DAY 01: Pokhara (823m/2,700ft) and Trek to Ghandruk (1940m/6360 ft): 6 hrs trek. We drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. From Birethanti, we trek uphill on the trail to Ghandruk. While on the trail, we enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains. We further pass along various small villages such as Chimrong, Syauli Bazar, and Chane. Upon crossing the suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, we will be at Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung culture and community at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk.
DAY 02: Trek Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft): 5 hrs trek.
After Breakfast, we climb up for an hour up to Ghandrukkot, and then a steep descent takes us to the Kimron Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimron Khola, we make an hour of easy walk. Then, we take a steep climb continuing up to Chhomrong. While climbing, we encounter with the mighty peak of Annapurna South above the village and the view of Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare) facing across the valley. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of giant Annapurna massive. Overnight at Chhomrong.
DAY 03: Chhomrong to Dovan (2580m/8460ft): 6 hrs trek.
We head out Chhomrong along the Modi Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high step and wooded slopes of the Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge and then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through a thick and dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then, we descend long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests through which we reach Doban shortly.
DAY 04: Doban to Deurali (3230m/10,595ft): 4 hrs trek.
The day starts with a gentle gradual ascend following the trail above the river through thick bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. We pass by Himalaya Hotel and cross two streams over small bridges. The trail passes through solitary places. The wilderness of mother nature gives a piece to our mind. There is also the possibility of seeing a variety of species of wildlife such as wild pigs, deer, and snow leopards. We climb again to the Hinko Cave, an overhanging rock. Our further climb paves the way to Deurali. Overnight at Deurali.
DAY 05: Deurali to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft): 3 - 4 hrs trek.
Today, we start our trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). At first, we make a gentle climb through a river bed to steeply over the mountainside. These are avalanche-prone areas at some point on the trail. We have to be alert to protect ourselves if there is wind. This might be a pre-avalanche sign. After about half an hour's walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in the middle of the river bed surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. When the sun rises, the snow on the mountains shines and the river valley is filled with warm sun rays. We reach Bagar. The further hike to Machhapuchre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding views of the majestic Machhapuchre are certainly a rewarding experience. At this juncture, we enjoy the views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and, of course, the Fishtail or Machhapuchhare itself. Overnight at Machhapuchre Base Camp.
DAY 06: Machhapuchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft): 2 - 3 hrs trek.
The path widens as we enter the sanctuary. We follow a stream and then climb to a few huts alongside a moraine. There are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary boasts a dynamic view without anything impeding the panorama of the 360 degrees. Upon arrival at this panoramic view site, we savor the mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli, and other peaks. The climax of our trip almost ends today. Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m/7575ft): 6 hrs trek.
After visiting ABC we come back to MBC for our breakfast, we start descending from Machhapuchre Base Camp to Bamboo back through Deurali, Dovan and finally reach Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. We will see the waterfalls that drop down from a high point to the rocks below. We further pass through the forests with great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight at Bamboo.
DAY 07: Bamboo to New Bridge or Jhinu Dada (1760m/5770 ft): 6 hrs trek.
From Bamboo, we head for a steep ascent to the Kuldi Ghar and then to Sinuwa following the stone steps that lead to Lower Chhomrong. Then, we ascend on the thousand stony steps taking us to Upper Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, we descend to Jhinu Danda. On this day will have an opportunity to enjoy hot springs lying just a 15-min walk from Jhinu Danda. Overnight at Jhinu Dada.
DAY 08: Jhinu Dada to Naya Pul to Pokhara: 6 hrs trek, 1 hr drive.
In the beginning, we trek from Jhinu Danda to New Bridge and then to Kyumi village. After having lunch, we trek to Syauli Bazaar and then down to Birethanti. Further, about an hour's trek from Birethanti, we will be at Naya Pul. The trek ends at Naya Pul. From Naya Pul, we drive in a locally available vehicle and reach Pokhara within an hour. Overnight at Pokhara.