Day 1: Phedi to Tolka (5-6 Hrs)

Drive from Pokhara to Phedi. The trek begins with a straight climb up from Phedi along stone steps. Great views of mountains from Dhampus on a ridge. Exceptional view of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) from Pothana. Overnight at Tolka (1790m).

Day 2: To Chhomrung (5-6 Hrs)

Landruk, a Gurung village is on the way. Further up is Ghandruk and Chhomrung (2210m) with several lodges to choose from.

Day 3: To Bamboo (3-4 Hrs)

The trial descends, crosses a river and goes through bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests before reaching Sinuwa. Climb for an hour, then another steep descent and a place called Bamboo (2310m) is reached through another rhododendron and bamboo forest.

Day 4: Bamboo to Himalayan Hotel (2-3 Hrs)

Plenty of climbing this day and Doban is reached in 45 minutes. Further climbing leads to Himalayan Hotel (2840m). If time permits, going further on to Deurali makes the next day’s hike easier.

Day 5: Himalayan Hotel to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3-4 Hrs)

40 minutes away is the Hinku Cave and further on is Deurali. Being an avalanche prone area, find out about recent avalanches from the lodge owners. A stone staircase and a short climb leads to the four hotels that represent MBC, Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m). Astounding views of the Annapurna range. A night spent here is good for acclimatization.

Day 6: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (1 ½ - 2 Hrs)

Snow can make it difficult to see the trail but the hike is pleasant. There are four well run lodges here. The south face of Annapurna towers above the base camp. The Sanctuary is close to many trekking peaks.

Day 7: Annapurna Base Camp to Himalayan Hotel (3 ½ - 4 ½ Hrs)

Hiking down is easy and one can go further on to Doban or Bamboo.

Day 8: Himalayan Hotel to Chhomrong (5-7 Hrs)

Hike back the same way you came, but the going is slow.

Day 9: Chhomrong to Ghandruk (3 -4 ½ Hrs)

On the way, the destination can be seen straight across, but first there’s a 470m drop to the valley floor. A steep climb leads to Kumrong Danda after which comes the descent to Ghandruk (1990m).

Day 10: Ghandruk to Birethanti, Naya Pul (3 - 4 ½ Hrs)

Start downhill on a stone staircase followed by a stone paved trail high above the river and you will arrive at Kimche. Walk on to Birethanti for a night halt or push on to Naya Pul and catch a bus or taxi to Pokhara.