Nepal is rich and renowned for its natural beauty, mountains, peaks, lakes, and many more. Every day thousands of people arrive in Nepal to enjoy the beauty of nature and one of the popular places these days is Annapurna Base Camp. The Annapurna region, particularly the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or ABC Trek has stood out as one of Nepal’s premier and most loved trekking destinations.
Annapurna Base Camp at its peak received 1,81,746 visits in a fiscal year which is beyond the stunning statistics. These statistics depict the popularity of the Annapurna Base Camp. Although after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people visiting the Annapurna region has slightly decreased, it remains a scenic paradise for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.
Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world with a height of 8091m and the trek to Annapurna Base Camp sits at an altitude of 4130m.13549ft being one of the best treks in Nepal. One of the best attractions for this ABC Trek is the Tharpu Chuli which is also the most climbed mountain in the area.
During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will find yourself on the lap of several elevated mountains. You will find yourself surrounded by the shadows of majestic peaks like Gangapurna(7454m), Machhapuchre(6997m), Annapurna South(7,219m) and Hiuchuli(6441m). The ABC Trek provides you with an unforgettable experience.
Similarly, in this Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will pass through charming villages that are home to several ethnic groups. Additionally, you will be greeted by gorgeous waterfalls, dense rhododendron forests, and the views of majestic mountain summits.
Annapurna Conservation Area also lies in the Annapurna region so if you are interested then you can visit the area with a permit during the ABC trek. However, the Himalaya Tahr, the biggest honeybees, the endangered species of clouded leopards, and Himalayan pheasant are found in this region. You will pass by several buildings and vibrant prayer flags on your trek to Annapurna Base Camp. According to the locals, it is believed that the flags use the wind to spread good fortune around the world.
The Annapurna Base Camp region is filled by the well-known ethnic groups, Buddhist and Tamu. They are well known for raising animals like Yak and Goats, surviving at high elevations, and scavenging honey from the huge wild honeybees. Similarly, you will get a chance to witness the authentic Nepalese rural life in the Gurung and Magar settlements throughout the route of the Annapurna Base Camp trek
Major Highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Stunning Scenery: Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of several popular mountain ranges including Annapurna I, Machhapuchre, and many more.
- Cultural Experience: The ABC trek will allow you to experience the traditional Gurung and Magar vultures providing the best hospitality.
- Mesmerizing Moment: ABC Trek will display the most beautiful sunrise and sunset with a mesmerizing moment with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Flora and Fauna: You will enjoy the diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, blooming rhododendrons, rare wildlife like Himalayan Tahr, and snow leopards in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
- Hot Springs: During the Annapurna Base Camp trek you can get a relaxing break in warm waters with natural hot springs at Jhinu Dada
How to Start the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
There are several ways to reach Annapurna Base Camp. You can start your trek from either Nayapul or Phedi. This will be the starting chapter of your trek. The trails from here make their way through charming villages for instance Ghandruk and Chhomrong. This allows you to meet with Gurung and Magar people and gain insight into their lifestyle.
Once you start your trek to Annapurna Base Camp, the route will provide you with magical scenery. You will walk between the beautiful rhododendron forests with various colors of rhododendrons, and cross the suspension bridges over the rushing rivers.
Although there might be some difficulties, you will forget all the hardships once you reach the Annapurna Base Camp/ your destination
Difficulty and Challenges of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
While trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, the trail is steeply uphill and you will be walking over the uneven rocked ground with leftover piles of rock by the glaciers, also known as moraines.
Similarly, on a scale of 10, the difficulty of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is about 5 or 6. Trekking tail is not so hard so it won’t be a problem for any experienced trekker meanwhile, for a beginner high altitude may cause some problems but it can be easily prevented. Overall, the trek is friendly for the beginner also.
Best Seasons to Visit Annapurna Base Camp
The best seasons to visit the Annapurna Base Camp are Spring (March, April, May, June) and Autumn(September, October, and November).
During this time the weather is stable, the temperature is cool and you will see the crystal-clear views of the mountains. Additionally, you can enjoy thicker snow during early spring and late autumn.
Annapurna Base Camp Cost Highlights For 2024
Our Annapurna Base Camp Trekking package includes all the below listed expenses but any other additional expenses won’t be covered by us.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Package Cost Includes:
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast.
- Tea-house accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- You will enjoy the road journey on a private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed Guide.
- Staff costs Which include their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation.
- Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion).
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS).
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
- All government and local taxes.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Package Cost Excludes
- Nepalese visa fee.
- Excess baggage charge(s).
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Emergency expenses like rescues, and emergency medical treatment.
- Personal insurance charges.
- International flights.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s), and driver(s).
Brief Itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara & Evening Sightseeing.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk
Day 05: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170 m).
Day 06: Trek from Chhomrong to Deurali.
Day 07: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
Day 08: Trek from Annapurna base camp to Bamboo (2310 m.)
Day 09: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda.
Day 10: Drive from Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
Day 11: Drive/fly back to Kathmandu
Day 12: Final Departure.
Accommodations for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The accommodations during the journey of the Annapurna Base Camp trek are covered by the ABC trek package. The accommodation includes three nights in Kathmandu, two nights in Pokhara, and all the accommodation that we will be staying throughout the trek. But, besides these, if you spend additional days or nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara then you need to pay on your own as it will not be covered by the package.
There are some places in the route which may charge additional costs for electricity, and internet. In such cases, we will not be responsible but instead, you need to pay yourself. We will try to stay in such places where the basic facilities are provided but do not keep high expectations because due to packed hotels there might come circumstances and it might not go as planned.
Similarly, the package includes three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Any other additional foods and drinks will also come under your expenses.
Transportation for the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
Our package will cover the land transportation we are going to make while on the trek. We will provide you with a private vehicle for every road trip you make throughout the journey starting from picking you up from the international airport and ending by dropping you off at the international airport. Please note that the International Flight expenses are not part of our package.
Permit for ABC Trek
TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) are the two permits you are legally required to have to trek this route. The costs of these permits will be covered by the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package. Along with that, any local permits required throughout the trek will also be prepared by our guide. Such local permits help in various census activities. At the same time, the money collected from the permits is often used to improve the trekking route. Also, as a measure for garbage disposal, we will need to make a $500 deposit. This deposit can be collected if you retrieve the garbage that you made during the trek. This deposit is not part of the package.
FAQs
Does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Package include guides and porters?
Yes, our ABC trek package includes guides and porters. We will provide you with experienced guides that are licensed by the government and they will speak the language of your preference. The guide will lead the trek whereas the porter will help to carry your bags and make your ABC trek more comfortable and enjoyable.
What are the Equipments Provided During the ABC Trek?
We will provide you with private vehicles for land transportation. Also, during trekking, we will provide you with a warm-down jacket and medical kits. The down jackets are supposed to be returned after the completion of the trek, and the trek leader will be responsible for the medical kits.
What happens if some emergency arises in the ABC Trek?
In case of an emergency, sometimes evacuation might be necessary. In such cases, we will contact emergency services. The emergency services will come and provide first aid and evacuate you to a safer place. These emergency cases are not included in our Annapurna Base Camp Trek packages, so you might want yourself insured or bring out money from your pocket.
Are There Any ATMs on the Trekking Route?
No, there are no ATMs after Pokhara so make sure to carry enough cash to cover your extra expenses like food, snacks, drinks, and tips.
What Are The Trip Preparation and Fitness Requirements For the Trek?
While the trek itself is not difficult, it is still going to demand your physical and mental well-being. So, we need to ensure your physical fitness and strong mind while on the trek. We recommend you train your legs and mid-body. It is also necessary to train your lungs so that you can adapt to the high altitude.
If you live a physically active life or perform exercises regularly, it will not be difficult for you to complete the trek. You also want to have a positive mentality so that you can push yourself in difficult parts and enjoy the trek.
How Much Does Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost Per Person in 2024?
The cost for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost varies from person to person but the cost of trekking per person typically ranges from $800 to $1500. This cost covers all the expenses for the Annapurna Base Camp trek such as permits, guide fees, accommodation, meals, and transportation from the starting point.
Roughly break it becomes:
- Permits:$30-$50
- Guide/Porter:$25 – $30 per day
- Accommodation: $10 – $20 per night
- Meals: $10 per – $30 per day
- Transportation: Varies based on location (e.g., bus or private vehicle)