Our journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal, where we’ll start and end the trip. On our first full day together, we’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic sites - ancient temples, lively streets, and historic squares that offer a powerful introduction to Nepal’s culture, history, and daily life. From the very beginning, we’ll be supported by experienced local guides who know this region inside and out and will be with us throughout the journey.

From Kathmandu, we take a domestic flight to Pokhara, a relaxed lakeside town surrounded by Himalayan peaks and the gateway to the Annapurna region. Pokhara is where we prepare for the trek and where the mountains begin to feel very real. Soon after, we head into the Annapurna Sanctuary, hiking through villages, forests, and river valleys as the landscape becomes more dramatic with every step.

The heart of this trip is the trek to Annapurna Base Camp at 13,550 feet (4,130 m). Over several days, we’ll walk beneath towering peaks including Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, eventually reaching a high alpine basin completely surrounded by mountains. The experience of earning your way into this landscape is unforgettable.

Each night on the trail, we’ll stay in traditional teahouses run by local families. These cozy, basic mountain lodges provide a bed, warm meals, and communal dining rooms where the group gathers each evening. Expect hearty trail food like the local favorite, dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables with unlimited refills), momos, noodles, soups, pancakes, and plenty of hot tea. Simple, nourishing, and perfect for long days of hiking. This is classic Himalayan trekking at its best.

After celebrating the incredible achievement of reaching Annapurna Base Camp, we’ll make our way back out of the mountains, return to Kathmandu, and enjoy a final evening together before departures home.

If the Himalayas call to you - where every view feels transformative - this trip might be for you. Annapurna Base Camp is the journey that lit the spark for Travel Light, and I can’t wait to return and share it with you.

Activity level: High. We’ll be hiking 6 days of this trip. We will reach an elevation of 13,550 feet at Annapurna Base Camp.

Fitness Requirement: This trip is best suited for people who enjoy being active and are excited about a physical challenge. We always recommend training ahead of time. You don’t need a ton of experience, but you should know that you enjoy hiking and being in nature. You should feel comfortable walking on uneven, rocky terrain for multiple days in a row.
Age Requirement: Must be 21+
Who is this trip for?

• You dream of trekking in the Himalayas

• You’re comfortable with and excited to experience basic, family-owned teahouses along the ABC trail (unheated and simple, but full of character)

• You’re comfortable with long hiking days on rocky, uneven terrain, carrying a 10-15 lb daypack

• You’re willing to train ahead of time and arrive prepared for a multi-day trek at altitude

• You value community, shared effort, and celebrating a big accomplishment with a supportive group

Airports & Arrival: This trip begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. Travelers should plan to fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Most international flights route through major hubs in the Middle East or Asia before arriving in Kathmandu. If your schedule allows, we recommend arriving at least one day early to allow time to recover from travel and adjust to the time zone.

Payment: A $500 deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is split into two payments. Custom payment plans are available upon request. There are no fees when paying via bank transfer. *Credit card payments will incur a processing fee.

Arrive, settle in, and meet your adventure crew

Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to our boutique hotel, where you can relax and settle in after your travels. In the evening, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner—your first introduction to Nepali cuisine and the group you’ll be sharing this experience with.

Meals Included: D
Accommodation: Kailash Boutique Hotel or similar

Culture, history, and getting ready for the mountains

Today we explore the highlights of Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Durbar Square. Expect colorful temples, bustling streets, and a deeper look into Nepal’s rich culture and history. Later, we’ll have a full trekking orientation so you feel confident and prepared for the days ahead.

Meals Included: B, L
Accommodation: Kailash Boutique Hotel or similar

Ease into mountain life

We take a short scenic flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital and the gateway to the Annapurna region. Pokhara sits along Phewa Lake with the Himalayas rising dramatically in the background. On a clear day, you can see peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the iconic Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) towering above the town.

This laid-back lakeside city is a hub for trekkers from all over the world and the perfect place to transition into mountain life. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner and soak in the excitement for what’s ahead.

Meals Included: B, D
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

From roads to trails — the Annapurna Base Camp adventure begins

We start the day with an adventurous, bumpy jeep ride to the trailhead—part of the experience in Nepal. From there, we begin our first hike, climbing steadily through beautiful terrain before arriving at our first teahouse.

Teahouses are family-run mountain lodges found along trekking routes. They are simple, cozy, and incredibly special—offering a place to rest, warm meals, and a shared space to connect. After hiking, we’ll stretch, relax, play cards, and settle into the slower rhythm of life in the mountains.

Meals Included: B, L, D
Approx. Hike Stats: 2 miles /3 km • ~2 hours • ~1,850 ft gain / 560 m.
Accommodation: Teahouse

Lush jungle trails and mountain villages

Each morning begins with a hot, nourishing breakfast before we set out on the trail. Today we hike through several small villages, getting glimpses into daily life in the region.

The trail winds through lush forest and jungle, with rhododendron trees (Nepal’s national flower), dense bamboo, and oak forests surrounding us. It’s a vibrant, green contrast to the alpine landscapes ahead.

Meals Included: B, L, D
Approx. Hike Stats: 6 miles / 9.5 km • ~4 hours • ~2,200 ft gain / 670 m.
Accommodation: Teahouse

Find your rhythm in the mountains

By now, we’ve settled into the rhythm of trekking—walking through incredible scenery, sharing the experience as a group, and ending each day with a warm meal.

You’ll quickly become familiar with dal bhat, Nepal’s national dish. It’s a hearty meal of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and curry—and yes, it comes with unlimited refills. It’s the fuel that powers trekkers through the Himalayas.

Meals Included: B, L, D
Hike Stats: 6 miles / 9.5 km • ~4–5 hours • ~3,150 ft gain / 960 m.
Accommodation: Teahouse

The big moment — you made it!

Today we reach Annapurna Base Camp, the highlight of the entire journey. Along the way, we pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp, sitting beneath the sacred Fishtail mountain.

Machhapuchhare is considered holy in Nepal and has never been summited out of respect. Its sharp, fishtail-shaped peak is one of the most recognizable in the Himalayas.

Arriving at Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks in every direction, is a moment that’s hard to put into words. We’ll celebrate this incredible accomplishment together—this is a day you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Meals Included: B, L, D
Hike Stats: 5 miles / 8 km • ~4 hours • ~3,050 ft gain / 929 m.
Accommodation: Teahouse at Annapurna Base Camp

Slow it down and take it all in

For those who want to, we can wake early to watch the sunrise over Annapurna Base Camp—a quiet, powerful moment as the peaks light up around us.

After breakfast, we begin our descent, retracing our steps through the valley with a completely new perspective on the landscape we worked so hard to reach.

Meals Included: B, L, D
Hike Stats: 11 miles / 18 km • ~6 hours • ~6,100 ft loss / 1859 m.
Accommodation: Teahouse

One last walk through the mountains

Our final morning on the trail brings us back to Jhinu Danda, where our trek comes to an end. From here, we drive back to Pokhara and return to comfort—a hot shower, a real bed, and a well-earned rest after days in the mountains.

Meals Included: B, L
Hike Stats: 8 miles / 13 km • ~4 hours • ~4,200 ft loss / 1280 m.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

Reflect, celebrate, and soak it all in

We fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy a relaxed day for shopping, exploring, or simply unwinding. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate everything we’ve experienced together.

Meals Included: B, D
Accommodation: Kailash Boutique Hotel or similar

Full hearts, strong legs, unforgettable memories

Transfer to the airport for your journey home, leaving Nepal with incredible memories, new friendships, and a huge accomplishment behind you.

Meals Included: B