The Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary trek is one of the classical and most scenic treks in Nepal. The trek passes through spectacular and tranquil landscapes, charming Gurung and Magar villages, and pathways filled with colourful Rhododendrons, lush green forest bamboo, and alpine forests truly The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers it all.
At the trip’s final destination, the Annapurna Base Camp at the height of 4130m where you can achieve a feeling of peace and become one with the beautiful nature of the mighty Annapurna. The Annapurna range of Nepal is a massif of mountain ranges with over sixteen peaks over 6000m. In Nepal, Annapurna is believed to be the avatar of Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The literal meaning of it also translates to give or full.
The entire ranges of Annapurna are protected in the Annapurna Conservation Areas which is the first and largest conservation area in Nepal. The trek to Annapurna is considered one of the best treks in the world as you can see the transition of the green hills with waterfalls to jungles, then eventually to barren rocky hills and the snow-clad Annapurna ranges.
Why trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
- Revel in breathtaking vistas trekking amongst the Annapurna Range
- Immerse yourself in Nepali life as you trek through Gurung Villages
- Journey into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary for sublime panoramic views
- Experience two spectacular Himalayan mountain flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Short Itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
- Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and stay at a hotel
- Day 02: Fly to Pokhara, and Drive to Ulleri Trek to Ghorepani (2,800m) and stay at a lodge
- Day 03: Hike to Poon Hill (3,200m), trek to Tadapani (2,570m) and stay at a lodge
- Day 04: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m) and stay at a lodge
- Day 05: Trek to Dovan (2,600m) and stay at a lodge
- Day 06: Trek to Deurali (3,230 m) / MBC - Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) and stay at a lodge
- Day 07: Trek to ABC - Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and stay at a lodge
- Day 08: Trek back to Dovan (2,600m) and stay at a lodge
- Day 09: Trek to Jhinu (1,780m) and visit natural hot spring water. Stay at a lodge
- Day 10: Trek to Nayapul and travel to Pokhara in a jeep. Stay at a hotel
- Day 11: Exploration day in Pokhara visit Santi stupa and international mountain museum, paragliding etc. Stay at hotel
- Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu and explore the city. Stay at hotel
- Day 13: Final Departure transfer to the airport 3 hours before your flight schedule
Detailed Itinerary Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Attitude: 760 m (2,493 ft)
Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport & check in to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until the evening when you'll enjoy a welcome drink with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Ulleri, Trek to Ghorepani
Attitude: 1,040 m (3,412 ft) / 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Travel Distance / Duration: 20 km / 1 hour
Trek Distance / Duration: 8-9 km / 3-4 hours
Fly to Pokhara Drive to Ulleri and trek to Ghorepani – a 3-hour easy trek Drive to Ulleri from Pokhara by car/van. It takes 45 mins to 1 hour to get to Ulleri/1070m and start the trek to Thikhedunga. Lunch break at Banthanti and beyond Banthanti, the trail goes through magnificent rhododendron and oak forests. It is a 3-4 hour walk in total to get to beautiful Ghorepani. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 03: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani
Attitude: 3,210 m (10,531.5 ft) / 2,630 m (8,629 ft)
Trek Distance / Duration: 9-10 km / 5-6 hours
An early-morning hike up to Poon Hill/3210m for amazing brilliant sunrise and panoramic view of the high Himalayas, It takes about 45 minutes and 400 meters to walk up to the viewpoint. After enjoying sunrise and Mountain View come back to the hotel and after breakfast trek to Tadapani/25400m. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 04: Trek to Chhomrong
Attitude: 2,170 m (7,120 ft)
Trek Distance / Duration: 7-8 km / 5-6 hours
CHANGE: Leaving Tadapani, the trail descends down through the forest and we can hear birds chirping. After walking down for about 45 minutes the trail goes very steep downhill through the terraced field to Kimrung Khola, crosses the suspension bridge and walks to Gurjung, the trail ascends up after Gurjung village for 45 minutes then straight walk to Chhumrung at the elevation of 2170m. It takes 4-5 hours from Tadapani to Chhumrung. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 05: Trek to Dovan
Attitude: 2,500 m (8,202 ft)
Trek Distance / Duration: 8-9kms / 6-7 hours
CHANGE: The trail descends down 310 meters through thousands of stone staircase crosses then crosses Chhumrung Khola on the bridge and climbs up to Sinuwa at the height of 2360 m. It is an easy walk through rhododendron festooned with orchids and ferns then steep down with a stone staircase to Bamboo. After having lunch there we walk through the cool forest for about an hour to Dovan at an elevation of 2600 m. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 06: Trek to Deurali
Attitude: 3,230 m (10,597 ft)
Trek Distance / Duration: 7-8 km / 4-5 hours
CHANGE: We have a silent jungle walk today to the Himalayas from Dovan. It is believed that mountains are sacred and holy. As it is already believed that Annapurna means "full of food" (feminine form) but is normally translated as Goddess of the Harvests. In Hinduism, Annapurna is "... the universal and timeless kitchen-goddess ... the mother who feeds. Without her, there is starvation and universal fear. Her most popular shrine is located in Kashi, on the banks of the river Ganga." Her association with the giving of food (wealth) led her in time to be transformed into Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth so from a religious view it is important to respect Mother Nature and create peaceful and calm surroundings. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Machapuchare Base Camp
Attitude: 4,130 m (13,550 ft) / 3,700 m (12,139 ft)
Trek Distance / Duration: 7-8 km / 6-7 hours
Above Deurali the valley widens and becomes less steep. After walking some stone staircase we reach the place where some people were killed by avalanches a decade ago. We should not stop in this dangerous place for a long time. This place is warned of avalanches so continue trekking ahead with awareness until you get to a safe place. As you walk further, more beautiful White Mountains are seen and close. The trail turns to the left in the valley after Machhapuchhre Base Camp and it is a pleasant walk up ABC though the air is thin. You can see 360?degree Mountain View from Base Camp. There are tremendous views of giant Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) 6997m and several other wonderful peaks. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 08: Trek to Dovan / Bamboo
Attitude: 2,500 m (8,202 ft) / 2,130 m (7,579 ft)
Trek Distance / Duration: 16-17 km / 8-10 hours
After enjoying the Brilliant Mountain view and taking a hot cup of tea or coffee we take a hot breakfast and trek down to Dovan or Bamboo via MBC, Deurali and Himalaya. We take tea and lunch breaks on the way. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 09: Trek to Jhinu
Attitude: 1,780 m (5,840 ft)
Travel Distance / Duration: 8-9 km / 5-6 hours
From Bamboo, we walk up for 30 minutes and it is a pleasant jungle walk to Sinuwa then head down to Chhumrung Khola and walk up the long stone staircase up upper Chhomrung then walk steep down to Jhinu, after checking in the lodge and after eating lunch go down to the hot spring, it takes about 20 minutes. Take bath in natural hot water and come back lodge. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 10: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
Attitude: 1,040 m (3,412 ft)
Trek Distance / Duration: 17 km / 7-8 hours
After breakfast, we trek to Kimche. It takes about 3-4 hours to drive to Nayapul by jeep then we drive to Pokhara by private car or van. Stay in a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 11: Pokhara Sightseeing
Exploration day in Pokhara visit Santi stupa and international mountain museum, paragliding etc
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu and Leisure
After breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu. You can explore Kathmandu city at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 13: Final Departure transfer to TIA airport
Trek Insurance:
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.
We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions.
Risk and Liability:
We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any type of sickness including altitude sickness.
FAQs:
Which is the best season for trekking to Annapurna Base camp trek?
Spring – February to mid-June: Temperature during this season is 15°C as lowest and with a maximum of 25°C during sunny days, Minimum of -15°C in the morning and at night normally for areas above 4000 meters. Spring is the second busiest season in Nepal for trekking in Annapurna.
Autumn – Mid-September to Mid-December: Temperature during the fall is 15°C with a maximum temp of 20°C during sunny days and a minimum of 05°C in the morning and at night. The Autumn season is the best trekking season in Annapurna Region.
Winter – December to February and Monsoon season: Temperature during the winter is freezing cold during the morning and the nights to -08°C but the temperature during the sunny day might be 10°C. The monsoon season will be lot raining and the trails are slippery, muddy, and landslide sometimes too.
What food do we get in on the trail?
We normally get fresh and hygienic local cuisine during the trek which is recommended. You can see different types of cuisines but local food is recommended and fresh. Our guide will help you to serve fresh food and drinks.
Do we get bottle of water in mountain?
Yes it is also possible to buy the bottle of mineral water in the trek. Most of the tea houses and restaurant in every trekking trail has facility of bottled water or purified water. But the price of everything goes on increasing with increase in the height. Even if you don’t want to buy the water; there are abundant sources of water on the trail and tea houses where you can fill up your bottles and use water purification tablets, water filters or boiled water from the lodge. Most of lodges serve boiled and filter water which is safe.
Do I need to have Travel Insurance?
Yes Please Make sure that you are insured before trekking to Annapurna region. Even we ask a copy of your travel insurance during booking of your trip. It would be good to go out an adventure without having any risk. You should buy medical and mountain evacuation insurance for trekking up 5500m. We suggest you buy insurance policy in your country make sure that your insurance cover helicopter evacuation if incase when you are on trek up to 5500m
How long do we have to walk every day?
Normally as per our itinerary, we walk about 6-7 hours a day. But it is all depends on your fitness level fitness level, it can be change this expected walking hour. Walking downhill is much easier in the high altitude. Above the height of 4000m is always tough and your pace will be slower than expected than lower height.
Do we get a hot shower in Mountain?
Well, hot showers are available but you have to pay for it but cold showers are normally free. But we would like to suggest you not to take shower when you are above 4500 M or less number of showers if possible. If you are taking shower in high altitude than you might catch a cold or get sick.
How fit do we need to be for Annapurna trekking?
Well, shorter trek in Annapurna Region are easier than longer trekking. Longer trekking like Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trekking require a better standard of fitness level. If you are in good physical condition then you do not require any hiking experience for short trekking in Annapurna trekking. But if you are planning for the longer and adventurous trekking in Annapurna above 4500M than you need to prepare before you go or have some daily exercise and try few other trekking to used too.
What is tea house trekking in Annapurna Region?
Tea house trekking means, we will stay overnight and have food at the lodges. Mountain teahouses are basis but comfortable beds. Bathroom and shower room are normally outside which we have to share with other guests.
What types of food will be served during the trekking?
Well, we serve you a wholesome vegetarian meal in tea houses, but it is local fresh and hygiene. The food along the trail will be simple and a mix of local and international cuisine. We mainly served local foods of Nepal and as well as continental and western foods but it will be basic.
Is there any telephone/internet facilities in Annapurna trekking?
Well, we would like to suggest you to have local number for internet connection and phone calls. They do have prepaid wifi but its quite expensive. Annapurna Region has good coverage network for NCELL Local card.
What do I need to carry on trek?
If you are hiring your porter than he will carry your personal belonging. You can visit on our Trekking Equipment check list for idea what you have to bring on trek. You carry only our personal valuable good with you in your day pack. You can store your unnecessary things which you are not going to use on trekking, can leave at our hotel in Kathmandu while are on trek.
Small day-pack filled with fleece jacket, water proofs, warm hat, sunhat, sun-cream, water bottle, first aid kit, camera and water purification tablets etc.
What do we do if incase of altitude sickness?
Well, we should avoid altitude sickness means do not think about altitude sickness when we are on trekking. As we know, we have, we be positive, when we are on high altitude, control your attitude. If incase we get altitude sickness symptoms than we descend lower elevation or use first aid or other medication to recover. If the condition gets worse than there is only way either we take horse down or evacuate by helicopter transfer to the nearby hospital.
What happens if there is an emergency?
If an emergency occur then we will cover initial expenses of rescue operation as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. Trekking plus expert guides are trained with first aid and have basic knowledge about the physical problems.
What currency should I bring to Annapurna Trekking?
Well, we do advise you to get some nepali cash on hands to pay for your extra expenses such as bar bills Most major currencies are usually accepted during the trekking but It is always better to have local currency ( Nepai Rupee ) with you.
How early should I book my trip?
Well, we recommend you to book your trip in few month in advances so that its easier for us to organize the transport, hotel and sort out the trip for our field staffs. You can book your trip and finalize upon arrival which might be rush for you so we highly recommend the earliest is the best possible.
What are your payment terms?
You need to pay 20% of total trip cost as advance deposit to confirm trip before arriving to Nepal and remaining balance can be paid 30 days in advance.
How much extra cash should I bring on trekking?
If you are on full board Annapurna trekking than all you have to pay is for hot shower on the trek and for tipping. Apart from this, the only other expense would be for any personal expenses.You can withdraw nepali rupee from ATMs in Kathmandu.
Is Trekking Plus guides/porters insured?
Yes, our field staffs or trekking staff including guides, porters, cooks, Sherpas all of them are insured. They are insured from our company if incase of something happen in mountain.
How much should I tip to my guide and porters?
Well, tips are expected by Guide and porters. It is also a nice way of saying thank-you to someone who will accompany you during the trek as well as prove invaluable services to you. Trekking Plus well paid to our field staffs compare to other big companies. Just for an idea, we suggest you to tip 15% of total trip cost would be okay.
- Get far from the bustling city life into peaceful and pristine nature
- Witness stunning views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Kailash, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and more
- Stay in teahouses of small villages
- Explore beautiful villages of Braga, Manang, Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha
- Gaze at the breathtaking Annapurna range from Poon Hill
- Natural Hot spring at Jhinu
- Enjoy sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu
What is included in the tour
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu domestic airfares
- Transport in a private vehicle to and fro Ulleri / Nayapul and Pokhara
- 02 Nights accommodation at Kathmandu at a 4-star category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis
- 02 Nights accommodation at Pokhara at a 4-star category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis
- 08 Nights of accommodation at premium teahouses during the trek on twin sharing basis
- Accommodation with attached bathrooms wherever available during the trek
- Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) a day during the trekking period (open menu to choose any one item per meal from the menu)
- Three times regular tea or coffee in a day during the trekking period
- 2 litres of mineral water or hot water during the trekking period
- 08 days of trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide
- 1 porter for every 2 persons’ luggage (max 10-12 kgs per head allowed)
- Insurance, meals, transportation daily salary of guide & porter
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fee
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Domestic airport taxes at Kathmandu and Pokhara
- 3 litres oxygen cylinder with mask regulator for emergency (additional charge if used)
- Pokhara sightseeing in a van and with a guide
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- All government, local taxes and service charges
- TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
- 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
- 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
- 35% discount coupon on BMore products
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
- Expedition grade duffle bag
- TrekNomads goodies
What is NOT included in the tour
- International airfare
- Nepal Visa fee
- Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any personal expense
- Personal Adventure Insurance
- Excess baggage charge(s), if it exceeds 15kg
- Insurance Fee
- Any type of soft drinks
- Boiled hot water, shower, etc, during the trek
- Extra meals apart from inclusions
- Tips to porters and guides (calculated per person at 10$ per day per person)
- Any other activity such as Bungee Jumping/River Rafting
- Helicopter fares
- Extra days at the hotel in Kathmandu apart from the schedule
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
- Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
- Unused days on the trek route, if returned early and breaking the itinerary for personal, medical or any other reasons, will not be refunded or adjusted
Altitude Map:
- Kathmandu: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
- Nayapul: 1,040 m (3,412 ft)
- Nayapul: 1,480 m (4,856 ft)
- Ghorepani: 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
- Poon Hill: 3,210 m (10,531.5 ft)
- Tadapani: 2,630 m (8,629 ft)
- Chhumrung: 2,170 m (7,120 ft)
- Dovan: 2,500 m (8,202 ft)
- Deurali: 3,230 m (10,597 ft)
- Machapuchare Base Camp(MBC): 3,700 m (12,139 ft)
- Annapurna Base Camp(ABC): 4,130 m (13,550 ft)
- Bamboo: 2,130 m (7,579 ft)
- Jhinu: 1,780 m (5,840 ft)
Other Details:
- Trek Gradient: Moderate
- Trek Distance: 100+ Km
- Assembling Point: Kathmandu
- Trek Duration: 50 + hours
- Average Temperature: 20°C to -10°C
- Best Months to trek: March,April, May, September,October, November