Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Overview

Annapurna Base Camp trek, also popular as Annapurna Sanctuary trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. It is an adventurous journey into the lap of Mt. Annapurna (8091m), world’s tenth highest mountain, which lay deep into heart of Annapurna Sanctuary. The Annapurna Sanctuary provides 360-degree views of world’s highest mountains including Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhare , Gangapurna and Glacier Dome among others.

The trek also includes hike to Poon Hill (3232m), one of the famous viewpoints to catch spectacular panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trail passes through dense tropical jungle of rhododendrons and bamboo full of wildlife, scenic terraced fields and rolling green hills. The other highlight of this trek is the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest river gorge in the world, stretching 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.

Annapurna Base Camp trek falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area project (ACAP), the largest protected area in Nepal. ACAP is home to 1,226 species of flowering plants, 102 mammals, 474 birds, 39 reptiles and 22 amphibians. Annapurna region is also ethnically diverse and is inhabited by Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Manange and Loba communities. Originally tradesmen, Thakali people who are settled in the Kali Gandaki Valley are renowned for their unique culture and cuisine. The culture and custom of Manange and Loba communities on the other hand is similar to that of Tibetan people.

Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done in different durations depending on your time, interest and budget. Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition have successfully led many trekking trips to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). We have a team of highly experienced, well equipped, well insured and friendly local trekking guides and porters who will accompany you throughout your journey.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport.

On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.

Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Trip preparation and city tour of Kathmandu or Patan and Bhaktapur.

Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon you will drive back to your hotel.

Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours.

After an early morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. Enjoy scenic views of mountains, hills, villages, and rivers along the highway.

Pokhara is a tourist's paradise featuring lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu temples along with magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, etc. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 4 : Drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Ulleri (2070m.) takes approximately 3 hours.

After an early morning breakfast, drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Ulleri (2070m.) takes approximately 3 hours. Then trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2675 m.) passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5 : Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3232 m.) takes about one hour.

Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3232 m.) takes about one hour. Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint to see sunrise/sunset and majestic views of the tallest Himalayan peaks. After spending some time on Poon Hill, hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue trekking towards Tadapani (2630m), which takes about four and a half hours. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6 : Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (2950m) takes about 3 hours.

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (2950m) takes about 3 hours. It is a very easy trek descending gently all the way through rhododendron and oak forests. This is one of the popular destinations for bird lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village offering good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7 : Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2150m) takes about 5 hours.

Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2150m) takes about 5 hours. For the first part, you ascend gently for an hour to Ghandrukkot (2100m.) and then descend steeply to the Kimrung Khola (1700m.). The trail then abruptly climbs to Chhomrong - a gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary trek and inhabited by the Gurung ethnic group of Nepal. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 8 : Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m) takes approximately 5 hours.

Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m) takes approximately 5 hours. The trail in the beginning descends until you cross a small bridge. From here, it’s a long steep ascent up to Sinuwa. The path heads through bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests. Enjoy local farming in terraced landscapes all around. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 9 : Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3200 m) takes approximately 5 hours.

Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3200 m) takes approximately 5 hours. The trail gradually ascends all the way to Deurali along the Modi Khola. The region is rich in biodiversity and full of bamboo and rhododendron forests. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 10 : Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) takes about four hours.

Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) takes about four hours. This is one of the places where you can enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through an alpine forest. After a short trek, you begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.). From here, you can see the panoramic views of several peaks. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 11 : Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (1960m) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) takes about six to seven hours.

Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (1960m) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) takes about six to seven hours. The trail gradually descends passing through bamboo forests. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 12 : Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) takes about five hours.

Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) takes about five hours. Descend through Sinuwa and Chhomrong. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. Your trek gradually descends to the Chhomrong Khola, and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong. 1 hr further down will take you to Jhinu Danda. You can visit a natural hot spring in Modi Khola, which is a 20-minute hike from Jhinu Danda. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 13 : Trek from Jhinu Danda (1750m.) to Mithu Danda takes about 1 hour and on the same day drive from Mithu Danda to Pokhara by 4WD jeep that takes another 3 hours.

Trek from Jhinu Danda (1750m.) to Mithu Danda takes about 1 hour and on the same day drive from Mithu Danda to Pokhara by 4WD jeep that takes another 3 hours. The trail gradually descends down to Mithu Danda. Drive from Mithu Danda to Pokhara via Nayapul takes 3 hrs. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 14 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours.

After morning breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields, and people being engaged in their daily life activities.

Day 15 : Departure

Fly out from Kathmandu.

Inclusions

What is included?

a) Kathmandu

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
3 night hotel accommodation with breakfast
One full day city sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley with tour guide and private vehicle
One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant
Souvenir

b) Pokhara

2 night hotel accommodation with breakfast
All pick up and drop off services by private vehicle

c) Trekking

One trekking guide
Two porters for 4 participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trekking
Accommodation in lodges during the trek
Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, and trekking poles if required
Entry Permit for Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
All land transportation: Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by AC deluxe tourist bus and Pokhara to Ulleri and Jhinu Danda (Mithu Danda) to Pokhara by a private 4-WD jeep
Meals, accommodation, insurance, and equipment for all guides and porters
First aid kit
Tax, VAT, and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional Rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment costs.)

What isn't included?

Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel insurance
Tips for the guide and porters
Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (applicable also in case of early arrival from trekking due to any personal or unforeseen reasons other than the scheduled itinerary)

Trip code	NET-TR-ABCT
Package name	Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Duration	15
Max. elevation	4170 m
Level	MODERATE
Transportation	Bus / Jeep
Accomodation	Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. Lodge accommodation during trek
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route	{ Kathmandu - Pokhara - Ulleri - Ponn Hill - Tadapani - Ghandruk - Chhomrong - Dovan - Deurali - Machhapuchhare Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp - Bamboo - Jhinu Danda - Mithu Danda - Pokhara - Kathmandu }
Cost	USD 995 per person