Annapurna Base Camp Trek Info

Annapurna Base Camp lies in the central-western part of Nepal. Blessed with some of the most gorgeous views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range alongside Machhapuchhre, it is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal.

This wonderful Annapurna Base Camp trek customized by The Great Adventure Treks takes you to some of the most picturesque Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. These villages include Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Himalaya, Dobhan, Bamboo etc. From almost all of these villages, you will be able to see some towering mountains of this region.

This trek starts after a 7-hour bus ride to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will drive to Nayapul. From Nayapul, you will trek right next to Modi Khola. The gushing waters of this region will always accompany you during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Due to the abundance of water resources, you will be able to see many streams, rivers, and majestic waterfalls in this trek. You will cross these rivers and streams in suspension bridges that make your trek quite thrilling.

You will also get to Machhapuchhre Base Camp on your way to Annapurna Base Camp. From both of these Base Camps, you will be able to see mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I) II, III, IV; Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu. You will trek along many rhododendron forests while you are under the premises of Annapurna Conservation Area. These forests are homes to various animals like snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr etc. So, you might get to view these animals in their wilderness during your trek.

You can meet travelers from all across the world while you are trekking to Annapurna Base Camp organized by The Great Adventure Treks. So, you will have a chance to interact not only with the hospitable local people but travelers from all around the world. Therefore, you will learn the culture of the villages along the way and the cultures from all around the world in this trek by The Great Adventure Treks. You can also explore two of the most popular cities- Kathmandu and Pokhara- during your trek to Annapurna Base Camp. These two cities are full of many religious, natural, and cultural beauty.

Main Attractions of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A wonderful bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara alongside beautiful hills and rivers.
Enjoy some of delightful views of mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range
Get to Machhapuchhre Base Camp on your way to Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek through various picturesque villages with wonderful views of the mountains
See many flowering and non-flowering plants like Rhododendron, Orchids etc as you hike in Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
If you are lucky, you will be able to spot some rare animals in ACAP like snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr etc.
A 25-minute scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara that has views of the mountains of the Annapurna region.

Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Two of the best seasons for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp are the seasons of Spring and Autumn. Spring falls in the month of March, April, and May while and autumn season falls in the months of September, October, and November. In the spring season, the amount of rainfall, as well as the amount of sunshine, is moderate. The wind speed is also gentle. So, the chances of cloud covering the views of the mountains are also quite low. Spring is also the time when the rhododendron forests in the Annapurna Base Camp light up with its glowing red color. This makes the spring trek to Annapurna Base Camp a unique experience.

The weather conditions of autumn season are almost identical to spring. The major difference is that you won’t be able to catch the spectacular views of rhododendron in autumn. Apart from these seasons, you can also trek to Annapurna Base Camp in the winters. Winters offer the best views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. There is almost no chance of rain or fuzzy views of mountains.

However, you have to prepare for the cold in the mountainous regions in winters better than in other seasons. There might be snowfall in winters. So, you might have difficulty in tracing the trekking trail. It is almost a compulsion to take a guide in this season. Finally, you can also complete a summer trek to Annapurna Base Camp. But you have to prepare for rainfall well. You need to have the proper gear to protect yourself from rainfall. You will also need sturdy trekking boots with a firm grip to prevent slipping in wet trails.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderately difficult trek. This is mainly due to the low altitudes during this trek. The trekking trails are also quite easy to hike in.

The highest point in the Annapurna Base Camp trek is the Annapurna Base Camp itself. It lies at an altitude of 4130 meters. This is quite low in comparison to other high-altitude treks in Nepal. The amount of altitude you will gain each day in this trek is also quite low. The highest altitude gain in this trek is when you get to Annapurna Base Camp from Himalaya. You will gain an altitude of 1200 meters this day. Without a proper acclimatization day, altitude sickness can hit you hard.

The trekking trails of Annapurna Base Camp trek has some steep uphills as well as downhills. On average, you will hike for 5-6 hours each day on this trek. So, it is extremely important that you prepare well before embarking upon this trek. At least one month of preparation for this trek will be ideal. Running, swimming, cycling, strength training, or hitting the gym to work on your fitness are some of the ways you can prepare for this trek.

If you complete at least a day hike before coming for the ABC trek, it will be extremely beneficial. A day’s hike will help you assess how well your body can handle trekking for a prolonged period of time. As the trekking trails are quite smooth, even a person without any trekking experience can complete this trek. But you should make sure that you have had a good amount of physical preparation.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map

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Outline Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Overview

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and drive to Hotel (1,365 m / 4477 ft), Hotel Accommodation

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, Hotel Accommodation

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (828 m /2690 ft) 6 – 7 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul (1070m / 3312 ft) and trek to Ghandruk (1940 m /6396 ft) 4-5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 05: Trek to Chhomrong (2170 m/ 7118 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 06 : Trek to Himalaya (2920 m / 9577 ft) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,546 ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m / 12,136 ft) 5- 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 08: Trek to Bamboo from Annapurna Base Camp (2310 m /7576 ft ) 7 – 8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 09: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780 m / 5838 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 10: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara, 6 hrs trek, 1 hr drive, Hotel Accommodation.

Day 11: Leisure day in Pokhara where you walk around Lakeside and enjoy the mountain view and other local activities on your own. Hotel Accommodation.

Day 12: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. 7 – 8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

Day 13: Final Departure

On availability of your time and interest after your trek, please feel free to choose our DAY TOURS, NEPAL TOURS , Jungle Safaris or other options from our website. Here are some trip extensions that might interest you.

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and drive to Hotel (1,365 m / 4477 ft), Hotel Accommodation

You will arrive at Tribhuvan Airport in Nepal. Our representatives from The Great Adventure Treks will meet you outside the airport terminal. They will then help you to transfer to your hotel. Our guide will give you all the relevant information about the hotel you will be staying. He will also brief you about your trek and other related information you might need during your stay in Nepal.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, Hotel Accommodation

After having a breakfast at your hotel in the morning, you will head out for a half day sightseeing tour of the capital city of Nepal- Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a modern city that still proudly boasts of the heritage of its ancient culture. You can see the influence of this in the architecture of this city, where you can find modern buildings as well as temples of the medieval age.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most Hindu temples in the world. It lies on the banks of the river Bagmati. Over a million Hindu devotees come and pay their respects to Lord Shiva in this temple on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. It is a two-storied temple that has various other temples surrounding it.

Boudhanath Stupa:

Boudhanath, a holy Buddhist site in Kathmandu, was the 5th century C.E. It was established as a World Heritage Site in 1979 A.D. You can find people of all faiths in Boudhanath. They rotate the prayer wheels that are abundant in the temple. People make several rounds of this monastery while they are here.

Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares:

Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square were the residential palaces of the kings of Kathmandu and Patan respectively in the past. These palaces embody the wonderful architectural styles of Newari artists and craftsmen. Krishna Mandir is the most popular temple in Patan Durbar Square. Hanuman Dhoka complex is the most visited site inside the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. You can also visit the museums located in these Durbar Squares.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (828 m /2690 ft) 6 – 7 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

Next day, you will set out to Pokhara on a bus after having a breakfast in your hotel. The route of the bus takes you along the beautiful, scenic hills along with sights of Trisuli and Marsyangdi River. It is also possible for you to catch views of Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak during this bus ride. After a bus ride of 6-7 hours from Kathmandu, you will reach Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. It is a paradise for tourists. This is mainly due to its wonderful landscape, touristic vibe, and its clean, green environment. After you reach Pokhara, you can stroll around the city or spend some quality time in the lakeside.

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul (1070m / 3312 ft) and trek to Ghandruk (1940 m /6396 ft) 4-5 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

After having breakfast in your hotel, you will drive to Nayapul. The ride to Nayapul is one and a half hours long. this day. Birethanti, From Nayapul, you will trek to Ghandruk. The trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk is merely 4-5 hours long. Ghandruk has an altitude of 1940 meters. It is a beautiful village, which is mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. If you have some spare time, you can also visit Gurung museum.

Day 05: Trek to Chhomrong (2170 m/ 7118 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

From Ghandruk, you will trek an uphill for around an hour up to Kimrungdanda. You can catch some stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Gangapurna along the way. After a steep descent from Kimrungdanda, you will reach Kimrong Khola. You will encounter another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda. From Chere Danda, you will descend for a while followed by a gentle walk to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful Gurung village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massif. Today’s trek to Chomrong (2170 meters) is 5-6 hours long.

Day 06: Trek to Himalaya (2920 m / 9577 ft) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

From Chhomrong, the trail initially descends through thousands of steps down to the Chomrong Khola. You will cross a suspension bridge and continue an uphill trek to Khuldighar at 2,380 m. In the yesteryears, there was an ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area) check post here. You will encounter a clearing in a forest in the ACAP region after trekking from Chhomrong. From here, the trail descends quite steeply onto a rock bank. The trail then becomes a level field as you cross a series of bamboo forests to the right of the river. After trekking for a few hours along the bamboo and rhododendron forests, you will reach Himalaya, which lies at an altitude of 2920 meters. The total duration of today’s trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya is 4-5 hours.

Day 07: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m / 13,546 ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m / 12,136 ft) 5- 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

An hour’s walk from Himalaya will take you to Deurali. Then you will climb gently through a river bed before an ascent over a steep trail that leads you to a mountainside of Bagar. You might find the hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 meters) a tad demanding. You can get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharva Chuli and Gangapurna from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). From Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you will head out to Annapurna Base Camp. Forested vegetation, which is the hallmark of the ABC trek, disappears on your way to ABC from MBC. The trekking trail from to ABC from MBC also widens. After trekking for 90 minutes to 2 hours from MBC, you will get to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters). The total length of today’s trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp is 5-6 hours. From Annapurna Base Camp, you will get some of the staggering views of the south face of Annapurna towering above us. From Annapurna Base camp we again get to savor panoramic views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks.

Day 08: Trek to Bamboo from Annapurna Base Camp (2310 m /7576 ft ) 7 – 8 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

After enjoying the beauty of the mountains amidst the sunrise from Annapurna Base Camp in the morning, you will make your descent back. You will trek back from the same trail you came from. You will walk alongside the river that you were part of during your trek uphill. Today’s trek is mostly downhill. So today’s trek is quite easy. In addition, you will still be able to catch glimpses of some extraordinary landscape by your side. After trekking for 7-8 hours, you will reach Bamboo (2310 meters). You will stay overnight in Bamboo

Day 09: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780 m / 5838 ft) 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Initially, you will have to trek uphill until you get to Kuldighar. Then you will trek downhill to Chhomrong Khola. Then, you will trek uphill through stone steps for about an hour before reaching Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where you will spend your night. You will trek for 5-6 hours before reaching Jhinu Danda (1780 meters). In Jhinu Danda, you can enjoy a shower in hot springs. The hot springs are merely half an hour downhill trek from Jhinu Danda.

Day 10: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara, 6 hrs trek, 1 hr drive, Hotel Accommodation.

On your way to Naya Pul from Jhinu Danda, we get to enjoy the amazing hilly landscape of ACAP region. You will hike along the side of Modi Khola for 4-5 hours before reaching Birethanti. This will be one of the most pleasant walks of the trip. This day’s trek will be mostly flat. After trekking for an hour to 90 minutes from Birethanti, you will get to Nayapul. An hour’s drive from Nayapul will take you to Pokhara, where you will stay overnight. Note: *If the road construction connecting Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul is complete, driving from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara could be another option.

Day 11: Leisure day in Pokhara where you walk around Lakeside and enjoy the mountain view and other local activities on your own. Hotel Accommodation.

This will be your leisure day in Pokhara. You can go for a sightseeing tour this day. Pokhara has some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. So you can head out to Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake. You can also get some boating experience here. Pokhara is also home to some adventurous caves like Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Bat Cave, and Mahendra Cave. So there are plenty of exciting things you can do in Pokhara on this leisure day. Or you can simply take a break and rest in your hotel.

Day 12: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. 7 – 8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

You will take a scenic flight/Bus to Kathmandu from Pokhara this afternoon. The flight is extremely scenic as you have the last chance to view the mountains of the Annapurna Region. After your arrival in Kathmandu, you will head out to your hotel. You can enjoy a leisure day, buy some souvenirs, catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any landmarks you missed on your first day in Kathmandu. To celebrate the successful completion of the ABC trek, we will also organize a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 13: Final Departure.

We will transfer you to the international airport for your flight back home. Our representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. Make sure that you have your confirmed air ticket with you along with other necessary travel documents. We could also arrange another tour for you in Nepal if you want.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 13 Days