Annapurna Base camp Trek
Duration
6
Group Size
Max Elevation
Difficulty
Moderate
Start & End Point
Kathmandu
Accomodation
Bed and Breakfast
Permit
yes
Discount
Best Time
Feb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec.
Highlights
- Tourist hub Pokhara
- Sunrise views of Annapurna ranges - including Dhaulagiri I (8,167m / 26,795ft) , Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545m), Nilgiri (7,061m / 23,166ft) from the Poon Hill viewpoint
- Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
- Rich flora and fauna
- Hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Amazing views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South Annapurna I, Khangsar, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare
- Pretty villages and farmland at Ghandrunk
- Insight into rural Nepali life
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a popular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal that takes you through beautiful forests, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages, and offers stunning views of the Annapurna range. The trek starts in Pokhara and takes about 7-10 days to complete, depending on your pace and route.During the trek, you will reach an altitude of 4,130 meters and have the opportunity to get breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Gangapurna (7455m), and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail-6997m). You will also pass through traditional Gurung villages and have the chance to learn about the local culture and way of life.
The Annapurna region is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the rare snow leopard, musk deer, and red panda. You may also have the opportunity to see these species during your trek. In addition, the trek includes a visit to the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, where you can relax and rejuvenate your muscles after a long day of hiking.The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a great way to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region and learn about the local culture, while also enjoying some challenging hikes and breathtaking views. It is suitable for people of all fitness levels and can be done independently or with a guide.
Typical Itinerary
After an early breakfast, we take a tourist bus (probably a 6-7 hours journey) to Pokhara. On our way, we can see the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers along the green, rocky mountains, rivers connecting each other, and small springs. Pokhara is a beautiful valley known for several lakes - including Phewa and Begnas, and it sits on the laps of Annapurna (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993m), Dhaulagiri (8,169m), Manaslu (8,156m), and Lamjung Himal (6,983m). Pokhara is a tourist paradise with all modern amenities providing all comforts. We encourage you to explore Pokhara to experience different cultures and visit various centers of attractions.
After a nourishing breakfast on the banks of Phewa Lake, we take a short drive through the beautiful landscapes and head to Tikhedhunga. The road is quite gentle and passes through Nayapul and then Birethanti. While on the road, you will see stunning terraced farms along the Bhurungdi Khola. After Birethanti, it is an offroad drive that takes us to Tikhedunga. The hike starts at Tikhedhunga passes through Sudame and Hile villages, and ends at Ulleri (2073 meters). You will be hiking for about three hours.
Today's trek will be exciting as the trail slowly ascends. From the path, you can savor the views of Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and Hiunchuli snow peaks. As we walk through the rhododendron forest, we can see several wild animals, refreshing springs, and rivers. The path then leads us to Ghorepani, which is a spectacular settlement that lies on a ridgeline. The views of the Himalayas from this village are breathtaking allowing heavenly sights of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, V, Tukuche, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Barah Sikhar, Machhapuchhre (commonly known as Fishtail).
If you love sunrises, today is your day. Early in the morning, before sunrise, we ascend Poon Hill just in time to view the sunrise on the Himalayas. From Poon Hill, you can see dawn breaking at more than 32 Annapurna ranges along with Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchre mountains. Poon Hill is a famous spot for photography, so we will make the most of our visit to Poon Hill by clicking pictures to our hearts' content. After spending time on Poon Hill, we descend to our lodge, have our breakfast, and start the trek to Tadapni (2,630m / 8,630ft). But to reach Tadapani, we will be passing through Deurali (2960m) and Bandthanti. If we arrive early at Tadapani, we will trek a little further to Chuile Village.
Today's trek will slightly differ based on where we stayed last night. If at Tadapani, we will have our breakfast, and continue our journey to Chomrong (2,165m / 7,105ft), passing Chuile on the way. At first, we pass the beautiful Ghandruk Village and then take a steep descent to the Kimron River before reaching Chomrong. From the way, you will see mind-blowing views of Annapurna South and Fishtail. Chomrong village lies on the lap of the mighty Annapurna massif and is a popular overnight spot for those ascending to Annapurna Base Camp. However, if we stayed at Chuile last night, we stop at Sinuwa to spend the night.
Today's trek is going to be a bit longer. It also differs a bit based on your previous night's stay. If you stayed at Chomorong, you will follow the trail down to Chomrong Khola on steep stones, but then the path ascends through the bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests to reach Sinuwa. However, if you spent the night at Sinuwa, the trek starts from Sinuwa. You will get to enjoy the views of Machhapuchre and Annapurna snowcaps from the route. The way passes Khuldigar village, descends to Bamboo Lodge settlements, and ascends to Himalaya (2,890 m / 9,425ft). If you start the trek from Sinuwa, you will stay at Deurali for the night.
If we spent the last night in Himalaya, we will follow a route through the narrow gorge along the Modi Khola Glacier Valley, past more forests. We will also be passing a large overhanging rock known as Hinku Cave and the lodges of Deurali before making it to the entryway of the Annapurna Sanctuary, which ultimately takes us to ABC. However, if we slept at Deurali, the trek starts from Deurali itself. Throughout the day, we will be walking close to the Annapurna glaciers. On our way, Machhapuchhre Base Camp offers us a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. However, we continue our journey northwest to eventually reach ABC. From ABC, we get a 360-degree view of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South to Annapurna I (8,097m/26,566ft), and Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare. Today's trek takes you close to several huge mountains - including Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Paungda Danda, and numerous other peaks ranging from 6000 to 8000m in elevation. This might be the day, which you will never forget in your entire life due to the sheer beauty of the snow-capped mountains that surround you. We will spend the night at the Base Camp.
After leaving our footprints on ABC, it is time to climb down. We will take a path that takes us out of the Annapurna Sanctuary and out of the Modi River Valley. Eventually, we will make it to our serene stopover point called Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700 ft) - our destination for the day.
After a long journey from ABC to Bamboo last day, we continue our way towards Jhinu Danda. First, we take a path that takes us down to Kimrong Khola and then ascends through the serene rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests, eventually reaching Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda consistently attracts thousands of visitors each year as an exotic place famous for its soothing natural hot springs, where we will also let our tired muscles relax. From the hot springs, you can enjoy the views of rhododendron forest and lush vegetation.
We have reached our final day on the trekking trails. After leaving Jhinu Danda, we follow the plain dust road along the right of Modi Khola. This part of the trek forms the most relaxing walk of the entire trip. After trekking for about three hours, we will reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi, where we will bid goodbye to the trails and drive through the picturesque countryside to Pokhara. We will be spending the night at Pokhara.
Early in the morning, we leave Pokhara and head to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. The 200 km route first follows the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli river providing great views of the natural scenery and terraced farmlands. The bus makes one last climb, and we finally arrive at Kathmandu - the exact place where the journey began. Your trip concludes, and we hope that your journey was pleasurable and rewarded you with lifelong memories.
Inclusion
- Transportation for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu on tourist bus
- Private transportation from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (trek start)and Ghandruk Phedi (trek end) to Pokhara
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast (room with attached bathroom) at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara
- Accommodation (total 8 nights): Four nights room with attached bathroom at Ulleri, Ghorepani, Chomrong & Jhinu Danda. Four-night standard room at Tadapani, Himalayan, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo (Generally twin Sharing room)
- All standard meals (9 lunches, 8 dinners, and 9 breakfasts) during the trek
- Government licensed Discovery World Trekking experienced trek leader (guide), an assistant trekking guide for 12 or more trekkers. Porters to help trekkers luggage ( 1 porter for two trekkers, max luggage limit per trekker is 9 kg)
- Guides and porters costs - including meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Water purification tablets
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
Souvenir - company's T-shirt & cap - Discovery World Trekking certificate of appreciation after successful trek
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
Exclusion
- flight airfare
- Nepal Entry Visa Fees for multiple entries on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport- (15 days - $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
- Excess baggage charges (Limit is 9 kg per person)
- All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation along with medical coverage
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
- All the costs and expenses, which are not listed in "What is included in the 11 days Annapurna Tour Package?" above will be counted as excludes
Faq
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate to challenging trek that requires good physical fitness and endurance. The trail can be slippery and rocky at times, and the altitude reaches up to 4130 meters, so it is important to be properly acclimatized and prepared for the trek.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek typically takes around 10-12 days to complete, depending on the route and the pace of the trek.
The best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek is during the months of September to November and March to May when the weather is clear and dry.
It is important to pack appropriately for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, as the weather can be unpredictable. Some essential items to pack include warm and waterproof clothing, good quality hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a first aid kit, and plenty of water and snacks. Consult with your tour operator for a complete packing list.
It is advisable to hire a tour guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, as they are trained and experienced in navigating the trails and handling any emergencies that may arise. They can also provide valuable insights into the local culture and traditions.
Yes, it is necessary to get a visa to enter Nepal and do the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Visas can be obtained at the Nepalese embassy in your country of residence or upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu.