Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Volunteering

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:

You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Tour and Trekking Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal.

Day 02: Orientation and Nepali lessons – 3 hours:

Tour and Trekking Nepal offers comprehensive Nepali language and cultural training tailored for expatriates, volunteers, and research students eager to delve into Nepali culture. Our team of seasoned instructors will skillfully lead you through language acquisition while fostering a genuine understanding of Nepali communities. At Tour and Trekking Nepal, we furnish cutting-edge learning resources designed to provide profound insights into Nepal’s culture and way of life. Throughout your orientation and language sessions, you will be fully immersed in the local culture and language, creating a rich and authentic experience. This program is ideally suited for individuals seeking to maximize their time in Nepal and to engage with the country on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Day 03: Local amenities and cultural sightseeing:

Kathmandu stands as the vibrant cultural nucleus of Nepal, an alluring haven for travelers since Nepal first welcomed outsiders within its borders. The city beautifully amalgamates elements of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influences within the encompassing Valley. Adjacent to this hub are Patan and Bhaktapur, two significant cities brimming with cultural and religious importance in Nepal’s tapestry.

An immersive guided excursion awaits, offering a complete day to explore the historical Durbar Square adorned with distinctive architectures and home to the revered Kumari, the living goddess. The journey continues to the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, followed by visits to the renowned ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and the Buddhists’ shrine of Buddhhanath. As dusk settles, an enriching pre-trip discussion is scheduled, where you will meet your trek leader and fellow adventurers, setting the stage for your forthcoming expedition.

Day 04: Drive to Pokhara by Tourist Bus:

At the beginning of the journey today we head to Pokhara. The journey to the city of lakes begins from the valley heading out of its twisty roads and reaching Prithvi Highway and the thrashing Trishuli River. The tranquil journey gives us a peek at the majestic Himalayas right as we enter the mesmerizing Pokhara valley. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 05: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk:

The beautiful lake city and catch great views of the Himalayas. We drive to Kimche (2-hour drive on a comfortable private vehicle) and start the trek. From Kimche, we trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. If time permits, we also visit the Gurung museum today. Overnight stay in Ghandruk.

Day 06: Ghandruk to Chhomrong Trek:

We climb up for around an hour up to Kimrungdanda. On the way, we can enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Ganggapurna. A steep descent takes us to the Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda, we descend for a while and then it’s a gentle walk to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. Overnight stay in Chhomrong.

Day 07: Chhomrong to Bamboo Trek:

We descend via 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge above Chhomrong Khola. From here, it is an uphill climb to Sinuwa. Next, we pass through a beautiful forest to Kuldihar followed by an easy downhill walk to Bamboo. Overnight stay in Bamboo.

Day 08: Bamboo to Deurali Trek:

We pass through a bamboo forest which is damp and cold then ascend steadily with a few steep sections. It is only after reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up and we are out in the sun again with astounding views of the glacial river below. It is a steep climb up through a much drier forest before reaching Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail dropping closer to the river before climbing again to Deurali, the most scenic stretch of the day. The vegetation is sparser, allowing magical views of the valley, the river below, and the sheer rock-face cliffs above with bands of wispy waterfalls. Overnight in Deurali.

Day 09: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek:

Today, we climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountain side. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp, we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna, which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp, we again get to savor mesmerizing views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo Trek:

From Annapurna Base Camp, we retrace our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill, so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the picturesque landscape to cheer us up. Overnight in Bamboo.

Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Trek:

From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs which is just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight stay in Jhinu Danda.

Day 12: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara:

We leave Jhinu Danda and enjoy the final leg of the hike on the beautiful hilly landscapes of western Nepal. On reaching Matque, we will begin our drive back to Pokhara in a private vehicle. It will take us around 2 hours to reach the city of lakes. We have lunch on the way. The actual trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary and back end today. On reaching Pokhara, we check in at our hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon, we will set out for a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara. Overnight stay in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:

We transfer to the Tourist bus station and 07: 00 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 14 – 27: Onward Volunteering one of these programs:

• Teaching volunteer work in schools, monasteries or a women’s education centre.
• Creative arts and child development program
• Medical care volunteering work in the hospital
• Construction and renovation volunteering work
• Work in our centre for children with difficulties
• Work in an elderly people’s home
• Physiotherapy occupational therapy in hospitals or disabled centres etc.

Nepal is a country known for its warm-hearted people, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. Volunteering in Nepal offers a unique opportunity to give back to local communities while immersing yourself in their way of life. The aforementioned volunteer and internship initiatives serve as exemplars, showcasing how these programs can be skillfully coordinated and structured to accommodate the needs and expectations of volunteers.

Day 28: Farewell friend and departure/Fly back home:

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Tour and Trekking Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour and trekking, volunteering and internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.