Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Our adventure began with an overnight bus ride from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the serene lakeside town of Pokhara. The night passed with the hum of the bus engine and the anticipation of the trek ahead. Upon reaching Pokhara in the early morning, we met up with a friend and enjoyed breakfast by the tranquil lakeside, with the mountains looming in the distance.
Day 2: Gearing Up and Starting the Trek
After breakfast, we made a few necessary purchases—medical supplies like ORS and medication for altitude sickness, a trekking pole for stability, and a rain poncho, knowing that weather in the mountains could be unpredictable. With everything packed, we made our way to Baglung Bus Park and hopped onto a local bus bound for Nayapool, the starting point of our trek.
Nayapool welcomed us with a charming rural atmosphere. After a quick lunch, we set off on foot, leaving the noise of the city behind. The trail took us past rivers, waterfalls, and scenic village landscapes, offering glimpses of the old trekking routes that have been used for centuries.
Our destination for the night was Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village nestled high in the hills. The trek to Ghandruk was challenging but rewarding, with each step bringing us closer to a landscape of pure natural beauty. We arrived in the late evening and found a hotel near the bus park offering bed, dinner, and breakfast for 1,300 NPR per person—a great deal considering the picturesque surroundings.
Day 3: Exploring Ghandruk and Trekking to Lower Sinuwa
The day began early, as the village of Ghandruk was just too beautiful to sleep through. By 6:00 AM, we were out exploring Dada Gau, the upper part of the village, where the stunning Gurung culture thrives. The morning mist played hide-and-seek with the surrounding mountains, teasing us with partial views of snow-capped peaks. The sight of the sun rising behind the clouds made the experience even more magical, with its soft rays painting the entire landscape in a golden hue.
After a few hours of exploring, capturing photos, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, we returned to the hotel for breakfast and prepared for the next leg of our journey—Lower Sinuwa.
By 9 AM, we were back on the trail. The path ahead was a mix of steep ascents and descents, but the views kept our spirits high. The majestic Fishtail Mountain (Machapuchare) occasionally appeared between the rolling hills, offering us moments of awe as we trudged forward.
Along the way, we passed through the charming village of Khomrong, where we stopped for a well-deserved lunch in a quaint teahouse. The sun was shining brightly, and after a morning of trekking, it felt wonderful to take off our boots and relax for a bit. We shared the trail with horses grazing on the grassy hills, which was a unique and pleasant experience.
After lunch, we continued onward, passing through the scenic Chomrong village—arguably the most beautiful village on this trek. The terraced fields and panoramic views were nothing short of breathtaking. By late afternoon, we finally reached Lower Sinuwa, our stop for the night, tired but satisfied after a long day’s journey.
Day 4: Trekking to Daurali
The morning at Lower Sinuwa greeted us with a chilly breeze, but the anticipation of reaching higher altitudes kept us warm. After a hearty breakfast, we packed up and set off for Daurali. Along the way, we passed several scenic stops—Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya—each offering its own charm and natural beauty. At Dovan, we paused for lunch, a welcome break after a few hours of trekking.
During our lunch break, we met an experienced trekking guide who shared his knowledge of the mountains. He spoke in detail about the risks of high-altitude sickness and the unpredictable nature of mountain weather, offering valuable tips to ensure our safety. He even gifted us some ginger, known to help ease the symptoms of altitude sickness.
By the time we reached Daurali in the late evening, the temperature had dropped drastically to -3°C. After settling into our rooms, we warmed up with a steaming bowl of ginger noodle soup—a simple yet comforting meal at 400 NPR per bowl. The cold was biting, but the sense of achievement and the thrill of being so close to Annapurna Base Camp made it all worthwhile.
Day 5: Annapurna Base Camp and Back
We woke early, eager for the day ahead. After a quick breakfast, we began our trek towards Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), passing Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) along the way. The trail was challenging, but the excitement of reaching our destination pushed us forward.
By 2 PM, we arrived at ABC. The sight of the towering snow-capped peaks surrounding us was nothing short of awe-inspiring. We spent time soaking in the panoramic views, feeling small in the vastness of nature. Lunch at ABC cost us 700 NPR per plate for the classic Nepali meal of dal bhat tarkari—a satisfying meal after the long trek.
As the afternoon wore on, we reluctantly began our descent back to Daurali. The trek back was long and tiring, and by the time we reached Daurali around 7 PM, darkness had already fallen. Despite our exhaustion, the day’s adventure left us with memories that would last a lifetime.
Day 6: Daurali to Chomrong
The next day was another long journey as we made our way back down to Chomrong. The trail was familiar now, but no less beautiful. As we descended, we met a friendly Korean traveler who joined us on the trek. By the time we reached Chomrong, the evening air was cool, and we enjoyed dinner together, sharing stories of our respective journeys.
The view from our room at Chomrong was spectacular, with rolling hills and distant mountains visible from the window. After days of hard trekking, the peaceful atmosphere of Chomrong was a welcome change.
Day 7: Chomrong to Pokhara
We woke up to a stunning morning view at Chomrong and enjoyed breakfast before hitting the trail again. Along the way, we met a cyclist who was making his way to ABC—a truly adventurous spirit who had already cycled the Annapurna Circuit.
After about an hour of trekking, we reached Jinu, where we took a well-deserved break at the natural hot springs. Relaxing in the warm waters, surrounded by nature, was the perfect way to rejuvenate after days of trekking.
From Jinu, we crossed a suspension bridge and took a jeep back to Pokhara, arriving in the late evening. The familiar sights of Pokhara felt comforting after days in the mountains.
Day 8: Relaxing in Pokhara
After the intense trekking, we spent Day 8 exploring Pokhara at a leisurely pace. In the morning, we visited Begnas Lake, a tranquil spot just outside the main city. The peaceful waters and the surrounding greenery offered a perfect escape from the busier tourist areas.
In the evening, we made our way to Rock Bar for dinner. The atmosphere was lively, and the food was a great way to cap off a relaxing day in Pokhara.
Day 9: Pumdikot and the Journey Back
On our final day in Pokhara, we set out to explore the Pumdikot area and its lakeside surroundings. We spent part of the day chasing after the hot air balloons that fly over Pokhara, but they remained elusive. Despite that, the day was filled with relaxation and fun as we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the area.
As evening fell, we boarded a night bus back to Kathmandu, ending our trekking adventure. The memories of Annapurna Base Camp, the people we met, and the stunning landscapes would stay with us long after we returned to our daily routines.