Pokhara

The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, approximately 6 to 7 hours by private vehicle, offers a scenic journey through Nepal's diverse landscapes. Leaving the bustling capital, the route descends into the Trishuli River valley, winding through lush green hills and terraced fields. Along the way, you'll pass charming villages, roadside markets, and picturesque suspension bridges. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway, offering views of gorges, cascading waterfalls, and occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks on clear days. Midway, popular rest stops like Malekhu provide opportunities to enjoy local snacks, stretch your legs, and take in the serene riverbanks. As you approach Pokhara, the landscape transforms with subtropical forests, and you may catch the first sight of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks. The comfortable drive concludes in Pokhara, Nepal's adventure hub, known for its tranquil lakes and stunning mountain views.

The journey begins with a 4-hour drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda, a charming hillside village. The drive winds through verdant valleys, terraced fields, and small villages, offering glimpses of rural Nepalese life. Upon arrival at Jhinu Danda, famous for its natural hot springs, you’ll trek to Chhomrong, a key gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The 2 to 3-hour trek ascends through lush forests and traditional Gurung settlements, with captivating views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks. The well-defined trail features stone steps and occasional suspension bridges, adding to the adventure. As you approach Chhomrong, the scenery unfolds into breathtaking vistas of towering mountains and deep valleys. Overnight at a cozy lodge in Chhomrong, where you can relax and enjoy the warm hospitality, preparing for the adventures ahead.

The trek from Chhomrong to Doban takes approximately 6 to 7 hours and offers a beautiful and challenging journey through diverse landscapes. Starting with a steep descent from Chhomrong, the trail winds down to the Chhomrong Khola (river) before crossing a suspension bridge. Afterward, you begin ascending through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo, following the river valley. Along the way, you'll pass through the small village of Sinuwa and continue towards the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you climb, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Annapurna range and Machapuchare (Fishtail) peak. The trail is relatively moderate, though some sections are steep, and the environment transitions from subtropical to temperate forest. Upon reaching Doban, a small settlement nestled in the valley, you'll rest for the night at a lodge, ready to continue your journey deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The trek from Doban to Deurali takes about 3 to 4 hours and offers a gradual but steady ascent through the picturesque Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail continues to wind through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron, with occasional clearings revealing spectacular views of snow-capped peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). As you climb, the landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with fewer trees and more rocky terrain. The air becomes cooler and thinner, providing an indication of the altitude you'll reach at Deurali (3290 m). This section of the trek offers a sense of peaceful seclusion as you move deeper into the heart of the Annapurna region. Upon arrival at Deurali, you'll check into a cozy lodge for the night, enjoying a well-deserved rest with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Annapurna Base Camp

Trek from Deurali to ABC via Machhapuchhre Base Camp takes approximately 5 to 6 hrs, offering one of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the Annapurna region. The journey begins with a gradual ascent from Deurali, heading towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The trail is well-defined, passing through a series of switchbacks and rocky paths, with dramatic views of towering peaks like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. As you approach MBC (3700m), you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range, making it a memorable stop before continuing on to ABC. From MBC, the trail continues upwards, crossing alpine meadows and rocky terrain, until you reach Annapurna Base Camp at 4130m. At ABC, you are surrounded by towering peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. This is the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, where you'll spend the night at a local lodge, enjoying stunning views and the serenity of the high mountains.

Morning at ABC is an unforgettable experience. As the sun rises, the towering peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli bathe in the soft golden light, creating a breathtaking panorama. The serene beauty of the surrounding glaciers and the stillness of the high-altitude environment make it a truly magical moment to cherish before beginning your trek back down. The trek from ABC to Bamboo takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. The descent starts by retracing the trail to MBC and then continues through the lush forest areas and down into the valley. As you descend, the landscape changes from rugged alpine terrain to dense forests of bamboo, rhododendrons, and oak. The trail follows the same route as the ascent, passing through villages like Dovan and Sinuwa. Along the way, you'll enjoy scenic views, including glimpses of the distant peaks and the cascading waterfalls along the route.

The trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering a mix of beautiful forest trails and scenic landscapes. The path begins with a descent through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, and you’ll pass through the village of Sinuwa. The trail continues to wind through terraced fields and small settlements, with occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you approach Jhinu Danda (1780m.), the route becomes a bit steeper. Jhinu Danda is known for its natural hot springs, making it a perfect spot to relax after a day’s trek. Upon arrival, you’ll settle in at a lodge for the night, where you can enjoy the warm hospitality and soothing hot springs, a well-deserved treat after your trek. The lush surroundings and tranquil atmosphere make Jhinu Danda a charming place to rest before continuing your journey.

Pokhara

The drive from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering a scenic descent through lush hills, terraced farmland, and small villages. As you leave Jhinu Danda, the road winds through the rural landscape, with occasional views of the surrounding mountains and the Trishuli River. The journey offers a peaceful return from the trekking region to the more developed areas near Pokhara. Upon arriving in Pokhara, you’ll check into The Kuti Resort or a similar category hotel. The Kuti Resort is known for its serene atmosphere, set amidst lush greenery and offering excellent views of the surrounding mountains. This comfortable retreat provides a perfect place to relax after your trek. The resort offers well-appointed rooms, great facilities, and a tranquil environment, ensuring you have a restful stay in Pokhara before continuing with your plans.

Kathmandu

The drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes approximately 6 to 7 hours by private vehicle, offering a scenic return journey through Nepal’s picturesque landscapes. Departing from Pokhara, you’ll head back on the Prithvi Highway, which winds through lush hills, terraced fields, and charming villages. The route follows the Trishuli River for part of the way, with views of the river’s deep gorges and surrounding forests. Along the journey, you’ll pass by local markets, suspension bridges, and small settlements, offering a glimpse into rural life. Several rest stops are available along the route for refreshments and stretching your legs. As you approach Kathmandu, the landscape transitions to more urbanized areas, and you’ll gradually enter the hustle and bustle of the capital city. The drive is comfortable and provides a pleasant way to reflect on the trek while enjoying the diverse beauty of Nepal’s countryside.