Machhapuchhre Model Trek

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Morning wake-up and breakfast in the hotel.

Our guide will meet you at your hotel and brief you about the upcoming trek. He will guide you through all the formalities and necessary paperwork required for the trek.

After that, we then do a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley of famous UNESCO world heritage sites like Boudhanath, one of the largest Stupas in the world & Swayambhunath, a famous monkey temple. Apart from Sightseeing, we also get a TIMS card and permits for our trekking on this day. In the evening, we do initial preparation for the trek.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

After an early breakfast, we depart from Kathmandu and begin our scenic drive to Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city nestled beneath the Annapurna range. The journey follows the winding Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers, offering ever-changing views of terraced hillsides, rural settlements, lush forests, and river valleys. Along the way, we pass through bustling market towns and picturesque countryside, providing a glimpse into everyday life in rural Nepal. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant en route. As we approach Pokhara, the landscape opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peaks on clear days. Upon arrival in Pokhara (822m) in the late afternoon, you can relax by the tranquil Phewa Lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this charming city. Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast, we leave Pokhara and follow the scenic Seti River valley on a short drive to Mardi Pool via Milanchowk. From here, the trek begins, gradually leaving the bustle of the city behind as we enter a landscape of terraced fields, traditional villages, and forested hillsides. The trail passes through Lahachowk, a prominent Gurung settlement known for its rich culture and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Continuing along the Mardi River, we enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the route winds through lush woodland and peaceful rural terrain. Along the way, glimpses of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the rolling green hills provide a spectacular backdrop to the day's walk. Crossing small streams and passing scattered farmsteads, we eventually reach the charming village of Ribhan (1,790 m), beautifully perched on a hillside overlooking the valleys below. The village offers a warm local welcome, stunning mountain scenery, and a tranquil setting to unwind after the day's journey. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

After breakfast, we continue deeper into the Annapurna Conservation Area, gradually leaving the last permanent settlements behind as the trail enters a quiet stretch of rhododendron, oak, and mixed Himalayan forest. The path climbs steadily with gentle ups and downs, offering a relaxed yet immersive walk through one of the region’s most untouched woodland environments.

Passing Lalka, where simple herders’ shelters reflect the seasonal grazing traditions of the area, we continue the ascent towards Odane Hill. As the trail gains height, occasional clearings open up to reveal sweeping views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the layered hills stretching far into the distance. The route follows the ridgeline across Odane Hill before descending gradually through dense forest to Chichemle Kharka, a traditional high pasture used by local communities during the summer months.

Covering approximately 10 – 12 km in 5 – 6 hours of walking, today’s route offers a rewarding blend of ridge walking, forest trails, and open alpine scenery. Chichemle Kharka rewards the effort with a peaceful, remote setting surrounded by wilderness and panoramic Himalayan views.

Following breakfast, we resume our climb deeper into the Annapurna Conservation Area, leaving Chichemle Kharka behind as the trail steadily ascends through dense rhododendron and mixed alpine forest. The route follows a natural ridgeline, gradually gaining elevation through quiet woodland rich in Himalayan flora and birdlife.

We continue towards Samsur Deurali, where the forest slowly opens and wider views of the surrounding valleys and distant snow-capped peaks begin to appear. From here, the trail becomes noticeably steeper, following narrow mountain paths with occasional stream crossings and the constant sound of flowing water cutting through the hillsides.

The final section leads us up to Khumal Danda (3,245 m), a scenic ridge-top viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and the surrounding high ridgelines. Covering approximately 9 – 11 km in 5 – 7 hours of trekking, today’s route offers a steady and rewarding ascent through forested ridges and alpine landscapes. Overnight stay at a teahouse .

Leaving Khumal Danda (3,245 m), the trail follows a high ridgeline that immediately opens up to sweeping Himalayan views. The route gradually ascends through open alpine terrain and scattered rhododendron patches, with continuous vistas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the surrounding high ridges.

As we gain elevation, the trail becomes more remote and atmospheric, passing through quiet grazing areas and natural viewpoints along the ridge. The sense of altitude increases steadily, with the landscape shifting into a more rugged alpine environment and wide horizons dominating the scenery.

The final ascent leads to Korchon (3,682 m), a peaceful high-altitude campsite surrounded by open wilderness and uninterrupted mountain views. Covering approximately 5 – 7 km in 4 – 5 hours of trekking, today’s journey is shorter in distance but rewarding in elevation gain and dramatic Himalayan scenery. Overnight stay at teahouse.

A well-earned rest and acclimatization day at Korchon (3,682 m) begins early with a sunrise excursion to a nearby ridgeline. As the first light breaks over the horizon, the Annapurna range gradually comes alive, with Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and surrounding peaks glowing in soft shades of gold and pink. The stillness of the high camp and the wide alpine setting make this one of the most memorable moments of the trek.

After sunrise, the day continues at a relaxed pace with optional short hikes around the surrounding ridges and viewpoints. These gentle walks are ideal for acclimatization, offering uninterrupted Himalayan panoramas without significant elevation gain while allowing time to explore the high-altitude landscape.

The remainder of the day is spent at camp resting and enjoying the peaceful isolation of Korchon. As the day progresses, shifting light and drifting clouds over the valleys below create a constantly changing mountain atmosphere, making it a perfect place to pause and prepare for the higher sections ahead. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

From Korchon (3,650 m), the trail begins a steady and sustained descent as we leave the open alpine ridgelines behind. The route initially offers wide Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range before gradually entering quieter, more sheltered terrain with patches of rhododendron and mixed forest.

The path continues downhill with a combination of gentle forest sections and steeper natural drops, passing through increasingly greener landscapes as we lose elevation. This long descent offers a completely different perspective of the region, moving from high alpine wilderness into mid-hill vegetation zones and scattered rural trails.

After approximately 7–9 hours of trekking and covering around 14–16 km, we arrive at Takru (approx. 1,450 m), a lower hillside settlement surrounded by forest and farmland. The warmer climate and lush surroundings mark a clear transition from the high mountains to the mid-hills of the Annapurna region. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

From Takru, the trail makes a gentle descent through terraced hillsides, rural settlements, and cultivated farmland as we gradually move away from the quieter forested sections into more inhabited mid-hill landscapes. It is a pleasant final walking stretch, offering a last glimpse of traditional village life in the Annapurna foothills.

After approximately 3 – 4 hours of trekking, we reach Saitighatta, where the walking section of the journey comes to an end. From here, we continue by vehicle, driving back to Pokhara through scenic countryside, river valleys, and rolling foothills, with the familiar landscapes of the region accompanying us on the return. The drive takes around 2 – 3 hours, marking the conclusion of the trekking adventure upon arrival in Pokhara. Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast in Pokhara, we begin our journey back to Kathmandu as we leave the lakeside city and drive eastward along the Prithvi Highway. The route follows the Marsyangdi and Trishuli river valleys, offering a scenic drive through terraced hillsides, rural settlements, and winding mountain roads that showcase the diverse landscapes of central Nepal.

Along the way, there are views of river gorges, traditional villages, and distant Himalayan foothills, making the journey an enjoyable transition from the mountains back to the capital. The drive typically takes around 6 – 8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions, before reaching Kathmandu (1,440 m), marking the conclusion of the Annapurna trekking journey.

Alternatively: You can take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 30 minutes. The one way flight costs around USD per person. We can also assist in arranging and reserving the flight for you. Please let us know if you would like us to proceed.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Our team will assist with your departure arrangements, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transfer. This marks the end of your journey in Nepal, with memories of the Himalayas, warm local hospitality, and an unforgettable trekking experience to take home.

We sincerely thank you for traveling with us and hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas.