Annapurna Base Camp Trek

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  • Itinerary in Details
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Trip Overview

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).

Trip in Details

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Trip Facts

Destination : Nepal

Duration : 12 Days

Price : 1200 USD

Difficulty Level : Tough

Minimum Altitude : 1300m

Group Size : 2-20 People

Activities : Trekking, Hiking & Sightseeing

Transportation : Flight, Car & Jeep

Accommodation : 3-4 star hotel in kathmandu, Normal guest house during trekking

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