Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Region Trek , Nepal
Duration
15 Days
Tour Type
Treeking
Group Size
2+
Accomodation
guest house
Meal
Breakfast , Dinner
Max. Altitiude
4130 m
Best Season
Sep-Oct/Mar-May
Departure from
Kathmandu
Hightlight
- The Annapurna (8,091 m) and the Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) Himalayan Ranges
- Biodiversity of Annapurna Sanctuary
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek for the best sunrise view
- Jhinu Danda for natural hot spring
- Gurung Museum of Ghandruk
Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trek ranks the first position among the best treks in Nepal. Located in the Gandaki Province, it is the major highlight of the Annapurna Region Trek. The well-maintained trails are more comfortable than the other trekking routes in Nepal. Thus, almost one third of the total trekkers to Nepal do Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
Officially beginning from Nayapul of Pokhara, Annapurna Trek moves through deep forests and ethnic villages. The rhododendron, oak, pine, fir, and birch trees of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) shelter various birds and animals. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek takes you through the largest rhododendron forests of the world. Also known as Annapurna Sunrise View Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek serves the best sunrise view of the towering Himalayas in the world.
From the elevation of 3,210 m, the dazzling view of the Annapurna (8,091 m), the Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m) is just amazing! Other Himalayas seen during 15-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek are Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), Kangsar Kang (7,454 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m). In a single trip, you will reach the base camps of two mountains: Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Both the base camps are recognized for the heavenly views of the soaring peaks and mountain valleys around them.
The birds and animals of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek are the added beauties of Annapurna Base Camp Trek 15-day itinerary. You will see many high altitude animals and rare birds while traversing through the ACAP. The natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda is another highlight of this Trek. Taking bath at this hot spring heals your muscle pains and other minor injuries. Therefore, spending a night at Jhinu Danda is recommended for the international trekkers.
Cultural Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is beautified by the cultural aspects of the Gurung and Magar people. Most of the male members of the Gurung and Magar ethnic communities serve in the British and Indian Armies and Police Forces. Thus, they are also known as the Brave Gurkhas. While visiting this beautiful region, you will meet some Gurkhas, who might share their war experiences with you, too. Ulleri Village is the largest Magar settlement area of Annapurna Region. This village is known for its 3,000+ stone-paved staircases, well-maintained trails, clean surrounding, and slate-roofed houses. The Magar culture, tradition, and lifestyle can be experienced here from very close.
Ghandruk Village is another attraction of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (4,13 m). Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung villages of the Annapurna Region. Here, you can get the first-hand information about the Gurung culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Moreover, you can visit the Gurung Museum to know about the traditional tools and technologies.
Likewise, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Deurali are also beautiful villages. The majority people of these villages are the Gurungs; however, people of other ethnic groups are also living here. You can find a paradigm of harmonious relationship among the people maintained since time immemorial.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Height
Annapurna Base Camp Trek height ranges between 1,070 m and 4,130 m. It starts from Nayapul (1,070 m) and then gradually moves along the ethnic cultural villages of the Annapurna Region. It stops at the base camp of Mount Annapurna (8,091 m) for a night.
The height of Annapurna Base Camp Trek route increases when you move to Tikhedhunga and then, Ghorepani. After that, the Nepal trekking trail height ranges around 2,500 m for two days in Tadapani and Sinuwa. When you move towards Deurali from Sinuwa, the height of the trail goes higher than 3,000 m. The height of MBC (3,700 m) and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is higher than 3,500 m.
As there is rise and fall in ABC Trek height, there is less probability for altitude sickness. Moreover, you get to take enough rest in the middle of the trek as well.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking Route
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route moves gradually uphill and downhill through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Observing the birds and animals playing hide-and-seek in the rhododendron forests, you continue towards the destination.
Starting from Nayapul nearby Pokhara, ABC Trek Route moves along the Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, and Brahmin villages. You will follow the trail by leaving the villages such as Ghorepani, Tadapani, Sinuwa, and Deurali. After Deurali, it enters into the Annapurna Sanctuary surrounded by the snow-covered mountains and Tibetan Plateau.
After spending a memorable night on the lap of the mighty Himalayas, you begin the retreat journey. The return trek also follows the same route of Annapurna Base Camp Trek descending leisurely through mountainous villages.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route introduces you with the biodiversity, amazing mountain scenery, and culture. Due to the precious rewards, you won’t even know how fast the trek ends!
How Difficulty is Annapurna Base Camp Trek
As a first-time trekking in Nepal, you need to know about Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty. Knowing the trek difficulty helps you prepare accordingly because well-prepared is half done! There are a few important factors that answer to the question: “How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?” Altitude, daily trekking hours, tea houses, food and accommodation determine the difficulty level of a trek.
The highest altitude to reach during ABC Trek 15-day itinerary is ABC (4,130 m). There is a little chance of altitude sickness that begins as soon as you reach above 2,500 m. However, you can minimize the risk of altitude sickness by following the preventive measures.
Per day, you have to walk around 5-6 hours along the well-defined trekking trails. The Nepal trekking routes of ABC Trek are always in perfect condition. The communities of the region are proactive in promoting tourism industry in the Annapurna Region. ABC Trek is entirely a tea house trekking in Nepal. So, you need not worry about finding food and accommodation services while traversing to this region.
Sometimes weather, especially in monsoon and winter seasons, can be a bit challenging. As it rains heavily in monsoon, the trails may be muddy and slippery. Doing ABC Trek in winter might prevent you from enjoying the wonderful views of the Himalayas and deep valleys due to poor visibility. The best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is spring (March-May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the entire ACAP is beautified by 8 different types of rhododendron and other flowering plants. In autumn, you can taste the organic juicy fruit and observe the feasts and festivals of Nepal. Autumn is the best time for festival trek in Annapurna Region.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival time, a representative from Nepal Trekking Routes will be at Kathmandu International Airport [TIA] to welcome you. You will then be escorted to your hotel where you can refresh and relax. In the evening, a welcome dinner program will be organized at a Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu
After enjoying breakfast, you will be picked by your guide from the hotel and taken around Kathmandu for sightseeing. You will visit world heritage monuments such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swoyambunat and Bouddhanath. In the evening, our trekking guide will conduct a briefing about the trekking program before dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu.
You will take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight will be short and scenic. Or, alternatively, you can take the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara which takes about 6 hours. Overnight in Pokhara
Your trekking starts from today. After breakfast, you will drive to Naya Pul, the starting point of your trek. The trek quickly enters a village trail following the Modi Khola river. A 2 hour trek will take you to the small town of Birethanti. En route you will pass through Sudami before reaching Tikhe Dhunga. Overnight in Tikhe Dhunga.
Continue your trek ahead through rhododendron and oak forests. You will be crossing numerous streams to reach Nangethanti where you will have lunch. From here it is another 2 hours walk to Ghorepani. Overnight in Ghorepani.
The trek to Poon Hill is perhaps the most popular part of this trek. Poon Hill at 3210m is the most popular viewpoint to view Annapurna, Fishtail and Dhaualigir peaks. It will take around 1.5 hrs to be atop Poon Hill from Ghorepani. Return to to Ghorepani and have a sumptuous breakfast before heading towards to Tadapani via Banthanti. Overnight in Tadapani.
The trail from Tadapani to Chhomrong goes back and forth along Modi Khola. By the time you arrive in Chhomrong you will be in the cusp of Himalchuli peak. Overnight in Chhomrong.
There is a forest of pine and rhododendron you have to pass after you cross Chhomrong Khola. You will trek past the villages of Sinuwa, Kuldi Ghar and Bamboo. It will not be long before you are in Doban (2540m). Overnight in Doban.
As you go deeper into the Annapurna region, you are likely to find much wildlife in the forests along with amazing views of Himalayan peaks. Today you will get the first taste of Mt. Macchapuchre or Fishtail mountain. On the way you can explore Hinko cave, a natural cave hanging beneath a cliff. Overnight in Deurali.
The challenge of trekking through moraines and boulders remain in this section of the trail. As you approach the Machhapuchhare Base Camp you will enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. From here it is another 45 minutes walk to reach the Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp offers surrounding views of tallest Himalayan peaks of Annapurna
Today we follow our way back to Sinuwa. It is easier as we descend for the most part of our route (5 hrs)
The trail through Sinuwa to Ghandruk goes downhill and then uphill to Kimrong and then to Deurali. The short distance from Deurali to Ghandruk is complemented by superb views of the Himalayan ranges on the horizon. Ghandruk is a popular Gurung village which also has a Gurung Museum. Overnight in Ghandruk.
You will again be retracing your steps to Nayapul via Birethanti. You will be driven to Pokhara from Birethanti. Overnight in Pokhara
Enjoy a scenic highway drive back to Kathmandu which takes about 6 hours.
Depending on the time of your departure, our representative will accompany you to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Inclusion/Exclusion
- Airport pickups and drop off service in private vehicle.
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek with breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
- farewell dinners with cultural program.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader.
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- T-shirt and trekking map are yours to take.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS).
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
- All government and local taxes.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- City sightseeing entry fee in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses.
Fixed Departure
trip dates | Days | availability | Price | space left | |
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Trip dates: 2023-06-16 | Duration: 5 | Availability: 7 | Pricing: US$1140 |
Space Left: 6
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Reviews
Traveller’s reviews
Absolutely amazing… Our Experienced and humorous guide, Nawin Pokharel ensured that we explored the beauty of the mountains , walking in the footpaths of legendary mountaineers. Shailesh Pokharel of Nepal Trekking routes trekking and expeditions tailor made our package which allowed us to experience the natural and rich cultural wonders of Nepal. We were afforded the opportunity to live the authentic local life..
The Annapurna Base Camp is a magical destination, but one that requires a high degree of fitness to best enjoy it. If you wish to travel there in October, you must be flexible. Firstly you must prepared to share your trek with many other trekkers – it is very crowded. Occasionally, beds may not be available in the guesthouses that you would like, even in shared rooms. Also, because of the Dashain festival, buses may not be running and restaurants/hotels may not have their regular staff available as they may who have gone back to their villages for the festival. Please insist on an experienced guide with good English, as this can make all the difference (if you speak English). Nepal Trekking Routes Treks and Expeditions did their best to rearrange the itinerary so that all the included items could be experienced. Remember – be flexible!
fantastic trek with responsible tour operator, I really enjoyed their hospitality as well as with their concept of sustainable tourism policy
Annapurna Base Camp trekking in Nepal
Max.elevation : 4130m
Type of trek : easy+Moderate
Duration of day :7-12days
Duration a day walking:5-6 hours
The diverse terrain and variety of cultures of the region north of Pokhara make each day’s walk a different experience and make the area the most popular destination in the country. Four favorite treks, each with minimum of about one week and maximum of three week treks,, Annapurna range, Jomsom and the Annapurna Sanctuary. Alpine meadows, moraines, glaciers and breathtaking views of the Annapurna range abound. The three hundred kilometer Annapurna Circuit combines the first two areas by crossing high altitude pass, Manang Thorang-La (5360 meters) and takes up to three weeks to complete. Part of the range forms a natural amphitheater known as the Sanctuary, ringed by Annapurna I, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, and the fishtail – shaped peak of Machhapuchhre. This is a fairl strenuous alpine trek, whose aim is to enable the more active walker to quickly get up to snowline not far above our camp. In the Sanctuary, there are opportunities to scramble on ice and snow, and to make an excursion to Rakshi Peak.
I am so gratful that i got a chance to experience such amazing trip. Tired but happy to see an awesome place like Annapurna mountains and Fishtail too. The tea houses during the trek were great even though just a humble one. They provide us with a warm meal and clean blanket. Enough to get rest after a long trek.