to the other direction and via Himalpani arrive at Jhinu Danda at the end of the day. There is a natural hot spring few distances ahead. It is believed that this hot spring has special powers of healing and regeneration.

Jhinu Danda to Sinuwa doesn’t seem like walking a long distance; however, the frequent switchbacks, on the way, challenge your physical ability time and again. Also, remember to slow down your pace as you climb apparently vertical hills because, at higher altitudes, acclimatization becomes absolutely necessary. Despite all the difficulties, this trek is one of the joyous slogs in the overall Annapurna region of Nepal.

From Jhinu, we will climb a steep trail up to Chhomrong, which is a beautiful village adorned with amazing natives and their evergreen farm fields. Plus, the outstanding mountain views from the hills of Chhomrong is nothing less mesmerizing. The old village of Chhomrong, a few meters down the hill, is a great place to stay and experience the local life. As you follow the path, the trail rigorously climbs up the stone stairs, making it an intense climb until Sinuwa. Once we arrive at Sinuwa, the stupendous view of the Annapurna awaits us.

For the night, we will stay at Sinuwa.

We leave Sinuwa early in the morning because there is a long way to go. For the first few couples of hours, we will intrude through the pleasant forest of Orchids and ferns along the uneven stone trail until Kuldighar. The forest trail continues through the Bamboo until Dovan, a beautiful sunny spot.

The more you climb, the steeper the trail becomes, and the forest grows less dense. On the way, you will notice the lumps of snow by the side of the trail, which are the remains of the old avalanche. Through the open meadows, we extrude out into the Hinku Cave through the Baraha Temple and finally reach Deurali. Just before we arrive there, we could see a stunning overhanging rock that offered shelter to many of the old-days’ porters. Also, you will feel the changes brought by altitude from the Deurali.

Accommodation at a guesthouse at Deurali.

Before climbing up to the Annapurna Base Camp, acclimatization is absolutely necessary. While most of the trekkers rest at the Machhapuchre Base Camp (which indeed is not a base camp), we have already spent one night at high altitude (Deurali). Therefore, it is safe to proceed to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).

The path until Annapurna Base Camp is tucked in the snow on all sides making the trail more slippery and challenging. Within about 2 hours from the Machhapuchre Base Camp, we will be standing on the ABC gazing on the spectacular vistas around. At times, the views are disturbed by the thick hazes; however, it is not quite frequent. We will stay in one of the five lodges at the Annapurna Base Camp.

On this day, we will retrace our steps back to Bamboo from the great Annapurna. It takes approximately 7 hours to get down. Although most part of the way follows a descending trail, it puts pressure more on the knees than on any other parts. Therefore, descending is not an easy task.

However, we will lose the altitude drastically that keeps us out of the threats of altitude sickness. Your guide will manage the accommodation for you.

Again today, we will descend steadily towards Jhinu Danda via Chhomrong. As we reach Jhinu Danda, we will proceed a further step up to Jhinu Hot Spring to take a short dive. It really feels good to stay there. For the night, we will stay at one of the lodges there.

From Jhinu Hot Spring, it takes just a few hours to reach Nayapul via Birethanti. It is physically less demanding and the trail rewards you with the amazing views of the mountains. Probably, this may be the reason why people often admire this trek as the most relaxing one among others. As we reach Nayapul, we will catch a drive to Pokhara and then, return to Kathmandu via the latest flight available.

Once we arrive at Kathmandu, we will check-in to our hotel and spend our overnight.

Throughout every episode of trekking in the Himalayan Quarters of Nepal (Annapurna, Everest, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Langtang, etc.), Holy Mountain Treks (HMT) has valued their guests. Even after this trek, we wanted to give you an awesome farewell, where we will enjoy the food and talk about many other things like family and friends, your passion and hobbies, etc. to keep up the personal connection between you and us. This has been the trend of HMT ever since it was officially launched.

You will be escorted to the airport by one of us before about 3 hours of your scheduled flight.