Overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is one of the most searched trekking destinations around the Globe. It is one of the most attractive trekking destinations that can be completed in a short period of time. The trail to Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from Pokhara which is accessible either by roadways or by flight hence, it is more convenient for the trekkers to access the trekking point. The trails are well developed and provide a chance to witness wide varieties of flora and fauna as well as witness the rich culture of the local people living in the region. The trekking trail comes under the protective zone under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. The trail to Annapurna Base Camp trek offers stunning view of Annapurna range including Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), and Annapurna South (7219m) along with Machhapuchhre (6993m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Nilgiri (7041m), Lamjung Himal (6986m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m). Annapurna Base Camp trek also features the trek to the base camp of Machhapuchhre (6993m) which is one of the main highlights of the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is best for the new hikers as well as for experienced trekkers. People with normal health and physical fitness are eligible to do the trek. The itinerary involves trekking for about 4-7 hours a day for an average hiker. We definitely encourage some sort of exercise before attempting the actual climbing. The itineraries are designed after the consultation with the expert guides. Hence, it is prepared in such a way that it allows proper acclimatization as well as adequate time to enjoy the surrounding environment. Although trekking to Annapurna Base Camp can be attempted throughout the year as per the convenient time frame of the trekkers, there are two main seasons for trekking in Nepal. It is much recommended to trek to Annapurna Base Camp either during the spring season i.e. from March to May or during the autumn season i.e. from Mid-September to November.

Trek Highlights

10 days easy trekking.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu and Pokhara valley.
Relax your body in natural hot spring of Jhinu danda.
Sunrise & mountain view from Poonhill.
A pleasant hike in Annapurna sanctuary.
Get in the lap of Annapurna Himalaya.
Night in home stay and community lodge of Ghandruk

Day 1 :

Day 01- Arrival In Kathmandu.

Welcome to Nepal! Ramdung Expedition representative will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can take a rest or if you are arriving earlier, can visit around the city. In the evening we will hold a briefing session regarding your trip and get to know your Nepali trekking companion. We’ll be happy to answer any question you may have. O/N Hotel.

Day 2 :

Day 02 - Drive Kathmandu To Pokhara.

At around 7am you’ll leave Kathmandu to reach Pokhara through green valley, Trisuli River along side and scattered villages. It takes 6-7 to reach Pokhara. You check-in at your hotel, freshen up and have lunch. Walking along the Lakeside would be a good idea for the evening. You are advised to get some good sleep to begin trekking next day. O/N Hotel (B)

Day 3 :

Day 03 - Pokhara To Nayapul To Tikhedhunga (1577m).

We’ll take a bus to reach Nayapul (1050 m), the starting point of this Annapurna trek. After this 2-hours drive, you will walk for about an hour to reach Birethanti, a village of diverse ethnicities. Then you will go uphill to arrive at Tikhedhunga (1,577 m), where you will spend the night at a local teahouse. O/N Lodge(BLD)

Day 4 :

Day 04 - Tikhedhunga To Ghorepani (2870m).

After breakfast, you begin ascending the terraced path all the way to Ulleri, from where you can see Annapurna South, Machhapucchre and Himchuli peaks. Take a short break and resume the walk to Banthanti, from where the path routes through a thick forest. After having walked for about 7-8 hours, you will reach Ghorepani (2875 m), known to be a major settlement of Pun ethnic people. If the weather is fine, you will be able to a greater part of Annapurna Range from your room and the setting sun paints the scenery leaving an artistic effect on the horizon. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 5 :

Day 05 – Visit Poonhill (3200m), Ghorepani To Tadapani (2660m).

Waking early in the morning, we hike to Poon Hill along steep trail. This place is famous tocatch the magnificent splendor of sunrise over the Himalayas, wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys including the closest views of more than 20 highest mountains. Then we return to lodge to take breakfast then resume walking. In an 5-6 hours, arrive at Tadapani (2660 m), your stopover for the day. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 6 :

Day 06 - Tadapani To Sinuwa (2300m).

Your next segment, Tadapani to Sinuwa (2660 m-2300 m) will take about 6-7 hours, the first 2 hours being a downhill trek. After you cross a bridge, you will pass a Gurung village and stop at Chhomrung for lunch. Later, you will walk to Sinuwa and spend the night in a local teahouse. O/N Lodge / teahouse (BLD)

Day 7 :

Day 07 - Sinuwa To Deurali (3100m).

The total duration of today’s trek will be nearly 7-8 hours and is a bit tougher. The trail goes mostly through forests and on the way passes Bamboo, Dovan and Himalaya Hotel. The final portion of the trek involves some steep uphill climbs as you head to Deurali (3,100 m), where you will stop for the night. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 8 :

Day 08 - Deurali To Annapurna BC (4140m) via Machhapuchre BC (3700m).

Today you will trek for about 6 hours, the first stopover being Machhapuchre Base Camp where you will stop for lunch and acclimatization for a few hours. In the afternoon you will walk up to Annapurna Base Camp, see the beautiful sunset and take a walk in the vicinity. You can also explore the nearby glacier. O/N teahouse (BLD)

Day 9 :

Day 09 - Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2460m).

To trek down to Bamboo (2460 m) you will have to walk for about 6-7 hours. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 10 :

Day 10 - Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1800m).

From Bamboo, a 5-hour walk will take you to Hot Spring (1800 m) and on our way you will cross the Chhomrung Village, have lunch and walk down to Modi river. A bath in the natural hot water spring will help you release your fatigue and feel relaxed. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 11 :

Day 11 - Jhinu Danda to Ghandruk (1950m).

Starting trek at an early hour, you will arrive at Ghandruk (1950 m) in about 7 hours. After having lunch and a short break, you can visit the old Gurung Museum and Monastery. Spend some time with the local Gurungs to learn more about their past and present. It is very likely that you will get to know some of them who have served in the British Gurkha forces. O/N Lodge (BLD)

Day 12 :

Day 12 - Ghandruk to Nyapul to Pokhara.

This is the last day of the trek and you will walk all the way to Nayapul via Syaule Bazar, which normally takes about 4-5 hours. From Nayapul, you will be transferred back to Pokhara in 2 hours. O/N Hotel (B)

Day 13 :

Day 13 – Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu.

It takes 7hrs long drive along Trisuli river and various settlements to get back to Kathmandu. You can spend time resting/buying souvenirs back to home. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner in traditional restaurant with cultural dance performances in celebration of your amazing trip. O/N Hotel (BD)

Day 14 :

Day 14 - Trip ends. Farewell and departure.

The journey in the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today ! At last approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Ramdung Expedition will drop you to the airport. (B)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.