Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 13-Day Guided Himalayan Adventure

Summary

Hiking to Annapurna Base Camp: Rhododendron Trails & Himalayan Views

You’ll hike through forests bursting with rhododendrons, climb ancient stone steps past mountain villages, catch sunrise at Poon Hill, soak tired muscles in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, and stand surrounded by snowy peaks at Annapurna Base Camp—all guided by locals who know every twist of the trail.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of Tribhuvan Airport was the mix of incense and city dust—Kathmandu’s signature welcome. Our guide, Ramesh, met us with a grin and a sign I almost missed in the crowd. After a quick drive weaving through scooters and street vendors, we reached our hotel tucked away in Thamel. That evening, over sweet masala tea, Ramesh laid out the plan for our Annapurna Base Camp trek. He checked our gear (turns out I’d packed way too many socks) and gave us tips on what to expect—especially about the weather swings up in the mountains.

The next morning, we left early for Pokhara. The bus ride followed the Trisuli River most of the way—windows down, you could smell wet earth after a short rain shower. We stopped at a roadside place for dal bhat; it was simple but filling. Pokhara felt like another world—calmer, with Phewa Lake reflecting the clouds. Locals were out boating or just sitting by the water’s edge as dusk settled in.

Our trek started from Nayapul after a bumpy drive past fields dotted with buffaloes and kids waving from doorways. The path to Tikhedhunga wound through Birethanti village where women sold oranges by the bridge. At night, we stayed in a teahouse—the walls thin enough that I heard someone snoring next door and chickens clucking at sunrise.

The climb to Ghorepani was no joke—those stone steps up to Ulleri seemed endless. But every so often, we’d pause under an old rhododendron tree or chat with Magar villagers carrying baskets twice their size. By late afternoon, mist rolled in and you could hear distant cowbells echoing through the forest.

Poon Hill was worth every sleepy step before dawn. It gets chilly up there—my breath fogged up my glasses—but watching sunlight spill over Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre made me forget about cold toes. Back down, we trekked through pine woods toward Tadapani; birdsong followed us most of the way.

From Tadapani to Sinuwa, we passed Gurung villages where kids played marbles on dusty paths and elders sat weaving baskets outside their homes. The air smelled faintly of woodsmoke and wildflowers depending on which way the wind blew.

Deurali brought bamboo thickets so dense it felt like walking through green tunnels. Our guide pointed out tiny orchids clinging to mossy rocks—a detail I’d have missed otherwise. Nights got colder as we climbed higher; hot ginger tea became my new favorite thing.

The approach to Annapurna Base Camp itself was surreal—icy peaks all around, prayer flags fluttering wildly in the wind near Machhapuchhre Base Camp (which locals say is sacred). We reached ABC just as clouds cleared for a few minutes; everyone fell quiet just taking it all in.

Heading back down felt lighter somehow—even though knees complained on those steep descents to Bamboo and Jhinu Danda. The hot springs at Jhinu were exactly what tired legs needed; steam rising off the water while trekkers swapped stories under starlight.

The last stretch back to Nayapul went by fast—fields turning gold in late afternoon sun—and soon enough we were back in Pokhara for one more lakeside stroll before returning to Kathmandu. Our farewell dinner came with spicy momo dumplings and a local dance show that had everyone clapping along (even if none of us could keep up).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Kathmandu briefing

• Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel
• Trekking guide briefing and gear preparation

Day 2 — Drive to Pokhara and relax

• Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara with lunch stop
• Relax at Phewa Lake and enjoy boating

Day 3 — Trek to Tikhedhunga

• Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga

Day 4 — Trek to Ghorepani

• Climb to Ulleri and trek through forest to Ghorepani

Day 5 — Hike Poon Hill and trek Tadapani

• Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views
• Trek to Tadapani via Deurali and Banthanti

Day 6 — Trek to Sinuwa

• Trek downhill to Gurung village then to Sinuwa

Day 7 — Trek to Deaurali

• Climb to Khuldighar and trek to Deurali

Day 8 — Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

• Climb through forest, cross caves and reach base camp

Day 9 — Trek down to Bamboo

• Descend from base camp to Bamboo village

Day 10 — Trek to Jhinu Danda hot springs

• Trek uphill to Kuldighar, then descend to Jhinu Danda
• Visit hot springs near Jhinu Danda

Day 11 — Trek to Nayapul and drive Pokhara

• Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Day 12 — Return to Kathmandu and farewell

• Travel back to Kathmandu by bus or flight
• Farewell dinner with cultural dance

Day 13 — Departure from Nepal

• Transfer to Kathmandu airport for departure

Top questions

How difficult is this trek? Do I need prior trekking experience?

This trek requires moderate fitness but you don’t need technical climbing skills. Expect some long days with steep climbs (especially Ulleri), but our guides pace things well and help you adjust as you go.

What kind of accommodation can I expect during the trek?

You’ll stay mostly in local teahouses—simple rooms (sometimes thin walls!), shared bathrooms, basic beds with blankets provided. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you get comfortable hotels with breakfast included.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes! Just let us know when booking—we can arrange vegetarian options throughout your trip both on the trail and in cities.

Is there Wi-Fi or charging points along the route?

Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi or charging for a small fee but connections can be spotty above Ghorepani or Deurali—best to bring extra power banks if you rely on your phone/camera.

What’s included

Your trip covers airport transfers by private vehicle; tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara; private transport to/from trekking points; 8 nights twin-share local lodge stays during trek; 2 nights each at hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara (breakfast included); welcome dinner with cultural show; all trekking permits/fees; experienced English-speaking guide; first aid kit carried by guide; adventure certificate after completion—and yes, vegetarian meals are available if you ask ahead!