Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Outside of the Everest region, the Annapurna region is one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek saw over 5400 visitors in the fiscal year 2021 which is quite less compared to previous years. At its peak, this region received 1,81,746 visits in a fiscal year, which is beyond stunning statistics considering 4,30,505 tourists visited Nepal for nature excursions that year.
These numbers portray the popularity of the Annapurna region. Though the number of visitors has decreased in recent years, following the widespread of COVID-19, the place remains a scenic paradise for nature and trekking lovers. Which was once a region booming with tourists is now a place visited by some thousand people. But this is also a good thing in a way as you will not have to deal with a crowded trekking route.
Although the elevation is lower than other routes, comparatively speaking, you still get amazing views of the surrounding mountain giants. The trekkers who finish this trek also adore the cultural experiences it provides. Annapurna Base Camp is surrounded by more than just towering mountains.
The 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna I, is one of the ten peaks above 6,000 meters that are located here. Moreover, Annapurna Dakshin, or South, is visible; it dominates the landscape in the region. Additionally, Tharpu Chuli, the most-climbed mountain in the area, is one of the best attractions.
You’re going to pass through charming villages that are home to the several ethnic groups that call this place home. Before glaciers displace them farther up, you’ll be greeted by gorgeous waterfalls, dense rhododendron forests, and views of the aforementioned majestic mountain summits.
The Himalaya Tahr, the biggest honeybees in the world, the endangered species of clouded leopards, and Himalayan pheasant are all found in this region. You’ll pass by Buddhist buildings and vibrant prayer flags on your route to the Annapurna base camp.
It is thought that the flags use the wind to spread good fortune around the world. The most well-known ethnic group in the region is the Buddhist and Hindu Gurung people, also known as Tamu. They have a reputation for raising animals, surviving at high elevations, and scavenging honey from the huge wild honeybees that reside in this countryside. You will witness authentic Nepalese rural life in the Gurung and Magar settlements throughout the entire walk.
Trek Highlights
- One of the popular destinations for the Himalayan trekkers.
- Visit the beautiful city of Pokhara, along with the beautiful scene of Mount Macchapuchre.
- Sunrise and Sunset along the route.
- Experience the unique culture of the Gurung community.
- 360-degree panoramic views of surrounding mountains in Annapurna Sanctuary.
Trip Info
Where does the trek start?
There are many ways to get to Annapurna Base Camp, and each one is like getting into an adventure story. Most of the treks are initiated from either Nayapul or Phedi, somehow like choosing your first chapter. From here, the trails make their way through charming villages, such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong, allowing you to meet with the Gurung and Magar people and gain insight into their lifestyle.
Afterward, the scenery changes magically. One moment you are walking between rhododendron forests, and then you cross suspension bridges over the rushing rivers. Sometimes, the trail heads steeply uphill, but all those hardships make reaching the summit even more pleasant. You will be walking over the uneven rocked ground with leftover piles of rocks by the glaciers—just so you know, these are called moraines. And finally, you reach the unbelievable Annapurna Base Camp.
Difficulty
On a scale of 10, the difficulty of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek should be about 5 or 6. While the trekking trail itself is not hard it is a popular trail so any experienced trekker would not find many hardships in the trek. Meanwhile, for a beginner high altitude may cause some problems but it can be easily prevented. Overall the trek is relatively friendly towards the beginner.
Best Seasons
The best seasons to visit Annapurna Base Camp will be without a doubt Spring (March, April, May, June) and Autumn (September, October, and November).
During this time, the weather will be predictable as everything tends to be pretty dry, the skies are clear, and the cold is bearable. You can even enjoy thicker snow during early spring and late autumn.
Can a beginner join this trip?
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is relatively friendly to the beginner. So, a beginner who does not have prior experience in trekking can also join the trek. This trek will also be a good learning ground as some challenges in the trek can help the beginner get the experience that can be helpful in their future trek.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness can be one of the major problems in this trek. The highest point of this trek is at an elevation of 4130 meters above sea level. At this height, there is potential for a person to have altitude sickness.
In case you feel the symptoms of altitude sickness which include headaches, vomiting, insomnia, and reduced performance, you should report this to your guide. Based on the seriousness of the case, you might need a few days of acclimatization, some rest, or descending to a lower level.
Accommodation, Food, and Drink
All the accommodations during this entire 12-day journey are covered by the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package. The accommodation during the trek includes three nights in Kathmandu, two nights in Pokhara, and all the accommodation that we will be staying throughout the trek. But, if you spend some additional nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara, they will come under your expenses.
There will be cases where the places where we stay might charge additional costs for electricity and internet. In such a case, we will not be responsible for covering those expenses as they are your expenses. We will make sure that the places that we stay will provide the basic facilities, but you shouldn’t keep your expectations high. We will be visiting the remote area of Nepal during the trek with no transportation service so such services in these areas are extremely limited.
Also, the three meals in the accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are part of the package. Any additional foods and drinks will also come under your expenses.
Transportation
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 the international airport. Please note that the International Flight expenses are not part of our package.
Permit
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.
Trip Preparation and Fitness
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.
Gadget Charging and Internet
During the trek, we will be staying in tea houses or lodges for the night. Do not worry about the lack of electricity, as many things can work here including solar panels. As you move higher up, these lodges and teahouses can ask for a certain price for using the electricity. Meanwhile, you shouldn’t expect to use the internet while on trek.
Your Extra Expenses
While our trekking package covers many things across the entire trek, any of your extra expenses are not included. These expenses are variable in the package and may cost too much to be included in the package, so they are excluded from the package.
Such extra expenses include the cost of the international flight and visa fees. Also, any personal expenses you make throughout the trek such as electricity or internet in the lodges, hot showers, personal equipment, and tips for the guide and porters are excluded from the package. Do note that we will provide you with first aid kits, but any emergency services requested are your expenses.
What to expect
In this 12-day journey, you can expect to return home with an unforgettable memory. In this trek, you will experience many things, with some being new to you.
From the hospitality of the Gurung community, you will learn about their culture and bravery. You will experience the beauty of nature while being surrounded by the majestic snow-capped mountain. If your luck favors you, you can witness some rare flora and fauna among many others.
You will be able to experience the challenge of our journey and the rewarding feeling after the completion of your journey. The adventure you took part in will be a part of your life. You can also meet with other people who share the same interests as you.
Few FAQs
Are guides and porters included in the package?
Yes, our Annapurna Base Camp package includes guides and porters. The guides that we provide will be experienced guides, licensed by the government, and can speak the language of your preference.
What equipment will be provided?
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 in the case of an emergency?
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.
Can I solo trek?
Yes, as long as you have the required permits and the confirmation from the government. Since Annapurna Base Camp Trek is quite popular we would not find it hard to find the right path and there are teahouses and lodges along the way where you can stay for the night.
What is so special about this trek?
One of the trek’s most interesting features is that trekkers get to feel some of the rich local culture. The Annapurna base camp hike passes through a variety of ethnic communities, including Gurungs, Magars, and Thakalis, with each having its distinctive customs and languages. You may enjoy the delectable local cuisine and friendly hospitality if you plan to stay at one of the beautiful tea houses (lodges) along the route.
These tea houses promise an equally distinctive cultural experience in themselves and provide an insight into the ways of life of the mountain communities. Trekkers will have the opportunity to see famous places like the Gurung and Gurkha Museums.
What do I have to be aware of?
There are some key planning considerations one has to put into account to make the correct decisions when planning to trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. But to avoid health problems acclimatization is crucial; therefore, one is advised to have more rest days at certain places on the trail.
Ideally, the trek should be attempted during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons when the weather is comparatively severe but competing views are breathtaking.
Brief Itinerary
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.
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 the 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.
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).
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
The beautiful valley of Kathmandu should be in your sight as the plane descends to land at the Tribhuvan International Airport. As you head to the terminal after going through customs and collecting your baggage you can meet up with our staff who will be waiting for you at the terminal. We will make sure that you can find our staff as easily as possible so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
After the initial meeting, the staff will then escort you to the hotel that we would have booked for you to stay for the next two days. Before you leave the airport premise you must get your tourist visa from the immigration booth within the terminal. To get your tourist visa on arrival, you will need a valid passport (valid for a minimum of 6 months), 2 passport-sized photos, a correctly filled visa application form, proof of accommodation, and proof of return tickets.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing.
As the goal of this trek is to make it to Annapurna Base Camp, you might want to move on to your journey, but as a measure of caution, we recommend you take a day easy. After all a long flight through different time zones might bring fraught problems like headaches and insomnia.
Of course, if you feel good enough then you will be free to explore the Kathmandu valley. We will also provide you with a guide to navigate through different places in Kathmandu and explain you about the topics you are curious about. As Kathmandu holds many historical and religious sites there are many options for you to choose for your sightseeing.
Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Hanuman Dhoka are some of the places we suggest you visit. The temples in Kathmandu have unique architecture from ancient times. These temples have a wood carving and beautiful statues of various deities or historical figures.
All the places in Kathmandu are picture-worthy places demanding storage in your camera memory as well as your own memory. Since our destination this time is Annapurna Base Camp which poses its own challenges, we recommend you not to over-excite yourself. Any sort of physical harm or sprains should be prevented so that you can thoroughly enjoy this trek.
So, you need to enjoy various aspects of Kathmandu Valley while taking it slow.
While sightseeing we will visit the National Tourism Board so that we can collect the two permits needed for our trek. These permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are needed so that you can use the trekking trails. We will help you by providing you with these permits.
We will also meet with the guide, who will explain to you about the various aspects of the trek. The guide will provide you with all the necessary information required for the trek which also includes some precautions and tools required.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara & Evening Sightseeing
Moving on to day three, our destination will be Pokhara. One can say that taking flight would be fast, but you will be missing lots of scenarios that way. So, if you manage to keep you eye open throughout this road trip you can find yourself immersed in the scenario outside the windows of the private jeep that we will provide to you.
After about 7 hours on the highway, you will reach the city of Pokhara. After you reach the hotel in Pokhara, you are again free to explore Pokhara. Though you will not get much time to explore the city for the entire day we recommend you to visit the shore of Fewa Lake.
Pokhara is a city blessed by nature. In any case, Pokhara City was to captivate you and if you wish to stay here for additional nights you can do so, but at your personal expense. Any additional accommodation beyond those mentioned in the itinerary is not part of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek package.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 hours) and trek to Ghandruk.
One of the most beautiful things about Pokhara is the view of Mount Macchapuchre (Fishtail). In the early morning, you will be greeted with the scenic display of Mount Macchapuchre in hue to gold as the sun rises above the horizon. This display reflected in the waters of Fewa Lake is something that will melt your heart.
With the melting heart, we will leave behind Pokhara as we need to move forward for the Sanctuary. We will move northwest to Pokhara. Our destination for the fourth day is Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village which sits at an elevation of 2,012 meters (6,601 ft) above sea level.
Once you reach Ghandruk, you will notice the uniqueness of the local culture of people living in this village compared to other places you have visited now. Ghandruk which flourishes among nature and mountains, has people with genuine hospitality.
There are many things that you can do when you are in Ghandruk. You can simply go around the village and observe the local people around you. If you want to know more about the Gurung culture and the history of Gurungs’, then you can also visit the Gurung Museum.
Ghandruk often hosts a cultural performance within the village.
If you happen to encounter one of such performances, you will want to observe it or participate in it. These performances showcase the vibrant attire of the Gurung community along with melody passed from generation to generation throughout the centuries.
Day 05: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170 m).
Moving onto the fifth day, in the early morning a familiar sunrise will greet you. This is one thing that will remain consistent throughout the entire journey. From this day onward we will be trekking on foot, so you want yourself to be prepared for hours of continuous walking. For this day we will be moving toward Chhomrong.
Chhomrong is situated at an elevation of 2,170 meters (7,120 ft) above sea level. The journey from Ghandruk to Chhomrong should take about 5 to 6 hours. As you move forward you will go through diverse landscapes, sometimes uphill and then downhill. You will also find yourself passing through the forests of Rhododendron.
Chhomrong is a village established as the population in Ghandruk started to increase, and the people expanded into new areas. Based on historical records, in the 1950s, explorers, including the first mountaineers to attempt Mount Macchapuchre used to pass through this area.
Once the concept of trekking started to become popular during the 1970s, the local people in Chhomrong established teahouses and lodges. It is also believed that this area then became one of Nepal’s earliest trekking routes.
Permits are needed to travel through Chhomrong. We need to check in and check out when passing through Chhomrong. The accommodations available in Chhomrong are teahouses and basic lodges. But we will guarantee you that you will have a comfortable sleep for the night along with a fulfilling dinner of traditional Dal Bhaat.
Day 06:Trek from Chhomrong to Deurali (3230 m).
Another day starts in a somewhat remote village of Nepal. Beyond the city’s pollution even if you are moving to a higher altitude where you will find yourself gasping to breathe, at this point you will have a comfortable time breathing the fresh air. Our destination for the sixth day is Deurali.
Deurali is situated at an elevation of 3,200 meters (10,500 ft) above sea level. It is about 7 to 8 hours away from Chhomring village. Moving through the forests of oak, bamboo, and rhododendrons you can reach Deurali, which was a pasture for sheep grazing.
Deurlai also has Hinku Cave which was used by the shepherds who came to graze their sheep as shelter. Similar to Chhomrong the area was converted to a more tourism-based area as trekking through this area became popular during the 1970s.
Here, in Deuarli you can spot some naturally occurring Buddha statues in the mountains. You can also visit Hinku Cave which was used by local shepherds as shelter before teahouses existed.
Similar to Chhomrong you will only find teahouses and basic lodges for the accommodation. You will need to prepare yourself for the next day, so we recommend you have a filling dinner and plentiful rest.
Day 07 :Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m ).
Annapurna Base Camp is the highlight of our journey. It is the goal that you will be striving for on the seventh day of your journey. On this day we will be taking the same path used by the pilgrims to reach the holy site of Annapurna Sanctuary.
After breakfast, we will follow our path towards Annapurna Base Camp. While on our way to Annapurna Base Camp, we will also pass through Bagar (3300 meters) and Macchapuchre Base Camp (3700 meters). While Macchapuchre has a base camp it is illegal to climb the mountain as it is considered to be a holy mountain and is also dubbed as “The Virgin Mountain”.
After a difficult stretch of trek, you will find yourself in the heart of the mountains. This wide-open area is the Annapurna Sanctuary. No words can describe the beauty of this place. The feeling you get when you reach this place is ethereal. Annapurna Sanctuary is home to many sacred temples, one of which includes Annapurna Temple, a temple dedicated to the goddess of food and nutrition.
Surprisingly, you will also find teahouses and lodges in the Annapurna Base Camp. While it is difficult to run such a business at such a high elevation, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is popular to sustain the business here. So, you can find yourself a comfortable bed to sleep in along with other necessary facilities in the Annapurna Base Camp. But if you wish to camp outside it is definitely a possible option while the only challenge is to brave the sheer cold outside.
Day 08: Trek from Annapurna Base camp to Bamboo (2310 m)
The morning of the eighth day will greet you with the same stunning views of the surrounding white walls as you were greeted the day before. As the goal of your trek, you might not want to leave this place, but you will need to return back to your home. So, after we complete the preparation for our descent we will start moving downhill.
We will take the same route that we used for our ascent the exception being that our destination is far below Bamboo Village. Bamboo Village is situated at an elevation of 2,310 meters (7,580 ft) above sea level. This village is known for its surrounding lush green forests. You can understand where the name of this village came from as you can observe the dense bamboo forests covering the surrounding area of the village.
Day 09: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda .
If you are tired and your legs are not in a suitable condition after the days of uphill and downhill, then our next destination will be appealing to you. We will continue our descent, this time our destination is Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is situated at an elevation of 1,780 meters (5,840 ft) above sea level.
Jhinu Danda is popular for its hot springs, and your tired body will prefer the dip in the hot springs. The hot springs can help you to relieve the pain of a continuous uphill and downhill journey for the past few days. It can also help to relieve you of the accumulated stress. It also improves your circulation and skin conditions.
Day 10: Jhinu Danda to Pokhara via Nayapul.
After the continuous days of trekking, you may find yourself tired. We hope that the hot springs in Jhinu Danda have soothed some of that pain. Now, with everything over you will be at the final leg of your journey.
After breakfast, we will take our jeep and travel down to Pokhara from Jhinu Danda. Once you return to Pokhara you can get a glimpse of modern life and the luxury which comes with it that you had missed throughout the previous days while trekking. All this day of trek might tire you but if you have energy to spare you can visit different places in Pokhara. Also, don’t forget to buy any souvenirs to take back home.
While in Pokhara, you can indulge yourselves in flashy and vibrant nightlife beside the lake. Previously, because of physical concerns you were not supposed to over-exert yourself, but this time you can participate in various activities that Pokhara can offer to you. If you want to you can have a peaceful dinner at a restaurant that can provide you with a scenic background.
Day 11:Drive/fly back to Kathmandu.
The following day, you will have to say your final goodbye to this beautiful city. Before the goodbye, do not forget to imprint the scenery of Pokhara in your mind. We will take either the highway to reminisce about the scenes outside the windows or we can simply take flight. You will be staying in Kathmandu for one last night, so if you have any unfilled tasks to do in Kathmandu you can do so.
Day 12: Final Departure.
The journey has reached its end and after we sort out everything, we will escort you to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. We will say our last goodbye for the time being in the airport and pray for your safe return. We hope that you have enjoyed the journey and our services.