Compare Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 14 Days by Ace the Himalaya vs Nepal in 10 days - Kathmandu Valley & Captivating Himalayas - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. But if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 2: Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley

Meals: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, at 8.30 am your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some heritages listed below:

Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth which is famous all over the world.

Boudhanath Stupa:

Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, famous five-storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style Batsala temple, Bhairavnath temple, Duttatraya temple, Pujari Muth and Palace of 55 windows.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area for trekking essentials.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (900 m) in a Tourist Bus - 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30 am. A beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Nayapul (1,010 m) and Trek to Tikhedunga (1,570 m) - 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We begin our trek at Nayapul after an hours drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015 m), a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495 m. After a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,570 m. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy, a prelude to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m) - 5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We move on towards the steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at an altitude of 2,070 m. The trail ascends more gently from this point, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons, towards Banthanti at 2,250 m. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2,460 m. After an hour walk we arrive at Ghorepani (2,840 m).

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 6: Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and Trek to Tadapani (2,610 m) - 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hike to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210 m, a brilliant mountain range spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. There we spend about 1 hour and returning to Ghorepani, we take a hot breakfast. Then we make a climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests, towards Deurali (2,960 m). After that, we descend to the Banthanti, then turn off to Tadapani.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 7: Trek to Chomrong (2,140 m) - 5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The day starts with a steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend through the forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people. From here it is an easy walk to Chomrong at an elevation of 2,140 m.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 8: Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2,950 m) - 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today the trail drops down to the Chomrong Khola and again we continue climbing to Khuldighar at 2,380 m where there used to be an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check post. There is a clearing in the forest a little further on, from which, the route travels very steeply down a rock bank, then levels out, running through thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge, keeping always on the west side of the river. We walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests to the Himalayan Hotel.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 9: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) - 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today the trail climbs on past the Hinko Cave, Deurali and then Machapuchare Base Camp, which isn’t really a base camp since climbing Mt Machapuchare is not permitted. Since it is totally surrounded by mountains, this area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. Two hours trek from Machapuchare Base Camp takes us to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at elevation of 4,130 m. There, we will view unobstructed views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 10: Trek to Bamboo (2345 m) - 6 hours

We follow the same trail down today. The trail drops by 1,700 m to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo at 2,345 m where there are a few teahouse/lodges available to stay at.

Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Trek to Jhinu (1,780 m) - 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We follow the same trail until Chomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar, there is an experimental sheep farm. The trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields. From Chomrong, the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu, where we can bath in natural hot springs.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 12: Trek to Nayapul (1,010 m), Drive to Pokhara - 5.5 hours and Guided Tour of Barahi Temple and Fewa Lake

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

From Jhinu we walk at the right side of Modi Khola for 4.5 hrs to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing walks of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul. Then an hour drive will take us back to Pokhara.

After we check into the hotel, we will then walk to the Fewa Lake for our boating trip to Barahi Temple.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 13: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,400 m) in a Tourist Bus - 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning.

If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

The trip concludes today. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Kathmandu. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. The largest urban area in Nepal, with 2.5 million inhabitants, consists of the core of the metropolitan city of Kathmandu and its sister cities Patan, Kirtipur, Thimi and Bhaktapur, including the urban areas of Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Champapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. The capital of the country is located at 1,400 meters above sea level in a picturesque bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal. Spend the day discovering the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Bhaktapur, known as the 'City of the Devotees', to admire the great architectural beauty of the third of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur's Durbar Square is the best preserved in the valley. The Royal Palace stands out, whose entrance door is a masterpiece in embossed art, as does the Nyatapola Temple, known as the Temple of the Five Roofs for it's five magnificently sculpted floors, making it one of the highest in the country. Later, continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, Changu Narayan Temple located in the Changu village and dedicated to the god Vishnu. From here, take in the amazing views of the surrounding valley. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 4: Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we recommend an optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion.* Head to the Kathmandu Valley through Asan Tole, the main street of the capital's oldest shopping area, which offers a vivid display of local Nepalese life. Discover Nepalese culture and experience everyday life through the bustling and narrow streets and courtyards of the city. Visit Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where you can see the Kumari Temple and the exteriors of the Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav. In the afternoon, explore Swayambhunath Stupa, located at the top of a hill, to contemplate the beautiful landscape of the Kathmandu Valley. Later, discover the old city of Patan and visit its Durbar Square, the oldest of the three in the valley. See the Royal Palace, home to beautiful patios and ornate windows and sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, Ganesh and Vishnu. Afterwards, head to the Temple of the Living Goddess Kumari, who looks out onto the balcony to receive the greetings of the devotees. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Kathmandu. * Optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion: One-hour long sightseeing on a fixed-wing aircraft for an experience of a lifetime. All the spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks and gorges glide below as you fly towards Mt. Everest. Includes a flight certificate awarded at the end of the excursion. Return to Kathmandu to begin the rest of the days sightseeing.

Day 5: Kathmandu - Chitwan

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off by road to Chitwan, passing by scenic landscapes during the approx. 4-hour journey. Arrive and get settled at the hotel. In the afternoon, set off on a 1-hour nature walk to explore the beautiful surrounding area, scattered with cabins inhabited by the indigenous Tharu tribe, who have lived in the forests surrounding Chitwan for hundreds of years. After a delicious dinner, enjoy a Tharu Stick Dance Show, performed by local farmers, for an insight into Chitwan’s cultural roots. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Day 6: Chitwan

Rise early in the morning and enjoy a coffee/tea break before heading off to Chitwan National Park to seize the day and the tranquillity of the natural environment during the quiet hours of the morning. The area surrounding Machan Country Villa is a true paradise for birdwatchers, so keep your eyes peeled for some of the rarer species. Enjoy a nature walk with a naturalist expert who can point out the abundant birdlife before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. Afterwards you will get to know the behaviours and characteristics of the majestic Asian elephant. Lunch included. Continue your adventure with a 3-hour jeep safari through the jungle until arriving at the shores of the Narayani River where a traditional boat awaits to take you on a tranquil boat cruise. Look out for local wildlife such as crocodiles and water birds before returning to the shore. In the evening, enjoy an informative presentation by a jungle expert to learn more about this unique eco-system. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Day 7: Chitwan - Pokhara

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off for Pokhara, a journey of around 3.5-hours long. En route, visit Bandipur Village, a small hilltop settlement and an amazing example of Newar culture. This charming village is home to precious 18th-century architecture, a number of small cafes and shops. Continue to Pokhara, nestled in a quiet, forest-covered valley. Arrive, get settled at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the fantastic views of the Himalayas and the five Annapurna peaks. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 8: Pokhara

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to Sarangkot to see the sunrise over the Himalayas, if weather conditions permit. Located at 1592 meters above sea level, it is the most popular spot to enjoy the magnificent views of the Pokhara Valley and the mountains. Afterwards, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, see the beautiful Devi Waterfall and explore the Sacred Cave of Gupteshwor. Continue to the bustling Old Bazaar of Pokhara, a pleasant traditional place, full of merchants selling fabrics, food and gold, among other authentic Nepalese products. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 9: Pokhara - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head back to Kathmandu, enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 10: Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a guided visit to Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world and icon of Nepal, sits on an octagonal base and is surrounded by the houses of Buddhist Lamas. Afterwards, discover Pashupatinath Hindu Temple on the east bank of the river, the most important and oldest of the Kathmandu Valley, dedicated to Shiva and surrounded by an exuberant natural environment. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to stroll through the city or make some last-minute souvenir purchases. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Kathmandu - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bid farewell to captivating Nepal. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport and check-in for your return flight back to the US. Night on board.* * Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US today.

Day 12: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.