Region: |
Annapurna |
Max-Altitude: |
4,130m/13,546ft |
Duration: |
11 Days |
Trek Grade: |
Moderate |
Transportation: |
Flight, Bus, Jeep, Van |
Best Season: |
Oct to Dec, Feb to May |
Trekking Style: |
Tea House |
Group Size: |
Min 2 to Max 12Pax |
The Annapurna Base Camp trek, also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek,
is renowned for its remarkable diversity of geography and culture, making it
the most diverse trekking route in Nepal. To enhance the experience,
this trek is combined with the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, allowing trekkers
to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit of Poon Hill while
surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
During this extraordinary journey, you will have the opportunity to
interact with various local communities, including Gurung, Magars,
Manangis, Tibetans, Brahmins, and Chhetris. Each encounter will
provide a unique insight into their distinct cultures and traditions.
The trek itself offers a mesmerizing blend of landscapes, ranging from lush subtropical
plains and picturesque valleys to meandering rivers. As you traverse through the
enchanting trails, you will be surrounded by vibrant rhododendron forests, majestic
oaks, bamboo groves, and serene pine forests. Additionally, you will encounter
vast plateaus that contribute to the awe-inspiring beauty of this region. Of course,
the most prominent feature of this trek is the towering Annapurna Mountains, which
dominate the horizon with their majestic presence.
The Annapurna region is not only a haven for stunning landscapes but also a sanctuary
for a diverse array of wildlife.
This area is home to an impressive 440 species of birds
and animals, each harmoniously coexisting with nature. If you are fortunate, you may
catch a glimpse of elusive creatures such as martens, deer, langurs, and even the
legendary snow leopard.
As you progress through charming villages, terraced fields, and challenging mountain
trails, your journey will culminate at the Annapurna Base Camp. Situated at an
elevation of 4,130 meters, this destination rewards trekkers with a sense of
accomplishment and awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Highlights
Spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and
Fishtail from Poon Hill
Sunrise on the top of Poon Hill
One of Nepal's most famous treks
Climb over 3000 steps will reward you with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri
and the surrounding Himalayas
Enjoy views of alpine lakes, fields, and forest
Trek into the heart of the Annapurnas, which are ringed by 7000-8000
meter peaks
Pass through Ghandruk, a lovely farming village
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
DAY 1 - Kathmandu to Pokhara
Fly 25 minutes, Drive 6-7 hours
It's time to kick off our journey! The first leg of this adventure is a 6-hour bus ride
from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where you'll rest up for our first day of trekking! We'll have
a final briefing in the evening to go over details and answer any last-minute questions.
DAY 2 - Pokhara to Nayapul, Nayapul to Hile
Altitude: 1475m/4838ft: 1:30 hours drive, 3 hours trek
The day starts with a transfer to Nayapul which is about one hour drive from Pokhara,
where we'll take the first steps of our trek. The walking is easy at this stage, as we
stroll through the Modi Khola River Valley. We trek to the small village of Hile to
spend the night.
DAY 3 - Hile to Ghorepani Deurali
Altitude: 2800m/9184ft: 6-7 hours trek
From Hile we walk to Tikhedunga and we'll cross a stream as the warm up to ascending the steep
stone staircase to the scenic, quaint Magar Village at Ulleri. After lunch, our route wends
through glorious blooms of rhododendron and imposing oak forests. We'll move slightly upwards
in the direction of Nangethanti before scaling towards Ghorepani for dinner and sleep.
DAY 4 - Ghorepani to Poon Hill, Tadapani
Altitude: 3210m/10528ft (Poon Hill), 2600m/8528ft (Tadapani): 6 hours trek
We'll be up before dawn today, but with good reason: our day kicks off with an excursion to
Poon Hill and an indescribably wonderful panorama of three Himalayan peaks (Dhaulagiri I,
Annapurna I, and Annapurna South II) illuminated by the glowing rays of sunrise. From here,
we'll also be treated to views of the 6,000m-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the visual border
of Nepal and Tibet as divided by the trans-Himalayan ranges. It's back to our lodge for a
late breakfast, and then we're back on the trekking path! Our legs get a bit of a rest on
the downhill walk towards lunch at Bathanti, which takes us through beautiful, deep forests,
and then to Tadapani.
DAY 5 - Tadapani to Chhomrong
Altitude: 2177m/7140ft: 5 hours trek
More downhill walking awaits us today as we again trek rhododendron and oak forests.
We'll arrive at the lofty Gurung village of Chhomrong by lunchtime, giving you a bit of
time to explore the fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
DAY 6 - Chhomrong to Himalaya Or Deurali
Altitude: 3200m/10,496: 7 hours trek
Today, we descend towards the Chhomrong Khola via another steep stone staircase.
At that point, we'll change gears and climb toward Modi Khola's west bank, passing through leafy
bamboo forests. More ascent awaits us in the afternoon as we make our way towards Kuldi,
followed by another staircase down to Dovan, from where we will continue for another hour
to Himalaya Hotel, where we will rest after a long day.
DAY 7 - Himalaya Or Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Altitude: 4,130m/13,546ft: 6 hours trek
Today, as we climb high above our starting point of Himalaya Hotel, overlooking a river
far below, you'll feel the bite of the thin air. We'll climb the lateral moraine of a
shimmering glacier before descending to the glacier bed and arriving at
Annapurna Base Camp. This is our overnight stop, located 4,130 meters above sea level.
DAY 8 - Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Altitude: 2335m/7658ft: 7 hours trek
We'll enjoy one last fiery Annapurna sunrise before beginning our descent.
Today's journey concludes in the village of Bamboo, so named because of the dense forest of
tall bamboo that surrounds it.
DAY 9 - Bamboo to Ghandruk Village
Altitude: 1940m/6363ft: 6-7 hours trek
The stone staircases and their steep, unforgiving steps await us once again!
We'll trek through the bamboo forest, passing vibrant blooms of rhododendro on our way to Kuldi.
After lunch, we pass through Sinuwa and Modi Khola before an invigorating uphill climb towards
Chomrong From Chhomrong, we head back to Taglung, descending slowly through a forest to Kummu.
It's back towards Ghandrung and one more hypnotically-lovely panorama of Annapurna South before our
Last night on the mountain.
DAY 10 - Ghandrug to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara
4 hours trek, 2 hours drive
The end of our trek is in sight. Villages and terraced fields dot the landscape at these lower
altitudes, adding interest and variety to our last morning on the mountain. We'll pass through
Syauli Bazaar and Nayapul before catching a ride back to Pokhara, where the comforts of a hotel
ensconce you after a long and tiring journey.
DAY 11 - Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
The 25 minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu brings us back the way we originally came,
ending again in a comfortable hotel. Your conquest of the Himalayas is complete:
it's time for some rest! After an afternoon to nap and relax, we'll meet up one
last time for a celebratory dinner at one of the town's finest Nepalese restaurants,
where you can give us your feedback on the trek. In the morning, we'll make sure you
catch your flight home with time to spare.
What is Included?
All domestic airport transfers from arrival to departure
Private, round-trip land transportation between Pokhara and Nayapul
Teahouse accommodation and three meals a day while trekking
Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu as per itinerary)
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP Permit, TIMS)
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide
Necessary porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment(2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Respective region (Annapurna) trekking map
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, food and accommodation
All government and local taxes
What is Not Included?
Nepal entry Visa fees
Your travel insurance (compulsory)
International airfare and airport tax
Hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara (if you need this service we are happy to help you booking
your hotels as per your requirements.)
Sightseeing tours (if you need this service we can help you as
per your requirements)
Trekking equipments
Tips for trekking staff
Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, desserts, laundry etc.
Any other expenses which are not mentioned on the service included section.
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers up to 6000m. We usually suggest World Nomads which costs around $125. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
Extra Costs and Exclusions
Nepal multiple entry visa 30 days ($50 USD).
Sleeping Bag Rental $12 and Down Jacket $12 if needed.
All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Pokhara.
We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on a at least $80 (more will be appreciated).
We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
Solo Travelers
We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request.
If you are a solo travelers and planning and not joining one of our
group treks you will be charged an extra $20 a day for a porter.
Cancellation Policies
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your fund minus
a 25% cancelation fee. If your travel dates change we can
generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least
7 days advance notice.
Equipment list
Head
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
* Head torch
Upper Body
* Cotton t-shirts or thermals
* Fleece jacket
* Waterproof jacket
* Down jacket
Lower Body
* Lightweight cotton pants (long)
* Waterproof pants
Feet
* Thin inner socks
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks
* Comfortable hiking boots
Hands
* Gloves
Accessories
* Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
* Trekking bag/duffel bag
* Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
* Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
* Water bottle or camel bag
* Toiletries