Annapurna Base Camp and Dhumpus Trek - 16 Days

This day is scheduled as an exploration day of the auspicious UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including historical, religious, and cultural pilgrimages. After breakfast, our trip leader peaks us up and leads us towards Swyambhunath-popular as a monkey temple initially.

The view of the valley and exploration of the architecture from the 2^nd century to the 21^st century will be worth visiting here. The Main Stupa, a couple of temples, antique arts, museums, and prayer flags are some of the attractions of Swyambhunath. 

Continuing from Swyambhunath, we head southward to Kathmandu Durbar Square- one of the royal palaces of Kathmandu valley a couple of centuries ago.

We shall visit the central Durbar Square, Kastamandapa, Big bell, Kumari House, and several temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses.

Further driving northeastward, we reach Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most auspicious and sacred Hindu temples dedicated to the supreme Lord Shiva, hosts an electric environment swamped by devotees on many auspicious occasions such as Mahashivaratri, Haritalika Teej, Vijaya Dashami, etc.

We then take a short drive to Boudhanath Temple. Boudhanath (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in Nepal. The holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet is believed to have been built in the 14^th century after the Mughal invasions.

Encountering a couple of invasions either by people or nature, this has stood as one of the most prominent pilgrimages and one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism.  

Exploring these important historical and cultural shrines, we get back to our hotel and meet our trekking leader for an epic journey ahead at the office of Holy Mountain Treks.

We can do our last-minute shopping for the gear and equipment needed for our excursion if needed.

Catching an early, short, and scenic flight, we land in Pokhara before beginning our trek. The aircraft takes us over the lush valleys, greeneries, terraced fields, meandering flowing waterways, and scintillating snow-clad mountains.

We meet the rest of the crew and head for Nayapul, which takes approximately an hour’s drive via Pokhara Baglung Highway.

The actual trek commences from here, initially passing rice fields, settlements, meadows, and green landscapes until we reach Birethanti, an accommodation situated at the confluence of the Modi River, beginning from the Annapurna ranges and Bhurungdi River.

Continuing the journey, we gradually ascend and trek upstream of the Bhurungdi River. The trail now passes via rhododendron, pine, and fir woods.

Witnessing the overpowering peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre/ Fishtail Mountain, we shall trek through the sub-tropical valley forest, a trail carved on the side of the cliff, and a couple of suspension bridges to settle Tikhedhunga.

The route now becomes steep, with a stone staircase to reach our day destination- Ulleri.

Be prepared, get breakfast walk past the little villages, lustrous hills, and forest toward Ghorepani. You will be welcomed by the high hills and glittering mountain peaks on the trek, including Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Passing a couple of waterfalls, sightseeing the rare species of birds and animals, and the village of Bhantanti, we reach Nangetati-our lunch spot.

Further walking along the Bhurungdi River, we reach the village of Ghorepani, a village situated in the lap of high hills and mountains that served as a resting place for trekkers and earlier traders.

Interestingly, this village used to be a stop for horses to drink water to quench their thirst; now, it is a bit modernized and presented with unique culture and a blend of modern living and traditional values.

One of the most significant days begins ascending to Poonhill with the group of passionate trekkers taking the torches in our hands and excitement in our hearts.

A most spectacular sunrise can be witnessed above the glittering peaks of Dhaulagiri I 8167m, Tukuche Peak 6920m, Dhampus Peak 6012m, Nilgiri at 7061m, Annapurna I at 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Himchhuli 6441m, fishtail 6997m, Annapurna II 7937m and Lamjung Himal 6920m from the vantage point of Poonhill.

The marvels of the gorgeous mountain sunrise that await us are simply tremendous.

After witnessing the first rays of the sun over these glittering peaks, we hike back to Ghorepani and begin a downward hike towards Tadapani, following the route of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which passes via dense rhododendron hills, terraced farmlands, meadows, and stone steps.

After breakfast, we initially hike via the dense woodlands of rhododendron and descend to the Kimrong River. Again, the dazzling mountain peaks of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail can be seen from various vantage points.

The trail surrounds lustrous green vales. Continuing, we reach the village of Gurung, and further pushing for around half an hour, we get to Chhomrong- our day destination.

Chhomrong is a beautiful village with magnificent views of hills and mountains where you can taste local cuisines and experience remote lifestyles and cultures.

Home to the Gurung community, Chhmorong offers a spectacular view of Fishtail Mountain and the entire Annapurna Massifs.

We shall follow the chasm of the Modi River and hike upward to the village of Bamboo today. Initially descending via the stone stairs, we land on the Chhomrong River and further reach the village of Tilche via the thick forests of oaks and rhododendron trees.

Our journey across the rough path takes us to the typically honored little town of Sinuwa encompassed by rich slopes, valleys, and green woods, the excellence of which is fantastic and captivating to the adventurers in this course.

Now, we trek via the dense forest inhabited by diverse wild and rare animals, waterways, and pristine surroundings, along with long and steep stone steps reaching Bamboo, a village with a mixed vegetation of rhododendron and Bamboo.  We shall explore the town and get revived in this town for now.

Comparatively, we shave a shorter trek this day to Deurali, which approximately takes four hours to reach. The rest of the time will be spent for acclimatizing purposes before heading to Annapurna Base Camp. Initially passing the bamboo forest and less steep climb to the settlement of Dovan, a place situated at the conflux of the river.

The route now enters the forest full of oak, bamboo, and rhododendron trees, reaching a sacred temple of Punjim Barah and further to Himalayan Hotel. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave.

From here, we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most scenic stretch of the day.

From here, we can see the trail drop closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the last stoppage in this trek before we enter into the vicinity of Annapurna base camp and the village at the foot of the Modi Himal and the Fishtail Mountain.

The most prominent day is there for the trekkers who wish to embark into the purlieu of the giant sierra of Annapurna and its neighboring peaks such as Machhapuchre, Hiuchuli Peak, Gaganurna Mountain, and more.

The trekking trail now turns with scanter vegetation, rocky paths, big sarsens, magnificent glacial rivers, and waterfalls. Finally, leaving the rivers and moraines, we reach Machhapuchre Base Camp.

Now the view becomes crystal; we all are surrounded by the giant peaks of Annapurna massifs, Gangapurna peak, Hiunchuli, and more.

We keep going further via rocky landscapes and the route in between the gorge between the moraine ridge of Annapurna South and Hiuchuli Peak and the avalanche-prone area before we reach the Annapurna Base Camp. Now we are surrounded by the giant Himalayan panorama.

Waking up early morning, we witness the spectacular first golden rays of the sun over Annapurna massifs. After breakfast, capturing beautiful snaps of the surroundings, we hike back using the same route that ascended to this most awaited place.

Trekking back past the avalanche-prone sites along the large boulders, we reach Machhapuchre Base Camp. Then we get closer to the lashing Modi Khola. Finally, passing a couple of suspension bridges, and encountering the thick bamboo plants, rhododendron woods, and oak trees, we reach Bamboo for an overnight stay.

Initially hiking upward, we reach the village of Khuldighar, a spot with a helipad. The trek continues to the village of Sinuwa. The beautiful forest of rhododendron can be explored before reaching the settlements of Chhomrong village.

The hike between the Chhomrong village to the Jhinu Danda is a pretty steep descent that passes the village of Taulung and Tadapani. The core attraction of this village is a natural hot spring where travelers can relax after a long journey to the base of Annapurna. Some of the diseases related to the skin and stomach is believed to be cured after bathing here.

After exploring the natural hot spring the journey heads towards Tolkha today. Mostly we hike descent today initially following Khumrong River. Crossing it, we hike on the smooth trail before reaching a large suspension bridge over the Modi River.

Continuing the trek via the large grasslands, terraced fields tiny settlements, stone steps, we reach the village of Landruk. With the Modi River streaming down the valley and trail cut out in the slope, we journey past through the terraced slopes, more modest settlements, ups and downs in the path brings the suspension overpasses prior to coming to the tiny village of Tolkha.

We begin our journey towards Bhedi Kharka, a summer settlement and further via rocky and twisting trail reaching Pritam Deurali. A couple of mountain peaks including Annapurna I and Hiunchuli can be seen en-route. Continuing the trek passing the settlements of Potna and Kande, we reach descend to the Australian Camp.

Keep on walking along the route via thick forest for approximately half an hour, the meadow opens up and further to the settlements of Dhampus, a pleasant Gurung village which offers splendid views of Himchuli, Annapurna south, and fishtails. The unique culture and traditional practices can be explored here.

Witnessing panoramic golden rays of the sun over the majestic mountain ranges, we trek downhill past layered hills, lustrous greeneries, terraced farmlands, tiny settlements, cultivated fields to the Phedi, the ending point of our trek.

A private vehicle awaits us here for an inland drive to the city of lakes Pokhara. Driving 45 minutes via Pokhara- Baglung highway, we reach Pokhara officially ending the trek to the Annapurna region. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we check-in the hotel and get relaxed a while.

In the evening, stroll around Pokhara city mainly towards lakesides observing diverse lifestyles around.

Leaving the heavenly site of Pokhara, we get ready for the cultural city of Kathmandu catching an early flight. Flying approximately half an hour, over humongous mountains, valleys, and hills, terraced lands and cultivation fields as well as torrential rivers, we land at Kathmandu airport.

We then will be shifted to the hotel for our overnight stay. Rest of the time, we can spend ourselves exploring the remaining shrines of Kathmandu valley just as Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Chandragiri, and more.

In the evening we all shall meet in one of the cultural restaurants for the farewell dinner organized by Holy Mountain Treks. Wander streets for some souvenir shopping for your near and dear ones. Pack the bags for the return flight to the onward destinations.

After completing an epic journey of Annapurna Base Camp with Dhampus village trek is ended. One of the airport representatives from Holy Mountain Trek shifts us to the Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled flight.  

Farewell!!!