Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp Trekking (ABC) is a popular Himalayan trek in Nepal, typically lasting 7-12 days and reaching an elevation of 4,130 meters, requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. The trail offers diverse scenery, including diverse landscapes from lush forests and waterfalls to panoramic mountain views of the Annapurna range, and visits to local Gurung and Magar villages. The best trekking seasons are the pre-monsoon (February-May) and post-monsoon (September-December) periods, with teahouse accommodations available along the route.
Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is famous for its sharp slopes, snowy peaks, and chocolate box valleys. This area now sees plenty of trekkers walk its trails. Above all, the Annapurna trekking route is full of interesting cultural heritage. It has fast become one of the most popular trekking trails with all eager hikers. Your heart smiles with the stunning Himalayan scenery. Likewise, the different tribal locals keep you happy with their friendly welcoming hospitality.
There’s never a dull moment hereabouts. You will discover the home of the world’s 10th highest mountain – Mt. Annapurna I at (8091m). Moreover, the trails are a mix of different charming scenery that stirs your feelings. Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, the trail cuts through narrow valleys. It’s a lovely walk through lush green forests, colorful villages, and winding rivers.
Trip Highlights
- Observe gorgeous sunrise from Poon Hill along with a stretching view of the Himalayan range.
- Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara, two popular tourist cities in Nepal.
- Trek through lush forests, valleys, and traditional Nepali villages.
- Reach the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Annapurna Base Camp.
- Witness stunning mountain views and diverse landscapes on this 7/10/13 days trek in the western Himalayas of Nepal.
- Enjoy natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda.
- Spend nights in villages, where you will get to see the lifestyle of the mountain people and their practices.
- Learn about the traditions and culture of the Gurung people in Ghandruk village.
- Experience hiking through forests ablaze with red rhododendrons in the spring.
- No. 1 has to be the 360° views at Annapurna Base Camp.
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
Note: Pre-trip meeting will be done at the office if you arrive before 4 pm and in your hotel itself if you arrive later in the evening. Be sure to bring two copies of passport-sized photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy to the meeting. These documents help to acquire trekking permits and related documentation during the trek. Pay the remaining balance of your invoice and sign in the legally binding trip form and non-liability disclaimer.
Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:00 am. Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake and is often referred as the gateway to the Annapurna region.
Please be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 140 per person.
The city is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east.
It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our Annapurna base camp trekking.
On this day, we head out of Pokhara in a private vehicle. After 2 to 4 hours drive, we reach Birethanti (1,039 m/3,409 ft). And then, after a couple of hours’ hike, we reach Hile (1,495 m/4,905 ft), a large village with many shops and teahouses.
We will rest for a while and then start our trek to Ulleri, a large Magar village. Today’s walk provides a short and relatively easy day. The journey familiarizes climbers with the experience of trekking in Nepal.
We move on towards our destination Ghorepani, a popular scenic village at an altitude of 2,840 m/9,318 ft. The trail ascends more gently from Ulleri, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons, towards Banthanti (2,250 m/7,382 ft). Then we trek towards Nangethanti (2,460 m/8,071 ft). After an hour walk, we arrive at Ghorepani.
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour or two hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m). The place is a brilliant mountain range spectacle. This vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.
We spend about 1 to 2 hours on Poon hill and retrace our path back to Ghorepani. Here we take a hot breakfast. Then we make a climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests, towards Deurali (2,960 m). After that, we descend to the Banthanti, then turn off to Tadapani.
Awaiting sunrise at Poon Hill with Mt. Dhaulagiri glowing in the horizon
A group of trekkers enjoying the stunning sunrise at Poonhill during the early morning on the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Our day begins with a scenic descent from Tadapani through rhododendron forests. The trail winds its way down to the village of Chuile, offering glimpses of the valley below.
As we emerge from the forested area, we pass a suspension bridge and a short uphill hike leading us to the charming Ghurjung village. Take a moment to explore the village, perhaps enjoying a cup of local tea and interacting with the friendly locals.
Leaving Ghurjung behind, the path transforms into a pleasant walk leading to Chhomrong (2,140 m), allowing time to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.
From Chhomrong, the trail descends steeply down stone steps to the Chhomrong Khola River. After crossing the river, a challenging uphill climb through dense forests brings us to Sinuwa (2,340 m).
Today’s trail climbs up to Upper Sinuwa, located a bit further uphill. The route then takes a steep descent down a rock bank where a stop named Bamboo awaits amidst a scenic haven – thickets of bamboo nestled at the bottom of a gorge.
After the rest stop, we’ll remain on the west side of the river, following a path that winds its way through a beautiful waterfall. The vibrant flora and fresh mountain air create an invigorating atmosphere as we approach Himalaya.
The trail then steadily climbs past Hinko Cave, a natural wonder nestled in the mountainside. We’ll continue onwards, reaching our destination for the night,
Today’s trek takes us to the famous Annapurna sanctuary. Our path leads us to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,139ft). While climbing the majestic Machhapuchhre, also known as the “Fishtail” for its distinctive peak shape, is currently forbidden, the base camp offers a unique perspective of this iconic mountain.
Here, the soaring peaks encircle us, creating the aptly named Annapurna Sanctuary – a breathtaking amphitheater of nature. The final two hours of our trek will be rewarded with the ultimate destination – Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m).
As we arrive, prepare to be awestruck by the Annapurna base camp view. Towering mountains pierce the sky, their snow-capped peaks glistening under the sun.
We follow the same trail down today. The trail drops by(1,700 m) to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo (2,345 m). The panoramas of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Tharpu Chuli, and other peaks are worthwhile. There are a few teahouses/lodges available to stay at Bamboo.
We follow the same trail until Chomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar, there is an experimental sheep farm. The trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields.
From Chomrong, the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu. Here we can bath in natural hot springs.
From Jhinu, we walk on the right side of the Modi Khola (River) for 3 to 4 hours until Syauli Bazaar, the end point of our trek.
Today’s walk can be considered one of the best and most relaxing walks of the entire trek. We will rest for a while in Syauli Bazaar.
Soon enough we take a drive to Pokhara. The road until Nayapul is unpaved and uneven as it was recently made. We will have a bumpy and challenging drive.
This section lasts for 2 to 4 hours of the total drive. From Nayapul onwards, the road is paved in concrete and is more maintained than in the previous section. In 1 to 2 hours from Nayapul, we will reach Pokhara.
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
Please be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 140 per person.
The trip concludes today. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Cost Includes
- International & Domestic Airport Transfers: Convenient pick-up and drop-off services by car for both international and domestic airports.
- Meals During the Trek: Enjoy three daily meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—during your trek in the mountains.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu: Two nights of standard accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast.
- Experienced Trekking Guide: An English-speaking, government-registered trekking guide with extensive knowledge and experience.
- Sherpa Porters: Strong and supportive Sherpa porters equipped with proper safety and walking gear. Includes their salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter per two trekkers).
- Flights: Return flights between Pokhara and Kathmandu.
- Local Transportation: Transportation by car or jeep from Pokhara to Siwai and from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara.
- Porter and Guide Expenses: All food, accommodation, insurance, and transportation costs for the porter and guide.
- Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card.
- Gear Rental: Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (if needed), to be returned after the trip.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) Stays: Comfortable lodging throughout your trek. (Accommodation Notice ) "During peak trekking seasons (mid-March to end of May & mid-September to end of November), teahouses in regions such as the Himalayas, Deurali, MBC, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo typically offer shared rooms with 4–5 beds. Private rooms are generally not available during this time due to high demand. Please be prepared for shared lodging, as this is the standard accommodation setup in these high-traffic areas."
- Assistant Guide: An additional assistant guide for groups larger than 8 people.
- Fresh Fruits: Seasonal fresh fruits are provided daily.
- Completion Certificate: An appreciation certificate awarded after a successful trek.
- Emergency Assistance: Support for arranging emergency rescue operations in complex health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
- Oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee: Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport costs $30 USD for 15 days, $50 USD for 30 days, and $125 USD for 90 days.
- Travel and Medical Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International Airfare: Flights to and from Nepal.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal expenditures, including shopping and souvenirs.
- Beverages and Extra Food: Costs for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, soups, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, and any additional food or drinks purchased along the trek or in tea houses.
- Desserts and Sweets: All desserts and sweet items such as chocolate, cake, pie, and pudding.
- Hot Showers and Battery Charging: Charges for hot showers and battery charging at tea houses.
- Tips: Tips for your guide, porter, and driver.
FAQS
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficulty is moderate and you can manage with the right preparation. Despite these difficulties, the trek offers trekkers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unparalleled rewards of personal accomplishment upon reaching the base camp.
For anyone looking to begin their high-altitude trekking journey, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is a clear winner. With its manageable challenges, stunning scenery, and rich cultural experiences, it offers the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility.
Nepali RS.36000 to Rs. 45000. It might be less or more since it depends on various factors such as food, accommodation, number of days, and season. If you travel in the off-season, you might save some money.
Which trek is more challenging: Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp? While both treks require stamina, the Everest Base Camp trek is generally considered more challenging due to higher altitudes and longer days.
To trek in the Annapurna region, you need to get two permits: Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These permits are needed at checkpoints during your trek.
Accommodation along the trek is mainly in teahouses or lodges. These provide basic rooms with shared bathrooms. Meals are typically served at the teahouses, with a variety of local and international options.
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