Best of Annapurna Trek – 20 Days – Circuit of Annapurna Base Camp, Kopra Ridge and Poon Hill

Itinerary

• Day 01
  Arrive at Kathmandu (1,400 m)

  A Himalayan Chemi representative will collect you from the airport. It’s a free day to prepare for your trek and buy last minute gear or supplies. If you have any energy, take in some of the world heritage sites that Kathmandu has to offer. Later in the evening, there will be a group briefing and welcome group dinner.

• Day 02
  Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kande and trek to Pothana/Australian Camp (1,900 m)

  Distance: 146 km flight / 27 km drive / 6 km trek | Time: 4-5 hrs. | Ascent: +1018m | Descent: -876m

  In the morning, we’ll take a short 30 min flight to Pokhara. Once there we’ll load into jeeps to drive to our trailhead at Kande. We have a short day of trekking up the ridge on stone steps to Pothana. Here you’ll be rewarded with your first clear views of Machhapuchhre. As a sacred mountain, climbing Machhapuchhre is prohibited so it remains an unconquered mountain.

  

  Max. Altitude

  1,900 m

  

  Duration

  4-5 hrs.
• Day 03
  Trek Pothana to Landruk (1,640 m)

  Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–6 hrs. | Ascent: +271m | Descent: -531m

  At Pothana be sure to wake early and catch sunrise over these stunning mountains before breakfast! Today is an easy day for those still recovering from jet lag. We follow a gentle forest trail to Deurali (2100m), our highest point of the day. This little settlement enjoys views of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. We’ll then trace our path over stone steps through Gurung villages near the valley floor by Modi khola river. We stop at Landruk for the night.

  

  Max. Altitude

  1,640 m

  

  Duration

  5–6 hrs.
• Day 04
  Trek Landruk to Chimrong (2170 m)

  Distance: 8–10 km | Time: 5–6 hrs. | Ascent: +1325m | Descent: -795m

  The start of this day is a pleasant walk further down to the valley floor heading northwards by Modi khola river. We cross a suspension bridge to bring us to the true right of the river, which we’ll remain as we continue north-east to Annapurna sanctuary. After crossing a wooden bridge, it’s a steep trek on the ridge to the Gurung village of Chimrong. Before the climb to the village, there’s an option to enjoy natural hot springs a short walk from Jhinu Danda.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2170 m

  

  Duration

  5–6 hrs.
• Day 05
  Trek Chimrong to Bamboo (2,310 m)

  Distance: 8–10 km | Time: 5–6 hrs. | Ascent: +460m | Descent: -270m

  The day begins dropping behind Chimrong to cross a bridge, and then trekking upstairs to Sinuwa. From here, the trek is easy continuing up the valley, traversing high above Modi khola. We pass through dense rhododendron and oak forests to Kuldigar, and descend to the valley floor to rest at the river settlement of Bamboo for the night.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2,310 m

  

  Duration

  5–6 hrs.
• Day 06
  Trek Bamboo to Dovan (2,600 m)

  Distance: 2-3 km | Time: 3–4 hrs. | Ascent: +290m

  We trek north easterly closely following the Modi River up the valley. It’s a gradual ascent up stone stairs passing through forests to Dovan. The air here begins to thin as we inch higher towards base camp. You may begin to feel some effects of high altitude. The best advice is always to walk slow and drink plenty of water.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2,600 m

  

  Duration

  3–4 hrs.
• Day 07
  Trek Dovan to Machhapuchre base camp (3,700 m)

  Distance: 12–13 km | Time: 6–7 hrs. | Ascent: +1100m

  Today requires a significant altitude gain. Be sure to trek slowly. The route now journeys to the head of the valley, on a trail that is flanked by Hiun Chuli (6,434m) on the left and Mardi Himal (5,553m) and Machhapuchre (6,997m) on the right. We will pass through several settlements before reaching Machhapuchre base camp that is situated at the terminal end of the South Annapurna glacier. In this clearing, you can enjoy close views of Tare Kang and Gangapurna in the north, and Machhapurche in the south east.

  

  Max. Altitude

  3,700 m

  

  Duration

  6–7 hrs.
• Day 08
  Trek Machhapuchre base camp to Annapurna base camp (4,130 m)

  Distance: 3–4 km | Time: 2–3 hrs. | Ascent: +430m

  It’s another gradual ascent to Annapurna base camp following a trail alongside the glacier heading west. At this high altitude, any increase in incline makes every step tiring. However, it’s a rewarding experience when we reach our first objective of Annapurna base camp in the heart of the sanctuary. Surrounding us in this wonderland is some of the highest peaks in the world. We have the afternoon free to explore this haven of himalayan giants.

  

  Max. Altitude

  4,130 m

  

  Duration

  2–3 hrs.
• Day 09
  Trek Annapurna base camp to Himalaya Hotel (2,900 m)

  Distance: 10-12 km | Time: 5-6 hrs. | Descent: -1230m

  The transition from Annapurna Base Camp to Himalaya Hotel is a dramatic geographical descent from a vast, high-altitude glacial amphitheater into a narrow, vertical river gorge. Starting at 4,130m, you leave behind the barren alpine tundra and moraines of the Annapurna Sanctuary—where 360-degree views of 8,000m peaks dominate—and drop rapidly along the banks of the roaring Modi Khola River. As the valley constricts between the sheer rock walls of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, the landscape shifts from rocky, avalanche-prone slopes to a lush sub-alpine environment, characterized by the appearance of dense bamboo thickets, rhododendron forests, and massive overhanging rock formations like Hinku Cave.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2,900 m

  

  Duration

  5-6 hrs.
• Day 10
  Trek Himalaya Hotel to Chhomrong (2,170 m)

  Distance: 10-11 km | Time: 5-7 hrs. | Descent: -730m

  The trek from Himalaya Hotel to Chhomrong is a 5–7 hours journey that transitions from deep glacial gorges to lush, terraced hillsides. After descending through the dense bamboo forests of Dovan and Bamboo, you reach the ridge at Sinuwa, where the valley opens up to expansive mountain views. The day concludes with the trek’s most infamous challenge: a steep drop to the Chhomrong Khola bridge followed by a grueling, 1.5-hour stone-step climb into the village of Chhomrong.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2,170 m

  

  Duration

  5-7 hrs.
• Day 11
  Trek Chimrong to Tadapani (2,630 m)

  Distance: 7-8 km | Time: 4-5 hrs. | Ascent: +460m

  The trek from Chhomrong to Tadapani is a scenic 5–6 hours journey defined by a deep valley crossing. After a steep descent through rhododendron forests to the Kimrong Khola river, you face a steady, lush climb through the villages of Ghurjung and Chuile. The trail winds through mossy woods and along ridges, ending with a spectacular close-up panorama of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from Tadapani.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2,630 m

  

  Duration

  4-5 hrs.
• Day 12
  Trek Tadapani and Bailey Kharka (3,440 m)

  Distance: 5-6 km | Time: 5-6 hrs. | Ascent: +810m

  The trek from Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka is a stunning 5–6 hour climbs that transitions from popular trekking trails into the “off-the-beaten-path” Khopra Ridge route. You leave the main crowds behind, ascending steadily through ancient, moss-draped rhododendron and oak forests where you may spot Himalayan Tahr or the colorful Danfe pheasant. As you break above the treeline near Dobato, the geography shifts to open alpine pastures and rugged ridges, offering an intimate, high-altitude perspective of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif that feels far wilder and more secluded than the lower valleys.

  

  Max. Altitude

  3,440 m

  

  Duration

  5-6 hrs.
• Day 13
  Trek Bailey Kharka to Kopra Danda (3,720 m)

  Distance: 8-9 km | Time: 4-5 hrs. | Ascent: +280m

  The trek from Bayeli Kharka to Khopra Danda is a stunning 4–5 hours high-altitude journey that moves along the rugged ridges of the Annapurna region. The geography shifts from deep, moss-draped rhododendron forests into open alpine pastures as you descend slightly toward Chistibung before tackling a steady, two-hour ascent above the treeline. This “off-the-beaten-path” route offers a wilder experience than the main trails, culminating at the Khopra Danda ridge where the landscape opens into a jaw-dropping panorama. From this vantage point, you stand eye-level with the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South, overlooking the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest in the world—dropping away far below.

  

  Max. Altitude

  3,720 m

  

  Duration

  4-5 hrs.
• Day 14
  Day hike to Khayer lake (4,600 m) & return to Kopra Danda (3,720 m)

  Distance: 14-16 km | Time: 8-10 hrs. | Ascent: +880m | Descent: -880m

  The day hike from Khopra Danda to Khayer Lake (4,600m) is a long, demanding 8–10 hour round trip that reaches the spiritual and geographical heart of the ridge. The geography is characterized by a stark, high-altitude ascent through rocky alpine tundra and steep scree slopes, leaving all vegetation behind as you climb nearly 1,000 meters. The trail follows a rugged ridgeline with the massive south face of Annapurna South looming directly overhead, eventually opening into a sacred, turquoise glacial lake cradled at the base of the peaks. After soaking in the silence and the proximity to the glaciers, you retrace your steps back down the ridge, descending to the relative warmth and comfort of the Khopra Danda community lodge.

  

  Max. Altitude

  4,600 m

  

  Duration

  8-10 hrs.
• Day 15
  Trek Kopra danda to Swanta (2,200 m)

  Distance: 8-10 km | Time: 5-6 hrs. | Descent: -1,520m

  The trek from Khopra Danda to Swanta is a rapid, scenic descent of roughly 1,520 meters that takes about 5–6 hours. The geography transitions sharply from the exposed, high-altitude alpine ridge into lush, temperate forests and terraced agricultural land. The journey begins with a steep, knee-jarring descent through open pastures and rhododendron forests, eventually leading you to the charming village of Swanta. This traditional Magar settlement is nestled in the valley and is famous for its local community cheese factory, offering a warm and cultural contrast to the wild, windswept heights of the Khopra ridge.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2,200 m

  

  Duration

  5-6 hrs.
• Day 16
  Trek Swanta to Ghorepani (2750 m)

  Distance: 8-10 km | Time: 3-4 hrs. | Ascent: +550m

  The trek from Swanta to Ghorepani is a steady 3–4 hour climb that reconnects you with the classic Annapurna trail. The geography begins with a descent from the village of Swanta through terraced fields and across a suspension bridge over a mountain stream. From there, you begin a long, uphill climb through the village of Chittre, where the quiet Khopra Ridge route merges back into the main trekking highway. As you ascend, the terrain transitions into dense, moss-draped rhododendron and oak forests. The trail consists of stone-paved steps that are a hallmark of this region, leading you up to the bustling ridge-top settlement of Ghorepani. Upon arrival, you are rewarded with an incredible “front-row seat” view of the Dhaulagiri massif and Annapurna South appearing over the horizon.

  

  Max. Altitude

  2750 m

  

  Duration

  3-4 hrs.
• Day 17
  Trek Ghorepani to Birethanti (1,025 m) & drive to Pokhara (820 m)

  Distance: 50-60 km | Time: 7-9 hrs. | Descent: -1,930m

  The trek from Ghorepani to Birethanti is a massive descent that takes about 6–8 hours, transitioning from high rhododendron forests to tropical river valleys. You will follow a relentless series of stone steps down through the villages of Ulleri and Tikhedhunga, eventually reaching the banks of the Bhurungdi Khola. Once at Birethanti, the trekking portion ends, and you will take a 1.5 to 2-hour drive back to Pokhara, where you can celebrate the completion of your journey.

  

  Max. Altitude

  1,025 m

  

  Duration

  7-9 hrs.
• Day 18
  Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

  Distance: 146 km flight | Time: 1/2 hr. | Ascent: +580m

  Hopefully if the day is clear, we’ll enjoy a fantastic mountain flight back to Kathmandu passing the Annapurna and Langtang ranges.

  

  Max. Altitude

  1,400 m

  

  Duration

  1/2 hr.
• Day 19
  Rest and Sightseeing at Kathmandu

  Our last day to catch in some sightseeing, shop, relax and prepare for departure. If you didn’t make it to Bhaktapur or the other durbar squares in Patan/Kathmandu, make sure you don’t miss these world heritage sites. They provide another viewpoint of Nepal’s diverse culture and ancient architectural talents.

• Day 20
  Departure from Kathmandu

  After completing the trek and returning from Pokhara, the final day in Kathmandu is reserved for departure. Trekkers check out from their hotel and are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for their onward flights. This day provides time to reflect on the remarkable journey through the Annapurna region, savor the memories of high Himalayan landscapes, Sherpa culture, and challenging adventures, and bid farewell to Nepal. It marks the end of an unforgettable trekking experience, leaving lasting impressions of the majestic mountains and the vibrant culture.