Annapurna Base Camp Trek

An immersive full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley to learn about the culture, history and traditions of Nepal.

Visit Pashupatinath, one of the most important holy sites for the Hindu religion. The temple is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River and is believed to date back to 400 BC. The area encompasses 518 temples, buildings, and holy structures. The main temple is designed as a pagoda structure dedicated to Lord Shiva and is open only to Hindus; non-Hindus may only observe from the terraces across the Bagmati River to the east.
The area also includes a temple, dedicated to Guhyeshwari, a goddess in the form of a silver-plated waterhole, covered by a silver Kalash (auspicious water jar). Legend has it that a part of Sati Devi’s dead corpse fell, and Shakti Peeths came to life. The temple is also considered a sacred place for performing cremation ceremonies, as Hindus believe that a cremation from here will be secure a reborn as a human in their next life.

Visit Patan Durbar Square, also known as the city of artisans. The area is home to some of the finest artisans of Kathmandu Valley, who have preserved the cultural and ancient techniques of art and craft, such as wood, wax, painting and metal work. The former Royal Palace of Patan has been converted into a museum to display the unique crafts. Apart from the museum, Patan includes Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Golden Window, and Mahabouddha Temple and many other unique cultural attractions.

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal courtyard with over fifty temples, including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani.
The Durbar has two courtyards; an inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors of the main palace have been converted into a museum dedicated to display the three generations of Shah kings of Nepal and also showcases some ornaments from the medieval periods. Thus, the palace is also known as “the Museum of Temples”.
The outer courtyards have a Kasthamandap (was a three-storied public shelter), Kumari Ghar (which houses the Goddess Kumari), and a Shiva-Parvati Temple. The outer courtyards also have an abundance of handicraft shops, and a nearby Bazar and locals markets.

Flight Option:
A morning 20 min flight to Pokhara and spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the lakeside city.

Drive Option:
An early morning drive to Pokhara, starts by leaving the valley and following the river before stopping for lunch. The road then turns towards the north, before reaching Pokhara late evening.

Pokhara is considered the gateway city to the Annapurna Himalayas. This lakeside city has abundant cafés, restaurants and adrenaline day activities. A place many travelers spend their time in, as it is less polluted and has more natural surroundings than Kathmandu.

Begin early in the morning with a scenic drive to Ghandruk, a mountain village with amazing views of the Himalayan range.

Embark on a moderate river-side hike to Chhomrong. The trail from Ghandruk to Komrong Danda ascends slowly. From Komrong Danda, you will trek down to Komrong Khola before you start climbing to Chhomrong.

*NOTE: From Day 4 to Day 8, the accommodation will be in a simple lodge with basic and limited facilities.

The day begins with a descent down a stone trail to a suspension bridge. Continue following the route ascends and descends through dense bamboo trees to Dovan, a small mountain settlement.

After breakfast, begin your walk through the enchanting forest and along the valley bank of Deurali, where you will stop for lunch. Continue your walk by ascending as the path stretches in every direction with the panoramas of the Himalayas. Spend your night beneath the world’s 10th highest peak of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) as you call Machhapuchhre Base Camp your home for the night.

Begin the trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) after an early breakfast. Arrive at base camp to be awestruck by the Himalayan range’s breathtaking panoramic vistas, including Annapurna South (7,219 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), and Mt. Gangapurna (6,993 m) (7,455 m). After spending some time at the Annapurna Basecamp, hike back to Machhapuchhere Base Camp for lunch and begin your way back to Dovan.

The trekking trail is filled with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and verdant forests. Jhinu Danda is a small village that is famous for its natural hot springs. You can take a dip in the hot springs to soothe your tired muscles after the trek.

After breakfast, and another dip in the natural hot springs of Jinu Dhada, walk along the easy path to reach Kimche. From Kimche, you will be transferred to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check into the hotel where the remaining day is at leisure.

Start the sightseeing tour, by visiting Pumdikot, a viewpoint located at an altitude of 1,500 m offering impressive views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, and Mt Machhapuchhre. The viewpoint also has a new 3-story view tower, Shiva Damaru, a gigantic statue of Lord Shiva. This 51 ft high statue sits on top of an enormous dome and is surrounded by 108 Shiva Linga.

On your way back, visit Shanti Stupa, located on Anadu Hill at an altitude of 1,100 meters. The pagoda is built in the pagoda style of the Nihonsan Myoboji monks. The word “Shanti” means peace in Sanskrit, thus meaning Peace Tower. The shrine was built as a symbol of peace. Nepal is home to two of the world’s eight peace pagodas and the other Shanti Stupa in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The peace pagoda in Pokhara offers panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountains, Pokhara City, and Fewa Lake.

Spend the evening at your leisure to stroll around the Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Pokhara
Optional add-on: Visit Sarangkot via Cable Car
Optional add-on: Helicopter tour of Pokhara valley and Annapurna Base Camp
Optional add-on: Pokhara Ultralight flight
Optional add-on: Visit international Mountain Museum
Optional add-on: Visit Davis Fall and Gupteswor Cave
Optional add-on: Bungee Jump
Optional add-on: Ziplining

Flight Option:
Have a leisure morning, before catching your flight back to Kathmandu, where you will spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Drive Option:
An early morning drive to Kathmandu. Stop for lunch by the riverside, before reaching Kathmandu in the evening.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kathmandu

Leisure day in the city to explore by yourself. Enjoy a complimentary 45-foot massage to recover from your trekking excursion.

Optional add-on: Day sightseeing trip of Bhaktapur Dubar Square
Optional add-on: Day sightseeing trip to Pharping to visit Buddhist monasteries and/or rock climbing
Optional add-on: Cooking class
Optional add-on: Thankga class
Optional add-on: Singing bowel class

Depending on the flight schedule, you are transferred to the airport for your final departure.