Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, offering breathtaking views of mountains, landscapes, villages, and diverse wildlife. It takes you through the majestic Annapurna Massif, where you’ll find Annapurna I (the 10th highest mountain in the world), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Nilgiri. The trek spans 13 days, starting with a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, followed by exploration of the Annapurna region.
The journey begins from Nayapul, a one-hour drive from Pokhara, and passes through Ghorepani, renowned for its stunning viewpoint, Poon Hill. From Ghorepani, the route continues east to Chomrong, traversing bamboo forests, Deurali, and finally reaching the Base Camp. On the descent, you’ll visit Jhinu Danda, where you can experience the customs and traditions of the Tamang, Chhetri, Magar, and Gurung ethnic groups.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is designed for adventurers who desire to reach the magnificent mountain base camp but have some physical limitations. For a more comfortable approach, travelers can consider alternative routes such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Major Highlights
- Pokhara, a popular tourist destination
- 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 located at an elevation of 4,130m
- Rich flora and fauna
- Soothing hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Breathtaking vistas of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Khangsar, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare
- Scenic villages and fertile farmland in Ghandrung
- Opportunity to experience and understand rural Nepali way of life
Itinerary
You will arrive in Kathmandu valley at the Tribhuvan International Airport, and our agents from Gravity Expedition will be there to pick you up. They will take you to your hotel, where you can rest and enjoy a delicious and traditional Nepali meal. In the evening, you have the option to attend a fascinating folk cultural performance.
After enjoying your breakfast in the morning, our guide will come to your hotel and accompany you on a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Your first stop will be the Swayambhunath Stupa, situated on top of a hill. This dome-shaped stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, provides breathtaking views of the beautiful Kathmandu city, surrounded by lush green hills and towering snow-capped mountains.
Once you’ve explored the ancient Swayambhunath, you can proceed to Boudhanath, another impressive stupa often referred to as Little Tibet. Here, you’ll experience a clear representation of Tibetan lifestyle and culture in the area.
Moving towards the eastern part of the Kathmandu valley, you can visit the Pashupatinath Temple. While non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple gates, you can still wander around its vast premises and observe the rituals taking place. From across the Bagmati River, you’ll be able to admire the temple’s golden rooftop. Pashupatinath attracts pilgrims from all over the world, especially during Shiva Ratri, a sacred festival honoring the birth of Lord Shiva.
We catch an early morning flight to Pokhara, a picturesque city known for its beautiful lakes. During the flight, we get to see magnificent views of the Himalayas from the right side of the plane. Once we land at Pokhara airport, we embark on a 1-hour and 20-minute drive to Naya Pul, where our trek officially begins. Our first destination is Ghandruk, a delightful village predominantly inhabited by the Gurung community. If time permits, we make a stop at the Gurung museum to learn more about their culture and heritage. We spend the night in Ghandruk, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
At this point, we begin our ascent and hike uphill for about an hour until we reach Kimrungdanda. During this part of the trek, we are treated to stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre), and Gangapurna. Afterward, we make a steep descent to reach the Kimrong Khola. Following the descent, we face another challenging uphill climb to reach Chere Danda. From there, we descend for a while before continuing on a gentle walk towards Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful village nestled in the embrace of the mighty Annapurna mountains. We spend the night in Chhomrong, surrounded by its natural splendor.
We make our way down using a staircase of 2500 stone steps and cross a bridge over Chhomrong Khola. After that, we face an uphill climb to reach Sinuwa. Continuing our journey, we pass through a scenic forest and reach Kuldihar, followed by a smooth downhill walk that takes us to Bamboo. We spend the night in Bamboo, surrounded by nature’s tranquility.
We make our way through a dense bamboo forest, which can feel damp and chilly. As we continue, we steadily climb with a few steep sections. It’s only when we reach Himalaya Hotel that the forest begins to clear, and we step out into the sunlight, greeted by breathtaking views of the glacial river below. From there, we face a steep ascent through a drier forest until we reach Hinku Cave. Standing there, we can observe the trail descending closer to the river before climbing once again towards Deurali, which is the most picturesque part of the day’s journey. The vegetation becomes sparser, revealing enchanting vistas of the valley, the river below, and towering cliffs adorned with delicate waterfalls. We spend the night in Deurali, surrounded by this captivating scenery.
We ascend gradually through a river bed and then tackle a steep trail along the mountainside. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp can be quite challenging. However, once we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), as well as Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and Gangapurna. It is truly a breathtaking experience.
As we continue towards Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), the vegetation starts to disappear, and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. Here, we are treated to awe-inspiring views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna, which towers above us. The sanctuary offers an unobstructed 360-degree panorama, providing a dynamic and captivating vista.
At the base camp, we once again have the opportunity to admire the mesmerizing views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other magnificent peaks. We spend the night at Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by this majestic natural beauty.
We begin our journey back from Annapurna Base Camp and follow the same path to reach Bamboo. Today’s trek is mostly downhill, making it relatively easier. Moreover, we have the remarkable landscape accompanying us, providing constant inspiration and joy. We spend the night in Bamboo, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Leaving Bamboo behind, we make our way uphill towards Kuldighar, and then descend to Chhomrong Khola. From there, we climb a series of stone steps to reach Chhomrong. Continuing on our journey, we descend until we reach Jhinu Danda, where we will spend the night. Today, we have the chance to relax and rejuvenate our tired bodies by visiting the nearby hot springs. It’s just a short 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda. We spend the night in Jhinu Danda, enjoying the soothing experience of the hot springs.
While returning from Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul, we have the opportunity to admire the stunning hilly scenery of western Nepal. We stop for lunch along the way. Our trek concludes at Naya Pul, where we will board a vehicle to reach Pokhara. We spend the night in Pokhara, resting and reflecting on the memorable journey we have had.
In the afternoon, we take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon our arrival, we will be guided to our hotel. We have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy ourselves, whether it’s through shopping, exploring any attractions we may have missed earlier, or simply taking it easy. We spend the night in Kathmandu, preparing for our next adventures.
You have a free day in Kathmandu to relax and enjoy yourself. You can request your guide to take you on a sightseeing tour within the Kathmandu Valley. There are various museums you can visit, such as the Narayanhiti Museum, which used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. Another option is to visit the hilltop of Nagarkot for a scenic view. After exploring the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner where you can celebrate with your Nepali friends and guide. You may even discuss extending your stay to enjoy activities like a Chitwan jungle safari or rafting with your guide.
The time has come to say goodbye. The staff from Gravity Expedition will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We part ways with the hope of seeing you again in the future.
Cost Includes:
- All airport/hotel transfers,
- 4 nights Kathmandu in Kathmandu with breakfast,
- A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide, transportations and entrance fees,
- Kathmandu- Pokhara-Kathmandu airplane flight and departure taxes or Tourist Bus for both,
- Food and Accommodation during trekking (full board service – breakfast, lunch and dinner + hot water),
- An experienced English speaking trekking guide and Sherpa porters to carry luggage including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging,
- All necessary paper works,
- Gravity Expedition duffel bag and trekking,
- Travel and rescue arrangements,
- Insurance for Nepali Staff,
- Welcome and Farewell Dinner.
Cost Excludes:
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
- If required to change from airplane to helicopter to/from Pokhara due to weather issues, the additional cost of the helicopter will be shared amongst clients.,
- Personal trekking gear,
- Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast and farewell dinner),
- Alcohol and Beverages during the trek,
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower etc.),
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & any medical costs.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek frequently asked questions:
A: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal, north of the picturesque city of Pokhara. This trek leads us to the north-central part of Nepal within the Gandaki zone. It is bounded by the Kali Gandaki River to the west and the Marshyangdi River to the north. During this trek, you will explore the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
A: Annapurna Base Camp Trek can take anywhere between 7 to 15 days, depending on the specific itinerary and package you choose. The duration of the trek is determined by factors such as the pace of the group and the number of rest days included.
The total distance covered during the trek is approximately 115 kilometers. This means that on average, you will be walking around 10 to 15 kilometers per day, taking into account the variation in terrain and elevation.
A:
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered to be less difficult compared to other popular treks such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. It falls under the category of moderately challenging treks. If you have prior trekking experience, you may find the ABC trek relatively easier to navigate.
However, if you are a beginner or have limited trekking experience, the ABC trek can pose a significant challenge. The trail consists of frequent ascents and descents, which can quickly tire you out. The paths are uneven and rugged, with stone steps along the way.
Nevertheless, with proper preparation and training, you can successfully complete the trek and overcome the difficulties associated with it. I recommend engaging in exercises like walking, running, or any other physical activities to prepare your body for the trek. This will help you build stamina and endurance, ensuring a more comfortable experience during the ABC trek.
To complete the Annapurna Trekking, you will need two permits. One is the entry permit (ACAP) for the Annapurna Conservation Area, as the trek falls within this area. Additionally, you must obtain a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card.
You have the choice to decide whether or not to get travel insurance. However, it is strongly advised to have travel insurance for your trek. This is because there are various potential risks during the journey, such as accidents, injuries, and altitude sickness. It is important to note that your insurance should cover emergency evacuations and medical expenses, so please verify these aspects when obtaining travel insurance.
During the ABC Trek, you will have the opportunity to stay in local teahouses and lodges. These accommodations are designed to provide comfort and are maintained well. They offer private rooms with either shared or attached bathrooms, ensuring cleanliness and convenience. Additionally, some newly opened community lodges are also available along certain trekking trails.
The teahouses offer a wide array of fresh and nutritious food options. You can indulge in delicious meals such as dal bhat, pizza, spaghetti, pasta, and more. However, it is highly recommended to opt for dal bhat as it not only promotes good health but also keeps you feeling full. Moreover, dal bhat offers the best value for your money, making it an excellent choice during your trek.
Indeed, since you will be trekking at altitudes exceeding 3000 meters, it is crucial to be aware that everyone reacts differently to high altitudes, regardless of their physical fitness level.
Therefore, it is strongly advised to educate yourself about altitude sickness, its symptoms, and how to prevent it. Prior to the trek, it is recommended to consult with your doctor regarding altitude sickness to ensure you are well-prepared.
Write a Review
You must be logged in to post a comment.