Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp Trek & Hot Springs: A Detailed Review

Planning a trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)? Well, so too the idea of combining it with a few days in Pokhara, plus a soak in some seriously inviting hot springs, it’s almost like hitting the jackpot. This 7-day adventure gives you mountain majesty alongside cultural moments and a healthy dose of relaxation. Here’s a look at what makes this particular version of the ABC trek a memorable one, perfect for you perhaps if you have just a limited amount of time and you’re seeking a blend of scenery and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Pokhara and Lakeside Exploration

Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, offers a serene atmosphere very different from the crazy energy of Kathmandu. You might be landing at Pokhara Airport after a short flight or arriving by road. Either way, once you check into your hotel, the agenda includes wandering around Lakeside, a vibrant area by Phewa Lake. Is that paraglider I see? Indeed, a few people are usually sailing serenely in the skies above.

Think colorful shops, cafes where you can get everything from a latte to momos, and views that seem almost too perfect. Maybe rent a small boat for a quiet float on Phewa Lake, or take a leisurely walk to the Peace Pagoda for sunset. The reflections of the Annapurna range on the lake are really spectacular, you know, so you really should remember your camera for those unforgettable holiday shots.

Day 2: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga

Day two and the actual trekking begins. Early start so you can take a drive to Nayapul, which is where many Annapurna treks usually start. It’s actually a scenic drive, passing through little towns and villages where life happens at a delightfully slow pace. As I was saying, the trek to Tikhedhunga is moderately gentle, making it ideal for easing yourself in. Walking is a mixture of easy trails and some uphill sections, crossing suspension bridges, that kind of thing, where you’ll hear the constant gurgle of rivers below.

You might meet local villagers along the route. So too, there’s the sound of rushing water as you ascend alongside the Modi Khola river. Tikhedhunga itself is a cute small village, where teahouses offer basic but comfortable accommodations. As a matter of fact, this is trekking at its most accessible, and really does get you up close with the pretty Annapurna landscape.

Day 3: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (via Ulleri)

Prepare yourself for a harder day. Is that what the guides keep saying? Arguably the trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani is the steepest part of the entire journey, mostly that seemingly unending stone staircase from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri. Basically, it feels like a stair workout that someone forgot to switch off. Don’t get discouraged; at the end of the stone steps is a tea house so too if you need refreshments, there’s every reason to stop there before heading up through woodlands, which do give some needed shade.

Ghorepani, which sits at approximately 2,860 meters, it’s usually pretty chilly. So too the reward is panoramic views and really amazing sunsets – provided, you know, that the clouds decide to cooperate, that is. You will almost certainly be grateful for a good, warming meal at the teahouse there before getting your head down for a much-needed sleep. You should take warm clothing just in case, like your warmest gloves!

Day 4: Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani

Well, this day really gets off early – that, really, really, really early. A pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill, possibly the main viewpoint, gives you that really spectacular sunrise. I mean, weather allowing. The views include Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I all lit up by the sunrise; definitely a moment to remember. After experiencing that magic, you will probably trek back to Ghorepani to have your breakfast before the trek starts again.

The trek to Tadapani then involves more forest walking and views. So, too the route itself is fairly relaxed by comparison, with rhododendron forests lining much of the trail; quite pretty, actually. Tadapani has some fantastic views too, being slightly quieter than Ghorepani; you know, so it makes a good spot to recover from the morning’s crazy early start.

Day 5: Tadapani to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs)

Now, the route is starting to head down. Basically from Tadapani, you make that pretty sharp descent through forest trails down towards Jhinu Danda. I mean, keep those knees working right. As you get lower, the change in plantlife becomes extremely visible; kind of interesting. Jhinu Danda, what’s the prize there? Of course, hot springs, sitting right on the bank of the Modi Khola river.

What could be better after days on the trail? The chance, you know, to sink into warm, mineral-rich water while listening to the sound of the river, maybe even watching the sun going down beyond. Apparently, a dip in the hot springs feels glorious – aches begin to vanish, muscles really unwind. Very worthwhile!

Day 6: Trek to Nayapul and Drive Back to Pokhara

Basically from Jhinu Danda, the trek back towards Nayapul is, more or less, quite easy. Relatively level paths trace the valley, before that final little climb back to where you started, many days before. As a matter of fact, it feels nice to walk on those familiar routes back to Nayapul.

From there, of course, there’s that drive back to Pokhara. You may notice how your perception of the surroundings has definitely shifted after all that time spent amid mountains and forests. So, too, spending one more relaxing afternoon by the lake and going out for that well-earned dinner will feel absolutely perfect after being away on that hike.

Day 7: Departure from Pokhara

This, very is probably a flexible day. You could possibly relax in Pokhara; as a matter of fact, there are various activities such as paragliding, or zip-lining, that sort of thing; it’s also often possible to arrange a sightseeing flight around Annapurna if that interests you. Most probably it’s the day you depart; anyway, you can certainly feel great satisfaction and a sense of achievement as you head on towards home or onward travels. Seven days; big memories.