Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport- T I A (1300m) and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valleys cultural, historical, religious (world heritage) sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site.  The whole area of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home to Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition.  In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture shows.

Day 03: Drive (6 hrs) or fly (35min) to Pokhara (915m).
After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, we fly or drive to Pokhara. Upon our arrival, the rest of the day is kept free for you to explore this beautiful lakeside city on your own or if you would like you can just sit back and relax. Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 915m, Pokhara is a place of natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. The most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range.

Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks - creating the ambience that has made it such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops.

Day 04: Pokhara - Nayapul (1050m) -trek to Tirkhedhunga (1577m):
Drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Nayapul (1050m.) by private vehicle, which takes approximately one and half hour. Now, is the time to start our trip from Nayapul (1050m.) to Tikhedhunga (1577m) Via Birethanti (1065m.) which takes about four hours. The first part of the trek is easy passing through several small villages and settlements. Afterwards we ascend gently to the final destination of the day. The majority people residing here are Gurung belonging to the Buddhist faith. Most of them are engaged in agricultural activities, some of them are in tourism business and in the British and Indian regiments.

Day 05: Tirkhedhunga - Ghorepani (2675m) 6 hrs:
We ascend steeply for the first 2 hours and then ascend gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti with  good view of Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna (7219m) south on the way. Now the trail is quite easier passing through rhododendron and shadowy trees and descends gently up to the final camp.
Day 06: Ghorepani – hike to Poon Hill (3180m) and trek to Tadapani (2675m) 5-6 hrs:
Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountains. Hike down to Ghorepani after enjoying the sun rise view, have a hot breakfast at guest House/Lodge and trek to Tadapani (2650m). For the most part of the trail we trek through the densely covered rhododendron forest, making the forest very colorful during the spring.

Day 07: Tadapani- Chomrong (2180m) 5 hrs:
It is an easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak forests. We can hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way to Kimrung Khola. Immediately, ascend steeply and walk at a level for 45 minutes and gently steeps and flat to Chomrong. Chhumrung is a gateway to Annapurna Base Camp trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major Ethnic groups of Nepal.

Day 08: Chhomrong - Bamboo (2340m) 5 hrs:
The trail descends on a stone staircase for the first one and half hour and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through the bamboo forests, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky path we then reach at Sinuwa, at 2350m. From here we trek gently through the forest and descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to what is called Bamboo – tonight’s stopover.

Day 09: Bamboo - Deurali (3230m) 5 hrs:
We trek gently ascending through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees. The first town we reach is Dovan (2630m) where there are few lodges and camp sites. From here, we pass through muddy trail. There is debris of avalanches except during winter season. After short trek, we reach Himalayan Hotel (2900m.). Beyond it, the trail steeply ascents up to Hinko Cave (3160m) - a huge overhanging rock providing some protection against rain and avalanches. It takes approximately twenty five minutes to reach Deorali (3230m.)

Day 10: Deurali - Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) 5 hrs:
 The valley widens and becomes less steep and we can see the gates to the sanctuary from here. As the trail continues into the sanctuary, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After short trek we will be at Bagar (3310m.), a meadow with some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail ascents gently until Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m) where there are a few hotel and lodges. This is one of the places, where we can enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through alpine meadow and after some distance the trail goes up gently. After a short trek, we begin to approach the Annapurna Base Camp (4170m) from where we will have mesmerizing 360 degree views of several peaks laying at close proximity.
Day 11: Trek to Tent peak Base Camp (4400m).

Day 12: Trek to High Camp (approx 5000m).

Day 13: Summit (5663m) and return to Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 14: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan (2630m 5hrs:
It's much easier going down. We should have no problem reaching Sinuwa from Annapurna Base Camp in a single day however we have choosen this place as some of trekkers may have problem on going down too fast and with little rest.

Day 15: Dovan to Jhinudanda (1750m.) 6 hrs:
It takes about six hours. The path gently descent to Bamboo while passing through varieties of rhododendron forest as well as oaks and bamboo plants. Shortly thereafter, the trail goes steeply up an hour and the trail is quit flat until we reach to Sinuwa. After a short while we arrive to Chhmrong Khola and then we follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong. The last part of the trail is steeply down for about 20 minutes before reaching Hot Spring at the bank of the Modi Khola where we can soak in for hours to heal our aches and pains.

Day 16: Jhinudanda - Pothana (1600m) 5 hrs:
Descending from the Jhinudanda we arrive to the flat land after a while at Himal Pani where there is a beautiful waterfall. Beyond this town, the trail ascends gently crossing numerous streams and terraces. After short trek, we reach Landruk (1640m), a pretty big village inhabited by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmins. From here the trail ascends steeply to Tolka (1850m) and then to arrives at level path to Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply up to Deurali (2100m) with a view of different mountain peaks. Now the trail gradually descends to Pothana passing through different oak forests. Pothana is a small town mainly inhibited by the Gurung people. There are good mountain views from here.

Day 17: Pothana - Dhampus Phedi and drive to Pokhara, 4 hrs:
The trail is gently descents to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now we trek through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to Phedi. The trekking trip is almost ended here and we are transported to Pokhara by a private vehicle from here.

Day 18: Drive or fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara.

Day 19: Day at leisure at Kathmandu, last minute shopping followed by farewell dinner in the evening hosted by Makalu Adventure.

Day 20: Final departure.

Should you prefer a different route or itinerary for this program, just let us know your interests and we will be more than happy to craft a tailor made trip for you in line with your specific preference.