Annapurna Photography Trek

Trip ID: UM6158
Destination Annapurna
Duration 19 Days
Difficulty Easy to Moderate Persons
Group Size 2-30
Maximum Altitude 4130m.
Best Time Autumn and Spring
Activities Trekking / Hiking / Walking
Accommodation Hotel & Tea House
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Transportation Private Transport
Start from Kathmandu
End at Kathmandu

Trip Overview

Trip Highlight

  • Perfect for Photography & Filmmaking – sunrise, sunset, drone-friendly sections (permitted zones only), timelapse spots, and dramatic Himalayan backdrops.
  • Mohare Danda Sunrise Viewpoint – peaceful, crowd-free ridge with stunning Annapurna–Dhaulagiri panoramas.
  • Khopra Danda Ridge Walk – one of the best high-altitude ridge trails in Nepal.
  • Ghorepani Poon Hill – iconic golden-hour photography viewpoint.
  • Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) – a 360° amphitheater surrounded by Himalayan giants.
  • Rhododendron Forests – especially photogenic in spring.
  • Magar & Gurung Cultural Villages – candid portraits, lifestyle shots, local traditions.
  • Waterfalls, rivers & terraced fields – diverse terrain ideal for storytelling.
  • Community-Based Eco-Tourism – supporting local homestays and rural livelihoods.
  • Less-Crowded Route Sections – especially Mohare & Khopra ridges for peaceful shooting.
  • Endless opportunities for portrait, cultural, wildlife, and landscape photography.
  • Capture authentic village life in Magar and Gurung communities along eco-friendly community trails.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

    Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you may choose to relax or explore some of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide for a trip briefing, equipment check, and final preparations.

    Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m)

    After breakfast, you will travel to Pokhara, a stunning lake city and gateway to the Annapurna region. The 205 km drive offers scenic views of terraced fields, rural villages, the Trishuli River, and mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Lamjung Himal.

    You may choose between:

    • Tourist bus (7–8 hours)
    • Private vehicle (6 hours)
    • Optional: 25–30 min flight (additional cost)

    Upon arrival, you can relax or explore Lakeside, famous for cafés, restaurants, shops, and Phewa Lake.

    Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

  • Day 3 : Drive to Galeshwor (1,170m) and Trek to Bans Kharka (1,526m)

    After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor, the starting point of the Mohare Danda–Khopra Community Trek. You may also visit the revered Galeshwor Shiva Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site.

    Cross the suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River to begin your trek. The trail climbs through terraced farmland and lush forests until you reach the peaceful Magar village of Bans Kharka.

    Trekking: 2–3 hours (6.5 km)
    Overnight: Community Lodge/Tea House
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 4 : Trek from Bans Kharka to Nangi (2,300m)

    Today’s trail ascends through forest paths and terraced farms to the small settlement of Danda Kateri, where you’ll enjoy lunch with beautiful views of the Kali Gandaki Valley. After a gentle walk, you’ll reach Nangi Village, known for its strong community development model.

    Highlights include:

    • Himanchal High School (model community school)
    • Lokta paper production
    • Medicinal herb nursery
    • Local cultural interaction

    Trekking: 5–6 hours (9.1 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 5 : Trek from Nangi to Mohare Danda (3,300m)

    A challenging yet rewarding day as you ascend through oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forests. The panoramic Himalayan views get better as you climb. By afternoon, you’ll reach Mohare Danda, one of the best alternative sunrise viewpoints to Poon Hill.

    Enjoy sweeping views of Mountains: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

    Trekking: 6–7 hours (7.7 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 6 : Trek from Mohare Danda to Ghorepani (2,880m)

    Wake early for a spectacular sunrise from Mohare Danda. After breakfast, trek through rhododendron forest and grasslands with alternating flat, downhill, and short uphill sections until you reach Ghorepani, a famous village on the Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill route.

    Trekking: 5–6 hours (5.7 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 7 : Hike to Poon Hill & Trek to Swanta (2,214m)

    Before sunrise, ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of Nepal’s best panoramic viewpoints. Capture stunning sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After breakfast in Ghorepani, descend through forests and cross a wooden bridge, eventually reaching the peaceful village of Swanta.

    Trekking: 4–5 hours (9 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 8 : Trek from Swanta to Khopra Danda (3,660m)

    Today, a steady uphill trail leads through forests rich in wildlife such as Himalayan tahr and pheasants. After several hours of ascent, you reach Khopra Ridge, offering jaw-dropping close-up views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.

    Trekking: 6–7 hours (13 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 9 : Day Hike to Khayer Lake (4,660m) & Return to Khopra

    A long and challenging day, but incredibly rewarding. You will trek to Khayer Lake, a sacred high-altitude lake situated below Annapurna South. Both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this holy site.

    Experience outstanding views of Mountains: Annapurna I & South, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri.

    Trekking: 8–10 hours (11 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 10 : Trek from Khopra to Dobato (3,420m)

    Descend through rhododendron and oak forests following a scenic ridge trail. Expect snow if trekking in early spring or late autumn. The route passes through Chistibung and Bayeli before reaching Dobato—famous for sunrise views over Dhaulagiri.

    Trekking: 5–6 hours (10.8 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 11 : Trek from Dobato to Tadapani (2,700m)

    A pleasant day through bamboo, pine, and rhododendron forests, crossing a small pass before reaching Isharu and eventually the charming village of Tadapani.

    Trekking: 4–5 hours (5.8 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 12 : Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,040m)

    Enjoy a beautiful morning with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Descend through forests and small settlements to Gurjung before climbing gently to Chhomrong, a vibrant Gurung village.

    Trekking: 5–6 hours (10 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge

  • Day 13 : Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya (2,680m)

    Descend to the Chhomrong Khola and climb to Sinuwa. The trail becomes rugged as it passes through bamboo forests and steep rocky sections before finally reaching Himalaya.

    Trekking: 6–7 hours (12 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge

  • Day 14 : Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

    A gradual ascent takes you through Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). Shortly after, you reach Annapurna Base Camp, one of Nepal’s most iconic high-altitude destinations. The surrounding peaks form a natural amphitheater—an amazing location for sunset and sunrise photography.

    Trekking: 5 hours (12.5 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge

  • Day 15 : Trek from ABC to Bamboo (2,350m)

    Early morning, you’ll hike to a sunrise point above ABC for golden light over Annapurna I. Then descend the same trail through MBC, Deurali, and Dovan to reach Bamboo.

    Trekking: 6 hours (14 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge

  • Day 16 : Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m)

    Walk through forests and villages en route to Chhomrong. From there, descend steeply to Jhinu Danda, home to natural hot springs—perfect for relaxing after several trekking days.

    Trekking: 3–4 hours (8.5 km)
    Overnight: Tea House/Lodge

  • Day 17 : Trek to Siwa (Ghandruk Phedi) & Drive to Pokhara (820m)

    Follow the Modi Khola through Kyumi village and continue to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi. A short drive from here brings you back to Pokhara.

    Trekking: 2–3 hours (4 km)
    Drive: 2 hours
    Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

  • Day 18 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

    After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu via the scenic Prithvi Highway. In the evening, enjoy a farewell Nepalese dinner with a cultural show.

    Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Day 19 : Final Departure

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • International airport pickup and drop-off in Nepal
  • 2 nights in Kathmandu (Twin-sharing basis, Bed & Breakfast plan)
  • 2 nights in Pokhara (Twin-sharing basis, Bed & Breakfast plan)
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinners in Local tea houses during the trek
  • 1 farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant with a cultural dance performance
  • Local government entry permit
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara and return back to Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle
  • Pokhara to Galeshwor and return back to Pokhara by shared van/jeep/bus
  • Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • All meals for guide and porter during the trek
  • Insurance for guide and porter
  • Fair wages for guide and porter as per government standards
  • First-aid kit carried by the team
  • Trekking porter: 1 porter shared between two trekers

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • Nepal entry visa fees (obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu airport)
  • International flight tickets to and from Nepal
  • Any kind of drinks (tea, coffee, bottled water, hot water, etc.) and bar bills (alcoholic beverages)
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging during the trek (available at an extra cost in tea houses)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers (optional but highly appreciated)
  • Extra nights' accommodation or meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek for any reason (including personal illness, weather conditions, etc.)
  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory for this adventure trip). It must cover both medical treatment and emergency evacuation, with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000