Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Highlights
- Diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high-altitude alpine meadows.
- Reaching the iconic Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters.
- Relaxing in natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
- Diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high-altitude alpine meadows.
- Cultural encounters with warm and welcoming Gurung and Magar communities.
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a mesmerizing and unforgettable adventure that beckons trekkers from around the world to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of the Annapurna region in Nepal. Nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas, the trek offers a perfect blend of challenging terrain, diverse landscapes, and awe-inspiring views of some of the world's highest peaks. This article delves into the beauty and allure of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, providing a comprehensive guide to this unforgettable journey.
The Annapurna region is a paradise for trekkers, and the ABC Trek is one of its crown jewels. The journey commences from the picturesque city of Pokhara, renowned for its tranquil lakes and stunning mountain vistas. As trekkers set foot on the trail, they embark on an adventure that takes them through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo, charming Gurung and Magar villages, and terraced farmlands that cascade down the hillsides.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.
Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m (30 mins by air)-06 hours on road.
Day 04: Drive to Syali, trek to Ghandruk village 2,012 m / 6,601 feet-04 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Chomrong village 1,951 m - 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Dovan 2, 130 m via Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,720 m -06 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m - 03 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Jhinu-Danda a place with hot spring 1, 700 m - 06 hrs.
Day 11: Short last day walk and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 03 hrs.
Day 12: Fly or drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 13: Free day as contingency and for individual activities.
Day 14: International departure for homeward bound.
- Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
On first arrival at Kathmandu-Nepal international airport, our staff and guide will receive with traditional welcome. A short drive to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city, on checking into your nice rooms. After getting refreshed from the jet-lag, join at the hotel lobby and at meeting room for trek briefing provided by our guide or leader. Information about the hotel, lodge on treks with full details of trekking trails, food and accommodation on treks. As well with do’s and don’ts with welcome group dinner in an authentic Nepali restaurants with local cultural program along with Nepali meals.
- Day 2 - Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.
Morning after breakfast, the city / cultural guide will meet you at the hotel for tour around Kathmandu World Heritage Sites. As well visiting interesting places of steeped with history and culture. After the tour back at the hotel, preparation for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
- Day 3 - Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m (30 mins by air)-06 hours on road.
Morning leaving the hotel for exciting overland journey to beautiful Pokhara, the renowned tourist city in Nepal. The drive leads on the main highway following the Trisuli River, quite popular river for rafting. On reaching Mugling Bazaar, then heading due west facing views of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas.
As the drive reach Pokhara city, and then transfer into a nice hotel by the calm Phewa Lake side. Where all good hotels, restaurants and shops are located. - Day 4 - Drive to Syauli, trek to Ghandruk village 2,012 m / 6,601 ft.-04 hrs.
Morning after a good breakfast, a few hours interesting drive leads beyond the Pokhara city and the valley outskirt. During drive enjoy views of Annapurna range of peaks with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish Tail. Which dominates the Pokhara valley. The drive leads on Pokhara-Baglung, Beni highway reaching Nayapul town, and then following the Modi River past nice Bhirethati village, the end the drive at a small farm village of Syali. From here walk begins with climb leaving the low warm farm land of paddy fields. The uphill walk continues through several farm settlements to Kimche village, and then a slow climb up to a large village of Ghandruk. A place on top of a hill facing views of Annapurna Himalayas, and surrounding lovely country landscapes.
At Ghandruk check into a nice mountain lodge, with time to explore the Gurung village, the main hill tribes of southern Annapurna region. - Day 5 - Trek to Chomrong village 1,951 m - 06 hrs.
The trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong is a delightful and scenic journey through the Annapurna region of Nepal. Starting from the picturesque village of Ghandruk, perched on the hillside, the trek leads you through lush rhododendron and oak forests, charming Gurung settlements, and terraced fields.
As you ascend through the forests, occasional glimpses of majestic peaks like Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna South emerge, adding to the allure of the trail. The route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural encounters, as you pass by traditional Nepalese houses and interact with friendly locals.
- Day 6 - Trek to Dovan 2, 130 m via Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.
The trek from Chhomrong to Dovan is a captivating journey through the lush landscapes of the Annapurna region in Nepal. Starting from the charming village of Chhomrong, situated on the lap of the Himalayas, the trail winds through rhododendron and bamboo forests, providing a delightful experience for trekkers.
- Day 7 - Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,720 m -06 hrs.
The trek from Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) is a captivating and adventurous journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Leaving behind the serene surroundings of Dovan, trekkers embark on a trail that gradually ascends through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests.
The trek from Dovan to MBC is both challenging and rewarding, offering a glimpse of the Himalayan wonders that await trekkers as they approach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The allure of the majestic mountains and the tranquility of the surroundings create an unforgettable experience, making this part of the journey a highlight of the entire Annapurna Base Camp Trek. - Day 8 - Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m - 03 hrs.
The trek from Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Leaving the serene surroundings of MBC, the trail leads trekkers to higher altitudes, with each step revealing more breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp, at an elevation of about 4,130 meters, offers a stunning and intimate view of the world's highest mountains. Surrounded by a panoramic vista of peaks, the sense of being amidst the Himalayan giants is awe-inspiring and unforgettable.The trek from MBC to ABC is a challenging yet rewarding adventure, immersing trekkers in the grandeur of the Himalayas and offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience of being at the base of some of the world's highest mountains. As trekkers stand at Annapurna Base Camp, they are left with a profound sense of wonder and reverence for the natural wonders that the Annapurna region has to offer.
- Day 9 - Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.
The trek from Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) to Bamboo is a breathtaking descent through the enchanting landscapes of the Annapurna region. Leaving behind the majestic peaks at ABC, trekkers retrace their steps, witnessing the changing scenery and reliving the memories of their ascent.
- Day 10 - Trek to Jhinu-Danda a place with hot spring 1, 700 m - 06 hrs.
The trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda is a pleasant and rewarding journey that takes trekkers through the verdant landscapes of the Annapurna region. Leaving behind the lush bamboo forests of Bamboo, the trail leads to higher altitudes, offering trekkers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
As the path winds through rhododendron forests and terraced fields, trekkers can enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Himalayas. The trail provides occasional glimpses of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, adding to the charm of the trek.
After a refreshing stop at the village of Sinuwa, the trek descends to the Jhinu Danda area, where natural hot springs await. Jhinu Danda is renowned for its hot springs, providing trekkers with a perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate their tired muscles after days of trekking.
The journey from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda is a delightful experience, combining the pleasures of trekking in the Himalayas with the comfort of natural hot springs. Trekkers can savor the natural beauty of the region, soak in the therapeutic hot springs, and relish the moments of tranquility before concluding their Annapurna adventure.
- Day 11 - Short last day walk and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 03 hrs.
Having breakfast walk over the bridge and then reaching on a road-head for exciting drive back to beautiful Pokhara for lunch and overnight stop.
Enjoy the afternoon exploring the lakeside facing grand views of Annapurna and Manaslu Himal range. Pokhara offers wide range of short Adventure Sports activities, like Para Gliding, Bungee Jumping, Zip Line and Ultra-Light flight etc. - Day 12 - Fly or drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Morning leaving the hotel in Pokhara, drive in a private vehicle or on regular Tourist Bus, as per size of a group. The scenic and interesting overland journey to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway. After hours of driving reaching back to your hotel in Kathmandu, rest of the day at leisure.
- Day 13 - Free day as contingency and for individual activities.
Enjoy an extra day in Kathmandu with individual activities or get into shopping spree. Interested people can join for another interesting tour of other cities of Kathmandu valley. Sightseeing around Patan / Lalitpur or the famous Bhaktapur city Durbar Square, worth a visit.
- Day 14 - International departure for homeward bound.
After an enjoyable and most mesmerizing time in Nepal, around the Himalayas with Annapurna Base Camp Trek. As time for departure, our staff transfer you to international airport for flight homeward bound or to next port of call.
- Airport Pick up and drop off
- 4 Night hotel in Kathmandu and 2 Night hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast
- All accommodation in simple T-house
- Breakfast Lunch and Dinner during trekking
- Experience and government licensed guide and porter
- Ground Transportation from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- First aid kit carry by Sherpa leader
- Food salary insurance for Guide and Porter
- National park entrance fee
- All government charges and taxes
- 1 porter for 2 trekkers
- Farewell dinner last night in Kathmandu.
- Extra night's hotel stay in Kathmandu if extended stay is required
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal equipment’s and personal expenses
Important Information
Best Seasons for Annapurna Base Camp:
The best season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is spring from March to May. Including autumn/fall begins from September to November, as Annapurna Base Camp is a short moderate, adventurous trek. Interested people can visit all year round, except for the summer/monsoon time of mid-June to August.
Springtime is bright and beautiful, most days are clear with sunny days, can be cloudy afternoons. Bringing cold chill in the late afternoon, and night till morning this is the time when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom.
The next best season is autumn/fall, where days are clear with sunny days for views and walks. But shorter days due to limited sunlight hours, cold morning and night time can expect snowfall sometimes. Winter from December to February with clear sunny days, but cold mornings, late afternoons, and night time with freezing temperatures. But an enjoyable day for pleasant walks with clear views of the beautiful snow mountain range.