Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by our airport representative with a traditional Nepali welcome. From the airport, a short drive takes you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu.

After checking into your room, take some time to rest and recover from your journey and jet lag. Later in the afternoon, meet your group leader and fellow runners in the hotel lobby for a detailed group briefing. This session covers everything you need to know about the upcoming marathon, the trekking route, accommodations, local lodges, and the days ahead.

In the evening, join the group for a welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant. Enjoy traditional Nepalese cuisine while watching a cultural performance that introduces you to the country's rich heritage and traditions.

Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, meet your local guide and head out for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Visit two of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and explore the history, architecture, and culture that make the Kathmandu Valley unique.

After the tour, enjoy lunch before transferring to the domestic terminal for your scenic flight to Pokhara. The flight takes about 25 minutes and offers wonderful views of the Himalayan landscape on a clear day. After landing at Pokhara International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Lakeside.

Pokhara is Nepal's adventure capital and the gateway to the Annapurna region. Spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake or exploring the lively streets of Lakeside.

Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we leave Pokhara in a 4WD jeep and head toward the mountains. The drive takes about two and a half hours to reach the village of Ghandruk at 2,012 meters. After checking into your teahouse, enjoy lunch and settle into the peaceful mountain surroundings.

The afternoon is free to explore Ghandruk, one of the most famous traditional Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. Walk its narrow, stone-paved lanes, visit the Gurung Museum, or find a viewpoint to take in the spectacular mountain scenery. On a clear day, you can see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre.

Ghandruk is the finish-line village of the Annapurna Marathon, so this is where you will eventually celebrate completing your 42.195 km mountain race.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a traditional Gurung breakfast, we finally begin our adventure on foot.
Today's trail follows part of the Annapurna Marathon route in reverse. We start on a relatively easy jeep track before reaching Uri Village, where magnificent views open toward Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

From Uri, the trail descends gradually along the jeep track toward Kimrong Khola, where we stop for a short tea break. The route then climbs for about an hour toward Komrong Danda, where we stop for lunch and enjoy the mountain views. After lunch, we continue on a relatively gentle trail for another hour and a half to reach Chuile at 2,195 meters.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we begin the day with a descent down a series of stone steps toward a suspension bridge. Once across the bridge, the trail climbs toward Gurjung Village. From here, we follow a quieter mountain trail through terraced fields and forest, gradually gaining elevation toward Durpin Danda.

We stop for a short tea break at a small teahouse before continuing along a series of ups and downs through the countryside. The trail eventually brings us to Chhomrong at 2,150 meters, where we stop for lunch and spend the night.

Set on a mountainside overlooking the Modi Khola Valley, Chhomrong is one of the most important settlements on the route to Annapurna Base Camp. It is also the last permanent Gurung village before entering the higher reaches of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Take some time to explore the village and enjoy the views before another important day in the mountains.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning begins with a descent from Chhomrong toward the Chhomrong Khola. After crossing the stream, the trail immediately turns upward, taking us up a long series of stone steps toward Sinuwa Danda. Sinuwa is a small settlement with several teahouses and shops, making it a good place to stop for lunch and recharge.

After lunch, the trail enters the forest. The route winds through lush vegetation with a short descent toward Bamboo, a small settlement beside the Modi Khola surrounded by rhododendron, pine, and bamboo forests. After a possible tea stop, we continue deeper into the valley. The trail gradually climbs through dense forest before reaching Dovan.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's trail takes us deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Leaving Dovan, we climb steadily through the forest, passing waterfalls and narrow sections of trail towards Himalaya. After a short rest, we continue toward the famous Hinku Cave, a large overhanging rock formation that once provided shelter for trekkers crossing this remote section of the valley.

From here, the landscape begins to change. We cross an old avalanche area below Hiunchuli before continuing on a gradual climb toward Deurali. From here onward, the tall forests begin to disappear, replaced by shorter alpine vegetation and open mountain terrain. After reaching Deurali, settle into your teahouse and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we leave Deurali and continue deeper into the high mountains. The trail initially climbs through the final sections of forest before opening into the dramatic landscape of the Annapurna Sanctuary. We pass through the Avalanche Area and continue upstream along the Modi Khola.

As the valley opens, the views become increasingly impressive. After several hours of walking and a steeper final climb, we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). MBC sits beneath the distinctive pyramid-shaped Machhapuchhre, one of Nepal's most recognizable mountains. From here, you can also enjoy views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna Fang, and Gangapurna.

Keep your eyes open for Himalayan wildlife. If you're lucky, you may spot Himalayan blue sheep on the surrounding slopes.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is one of the most important days of the entire adventure. After breakfast, we leave Machhapuchhre Base Camp and begin the final trek toward Annapurna Base Camp.

The trail gradually climbs through the open landscape of the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you gain altitude, the valley expands into a spectacular natural amphitheater surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the region.

A final climb brings us onto the plateau of Annapurna Base Camp. At 4,130 meters, you have reached the highest point of the journey, and the starting line of the Annapurna Marathon. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, explore the sanctuary, take photographs, and prepare mentally for race day.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is all about preparation. After breakfast, put on your official Annapurna Marathon race jersey and bib number for the official pre-race photoshoot. The Annapurna Marathon media team will be around the base camp to capture photographs and videos of the runners in this spectacular setting.

You will also take part in a short mock race, giving you a chance to get comfortable with your race gear and the trail conditions around the starting area. After the photoshoot, the official Annapurna Marathon medical team will conduct a brief health check, including blood pressure and oxygen saturation.

The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and race preparation. Check your shoes, poles, hydration, nutrition, clothing, and other race-day essentials. Most importantly, get plenty of rest.

Tomorrow, the mountains become your race course.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early and have breakfast at around 5:30 AM. Make your final preparations and head to the starting area by 6:30 AM. At 7:00 AM sharp, the Annapurna Marathon begins.

From the starting line at Annapurna Base Camp, you begin your 42-kilometer journey through the Annapurna Sanctuary and down toward Ghandruk. The course takes you over mountain trails, stone steps, forest paths, bridges, climbs, and long descents as the landscape changes dramatically with every kilometer.

Once you cross the finish line in Ghandruk, our team will be there to welcome you. A medical aid station, food station, and clothes station will be available at the finish area. Your group leader, Sirdar, or Sherpa will also be waiting to make sure you are comfortable after the race.

Depending on how you feel, you can stay at the finish line and cheer on the other runners from your group. Or, if your legs have had enough, our team will help you return to your teahouse where you can enjoy a hot shower and some well-earned rest.

Join the group for an evening celebration and closing program at the teahouse.

Overnight: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in the mountains. Take in the views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and the surrounding hills before saying goodbye to the guides, porters, volunteers, and fellow runners who shared this incredible journey with you.

After a short 15-minute walk to the bus stop, we board our jeep and begin the drive back to Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.

Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast

After what will hopefully be a well-earned late morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before packing your bags. We then transfer to Pokhara International Airport for the afternoon flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, join the Annapurna Marathon group for a final farewell dinner. This special dinner is exclusively for participants traveling on the full-package program and is a chance to celebrate the journey one final time before heading home.

Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Your Annapurna Marathon adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your international flight schedule, our representative will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport.

As you leave Nepal, take with you more than a marathon medal. You have trekked deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, spent nights beneath some of the world's highest mountains, experienced traditional Himalayan communities, and run 42 kilometers from Annapurna Base Camp to Ghandruk.

On behalf of the entire Patan Adventures team, thank you for choosing to travel with us. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next Himalayan adventure.

Meals: Breakfast