Annapurna Base Camp Trek
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We are sure that your heart will push you to start the trek – just imagine the company of highest mountains on earth and the magnificence of sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas!
The Annapurna Base Camp trek, like others in the Annapurna region, takes off from the lake city of Pokhara. The actual walking begins from Naya Pul which can be reached after a short drive from Pokhara. While trekking along to Ghandruk, marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight thousands – Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). At Ghandruk, enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Gurung Museum. Trekking further via MBC and we finally reach ABC. Return the same route passing through the Rhododendron forest that bloom with red flowers during the springtime, descend down to Birethanti, passing by waterfalls and few small villages and settlements. Walk to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara which announces the end of this marvelous trek.
The 11-day Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary is designed for the trekkers who want got to Annapurna Base Camp but are restricted time-wise.
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completion of your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel Shanker or a similar category hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest, hang around in the city, it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal: Dinner (D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 02: Fly Pokhara (823m/2,700ft) &Trek to Ghandruk (1940m/6360 ft): 6 hrs trek
Early morning flight to Pokhara. Be sure to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. After taking rest for some time, we drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. From Birethanti, we trek uphill on the trail to Ghandruk. Enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains. Pass along various small villages such as Chimrong, Syauli Bazar, Chane etc. Cross the suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola. Finally we arrive at Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annaurna South, and Hiuchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. (B, L, D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 03: Trek Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft): 5 hrs trek
Climb up for an hour up to Ghandrukkot and then a steep descent takes us to the Kimron Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimron Khola, we make an hour of easy walk. Then we take a steep climb continuing up to Chhomrong. Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare) facing it across the valley. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of giant Annapurna massive. Overnight in Chhomrong. (B, L, D)
Annapurna Base Camp trek DAY 04: Chhomrong to Dovan (2580m/8460ft): 6 hrs trek
We head out of Chhomrong along the Modi Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high step and wooded slopes of Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through thick and dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then, we descend a long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests through which we reach Doban shortly. (B, L, D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 05: Doban to Deurali (3230m/10,595ft): 4 hrs trek
The day starts with gentle gradual ascend following the trail above the river through a thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. Pass by Himalaya Hotel. We cross two streams over small bridges. The trail passes through solitary places. Wilderness of the mother nature gives piece to our mind. There is also the possibility of seeing a variety of species of wildlife such as wild pig, deer, snow leopard, etc. Climb again to the Hinko Cave, an overhanging rock. Climbing further arrive at Deurali. Overnight in Deurali. (B, L, D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 06: Deurali to MBC (3700m/12135ft): 3-4 hrs trek
Today we start our trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). At first a gentle climb through a river bed rises steeply over the mountain side. These are avalanche prone areas at some point on the trail, be alert to protect yourself if there is wind, this might be pre-avalanche sign. After about half an hour walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in middle of river bed surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. When the sun rises, the snow on mountains shine and river valley is filled with warm sun rays. We reach Bagar. The hike to MBC is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding views of the majestic Machhapuchre are certainly a rewarding experience. Enjoy the views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and, of course, the Fishtail or Machhapuchhare itself.
Overnight in MBC. (B, L, D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 07: MBC to ABC (4,130m/13,545ft): 2-3 hrs trek
On the way to ABC from MBC, the vegetation disappears. We’ll see the snow boulders melting and forming small streams. The path widens as we enter the sanctuary, follows a stream, and then climbs to a few huts alongside a moraine. There are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding panorama of the 360 degrees. Savor the mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli and other peaks. Climax of our trip almost ends today. Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp. (B, L, D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 08: ABC to Bamboo (2310m/7575ft): 6 hrs trek
Get up in the early morning and savor the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas from ABC. After taking breakfast, we start descending from ABC to Bamboo back through MBC, Deurali, Dovan and finally reach Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. You will see the waterfalls that drop down from a high point to the rocks below. We pass through the forests with great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight in Bamboo. (B, L, D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Annapurna Base Camp trek DAY 09: to New Bridge/Jhinu Dada (1760m/5770 ft): 6 hrs trek
From Bamboo we make a steep ascent to the Kuldi Ghar and then to Sinuwa following the stone steps that leads to Lower Chhomrong. Then we ascend on the thousand stony steps taking us to Upper Chhomrong. From Chhomrong we descend to Jhinu Danda. We today get opportunity to enjoy hot springs lying just a 15-min walk from Jhinu Danda. Overnight in Jhinu Dada. (B, L, D)Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Annapurna Base Camp trek DAY 10: Jhinu Dada to Naya Pul to Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hrs trek, 1 hour drive
Trek from Jhinu danda to New bridge and then to Kyumi village. After lunch, we trek to Syauli bazzar and then down to Birethanti. After about an hour trek from Birethanti, and we arrive at Naya Pul. The trek ends at Naya Pul. From Naya Pul we drive in a local available vehicle and reach Pokhara in about an hour. Around afternoon, we fly to Kathmandu. If possible, left pane of the airplane would be best for the best views of Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the day leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu and evening celebration dinner together. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. (B, D)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: DAY 11: Final Departure
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport as per your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B) -
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Pricing due to currency fluctuations and seasonal changes please inquire for the best possible price.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: What’s Included:
All airport/hotel transfers
2 nights in 4-star hotel in Kathmandu ( Hotel Shanker or similar standard) on Bed & Breakfast basis
Welcome and farewell dinner
All accommodation and meals during the trek
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
Down jacket,four seasonal sleeping bag, Himalayan Glacier Trekking kit bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
A comprehensive medical kit
All government and local taxesAnnapurna Base Camp Trek: What’s NOT Included:
Bring two passport photographs
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Excess baggage charges
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips for guides and portersAnnapurna Base Camp trek: The Trekking Group
For the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, there will be one leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers:1 porter) This arrangement ensures that should any body in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek for group of any size, but generally we include maximum of twelve people as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.Annapurna Base Camp trek: Best Season
Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring(March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature.