Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trekking

Pick up and transfer from airport to the hotel

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. The short drive takes you through the bustling streets of Kathmandu, offering glimpses of the city’s vibrant culture and local life. Once at the hotel, you can rest and recover from your flight, check in, and prepare for the upcoming trek.

The evening is usually free for relaxation, packing, or a short city walk, depending on your arrival time. This day also provides an opportunity to confirm trekking permits, review your itinerary, and make any last-minute arrangements before heading to Pokhara or the trekking starting point.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 30 min drive from airport to hotel Distance: Around 6 km

Drive from Kathmandu (1,440 m) to Pokhara (827 m)

After breakfast, you will board a tourist bus for the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The route takes you through rolling hills, terraced farmlands, rivers, and small towns, offering a glimpse of rural Nepali life. You will pass through popular stops such as Damauli and Mugling, which are ideal for short breaks, refreshments, and photo opportunities.

After you arrive in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel and have time to relax or explore the lakeside city, known for its serene Phewa Lake, cozy cafes, and beautiful mountain views. This day is designed to rest from the drive and prepare for the upcoming trekking journey.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 7-8 hours drive Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Distance: Around 200 km

Drive from Pokhara (827 m) to Kande (1,770 m) & Trek to Australian Camp (1,950 m)

After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara to Kande, a small hilltop village known for panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. From Kande, the trek begins through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and small villages, gradually ascending toward Australian Camp.

The trail passes through a mix of rhododendron and pine forests, with occasional streams and small waterfalls along the way. This moderate 3-hour trek is perfect for warming up your legs and acclimatizing to higher altitudes. Upon arrival at Australian Camp, you can enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, making it a perfect spot for sunset photography.

Evening at the camp offers a chance to relax in the cozy lodges or tea houses, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 3 hours trek after 1-1.5 hour drive Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +1,123 m Distance: Around 7 km trek

Trek from Australian Camp (1,950 m) to Forest Camp (2,250 m)

Today’s trek begins from Australian Camp and gradually ascends through dense rhododendron and oak forests, passing along narrow trails and occasional stone steps. You may encounter small streams and scenic viewpoints along the way. The trek offers peaceful natural surroundings and an opportunity to observe local flora and fauna, including Himalayan birds and monkeys.

The moderate trail leads to Forest Camp, which is surrounded by lush greenery and provides stunning views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. This camp is quieter than Australian Camp, allowing trekkers to enjoy a serene environment and the sounds of the forest. Evening at Forest Camp is perfect for sunset photography and relaxing in cozy lodges or tea houses while soaking in the mountain atmosphere.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +300 m Distance: Around 8 km

Trek from Forest Camp (2,250 m) to High Camp (3,660 m)

The trek today is challenging but rewarding, as you ascend from Forest Camp to High Camp. The trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows, rocky paths, and scattered pine forests, gradually giving way to stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.

High Camp offers a strategic vantage point for mountain photography and allows trekkers to rest and acclimatize before the final ascent to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The camp provides basic tea houses or lodges, where trekkers can enjoy warm meals and prepare for an early morning hike. Evenings at High Camp are peaceful, with crisp air and the chance to witness sunsets over the Himalayan peaks.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +1,450 m Distance: Around 10 km

Day Trip to Machhapuchhre Base Camp / Viewpoint (3,700 m) and Back to High Camp (3,660 m)

Today, trekkers will take a day hike from High Camp to Machhapuchhre Base Camp or nearby viewpoint, depending on weather and physical condition. The trail gradually climbs through alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and scattered vegetation, offering close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and other peaks.

The base camp provides an unforgettable panorama of the Annapurna massif and a chance to experience the high-altitude environment without the need to carry heavy luggage. Trekkers can enjoy photos, rest, and a packed lunch at the base camp or viewpoint.

After soaking in the scenery, you will descend back to High Camp, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the trek back the following day. The evening is peaceful with crisp mountain air and spectacular sunset views over the Annapurna range.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours round trip Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +200 m (High Camp 3,700 m to Base Camp/Viewpoint 3,900 m) Descent: -200 m (Back to High Camp 3,700 m) Distance: Around 5 km round trip

Trek from High Camp (3,660 m) to Sidhing (3,550 m)

Today, you begin the descent from High Camp to Sidhing, trekking through a mix of alpine meadows, rocky paths, and forested areas. The trail gradually descends, making it less strenuous than the ascent days, but still rewarding with spectacular mountain views at every turn, including Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Along the way, you will pass through small settlements and open landscapes, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings, streams, and unique flora. Sidhing is a quiet village where trekkers can experience local culture and hospitality in family-run lodges or tea houses. Evening at Sidhing is perfect for rest, enjoying mountain views, and photographing sunsets over the Annapurna range.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +150 m Descent: -300 m Distance: Around 10 km

Trek from Sidhing (3,550 m) to Pokhara (827 m)

Today, you begin the descent from Sidhing toward Pokhara, passing through scenic villages such as Tolka, Dhampus, and Phedi. The trail winds through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and charming Gurung villages, offering numerous opportunities to interact with local people and learn about their culture.

After reaching Phedi, you will drive back to Pokhara, arriving in the afternoon. Pokhara is a beautiful lakeside city where you can relax and enjoy modern amenities, comfortable hotels, and the serene Phewa Lake views. The evening is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or lakeside walks.

This day allows trekkers to reflect on their journey, enjoy the greenery and panoramic mountain views, and prepare for the onward journey to Kathmandu or departure.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 5-6 hours trek & 1–1.5 hours drive Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Descent: -2,823 m Distance: Around 18-20 km trek & 12 km drive

Drive from Pokhara (827 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, you will begin the drive back to Kathmandu via a scenic route passing through Mugling, Narayanghat, and Trishuli Valley. The journey takes you through rolling hills, terraced fields, rivers, and small towns, giving trekkers a final glimpse of rural Nepalese life.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, shopping, or exploring the city, allowing you to unwind after an adventurous trek. This marks the end of the Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek, leaving you with memorable mountain views, cultural experiences, and a sense of achievement.

Accomodation: Hotel Duration: 6-8 hours drive Meal: Breakfast Distance: Around 200 km

Transfer to Airport

On the final day, after breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your departure time, there may be a short opportunity to do last-minute shopping or sightseeing in the nearby Thamel area.

This day marks the conclusion of your Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek, giving you a chance to reflect on the incredible mountain scenery, cultural experiences, and adventure you’ve enjoyed throughout the trek.

Duration: 30 minutes Meal: Breakfast Distance: Around 6 km