TREK FACT FILE - Lumle to Annapurna Base Camp, 100km, height gain 5,000m, 16 days - 10 days on trek. Grade 1B/C.
TREK PROFILE: Our trek begins in the terraced foothills close to Pokhara where we hike up the panoramic Ghorepani-Chomrong-Dhampus Ridge. After two days we arrive at Ghorepani and make an early morning ascent of Poon Hill to see the spectacular sunrise over the Himalaya. During our trek we pass through the Gurung villages of Chomrong and Landrung and climb high above the Modi Khola River, through the ''gates'' of the Sanctuary. Once inside, we are afforded incredible views of the mountains from Machupuchare base camp (3,700m) and Annapurna base camp (4,130m) where we will spend a day. After this we begin our descent to Pokhara via Dhampus.
THE TRAIL: You will start the trek at around a 1,000m and hit a high point of 4,130m. You will be hiking in the main on well established trails carrying a day pack.
Your itinerary will include a brief description of our trip and an outline of your stays and meals provided. We normally only provide a breakfast at all of our city stop over locations as it gives you the opportunity to vary your cuisine by not being tied to hotel menu for your lunchtime or evening meal. We can provide full board trips on requests in particular if any person has any special dietary needs.
H=Hotel, Lo=Lodge, T=Tents, B/L/D=Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 1: KATHMANDU - ARRIVAL DAY (H/D).
You will be met at Tribhuwan international airport, Kathmandu and conveyed your hotel. You will have an evening briefing about your trip and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: KATHMANDU - CITY TOUR, ACCLIMATISATION AND EQUIPMENT CHECK (H/B).
After breakfast we will have a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. This will involve a visit to Boudhanath, one of the largest Stupa's in the world and the historic and beautiful city of nearby Bhaktapur.
Day 03: KATHMANDU TO POKHARA (H/B).
After breakfast you will drive to the domestic airport and fly* to Pokhara, where on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and relax for the afternoon.
Day 04: POKHARA TO TIRKHEDHUNGA. 1,000m to 1,540m. 4-5 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
We drive for two hours to the village of Lumle where we meet our trekking crews before we begin our trek. Then we will walk through meadows and terraced rice fields for about an hour before the trail crosses a big bridge by the confluence of Bhurungdi Khola and the Modi River. Here lies a large village bazaar named Birethanti. For the next three hours or so we will we continue the walk on the gentle but steadily climbing trail to the village of Hille (1,540m) and shortly after (15 mins) we get to the lovely hill village of Tirkhedhunga for our night stop.
Day 05: TIRKEDHUNGA TO GHOREPANI. 1,540m to 2,750m. 5-6 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
Today the walk takes us up more than 3,000 stone steps to the breath taking views from Ulleri. From here you can have good views of Annapurna South and Himchuli. After thi hard climb you will find the trail eases off and after an hour it reaches Banthanti where just a few tourist lodges are situated. You soon enter a forest of beautiful rhododendrons, which is really spectacular in March & April. After about two more hours gradually ascend the trail reaches Ghorepani.
Day 06: EXCURSION TO POON HILL. 3 hrs. TREK FROM GHOREPANI TO TADAPANI. 2,750m to 3103m to 2,590m. Additional 4 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
After waking up at 5am you will carry out your pre dawn assault on Poon Hill. During your one hour hike to the top you will witness breathtaking views as a wide Himalayan vista opens up before you that includes Dhaulagiri 8167m (the world's seventh highest peak) and Manaslu 8156m (the world's eighth highest peak) with the mighty Annapurna range stretched in between them. You will return to Ghorepani for breakfast before you start the undulating* four walk to Tadapani.
*Anything less than ten minutes up and ten minutes down in Nepal is flat so do expect undulating to mean anything from 15-50 minutes of uphill!
Day 07: TADAPANI TO CHOMRONG. 2,590m to 2,170m. 5 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
We now leave Tadapani for the interesting hike to join the main Ghandrung to Chomrong route. Today you will hike a series of undulating trails and small paths leading to the villages of Chiule and Klisigo before you get to your overnight stay at Chomrong.
Day 08: CHOMRONG TO HIMALAYA HOTEL. 2,170m to 2,920m. 6 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
After descending to the suspension bridge over the Chomrong Khola you hike the undulating trail to the small hamlet of Dobhan via the villages of Sinuwa, Kuldihar and Bamboo. About half an hour past Dobhan a shrine which is the sacred home of the deity Panchhi Baraha and next to it is a view of an impressive waterfall. Passing the Modi Khola the trail goes steeply up to Himalaya Hotel for your night halt.
Day 9: HIMALAYA HOTEL TO MACHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP. 2,920m to 3,700m. 5 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
About one hour from the Himalaya hotel stands the huge rock that forms the Hinku Cave, a favourite camping shelter and landmark for mountaineering expeditions, which is a pleasant place to rest. About 30 minutes from Hinku Cave is Deurali and after Deurali the trail crosses several streams before you enter the sanctuary itself where a few lodges are located where you will stay the night.
Day 10: EXCURSION TO ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP & TREK BACK TO HIMALAYA HOTEL. 3,700m to 4,130m. 6 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
The path up to to the base camp is moderately steep and you will find this stretch very pleasant as you gently stroll along the river through tranquil meadows with many boulders to rest upon and gaze in awe at the surrounding peaks. From here the panorama is breath taking, Annapurna I rears above a rubble covered glacier while to the south Himchuli and Annapurna South loom ominously whilst Machhapuchre (Mt. Fishtail) appears quite magnificent. For a view of Gangapurna climb the moraine with a few rock cairns to the south. Have a complete rest here and enjoy your views of the Annapurna Ranges before you trek back the same way to Himalaya-Hotel.
Day 11: HIMALAYA HOTEL TO CHOMRONG. 2,920m to 2,170m. 5 hrs (Lo/B/L/D).
On this day we retrace our path from day 8.
Day 12: CHOMRONG TO POTHANA. 2,170m to 1,900m 5 hrs (Lo/B,L,D).
Leaving Chomrong we follow the undulating path to Pothana crossing over several suspension bridges in the process. There is a stiff 550m climb on this day but you will be a veteran Himalayan hiker by now and this will not present you with any undue difficulty. On the way you should be able to see Dhauagiri and towards the end of the day the path descends gently to Pothana.
Day 13: POTHANA TO DHAMPUS TO POKHARA. 1,900m to 1,650m. 2 hrs (H/B/L).
From Pothana trek about for two hours through more beautiful landscape to reach Dhampus where we take the two hour drive back Pokhara..
Day 14: POKHARA TO KATHMANDU (H/B). You will have a free morning in Pokhara and you can make good use of the city's ample shops and cafés. If you are still feeling energetic go for a boat ride on beautiful Phewa lake. In the afternoon we will fly* back to Kathmandu where we will transfer back to our hotel and then visit Patan square, which is famous for its temples, arts and crafts. In the afternoon we take the short flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 15: KATHMANDU - FREE DAY (H/B/D).
You will have a totally free day today for sight seeing or shopping (try the Thamel area of town). In the evening we will then have a farewell dinner.
Optional: Morning Everest scenic flight for £125 for one hour or a river rafting trip of one day at a cost of £30 or £40 with private transport.
Day 16: KATHMANDU - DEPARTURE DAY (B).
You will be taken to the airport for your flight home.
Flight* If clients want to use a bus to and from Kathmandu and their trek area then this is an option but not from any flight from Jomsom to Pokhara due to time constraints. There will be an approximate £60 saving for each flight and this money will be refunded less the cost of any bus fare (see our dates and prices section). Should any flight not take place due to weather then this will necessitate a bus journey and again your flight monies will be refunded less the cost of any bus fare.
On our trips we include transport to and from the airport on arrival and departure, all transportation or travel in country including any internal domestic flights, all hotel and trekking lodge accommodation, a dedicated AB leader and all in country guides and porters, any park, mountain fees or permits and any sightseeing/tourist entry fees, Breakfasts at all hotel stays will be provided but lunches and dinners will only be provided where indicated. All meals will be provided during the duration of any trek or climb.
All booked activities and the use of any group equipment such as tents, cooking equipment are included but any additional activities booked with our in country providers will be subject to an additional surcharge.
NB: See our essential information page for a complete breakdown of what is and what is not included in your trip.
Food and accommodation breakdown
Hotel = 6 nights, Trekking lodge = 9 nights, (00 nights total).
Breakfasts = 15, Lunches = 10, Packed Lunches = 0, Dinners = 11 (36 meals out of a possible 44).