The Annapurna Conservation Area is one of Nepal’s most well known trekking areas. This trek journeys through the best areas within the Annapurna mountain range with stunning views of the impressive Annapurnas and another lesser known Himalayan giant, Dhaulagiri, which at 8,167m is the 7th highest mountain in the world.
Our itinerary will follow old foot trails used by hardy Gurung and Magar hill tribes who live here in the temperate forests amongst rhododendron trees, farming on steep terraces growing staples of maize and millet.
Our trip into this region begins from Pokhara. We will begin by trekking towards Annapurna base camp in the heart of the Annapurna sanctuary to enjoy an arena view of the 4 giant Annapurnas. Annapurna 1 is the 10th highest mountain in the world at 8,091m and the remaining 3 are over 7,000m. We will then return to Chimrong before we head west through alpine forests to Kopra ridge. Our camp on Kopra hill offers exceptional panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range including a spectacular view of Dhaulagiri.
Then, a day trek north east of camp will bring us to Khayer lake (approx. 4,000m), a sacred lake worshipped by locals during the Badau Purnima festival each September. Our trail then winds its way down to Ghorepani for sunrise views of the Annapurna range from Pun hill, before we trek back towards Pokhara.
With the exhilaration of this trip, we can be easily tempted to stay in ‘them there hills’ and experience them for just that little bit longer. Aah, but, we can come back and see them again.
Book this trip as a private departure - for any group, big or small.
Day 1
Arrive in KathmanduDay 2
Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kande (1,776m) and trek to Pothana/Australian camp (1,900m) 1.5 hrDay 3
Trek Pothana (1,900m) to Landruk (1,640m) -5 hrDay 4
Trek Landruk (1,640m) to Chimrong (2,170m) -5 hrDay 5
Trek Chimrong (2,170m) to Bamboo (2,245m) -6.5 hrDay 6
Trek Bamboo (2,245m) to Dovan (2,600m) -5 hrDay 7
Trek Dovan (2,600m) to Machhapuchre base camp (3,700m)-5 hrDay 8
Trek Machhapuchre base camp (3,700m) to Annapurna base camp (4,130m) -2.5 hrDay 9
Trek Annapurna base camp (4,130m) to Himalaya Hotel (2,900m) -5 hrDay 10
Trek Himalaya Hotel (2,900m) to Chimrong (2,170m) -5 hrDay 11
Trek Chimrong (2,170m) to Tadapani (2,630m) -5.5 hrDay 12
Trek Tadapani (2,630m) and Bailey Kharka (3,300m) -6 hrDay 13
Trek Bailey Kharka (3,300m) to Kopra Danda (3,720m) -4 hrDay 14
Trek to Khayer Lake (4,000m) -8 hrDay 15
Trek Kopra Danda (3,720m) to Sontha (1,800m) -5 hrDay 16
Trek Sontha (1,800m) to Ghorepani (2,750m) -3.5 hrDay 17
Trek Ghorepani (2,750m) to Birethanti (1,025m) -7 hr, drive to PokharaDay 18
Fly Pokhara to KathmanduDay 19
In KathmanduDay 20
Depart KathmanduNote: Daily walking hours include a lunch break, and regular rest breaks.