Highlights
- Popular and Famous destination trek in Nepal
- Sunrise views of Annapurna ranges, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I from the Poon hill point
- Enjoy a scenic views of diverse landscapes, lush forests and charming villages
- Relaxing using the hot spring at Jhinu Danda
- Opportunity to experience about Gurung and Magar cultures, traditions and their typical village life
- Surrounded by the towering the Mountains
- Exploring the old heritage, hospitality of local villagers
- 360° views of Annapurna Base Camp
- Pass through Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Spectacular views of snow capped peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna south, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.
Overview
Annapurna Base Camp is situated at an altitude of an approximately 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). It is a popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region, which located in the western part of Nepal. It offers panoramic views of glorious mountain peaks, comprising Annapurna and Machapuchare. It is best opportunity to experience the natural enriches, culture and traditions of Gurung and Magar, Himalayan magnificence and warm hospitality of the local villagers. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a remarkable, awe-inspiring adventure that rewards trekkers a lifetime experience with beautiful memories.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek usually starts from Somrang near the city of Pokhara. Somrang, situated at an altitude of around 2100 meters (6,890 feet), in Kaski district. It is the common starting point for ABC trek in Annapurna region of Nepal, including Annapurna Base Camp as well as Ghorepani Poon Hill. You will drive through Pokhara to Somrang. After that you will begin your journey gradually by foot, after several hours (5-6 hours) of hike you will reach Chhomrong, situated at an altitude of around 2,170 meters (7120 feet), in Kaski district. During this hike, the trail consists of both uphill and downhill sections, with some step ascends and some descends. You will pass through small villages, scenic forests during this hike. In chhomrong there are several facilities of guest houses, tea houses, shops and other services.
It is primarily inhabited by the Gurung community, known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. The village is surrounded by lush green hills, terraced fields and tortoise waterfalls. To continue your journey, you have to hike several hours by descending a series of stone steps from Chhomrong down to the Modi Khola (river). From there, you will cross the river over suspension bridges and hike through lush forests with ups and downs steps to reach Bamboo. Bamboo is situated at an altitude of around 2,310 meters (7,580 feet), a popular stop along the ABC Trek. This village offers a peaceful environment, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. There are bamboo forests in the area, so because of its forests the village also gets known as Bamboo Village. This makes the village unique and charming, with rich biodiversity. It is also a village for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and sometimes there are even rare species like red panda and musk deer. As you continue your trek from bamboo village, gradually ascend to follow a well marked path along the Modi Khola (river). The trails take through lush forests and rhododendron groves, after several hours of almost 3-4 hours of hike you will reach Deurali. Deurali is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,230 meters (10,597 feet). Along the trail, there are several tea houses and lodges where you can rest and have your meal and breakfast. These tea houses offer you basic amenities and local hospitality. The trail gradually ascends to high altitudes, so you have to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
As the trail gradually ascends to the destination, you have to hike approximately 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level of walk. After several hours of walking you reached Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The trail from Deurali to ABC follows a well identified path, ascending through glacial forests, rocky glacial mounds, and even suspension bridges. As you get closer to ABC the trail becomes increasingly more rugged and challenging as you ascend higher altitude. After that finally you have reached Annapurna Base Camp, where the camp is surrounded by the magnificent peak and snow capped mountains. The ABC offers stunning views of deep gorges, pouring waterfalls, and glacial meadows. To begin your trek in the ABC region you need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System(TIMS) card(not mandatory). This type of permit is issued by a licensed holder of a trekking agency or immigration of Kathmandu. While the licensed holder guide is not necessary but it is about your safety and provide assistance, so you must have required a licensed holder guide for trek. ABC trek is a physically challenging and mentally strong required trek, where the trekkers must have to be fit and fine. The base camp itself is a natural ambition and provides you with beautiful memories, with the view of towering mountains and peaks as well as awe-inspiring panorama views. Some trekkers may have high altitude sickness, so it’s important to know how to prevent the sickness altitude.
Also, before the trekking starts, you must have proper preparation about the high altitude sickness and carry the necessary things which are important for the trek. The trails take through ascending and descending narrow paths, you must be careful in the journey of the ABC trek. The condition, temperatures of the ABC region are typically cold. Whereas the best time to trek to ABC is during Spring and Autumn (March to May and September to November). In these months, it offers unchanging weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making the trek amazing.
DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,264ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be escorted to hotel in Thamel by All Nepal Excursion's staffs. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 : Drive to Pokhara(827m/2,700ft): 7-8 hours dfive
Early morning after breakfast you wil be picked from hoteland walk to tourist station which is 5-10 minutes walk. There are plenty of buses going to Pokhara everyday. Pokhara is a beautiful city with lakes and mountain views. It takes 7-8hours to Pokhara. The road takes you to the narrow way of Dhading, Gorkha and finally to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara you will be escorted to hotel at Lakeside.
DAY 03: Drive from Pokhara to Jhinu Danda and trek to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft): 7-8 hours
After the morning breakfast at hotel in Pokhara you will be driven to nearby bus station where you can board the vehicle to Somrang(Jhinu Danda). A 4 hours scenic drive will take you to Somrang, a last spot for vehicle to ABC trek. You will need to walk around 30 minutes uphill to Jhinu crossing the longest suspension bridge of the area. After lunch at Jhinu, it's an uphill hike about 1 and half hours at Chhomrong. This climb might be the steepest climb for Annapurna Base Camp trek.
DAY 04: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2310m/7578ft): 4 - 5 hours
The trail out of Chhomrong plunges by means of 2500 stone advances and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on an influencing suspension connect. It is a tough move to Sinuwa. Next, we go through a wonderful backwoods to Kuldihar took after by a simple downhill stroll to Bamboo. Overnight in Bamboo.
DAY 05 : Bamboo to Deurali (3230m/10,595ft): 3 - 4 hours
We go through the bamboo woods which is soggy and chilly at that point rise consistently with less steep segments. It is simply subsequent to achieving Himalaya Hotel that the woodland opens up and we are out in the sun again with shocking perspectives of the cold waterway beneath. It is a precarious move up through a substantially drier backwoods before achieving Hinku Cave. From here we can see the trail drop nearer to the stream before climbing again to Deurali, the most beautiful stretch of the day and the vertical shake confront bluffs above with groups of wispy cascades. Overnight in Deurali.
DAY 06 : Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130m/13,545ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft): 5- 6 hours
Climb tenderly through a waterway bed then finished a lofty trail over to the mountain side. The climb from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is to some degree strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get magnificent perspectives of the superb Machhapuchhre alongside Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is satisfying knowledge. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
DAY 07: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m/7578ft): 7 – 8 hours
From the Annapurna base camp we follow our means to Bamboo. The present trek is downhill so it shouldn't be extremely troublesome. In addition, we will dependably have the organization of the unprecedented scene to brighten us up. Overnight in Bamboo.
DAY 08: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760m/5770 ft): 5 - 6 hours
From Bamboo, it is a tough trek to Kuldighar took after by a declining stroll to Chhomrong Khola. At that point we climb the stone strides to Chhomrong. The trail at that point slides to Jhinu Danda, after check in lodging at that point walk 20 minutes for hot spring shower. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
DAY 09 : Drive to Pokhara: 3 hour drive
From Jhinu we will drive back to Pokhara. After we register with the hotel, we will then stroll to the Fewa Lake and visit Barahi Temple.
DAY 10: Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu . Overnight at hotel.
DAY 11: Final Departure
Departure to airport with the lovely memory of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
What's included
- All arrival and departure by private vehicle
- Luxury tourist coach from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- Shared Jeep ride from Pokhara to Ghandruk and Jhinu Danda to Pokhara.
- Three Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- 2 Star hotel accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Clean tea-house accommodation during the trek.
- Government license holder English speaking Guide and his food, accommodations, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine and transportation.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit fees.
- Trekker’s information management system(TIMS) card fee.
- Travel & Rescue arrangements.
What's not included
- All meals and accommodation at Kathmandu
- Supporting staff(2 trekkers-1 supporting staff)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, tips, etc.,
- All beverages and bar bills.
- Travel Insurance (Essential - Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5545 meters).
- Personal trekking equipment except stated above.
- Donations
- Entrance fee while doing sightseeing around Kathmandu
- Supporting staff’s accommodations, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine and transportation.
- Insurance of Guide and porter.
- Any loss arising due to unforeseen circumstances that is beyond All Nepal Excursion control.
- Tips for guide and supporting staffs ( mandatory )
[caption id="attachment_479" align="alignnone" width="1876"] Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Map[/caption]
What is the best season for hiking/trekking in Nepal?
The best season for trekking in Nepal is the autumn and spring seasons. The autumn season lasts from September to November, while the spring season lasts from March to May. These are the best months for trekking/hiking in Nepal. The weather is clear during these seasons with blue skies, fresh vegetation, blooming wildflowers, and ideal temperature. The views of the Himalayan range around Nepal are clear.
The winter season from December to February has temperatures dropping to -15 Degrees Celsius, so it is not suitable for higher altitude trek.
How far will you walk every day?
The average walking distance varies according to the topography, length of the trek and altitude. For example you would cover about 12km/7.5 miles each day during the 7 days Annapurna Base Camp trek. However, for the longer treks in remote areas, the distance covered could be more. On an average you may walk for 5 to 7 hours on a trek in the Himalayas during a day.
Can you trek alone In Nepal?
Yes, you can trek alone in Nepal except for some restricted areas where the government has made it compulsory to take a guide.
However, we don't recommend trekking alone in off seasons when there is a high chance of getting lost in the heavy snow. It is also not wise to trek alone if you are a first time trekker in Nepal.
Is guide compulsory while trekking in Nepal?
Being with a Trekking Guide for trekking in Nepal is highly recommended for your safety (especially during emergencies) as well to get full information about the places of visit. So, it is recommended but not compulsory.
Trekking in restricted areas of Nepal like Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Humla, Kanchanjunga, Tsum Valley, Ruby Valley, Nar Phu require a guide and a registered agency to go through. An independent trekker cannot travel solo at these areas. Hence, one should hire a registered Nepali travel agency and a guide to get permit as well as to trek along.
Is Nepal safe for solo female travelers?
Nepal is a safe country for solo female travelers as the government takes all precautions to maintain the safety & security of travelers. However, in the trekking regions you need to properly plan the trek beforehand, keep your belongings to yourself, and wear non-revealing clothes as a precaution. You can hire a good travel agency and a guide to make your trip memorable.
What is the trekking boots option during trekking in winter?
Winter in Nepal is too cold especially if you are trekking in high altitude areas. The temperature may go below -20°C during December and January. So, it is recommended to have proper hiking boots with ankle support with gaiters and micro spikes.
- What's it like during the monsoon season?
During the monsoon season (Jun to Aug), most of Nepal experiences heavy rain for a few hours each day. It's humid, wet, and the trails in the lower regions (Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Langtang, etc) can be quite muddy. That being said, it's still a great time to visit if you don't mind the rain — you'll have the trails to yourself, the skies often clear up in the morning, and certain treks offer stone-paved trails that drain the rain and make for easy trekking. Also, certain regions, like Mustang and the upper reaches of Everest, lie in the rain shadow of the Himalaya and receive little rain.
- How much should I tip the guide and porters?
There's no fixed tipping rate for guided tours or treks in Nepal. Nevertheless, tipping is expected—if the service merits it—and it's a nice way to show your appreciation. After all, the guides and porters have ushered you and your belongings across mountain passes and have been your only lifeline (and perhaps a source of entertainment) in remote areas. Your guide and porters are also the people who will ensure you have a memorable experience.
- How can you get drinking water?
You can buy bottled drinking water in the stores or tea houses along the trail. However, the price of bottled mineral water rises as you head up the higher altitude. Alternatively, you can also buy boiled water from the tea houses at a relatively lower price.
To save money, you can also carry a purification tablet or reusable bottle with built-in filtration so that the water from local taps can be filled and filtered for drinking.
- Does a trekking guide carry first aid? Do you need to bring some medicine?
Yes, most of the professional trekking guides assigned by the travel agencies carry first aid so that you won’t have to. Also, they are trained in the first aid response in case of emergency. For an independent trek, you need to make sure of this before you hire a guide. Additionally, you can carry only the medicines prescribed by your doctor.
- Is internet access available while trekking?
Internet connection is available in most of the trekking regions in Nepal. As you go to the higher altitude the connectivity will be erratic. WI fi is accessible in some of the tea houses in popular trekking routes. The teahouse/lodge will charge about USD 2-2.5 for a day usage but the connectivity can be uncertain. The popular trekking trail in the Everest region has Everest Link ISP so the internet works throughout the trail in different tea houses and lodges.
Alternatively, you can also get prepaid SIM card internet service by buying data packages from two popular companies NCELL and NTC. You can expect 3G service in Annapurna and Everest region while using this. In the higher altitude it is tough to get cellular network.