Annapurna Base Camp Trek

After you arrive at the international terminal of Kathmandu airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to a hotel by the Himalayan Forever staff. When you arrive at the hotel, check out your incredible rooms, and then, once you've had a chance to rest, visit the Himalayan Forever office for a meeting. 

After breakfast, a city and cultural tour guide from Himalayan Forever will meet you at the hotel for an exciting day city tour drive. The drive passes through Kathmandu's historical Durbar Square and Palace Courtyard. It is the right place to witness Nepalese cultures and offers the views of ancient monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our next stop is Swayambhunath Stupa, which carries a history of 2,600 years. It is a Buddhist monument that is one of Nepal's most well-known landmarks and is located on a hillside west of Kathmandu. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Square, stands as a testament to the city's royal history. Surrounded by ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encapsulates centuries of Nepalese architecture. The square served as the royal palace for the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Hanuman Dhoka Palace, a complex adorned with intricately carved wooden windows and doors. The Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari, adds an air of mystique to the square. The Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju, occasionally makes appearances at her window, captivating onlookers.

Exploring the narrow alleys surrounding the square reveals hidden courtyards, shrines, and vendors selling traditional artifacts. The combination of historical charm and vibrant street life makes Kathmandu Durbar Square an unforgettable destination.

Pashupati Nath:

A short journey eastward leads to the sacred grounds of Pashupati Nath, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Nestled on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupati Nath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws pilgrims from across the globe.

The main temple, adorned with intricate wood carvings and golden spires, stands as the focal point of the complex. Only Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctum, but visitors can witness the rituals and ceremonies from the eastern bank of the river. The atmosphere is infused with spirituality as devotees perform rituals, sadhus (holy men) meditate, and the scent of incense wafts through the air.

Pashupati Nath is not only a religious site but also a reflection of Nepal's rich architectural heritage. The surrounding area, with its ancient statues, shrines, and ghats, provides a serene backdrop to this spiritual haven.

Boudha:

Heading northeast from Pashupati Nath, the journey culminates at the iconic Boudha Stupa, a symbol of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colossal white dome, adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha, dominates the landscape, creating a serene and contemplative ambiance.

The Boudha Stupa is encircled by a bustling market, where locals and tourists alike peruse a plethora of shops offering Tibetan artifacts, prayer flags, and traditional handicrafts. The rhythmic prayer chants, the spinning of prayer wheels, and the fluttering of colorful flags create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The stupa itself is a marvel of symmetry and symbolism. Pilgrims circumambulate the structure, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers, while monks in nearby monasteries engage in their daily rituals. As the sun sets, the stupa is illuminated, casting a tranquil glow that adds to the spiritual aura.

Our guide will drive you back to the hotel for lunch. You will get ready for an exciting scenic flight to Nepalgunj city located in the Far Mid-South West Nepal where you will spend the night. 

Enjoy the views of Annapurna Himalayas while having early morning breakfast and depart from the hotel. Take an exciting drive from Pokhara towards a scenic countryside. After few hours of pleasant drive, the route diverts on the dirt trail from Nayapul town to Bhirethati village. 

Drive alongside the Modi River for a while, before reaching on winding uphill route to Ghandruk. It is a popular and aesthetic village around southern Annapurna Himalayas, and Gurung are the main tribes of Ghandruk and Annapurna Himalaya region.

Our team will arrange you a nice lodge for overnight stay in Gandruk.  Before that, you can enjoy the afternoon free time by exploring the village of Ghandruk. You may also visit the small Gurung museum that provides best information of the Gurung people and of the Annapurna region.

Get ready for a long and exciting six hours hike towards Chomrong village after having breakfast. The route starts from Ghandruk village towards Kimrong ridge. You can find number of houses serving as lodges and restaurants around Kimrong river valley. After having lunch in Kimrong village, hike through uphill trail which leads to Chomrong village.

Follow the easy gentle winding stone paved path and you will reach Chomrong village for overnight halt. It is a large Gurung settlement and the last permanent village on route to Annapurna base camp and sanctuary. 

Hike downhill alongside Chomrong stream, and then climb through stone steps towards Sinuwa Danda, a small hill top  area with houses serving like lodges, shops. Rest there for a while and follow through a winding forested path which leads to Bamboo, which is located on a forest full of bamboo trees, rhododendron and pine tree lines. 

From there, hike uphill through a dense forest alongside Modi River gorge, before reaching a beautiful settlement of Dovan. Overnight stay in Dovan and enjoy the sound of raging Modi River.

From Dovan, hike early in the morning alongside a beautiful waterfall and Modi River. You'll get closer to large overhanging Hinko Cave, and then reach Himalaya Hotel.

Take a short rest and hike downhill on rocky path and then climb through open field which leads to Deurali, a nice place with several nice lodges. Enjoy your lunch there prepare for a big climb towards MBC (Machhapuchare Base Camp). Walk alongside Modi River which leads to steep climb and small bamboo grooves before reaching MBC. Overnight stay in nice local lodge. This place is situated beneath towering peak of Machhapuchare Himal(the famous Fish-Tail peak).

Enjoy the heavenly views of Annapurna-I, Annapurna South and Huin-Chuli peaks with a morning breakfast. Then, start a short climb to enter a plateau of Annapurna Sanctuary. You can see a welcome signboard of Annapurna Base Camp(ABC) eventually.  It is the only 8,000 meters base camp which has nice cozy lodges, and restaurants at 4,130 m high, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.

At reaching ABC, enjoy the glorious panorama of snowy mountain range from the lodge. You can spent the leisure afternoon time by viewing the surrounding arctic landscapes. Stay in the ABC for the night.

While in ABC, enjoy the wonderful time around scenic Annapurna Sanctuary, and continue to walk downhill from MBC. Hike towards Bamboo which goes through an easy downhill route leading back into dense forest. We finally complete the long walk from ABC to Bamboo and stay there for the night. 

On this day, you will be driving back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Based on your departure schedule, you can go to Kathmandu Durbar Square in Thamel and explore the historic palace and museum. In addition to enjoying authentic Nepali food, you can also choose what to buy for souvenirs at Thamel. Overnight stay at Kathmandu. 

(You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in 35 minutes if you choose more ease and luxury. If you do so, you will have more time to explore Pokhara and engage in different activities like cycling and boating.)

This is your last day in Nepal and you should get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. You will be escorted to the airport by the Himalayan Forever Trek guide and team. Our guide and staff will bid you a farewell as you depart for your country. You will surely never forget this wonderful experience and adventure of Upper Dolpa Trekking. Namesty!