Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Ripu Mardan

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: A Journey Through the Heart of the Himalayas

As the Managing Director of Supporter Treks and Tours, I, Ripu Mardan Adhikari, have had the privilege of guiding numerous treks across Nepal, with the Annapurna Circuit being one I’ve explored several times. Trekking is not just my profession but my passion. I relish the opportunity to lead groups, share my knowledge, and experience the magnificent landscapes Nepal has to offer. Here, I would like to share my personal experience and the unforgettable moments from the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Arrival in Kathmandu

Our journey began when I greeted the clients at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred them to their hotel in Thamel. The following day, I personally guided them through Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, immersing them in the rich culture and history of the capital.

Journey to Pokhara

The next morning, we departed for Pokhara by private vehicle. The scenic 7-8 hour drive offered stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. We followed the Trishuli, Marshyangdi and Seti Rivers. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we spent the evening strolling around the picturesque lakeside area.

Note: For a more budget-friendly option, tourists can take a tourist bus from Sorakhutte at 7:00 AM or We can fly to Pokhara for a 25-minute scenic flight.

The Trek Begins: Nayapool to Tikhedhunga

After a restful night, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast and made our way to Nayapool, a drive of about one and a half hours. The trek officially began here. After about an hour of walking, we crossed a river and passed through Birethati, where we registered our permits. The village, with its traditional houses, offered a charming glimpse of local life.

The trail here was somewhat disturbed by road construction, so wearing a mask was a good precaution against dust. We continued to Tikhedhunga, a small village that sits at the base of a steep hill. The trek was relatively easy, mostly flat with some gradual ascents. We stopped for lunch in Tikhedhunga before heading to Ulleri, where the steep ascent began. It took about three hours to reach Ulleri, a Magar village with clean and comfortable teahouses. On clear days, the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.

Ghorepani: A Day of Greenery and Rhododendrons

The second day of our trek involved more uphill climbing. The initial section was a bit challenging, but the trail gradually became more scenic with lush greenery and rhododendron trees in full bloom (especially during March and April). We had lunch in Nangethati and continued on to Ghorepani, a village known for its stunning views and numerous teahouses. We took the opportunity to explore the village, which is predominantly inhabited by the Pun Magar people.

Poon Hill: Sunrise Views

On the third day, we woke up early for a sunrise trek to Poon Hill. The one-and-a-half-hour climb to the viewpoint was well worth it, as we were rewarded with panoramic views of over 15 snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The clear skies made the view even more spectacular. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, we began our descent to Tadapani. Along the way, we experienced a mix of uphill and downhill terrain, passing through dense forests and enjoying fantastic views of the Himalayas. We arrived at Tadapani in the late afternoon and stayed at one of the village’s limited teahouses.

Chhromrong: A Gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary

Our trek continued the following day as we descended to cross a suspension bridge and began a steady climb to Chhromrong. The village offers an impressive view of the Himalayas, including Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We spent the night at Chhromrong, where the views were awe-inspiring, and the air was crisp and fresh.

Dovan and Machhapuchhare Base Camp

The next stage of our trek took us downhill from Chhromrong and across to Sinuwa before continuing through a dense forest to Dovan. From Dovan, the trail became more barren, with less greenery. We reached Machhapuchhre Base Camp, where we stayed overnight. During the peak season, it’s recommended to book your room in advance as accommodations here can fill up quickly.

Reaching Annapurna Base Camp

On the morning of our arrival at Annapurna Base Camp, we were greeted with one of the most mesmerizing views I’ve ever witnessed. The early morning light bathed the snow-capped peaks in a golden glow, creating an almost magical atmosphere. Standing at 4,130 meters, we were surrounded by towering mountains, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. The 360-degree view was simply unforgettable. We spent some time taking pictures and soaking in the grandeur before enjoying a well-deserved breakfast at the base camp.

Trek Back to Bamboo and Jhinu Danda

We began our descent back to Bamboo, retracing our steps through the same beautiful landscape. On the following day, we continued to Jhinu Danda, where we stopped for a relaxing hot spring bath—a perfect way to rejuvenate our muscles after the long trek.

Wrapping Up the Trek

From Jhinu Danda, we had the option to either take a jeep back to Pokhara or continue walking to Pothana, a charming village with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. We chose the latter, spending a peaceful night at Australian Camp, a place known for its panoramic mountain views.

We then made our way to Kande, where we caught a vehicle back to Pokhara. After touring the city and enjoying a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, we returned to Kathmandu the following day. We had a free day for sightseeing before I took my clients to the airport for their flight back home.

Conclusion

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a truly unforgettable experience—an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and stunning landscapes. The views are breathtaking, the trek is rewarding, and the memories will last a lifetime. As I always say, Annapurna Base Camp is truly a "heaven on earth."