Day 1 – Arrival in Pokhara

• You arrive in Pokhara, the beautiful gateway to the Annapurna region.
• Meet your Driftmates group and your trek leader for the first time.
• We’ll have a quick briefing where everything will be explained — the route, weather, safety, and what to expect in the coming days.
• Take this time to sort your gear and relax after your journey.

Sleep well tonight — tomorrow, the mountains begin.

Day 2 – Pokhara to Ghandruk

• After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive towards Ghandruk.
• En route, we stop at Nayapul for permit formalities before continuing uphill.
• As we reach Ghandruk, you’ll notice traditional stone houses and a peaceful mountain vibe.
• In the evening, if the weather is clear, enjoy stunning views of Machapuchare and surrounding peaks.

A relaxed day to ease into the mountains.

Day 3 – Ghandruk to Lower Sinuwa

• Today is your first real trekking day — and it’s a mix of ups and downs.
• We start by walking through the village and gradually climb towards Kimrong Danda.
• After that, a steep descent takes us to the river, followed by a long climb to Chhomrong.
• Post lunch, we descend again and then climb stone steps to reach Lower Sinuwa.

It’s a tiring day, but this is where your trekking rhythm begins.

Day 4 – Lower Sinuwa to Deurali

• We start with a short climb and then enter dense forest trails filled with bamboo and rhododendron.
• The trail is peaceful, shaded, and one of the most beautiful sections of the trek.
• We pass through Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalaya villages along the way.
• As we move higher, the landscape starts changing — more open, more rugged.
• By evening, we reach Deurali.

You’ll start feeling the altitude slightly from here.

Day 5 – Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp

• Today is the most important day of the trek.
• We start early and slowly make our way towards Machapuchare Base Camp.
• The valley opens up, and suddenly you’re surrounded by massive snow-covered peaks.
• From MBC, we continue towards Annapurna Base Camp.
• Standing at base camp, you are surrounded 360° by giants like Annapurna I — it’s an unreal feeling.

This is the moment you came for.

Day 6 – ABC to Bamboo

• Wake up early for a magical sunrise over the Annapurna range 
• After breakfast, we begin our descent.
• We follow the same trail back through MBC, Deurali, and Dovan.
• It’s a long walk, but going downhill feels easier on the lungs.

By evening, we reach Bamboo and rest.

Day 7 – Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

• We retrace our steps towards Chhomrong once again.
• From here, a long descent takes us to Jhinu Danda.
• If you’re up for it, head down to the natural hot springs nearby.

Warm water, tired legs, and mountains around — perfect end to the trek.

Day 8 – Jhinu to Pokhara

• We start with a gentle walk along the river and pass through small villages and farms.
• Reach Nayapul and complete exit formalities.
• Drive back to Pokhara.
• Evening is free — relax at Phewa Lake, explore cafés, or just unwind.

Back to comfort after days in the mountains.

Day 9 – Departure

• Breakfast and check-out.
• Trip ends, but the memories of Annapurna stay with you for a long time.

Altitude Gain Chart (Day-wise)

Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Do’s

• Stay hydrated (3–4L daily)
  
• Walk at your own steady pace
  
• Inform leader if any discomfort
  
• Follow layering (avoid sweating)
  
• Carry documents at all times

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t ignore **Altitude Sickness symptoms
  
• No alcohol/smoking at altitude
  
• Don’t rush or leave group
  
• Don’t litter

Safety Notes

• AMS risk after 3000 m
  
• Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue
  
• Immediate reporting is critical
  
• Evacuation possible (insurance required)

Pro Tips (From Trek Leader Perspective)

• Day 3 & Day 5 are the toughest → conserve energy
  
• Eat even if not hungry (very important)
  
• Keep chocolates / quick sugar handy
  
• Always keep rain layer accessible
  
• Mental stamina matters as much as fitness

Fitness Benchmark (Mandatory)
If you can do the following, you are physically ready:

• Run 5 km in 25–30 minutes
  
• Walk 10 km continuously on incline terrain
  
• Hold breath for 40 seconds
  
• Climb 30 floors without break
  
• Perform 10 push-ups
  
• Complete 15 × 2 sets of squats & lunges

If you’re not there yet — train for 4–6 weeks and you’ll be ready.
Prerequisite Skills
Basic mountain awareness is important:

• Proper layering system for Himalayan weather
  
• Mountain manners & discipline
  
• Ascending & descending on steep terrain
  
• Basic camp/teahouse living understanding
  
• Team coordination & communication
  
• Walking on snow (if present)

Terrain & Trek Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most scenic and globally popular treks in Nepal, located inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.
What to Expect:

• Dense forests (bamboo & rhododendron)
• Stone steps & steep ascents/descents
• Suspension bridges & river crossings
• Alpine terrain near base camp
• Glacier and moraine walking near ABC

Experience:

• Walk through the Annapurna Sanctuary
  
• Close views of:
  
  • Machapuchare
    
  • Hiunchuli
    
  • Annapurna South
    
• Cultural immersion in Gurung villages
  

 The trek is non-technical, but physically demanding due to altitude and terrain.

BRS Level Requirement

• Trek falls under BRS Level 4
  
• Requires:
  
  • Prior trekking experience (Level 3 or above)
    
  • Understanding of high-altitude conditions
    
  • Good physical endurance

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May):
  
  • Blooming rhododendrons
    
  • Slight snow at higher altitudes
    
• Autumn (Sept–Nov):
  
  • Clear skies & best mountain views
    
  • Cold nights

Temperature Range

Accommodation

• Hotels in Pokhara
  
• Teahouses/lodges during trek
  
• Basic but comfortable
  
• Shared or private washrooms (varies)

Connectivity & Facilities

• Mobile network: Limited (NCell works in patches)
  
• Electricity: Available but unreliable → carry power bank
  
• ATMs: Available only in Pokhara/Kathmandu

Travel Information
Reach Pokhara:

• Fly to Kathmandu → then flight/road to Pokhara
  
• Road options available from India (via Raxaul border)

Health & Safety

• AMS risk above 3000 m
  
• Symptoms:
  
  • Headache
    
  • Nausea
    
  • Dizziness

Immediate reporting is critical

• Emergency evacuation available (helicopter – insurance required)

Inclusions

✔ Accommodation (Hotel + Teahouse)

✔ Permits (Indian nationals)

✔ Experienced guide & trek leader

✔ Meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

✔ Staff support (insurance, logistics)

✔ Backpack offloading (10 kg)

Exclusions

✘ Personal expenses

✘ Meals in Pokhara / during travel

✘ Travel insurance & evacuation

✘ Tips (INR 2500 mandatory)

✘ Gear rentals (microspikes, sleeping bag, gaiters)

✘ Extra permit fees (non-Indians)
Important Notes

• Minimum age: 13 years
  
• 13–17 yrs must be accompanied by guardian
  
• 60+ requires medical certificate
  
• Carry:
  
  • Medical certificate (mandatory)
    
  • Original ID

Driftmates Trek Experience

• Small group size
  
• Certified trek leaders
  
• Safety-first approach
  
• Local cultural immersion
  
• On-ground support & real mountain experience