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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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.