Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Explore the world's best trekking destination with native guides

10 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Hotel/Tea House
Start from Kathmandu and End to Kathmandu
Min 2 to Max 12+ Pax in a group
Domestic Flight (KTM - Lukla - Kathmandu) and Private Vehicle
moderate_strenuous

Overview

Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary are the most delightful adventures to enjoy in a week. This is the only base camp in all the Himalayas that reaches you in the shortest time frame. Without a problem of catching HAS or high altitude sickness due to gradual gains in elevation.

A perfect adventure for all types of people and age groups to experience, stand amidst spectacular views of the Annapurna’s. The charm and beauty of Annapurna Base Camp & Sanctuary is the landscape’s biodiversity and temperatures with vegetation.

The walk takes you to a high from the lower warm paddy fields and farm village to green hills. As the trek progresses through a lovely green forest of tall rhododendrons and pine trees. Slowly, the altitude rises as the climb starts from the last village of Chomrong towards a few nice settlements.

Then enter the picturesque country at Annapurna Sanctuary encircled by giant snow-capped peaks to reach Annapurna Base Camp. The highest spot to enjoy the comfort of a lovely cosy lodge in the close shadow of the Annapurna Himalayas.

After a glorious experience amidst the towering majestic peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas. Return journeys on the same trail to Chomrong village, and then our route diverts to Jhinu village. A nice place to complete the walks, this village offers natural hot springs to enjoy.

Finally, our marvellous adventure to Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary concludes in Pokhara after a great experience around Annapurna Himalayas.

The Best Seasons

The best seasons for this short and wonderful Annapurna Base Camp & Sanctuary Treks, are spring and autumn. Spring starts from March to May, most days are sunny but can get cloudy in the late afternoon. Chances of light showers, with cold mornings and nighttime after Chomrong village. But beautiful with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially rhododendrons of various colors, and different species from tall trees to bushes.

The next best season is autumn/fall, which begins in September and ends in November. One of the high seasons for views and pleasant walks, sunny days most of the time in autumn. But gets dark soon, due to short sunlight hours, cold morning, and late afternoon till nighttime. Could get snowfall from Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp sometimes. Annapurna Base Camp treks can be enjoyed during the winter times of December onwards.

It will be exciting and great to enjoy Christmas and New Year Holidays and cold temperatures. In the morning, afternoon, and night time, with bright starry night sky. Can get snowed in sometimes during the winter times.

The route and trails to Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary Treks

In the last few years, the trek has been shortened for a few days due to the construction of a motorable road. The motor road has reached as far as Ghandruk and Jhinu villages from the tourist city of Pokhara. Making the treks much easier to cover in a short duration of time in a week.

The motorable road is quite rough on dirt, and mud tracks from Nayapul Town onwards to Ghandruk Village. The walk takes you to a pleasant trail through lovely rhododendrons and pine forests to Chomrong and en route Sanctuary.

A steep climb to reach Chomrong as well on the way to Machhapuchare Base Camp before Annapurna Sanctuary. Then from MBC on entering the sanctuary, a pleasant walk with gradual ups to Annapurna Base Camp.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m (30 mins by air)-06 hours on road.
Day 02: Drive to Ghandruk village 1,951 m – 04 hours.
Day 03: Trek to Chomrong village 2,050 m – 06 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Dovan 2, 130 m via Bamboo 2,050 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05:  Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,720 m -06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m – 03 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m – 06 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Jhinu-Danda a place with hot spring 1, 700 m – 06 hrs.
Day 09: Short last day walk and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 04 hrs.
Day 10: Drive or fly to Kathmandu-06 hours.

Itinerary

Day 01

Fly or drive to Pokhara 860 m (30 mins by air)-06 hours on road.

Duration 6 Hours
Distance 200.8 km
Enjoy the morning interesting drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, to experience Nepal’s rural farm life. Overland journey will be the best to see more of Nepal beautiful landscapes and scenery. The drive follows on the main busy highways that connects all parts of the country. Soon our journey diverts towards Mid-West to reach Pokhara, the renowned tourist destination in Nepal. At Pokhara transfer to a nice hotels close to the famous beautiful Phewa Lake. Flying options to Pokhara of 30 minute flights from Kathmandu
Day 02

Drive to Ghandruk village 1,951 m - 04 hours.

Duration 4 Hours
Distance 32.2 km
Another exciting drive of few hours from Pokhara to high hill village at Ghandruk, to start the trek. After a good breakfast, enjoy the ride on a local jeep or four wheel drives heading west. After few hours our route diverts from the main Pokhara and Baglung Highway on rough dirt country road. Heading past nice Bhirethati village with uphill drive to Hille and Thirkhedhunga farm villages. Lovely views of waterfalls along the drive, the heading towards winding uphill to reach Ghandruk village for overnight stop. Having time for lunch and to explore the lovely traditional village and witness the Gurung tribe cultures.
Day 03

Trek to Chomrong village 2,050 m - 06 hrs.

Duration 6 Hours
Distance 10 km
From Ghandruk enjoy the morning views of Annapurna peaks, the walk start with uphill. Then on winding gradual path and with half hour climb to Kimrong ridge a place with few tea-houses. After a short rest downhill through cool forest to reach Kimrong Valley for lunch stop. Afternoon a slow climb of an hour or more to the top of Chomrong village. A short descent to Chomrong for overnight stop in the comfort of a nice lodge.
Day 04

Trek to Dovan 2, 130 m via Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.

Duration 6 Hours
Distance 38.4 km
Morning enjoy the glorious views of the Annapurna peaks from Chomrong village, start the morning walk with short downhill. Then over a bridge with climb to Sinuwa Ridge, a nice small place with few lodges. Enjoy lunch and then continue walk through a lovely forest of rhododendrons and pines. The trail leads to short downhill to Bamboo, a small settlement in the middle of bamboo forest. The walk continues to slow uphill into a lovely forest to reach Dovan for overnight Stop, from here onwards. The lodge facilities are simple and basic but good with nice foods to enjoy, located on a gorge of Modi River.
Day 05

Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,720 m -06 hrs.

Duration 6 Hours
Distance 11.2 km
After a pleasant overnight with the sound of Modi River, morning walk leads above the river. Heading through forested oath with climb to Himalaya Hotel, a place with few nice lodges. After a short rest downhill next to the river with climb to reach a flat plateau at Deurali for lunch. From here the tall tree lines drops for short bushes, as climb begins for an hour or more to MBC (Machhapuchare Base Camp). Located beneath towering North Face of Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak, Enjoy the views of Annapurna-I with Annapurna South and Huin-Chuli peaks staying overnight in a nice lodge.
Day 06

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m - 03 hrs.

Duration 3 Hours
Distance 2.9 km
Morning walk to our main highlight destination at Annapurna Base Camp, from MBC a short climb. Then entering the scenic highland country at Annapurna Sanctuary, the walk leads with slow climb to reach Annapurna Base Camp. A picturesque location with number of good lodges for overnight stay, arriving Annapurna base camp for lunch and overnight. Afternoon takes a hike around this high beautiful areas enclosed by tiers of snow-capped peaks.
Day 07

Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.

Duration 6 Hours
Distance 16.7 km
Enjoying a pleasant stay in Annapurna Base Camp within spectacular scenery of staggering Annapurna Himal range of peaks. After breakfast return journey on the same exciting trail to Bamboo for overnight halt.
Day 08

Trek to Jhinu-Danda a place with hot spring 1, 700 m - 06 hrs.

Duration 6 Hours
Distance 8.5 km
The trek from Bamboo with short ups and then on winding trail to Sinuwa with downhill to cross a bridge. A steep climb on stone steps reaches Chomrong for possible lunch break. Afternoon an hour or more descent to Jhinu Danda and the village for last overnight on the hills of Annapurna’s. Enjoy the natural hot spring nearby from the village for a refreshing dips in its hot pools.
Day 09

Short last day walk and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 04 hrs.

Duration 4 Hours
Distance 27.3 km
Taking a drive back to Pokhara. The journey leads to Bhirethati village and Nayapul. Then on the main highway to Pokhara for last overnight around Mid- West Nepal. Rest of the afternoon explore the streets and markets on Phewa Lakeside.
Day 10

Drive to Kathmandu-06 hours.

Duration 6 Hours
Distance 200.8 km
Morning depart from the hotel in Pokhara and enjoy the last grand vista of the Annapurna Himalayas. Drive heads on the same interesting road following the Trisuli River, after few hours on leaving Pokhara. The drive climbs to winding ups on leaving the river below reaching the rim of Kathmandu Valley. From the western side of the valley an hour drive brings you back to the hotel. After a great wonderful experience on the high hills of Annapurna Himalayas. Flying options to Kathmandu of 30 minute flights from Pokhara.

Inclusions

What's included

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared during the trek. The meals are basic, but will give you enough energy for your appetite. Fruit is also available after each meal.

Accommodation

During the trek, we stay in lodges or teahouses. These are simple in nature, but fully equipped. Do not expect too much luxury.

Add-ons

What's not included

FAQs

01: How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

A moderate to adventurous trek with short ups and downhill walks, the best and perfect country walks around the Himalayas. As you are aware that Nepal and Himalayas are full of ups and downhills. The only flat land is in the southern Terai belt of Nepal, walking slow and steady will overcome the difficulty.

02: Is Annapurna Base Camp a popular trekking destination?

Annapurna Base Camp & Sanctuary is one of the most popular and famous treks, due to its easy accessibility from Pokhara. As well visitors can complete the treks in a week, includes views of dramatic landscapes and mountain views.

This trek is suitable for all types of people and age groups, and staying in the comfort of a nice and cozy mountain lodges. Makes this trek special and popular than any other treks around the Himalayas. Where altitude gains slow and gradually, trekkers gets acclimatized during daily walks.

03: What do we expect on Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

A lovely country walk through beautiful forest lined with tall rhododendrons, pines and fir trees. Daily views of snow peaks with local fascinating cultures of the Gurung tribes. The major expectation beside scenic scenery is uphill and downhill walks for few hours. As well reaching the most spectacular country amidst towering peaks of Annapurna Himalayas.

04: Are there facilities for electricity, internets and WI-FI?

All lodges on overnight stops, have electricity facilities either run by Hydro or solar power. Trekkers can charge their electronic items on paying extra for charging each gadgets. Some lodges offer free Wi-Fi and Internet services while few places might charge extra. But the connection in some places can be disturbing and takes time to run the service either in long distance call or using the internets.

05: How are the lodge facilities and foods on this treks?

Simply the best that one can expect around the mountainous and hilly region around Himalayas. The lodge facilities much better at Ghandruk and Chomrong with options for attached bath and toilets. Most lodges provide common bathe and toilets with extra charge for using hot showers. However, the rooms are neat and cozy the dining have fireplace to warm the rooms while you enjoy the meals.

The foods depending upon the standard of the lodge, but most lodge restaurants provide long list of food menu. From Set menu or La Carte, including all types of refreshments to enjoy, as well some lodge provides fresh bakery products also.

06: Can we bring young children on this treks?

Yes, can bring young children on this treks depending upon the age factor. For infants who cannot walk, can be carried by extra porter on request of on the back of baby crib. Horse or pony is also available if one wants to ride instead of climbing uphill.

07: Is Annapurna Base Camp & Sanctuary falls within a National Parks?

All the regions of Annapurna Himalayas falls within ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) established in 1985 and was active from 1992. Trekkers have to obtain ACAP entrance ticket to enter all around Annapurna region.

08: What are the main religions of the mountain people?

The main tribes of Annapurna Himalayas are Gurung, the hill tribe follows Tibetan Buddhism. Trekkers can witness that every houses adorned with a Buddhist prayer flags. The Gurung also follows an ancient cult of Bonpo a pre-Buddhism, and Shamanism. Worship of nature and mountain spirit. Gurung are the main hill tribes of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal areas and around district of Gorkha also.

Affiliation