Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a breathtaking adventure that takes you through the majestic Himalayas of Nepal. Nestled in the Annapurna Conservation Area, this trek is also a popular choice among nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Starting from Nayapul, the trek winds through lush green forests, terraced fields, and traditional Nepalese villages. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The diverse landscape also presents a mix of rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, and deep gorges, making each step of the journey a visual treat.
As you continue your ascent, you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. The air also becomes crisp, and the tranquility of the surroundings is awe-inspiring. From here, the trail leads to Annapurna Base Camp itself, located at an elevation of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). Standing amidst the Annapurna Sanctuary, you take greetings by a panoramic amphitheater of snow-covered peaks that seem to touch the heavens.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not just about the majestic scenery; it also offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Along the way, you encounter Gurung and Magar villages, where you can experience the warm hospitality of the locals and learn about their traditions and way of life.
The trek typically takes around 7-12 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. It is also considered a moderate trek suitable for trekkers with a basic level of fitness. Teahouses and lodges are available along the route, providing comfortable accommodation and delicious meals, allowing you to rest and refuel for the next day’s adventure.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a mesmerizing journey through the heart of the Himalayas, offering breathtaking mountain vistas, cultural encounters, and a sense of accomplishment. It is an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
On your arrival, you will be greeted by our representative of Everest Expeditions Nepal Team at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) but make sure about our representative with a display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. We can either relax in the afternoon or hang around. You will have a dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant where we take pleasure in a Nepalese cultural program as well as food. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 02: Drive to Pokhara or fly Option
The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is 7 hours on a tourist bus. Trekking staff will arrive at your Hotel at 6:30AM in the morning to pick you up then the bus will leave around 7:00AM to Pokhara. If you want to fly to Pokhara instead of taking the long journey by bus, this is also possible. There are several flights to Pokhara from 9 am in the morning to 3 pm in the afternoon which offers a splendid view of the Himalayas in the north. Pokhara is a picturesque lake town nestled in the shadow of the Himalayan Peaks and is the suitable startup point for trekking. Overnight at Hotel.
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Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri
The drive to Nayapul is around two hours. After this short drive, we pack up the bags for porters and start our trip. We walk through the lush, green Modi river valley, past waterfalls with plunge pools that invite you to swim. The ascend of the steep staircase to Magar village of Ulleri (2,070m) a tough one for the first day but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below and the peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani
The trek today is a gentle climb through pasture and cultivated fields. After Banthati the trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons forest to Ghorepani (2,840m). Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 05: Poon Hill Visit and Trek to Tadapani
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at elevation of 3200 meters. Poon Hill is a famous view point and provides an unobstructed view of sunrise over the high Himalayas. After spending an hour at the view point we return to Ghorepani where we take a hot breakfast and then we trek to Tadapani (2,610m). The trail ascends up to Deurali pass and descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with birdlife to Tadapani. Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 06: Trek to Chhomrong
The day starts with steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend steeply through forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people, with an easy walk to Chommrong at elevation of 2,140m. Overnight at Lodge.
Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail facing it across the valley. -
Day 07: Trek to Himalaya Hotel
We walk through the forest to Kuldi Ghar, before the route goes steeply down a bank of rock and then levels out, running through riverside bamboo thickets along the base of the gorge. Because there are no villages in this valley, the forests are untouched and we have a very pleasant walk through oak, rhododendron forest as we climb and then descend to a place called Bamboo (2,335m).Then the track winds steeply up through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to Himalaya Hotel (2,680m) Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 08: Trek to Fishtail Base Camp (Machhapuchhere Base Camp)
Our day begins with the climb through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to Hinko cave.
The track remains on the west bank of the Modi, now flowing through a more open valley, and eventually emerges into the Sanctuary. Straight ahead is the high lateral moraine of the South Annapurna glacier and the Modi follows a deep cliff to the right. This is the site of Machhapuchhre base camp (3,480m). Overnight at Lodge. -
Day 09: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp is totally surrounded by mountains and this area is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. Two hours trek from Machhapuchhare Base Camp brings us to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at elevation of 4,130m. There, you will view unobstructed views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular. Since we arrive at the base camp early, we spend our time visiting to the glaciers and taking the trip further to the base of the mountains. Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 10: Trek back to Bamboo
From Annapurna Base Camp we follow the same trail down today. It is around 7 hours easy walk back to Bamboo. Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 11: Trek to Jhinuwa Hot Spring
We follow the same trail until Chommrong. From Chomrong the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinuwa hot spring, where you can bathe in natural hot springs. Overnight at Lodge.
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Day 12: Trek for 2 hours and drive to Pokhara
We make a three hour trek downhill to Phedi where our vehicle awaits us to transfer us to Pokhara. Afternoon is free to explore the town. Overnight at Hotel.
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Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu
The drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes around 7 hours. Afternoon is free in Kathmandu to do the last minute shopping. In the evening, a cultural dinner together with cultural dance is served.
Include / Exclude
Cost Includes:
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- Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
- Licensed and trained trekking guides,
- potters for carrying goods and supplies,
- Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
- 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
- All accommodation on Tent during the trek on sharing Basis.
- All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
- Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
- National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
equipment for the staffs. - Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
- Trekking staffs wages etc.
- Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
- Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
- Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
- All Government and local Taxes
- International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
- Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
- Domestic Flights
- Domestic Flights for Trekking Guide.
- Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
Cost Excludes:
- International Airfares,
- Travel/Trekking Insurance,
- Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
- Visa fees.
- Airport Departure Taxes.
- Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
- Tips for The staffs.
- Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
- Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
- Extra Domestic Ticket of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.
Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Price per person
Trekking Area: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trekking Days: 12
2 Pax: $1385 Per Person.
4 Pax: $1250 Per Person.
6 Pax: $990 Per Person.
8 Pax: $950 Per Person.
10 Pax: $865 Per Person.
12 Pax: $815 Per Person.
15 Pax: $785 Per Person.
Trekking Area: Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC)
Trekking Days: 10
2 Pax: $1360 Per Person.
4 Pax: $1150 Per Person.
6 Pax: $950 Per Person.
8 Pax: $930 Per Person.
10 Pax: $850 Per Person.
12 Pax: $800 Per Person.
15 Pax: $750 Per Person.
Usefull Information
The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers several highlights that make it a popular choice among trekkers. Here are some of the key highlights of the trek:
- Spectacular Mountain Views: The trek provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range, including peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters), and Hiunchuli (6,441 meters). These towering peaks surrounded by pristine landscapes create a stunning backdrop throughout the journey.
- Annapurna Base Camp: The ultimate destination of the trek is the Annapurna Base Camp itself. Located at an altitude of 4,130 meters, it offers a close-up view of the magnificent south face of Annapurna I. Standing at the base camp, surrounded by towering mountains, is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from terraced fields and lush rhododendron forests to alpine meadows and glacial moraines. The changing scenery keeps the trek visually engaging and adds to its natural beauty.
- Sunrise from Poon Hill: Poon Hill, a popular viewpoint along the trek, offers a mesmerizing sunrise experience. Early in the morning, you can hike to Poon Hill and witness the first rays of sunlight painting the snow-capped peaks with hues of golden light. The panoramic sunrise view is a memorable moment for many trekkers.
- Cultural Exploration: The trek also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture of the Annapurna region. You’ll pass through charming villages inhabited by ethnic Gurung and Magar communities, where you can interact with the locals, learn about their traditional way of life, and experience their warm hospitality.
- Hot Springs at Jhinu Danda: After a challenging trek, you can relax and rejuvenate your tired muscles by soaking in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. This is a popular stop for trekkers on their way back from Annapurna Base Camp.
- Wildlife and Nature: The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to diverse flora and fauna. Along the trek, you might spot various species of birds, butterflies, and even rare animals like the elusive snow leopard. The region’s rich biodiversity adds an element of adventure and wildlife exploration to the trek.
These highlights combine to create a memorable and rewarding trekking experience in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
Equipment List
FAQs
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Best Seasons Spring and Autumn -
Group Size 2-15 -
Duration 12 DAYS BOOKING NOW FOR 2023 -
Maximum Altitude 4130M -
Trek Difficulty Moderate
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