The Annapurna Mountain Range is a series of peaks located in north-central Nepal. The Annapurna Massif, which includes Annapurna South, Annapurna I (the highest peak at 8,091 meters), Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna, is located in the western part of the range. The Annapurna Circuit, a popular trek that circumnavigates the massif, is known for its stunning mountain views and cultural diversity. The trek begins in Besishahar and ends in Pokhara, passing through various villages, forests, and high-altitude passes. The trek can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days to complete, depending on your pace and the route you take. It’s important to be in good physical condition and to be well-prepared for the trek, as it involves long days of hiking over rough terrain and can be challenging at times.
Annapurna Base Camp Trip Overview:
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is popular and rewarding in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering stunning views of the Annapurna massif and the opportunity to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Gurung people. This trek takes you through lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque villages, culminating in a visit to the base camp of Annapurna South, at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet).
The trek begins in Pokhara, a beautiful lake town in central Nepal, and takes you through the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. You will spend the first few days acclimatizing and exploring the charming villages of Ghandruk and Chomrong, before tackling the steep ascent to the base camp. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit holy sites, such as the sacred hot springs at Jhinu Danda and the Annapurna Temple, and to experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung people.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate to challenging trek that is suitable for fit and experienced hikers. It is important to be properly prepared and equipped and to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. With the right preparation and mindset, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable and enriching adventure that offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Nepal.
Trip Highlight:
- Stunning views of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Hiunchuli
- Cultural encounters with the Gurung people, known for their traditional textiles and handicrafts
- Visits to holy sites, such as the hot springs at Jhinu Danda and the Annapurna Temple
- Opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard and the red panda,
- Scenic walks through lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque villages.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01 Arrival Day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day 03 Sightseeing Bhaktapur and Patan
Day 04 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara valley (823m/2,700ft), 5-6 hrs drive
Day 05 Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,577m/5,173 ft), 1 hr drive and 4 hrs walk – Transport by private car!
Day 06 Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft). 5-6 hrs walk
Day 07 Rest Day Morning you can go Poon hill for Sunrise trip!
Day 08 Poon hill hike and trek to Tadapani (2540m/8332ft), 6-7 hrs walk
Day 09 Trek to Chhomrong (2,210m/7,249 ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 10 Trek to Dovan (2,600m/8,528 ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 11 Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC- 3,700m/12,139ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 12 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC- 4130m/13550ft) 3 hrs walk
Day 13 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,300m/7,544 ft), 5- hrs walk
Day 14 Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,859 ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 15 Trek to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft), 6-7 hrs walk & 1 hr drive
Day 16 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), 5-6 hrs drive
Day 17 Departure from Kathmandu
Day 01 Arrival Day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft): After breakfast the day will start to our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath,
Day 03 Sightseeing Bhaktapur and Patan
Day 04 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara valley (823m/2,700ft), 5-6 hrs drive: Early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara lakeside and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explore the surrounding lakeside areas and overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,577m/5,173 ft), 1 hr drive and 4 hrs walk – Transport by private car!: Today after breakfast our trekking guide will take you for an hour drive to Naya Pul and commence our trek to Birethanti, a large and prosperous town beside the Modi River. We head up the main trail to Sudami where we climb gradually up the side of the valley, reaching Hile (1495m) before pushing on to Tikhe Dhunga
Day 06 Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft). 5-6 hrs walk: After breakfast we prepare for the long uphill and start with steeply ascends on the long stone steps to Ulleri village with the amazing landscape and the Himalayan scenery. We spend a pleasant day’s trekking through rhododendron and oak forests. The scenery gives you inner power to climb up these steps and immerse you to walk more. After few hours of walking with several breaks in between reaching at Ghorepani, we can enjoy the fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range.
Day 07 Rest Day Morning you can go Poon hill for Sunrise trip!
Day 08 Poon hill hike and trek to Tadapani (2540m/8332ft), 6-7 hrs walk: An early morning start for 40 minutes hike up to Poon hill (3210m/10530ft), the route offers the glimpse of the pleasant rhododendron forest. This brilliant viewpoint provides us an unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalayas and the wide range of panoramic scenery from the far western Himalaya of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna including Mt. Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and all the way to Manasalu. After a great time return back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trek to Tadapani for overnight.
Day 09 Trek to Chhomrong (2,210m/7,249 ft), 5-6 hrs walk: Dropping down from Tadapani to the Kimrong Khola offers good views of the upper Modi valley. After crossing the suspension bridge the trail follows up to the Gurjung village for your lunch stop. Further trek leads uphill for half an hour we then arrive in the village of Chhomrong (2210m) which lies tucked at the very base of Himal Chuli. Chhomrong is the biggest Gurung settlement in this valley.
Day 10 Trek to Dovan (2,600m/8,528 ft), 5-6 hrs walk: After breakfast our trail descent to the Chhomrong Khola and then the trail leads us to a small place of Sinuwa hill. After that the trek enters the upper Modi Khola valley. After lunch we continue our trek going down to Bamboo through an uninhabited forest area to Dovan for overnight stay.
Day 11 Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC- 3,700m/12,139ft), 4-5 hrs walk: After your breakfast our day start for the route climbs to Himalaya Hotel (2840m). On the way we can explore the Hinku cave, where from the trail crosses a ravine and major avalanche track just further till Deurali (3,000m/9,840 ft) for lunch. After lunch the trail continues into the Machhapuchre Base Camp for overnight stay with the closest view of the Machhapuchre along Annapurna I and Gangapurna.
Day 12 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC- 4130m/13550ft) 3 hrs walk: After breakfast this day lead you in the heart of the Sanctuary at the Annapurna Base Camp for overnight stay. The trail follows uphill for few hours passing a few roofless shepherds huts along the side of a moraine and this area is windy and often snowbound. This is superb scenery of the Himalaya and can be seen rarely this amazing panoramic view of snowcapped mountains surrounding you. Full day you have time to explore and relax at the base camp as per your interest.
Day 13 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,300m/7,544 ft), 5- hrs walk: Today wake up with the glimpse of sunrise over Mt Annapurna I and after a great time retrace the journey back to Bamboo for the overnight. As you know that here as well few guests house settled for the purposes of tourism service. You can rest and relax at the evening with a good memorable view of the many snowcapped peaks and enjoy the dinner.
Day 14 Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,859 ft), 5-6 hrs walk: After breakfast our trail leads to the Khuldi Ghar and retract to Sinuwa hill continuous trek up to the Chhomrong. After lunch the trek steeply descend towards the Jhinu for overnight stay. You may have chance to visit natural hot spring down to the stream and enjoy the hot bath.
Day 15 Trek to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft), 6-7 hrs walk & 1 hr drive: This will be a long day walk follows the river Modi most of the way reaching at Landruk village from here the route follow the downhill path leading back to Syauli Bazaar. The walk is pleasant most of the way following the Modi River until Birethanthi and an easy trek to Nayapul. Our adventure ends here and we drive back to Pokhara for the overnight.
Day 16 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), 5-6 hrs drive: Early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to reach the Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the time relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.
Day 17 Departure from Kathmandu: Today is free or last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
Trip Includes:
- Government-registered, well-experienced, and friendly local trekking guide.
- 1 Sharing trekking porter to between 2 trekkers (weight limit: 25kg)
- Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per program (3-star standard hotel)
- Meals: Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel stay with breakfast
- Sharing twin / triple bedrooms in tea house basic lodges during the trek.
- Guide and porter fees with all their expenses.
- Pokhara-Kathmandu and return by A/C tourist coach.
- Shuttles by private vehicle from and to your hotel in Pokhara.
- It is necessary to have insurance for your guide and porters.
- Up to trekking starting place from Pokhara and return private transport
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Cards.
- Require two photos and a passport copy by the scan for you to arrive in Kathmandu
- All international airport pick-up and drop-off services by private transport
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu (provide car and driver)
Does not include:
- Meals (lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
- All meals while you are in trekking
- Bar drinks and beverages include Coke, Fanta, Sprite, and mineral water.
- Travel insurance, Nepal Tourist Visa fees, items, and expenses of a personal nature.
- Personal trekking gear and rescue operation in case of emergency.
- Any expenses arising from a change of itinerary, because of landslides, political trouble, strikes, etc.
- Monument entrance fee while you are sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Laundry, phone calls, internet, heater charge and Wi-Fi services.
- Gratitude and tips for guides and porters
Note: This trip can be personalized per your requirements that meet your time frame. The trip price will be according to Deluxe, Standard, Budget, and group size, so please kindly provide us with your details for a tailor-made program.
Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered to be a moderate trek, with a maximum altitude of 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. The trek involves long days of hiking over rough terrain, with some steep and rocky sections. It’s important to be in good physical condition and to have a good level of fitness before embarking on the trek. However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, most people with a moderate level of fitness should be able to complete the trek.
Best Time
The best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on your preference for weather and crowds. The trek can be done year-round, but the weather and conditions will vary depending on the season.
The autumn season (September to November) is the most popular time to do the trek, with pleasant weather and clear skies. The winter season (December to February) can be colder and more challenging, with the possibility of snow on the higher passes. The spring season (March to May) is also a good time to do the trek, with warmer temperatures and beautiful rhododendron flowers in bloom. The summer season (June to August) is the monsoon season, with the possibility of rain and landslides.
Weather
The weather on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek varies depending on the season and altitude. At lower altitudes, the weather is generally warm during the day and cooler at night. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the temperature becomes colder, with the possibility of snow on the higher passes. It’s important to bring warm clothing and gear for the colder temperatures at high altitudes.
Insurance
It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, as you’ll be traveling to a remote area with limited access to medical facilities. Your insurance should cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and other unexpected expenses that may arise during the trek. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the coverage and exclusions of your policy before purchasing.
Permits
You’ll need to obtain a special permit to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. All trekkers must have the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, and those who are not traveling with a registered trekking agency must also have the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. You’ll need to obtain these permits in advance through a trekking agency or in person at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
How long is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 16-day trek that takes you through the Annapurna region of Nepal, culminating in a visit to the base camp of Annapurna South. The trek begins in Pokhara and takes you through charming villages and stunning landscapes before returning to Pokhara on the final day.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
It is recommended to hire a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, as they are trained and experienced in leading treks in the region, and they can provide valuable information about the culture, history, and environment of Nepal. A guide can also help you navigate the trails, find accommodations and meals, and deal with any issues that may arise during the trek.
What should I pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
It is important to pack light and practical items for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Some essential items include a good pair of hiking boots, a warm and waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves, a backpack, and a sleeping bag. You should also bring some basic first-aid supplies, such as band-aids, blister pads, and painkillers. It is also a good idea to bring a water bottle, a flashlight, a camera, and some snacks.
What is the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek depends on various factors, such as the duration of the trek, the type of accommodation and meals, the transportation, and the number of people in the group. The cost can range from $700 to $1,500 per person, depending on the level of comfort and service you prefer. It is important to shop around and compare prices from different tour operators before booking your trek.
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