Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most populartreks in Nepal, and amongst other things offers spectacular views of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world.Annapurna is a 55km long Massif, and the highest peak, Annapurna I, stands at 8091m. It is located east of the great river, Kali Gandaki, which cuts a great gorge (the worlds deepest) through the Himalayan landscape separating the Annapurna range from Mt Dhaulagiri.
‘Annapurna’ is a Sanskrit name meaning “goddess of the harvests” which is appropriate as the trail to the base camp starts out meandering through lowland hillsides abundant with golden rice terraces and many small villages where you can witness the different cultures and lifestyles of the local people. The trail then climbs up and down through beautiful forest with abundant native flora and fauna, including rhododendron trees, famous for their colourful show of flowers, the elusive snow leopard and the slightly more common Himalayan thar. Along the way you are able to see glimpses of the stunningAnnapurna South and Machhapuchhre (‘fishtail’) peaks. You can stay at any of the many picturesque and delightful villages where ‘tea house’ accommodation and delicious hot meals are available. Higher up a rocky alpine landscape can be experienced, with small shrubs and tussocks, with the beginnings of snow and ice.
As you trek higher and higher, and eventually reach the Machhapuchhre Base Camp you will enter a large basin of roughly 10 miles radius, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. The great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, ‘Fang’, Annapurna III and Machhapuchha are arranged in an impressive panoramic circle surrounding the basin, with several large glaciers reaching down into a deep moraine field below. The view is simply breathtaking, and the magic of being in such a stunning and special landscape will become a lifelong memory.
This trek is somewhat challenging with several ascents and descents, and will require some level of physical fitness and a great sense of adventure! This is most definitely a trip of a life time with the fantastic mountain views being unmatchable and unforgettable.
This trek is somewhat challenging with several ascents and descents, and will require some level of physical fitness and a great sense of adventure! This is most definitely a trip of a life time with the fantastic mountain views being unmatchable and unforgettable.
Itinerary in Details Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Day 1:Arrival pick up transfer to Hotel and Orientation.
Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to Hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We also discover Thamel - the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants and outdoorshops.Briefing hotel where we will be discussing the technicalities of the trek..In the evening you enjoy a welcome dinner with cultural Dance.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to Hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th century. We also discover Thamel - the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants and outdoorshops.Briefing hotel where we will be discussing the technicalities of the trek..In the evening you enjoy a welcome dinner with cultural Dance.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 2:Sightseeing and Trek Prepration day
After Breakfast at hotel start Sightseeing with private van to Pasupatinah, the most important Hindu temples of Nepal with the sacred burning ghats located at the holy Baghmati river and Boudhanath the biggest Buddhist stupa in South Asia and Swoyambhunath also known as Monkey Temple.Afternoon checking and arranging trekking gears.
Overnight stay at Hotel
After Breakfast at hotel start Sightseeing with private van to Pasupatinah, the most important Hindu temples of Nepal with the sacred burning ghats located at the holy Baghmati river and Boudhanath the biggest Buddhist stupa in South Asia and Swoyambhunath also known as Monkey Temple.Afternoon checking and arranging trekking gears.
Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 03:Drive to Pokhara. En route commence rafting from Khataudi to Kurintar in the Trishuli River.
Am: After breakfast, start 6 hours (200kms.) scenic drive to Pokhara Valley via Prithwi Highway. En route stop at Charaudi (after 2 & ½ hours drive) and proceed to Khataudi (raft starting point) situated on the bank of the Trishuli River, where there will be a short briefing followed by some demonstrations related with rafting.Shortly afterwards, commence exciting white water rafting in the Trishuli River for about 4 hours till we reach Kurintar (raft ending point). Initially, we begin with small rapids and soon catch up with bigger ones. After rafting, continue drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in hotel for refreshments. Overnight at hotel.
Am: After breakfast, start 6 hours (200kms.) scenic drive to Pokhara Valley via Prithwi Highway. En route stop at Charaudi (after 2 & ½ hours drive) and proceed to Khataudi (raft starting point) situated on the bank of the Trishuli River, where there will be a short briefing followed by some demonstrations related with rafting.Shortly afterwards, commence exciting white water rafting in the Trishuli River for about 4 hours till we reach Kurintar (raft ending point). Initially, we begin with small rapids and soon catch up with bigger ones. After rafting, continue drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in hotel for refreshments. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04:Drive to Phedi and start trek to Dhampus(1700m):
After breakfast, check out the hotel and meet the waiting vehicle and trek guide to start drive to Phedi 20 minutes. Upon arrival, met by Sherpa team and commence trek to Dhampus. The trek starts immediately with a steep climb through mixed forests and takes about an hour to arrive at the Mina Lodge, which marks the end of the steep path and arrival at Dhampus Plateau. From here the incline is much easier as the trail continues to climb steadily in more forested area. After about two hours, arrive at the first check post at the entrance to Dhampus Village with a maze of houses and alleyways of stonewall. There are magnificent views of the mountains from west to east of the Annapurna South (7219m), Hiun Chuli (6441m), Mardi Himal (5587 m) and Machhapucchhare (6993m) to the north. Trek duration - 3 hrs.
Overnight at Dhampus (1700m).
After breakfast, check out the hotel and meet the waiting vehicle and trek guide to start drive to Phedi 20 minutes. Upon arrival, met by Sherpa team and commence trek to Dhampus. The trek starts immediately with a steep climb through mixed forests and takes about an hour to arrive at the Mina Lodge, which marks the end of the steep path and arrival at Dhampus Plateau. From here the incline is much easier as the trail continues to climb steadily in more forested area. After about two hours, arrive at the first check post at the entrance to Dhampus Village with a maze of houses and alleyways of stonewall. There are magnificent views of the mountains from west to east of the Annapurna South (7219m), Hiun Chuli (6441m), Mardi Himal (5587 m) and Machhapucchhare (6993m) to the north. Trek duration - 3 hrs.
Overnight at Dhampus (1700m).
Day 05:Trek to Landrung (1699 m)
After breakfast, visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Office to register and continue the trek. After leaving the village, continue on the trail going down a fairly gentle slope cut into steps in the middle of the forest and then a short climb brings one to the settlement of Pothana (2000m).The path from here slowly ascends until it reaches the locality of Bichok Deorali (2149m) located at the crest of the ridge. From here, the trail descends slowly but gets steeper until it meets the Modi Khola Valley first and then the village of the Bheri Khola, which is a convenient place to stop for lunch.
After lunch, cross a small suspension bridge as the path follows the ridge of a hill for an hour to the settlement of Tolka (1895m). Then cross the hamlets of Tolka Naga and Tolka Medi Gara before again going down gently towards the village of Landrung. Trek duration - 5 hrs.
Overnight at Landrung.
After breakfast, visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Office to register and continue the trek. After leaving the village, continue on the trail going down a fairly gentle slope cut into steps in the middle of the forest and then a short climb brings one to the settlement of Pothana (2000m).The path from here slowly ascends until it reaches the locality of Bichok Deorali (2149m) located at the crest of the ridge. From here, the trail descends slowly but gets steeper until it meets the Modi Khola Valley first and then the village of the Bheri Khola, which is a convenient place to stop for lunch.
After lunch, cross a small suspension bridge as the path follows the ridge of a hill for an hour to the settlement of Tolka (1895m). Then cross the hamlets of Tolka Naga and Tolka Medi Gara before again going down gently towards the village of Landrung. Trek duration - 5 hrs.
Overnight at Landrung.
Day 06:Trek to Chhomrong (2050 m).
Start trek through the village and at the end of the village trail junction, there are two paths. Follow the path towards north on a path, which gradually leads to the riverbank and then on to the new bridge, which takes about an hour. After crossing the bridge, the path rises steeply and it is tough walk for about 45 minutes before it eases out on a slope gently going down until arrival the Kyumnu Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. From here, it is another 30 minutes of climbing to the settlement of Jhinu Danda (1760 m), a popular lunch spot.
Start trek through the village and at the end of the village trail junction, there are two paths. Follow the path towards north on a path, which gradually leads to the riverbank and then on to the new bridge, which takes about an hour. After crossing the bridge, the path rises steeply and it is tough walk for about 45 minutes before it eases out on a slope gently going down until arrival the Kyumnu Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. From here, it is another 30 minutes of climbing to the settlement of Jhinu Danda (1760 m), a popular lunch spot.
After lunch, the climb to Chomrong is a steep downhill with an average slope of 30 degrees incline. The trail is on a barren hillside making shelter from the sun a difficult one. But fortunately there are a few lodges located on the trail making the necessary stops. At the end of the 2 hour ordeal, arrive at a ridge with a few hotels but continue further (for camping groups) about 10 minutes to arrive at the main Chomrong village with hotels and houses dotting the whole hillside and a most panoramic and close views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapucchhare mountains. Chhomrong controls the entry to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Trek duration – 5 Hours.
Overnight at Chhomrong.
Overnight at Chhomrong.
Day 07:Trek to Himalaya Hotel (2100 m).
Go down until the suspension bridge over the Chomorong Khola and climb up hill for about 30 minutes till one reaches the hamlet of Banuwa. The path leaves cultivated fields to enter the beautiful tropical forest. Follow the ridge of the hill, about 2500 meters high, but unfortunately the mountain is drained by several small streams and the trekkers are forced to take several ascents and descents. It takes about an hour to reach the locality of Khuldi Ghar (2,477m) where is the second check post. (One has to show trekking permit as well as the entrance ticket to Annapurna Conservation Area Project). The head quarters of ACAP and its environment center are also located at Khuldi Ghar. After the check post the path suddenly descends until it reaches the hamlet of Bamboo (2300m) with four or five lodges and is a good place to make a lunch break.
As the name suggest, Bamboo marks the beginning of the huge bamboo forest, which leads, after about an hour of walking, to Tiptop (2571m). There are two lodges competing with the lodges established at Doban(2606m). Soon after Doban, enter the sacred forest of Jode Yehm, where near the waterfall on the east bank of Modi khola, one can see an altar surrounded by thousands of white banners suspended from the trees. A sign indicates the name of the place and reminds the travelers not to lean over. One assumes it is better not to disturb the Gods. From Doban, it will take an hour to reach the Himalaya Hotel (2873m). Trek duration: 5 hours.Overnight at Himalaya Hotel.
Go down until the suspension bridge over the Chomorong Khola and climb up hill for about 30 minutes till one reaches the hamlet of Banuwa. The path leaves cultivated fields to enter the beautiful tropical forest. Follow the ridge of the hill, about 2500 meters high, but unfortunately the mountain is drained by several small streams and the trekkers are forced to take several ascents and descents. It takes about an hour to reach the locality of Khuldi Ghar (2,477m) where is the second check post. (One has to show trekking permit as well as the entrance ticket to Annapurna Conservation Area Project). The head quarters of ACAP and its environment center are also located at Khuldi Ghar. After the check post the path suddenly descends until it reaches the hamlet of Bamboo (2300m) with four or five lodges and is a good place to make a lunch break.
As the name suggest, Bamboo marks the beginning of the huge bamboo forest, which leads, after about an hour of walking, to Tiptop (2571m). There are two lodges competing with the lodges established at Doban(2606m). Soon after Doban, enter the sacred forest of Jode Yehm, where near the waterfall on the east bank of Modi khola, one can see an altar surrounded by thousands of white banners suspended from the trees. A sign indicates the name of the place and reminds the travelers not to lean over. One assumes it is better not to disturb the Gods. From Doban, it will take an hour to reach the Himalaya Hotel (2873m). Trek duration: 5 hours.Overnight at Himalaya Hotel.
Day 08:Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m)
The track continues through the middle of the forest, going up and down following the flow of the rivers, until the last stretch where a steep path leads to Hinku Cave (3139m) It will take another three hours to reach the actual site of the Hinkui Cave, noticeable by a huge rock half sheltering a bhatti. It will take about three hours to reach Deorali (three lodges, 3230m). Walking from Deorali to Bagar (3300m) takes about fifty minutes. Instead of lush vegetation, only bushes and high grasses survive. The path crosses the lodges twice on rather shaky bridges so as to avoid avalanches and landslide prone area. It is a good place to make a lunch break.
The next stop, the base camp of Machhapuchhare, is about two hours walk away. Machhapuchhare or “fishtail’, has been thus named because its twin summits resembles a twitched fishtail. After having walked along the river for thirty minutes, the path rises up and goes through several curves. If it has snowed recently, this part of the route will be quite difficult, though the use of crampons is not necessary, a stick should suffice. Trek duration: 5 hours.Overnight at Machhapuchhare Base Camp.
The track continues through the middle of the forest, going up and down following the flow of the rivers, until the last stretch where a steep path leads to Hinku Cave (3139m) It will take another three hours to reach the actual site of the Hinkui Cave, noticeable by a huge rock half sheltering a bhatti. It will take about three hours to reach Deorali (three lodges, 3230m). Walking from Deorali to Bagar (3300m) takes about fifty minutes. Instead of lush vegetation, only bushes and high grasses survive. The path crosses the lodges twice on rather shaky bridges so as to avoid avalanches and landslide prone area. It is a good place to make a lunch break.
The next stop, the base camp of Machhapuchhare, is about two hours walk away. Machhapuchhare or “fishtail’, has been thus named because its twin summits resembles a twitched fishtail. After having walked along the river for thirty minutes, the path rises up and goes through several curves. If it has snowed recently, this part of the route will be quite difficult, though the use of crampons is not necessary, a stick should suffice. Trek duration: 5 hours.Overnight at Machhapuchhare Base Camp.
Day 09:Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4200 m)
To enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the Sanctuary one has to go to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), which is only two hours away. Except for a few hills, the route is flat and therefore quite easy. Also, the spectacular views of Annapurna south in the forefront are so satisfying that one easily forgets the exhaustion. At the end of the route ( 4130 m), there are about five or six lodges. A little further, the path leads to a small hill, which is the best point to admire the entire panorama of the Sanctuary. Trek duration: 2 hours.
Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
To enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the Sanctuary one has to go to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), which is only two hours away. Except for a few hills, the route is flat and therefore quite easy. Also, the spectacular views of Annapurna south in the forefront are so satisfying that one easily forgets the exhaustion. At the end of the route ( 4130 m), there are about five or six lodges. A little further, the path leads to a small hill, which is the best point to admire the entire panorama of the Sanctuary. Trek duration: 2 hours.
Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 10:Annapurna Base Camp - Doban
From the Sanctuary we initially retrace our steps, and descend to Deurali, through Himalayan Hotel, and eventually to Doban where we spend the night. We cover the ground a lot quicker on the way down taking advantage of our acclimatization and the reducing altitude. O/n Doban .
From the Sanctuary we initially retrace our steps, and descend to Deurali, through Himalayan Hotel, and eventually to Doban where we spend the night. We cover the ground a lot quicker on the way down taking advantage of our acclimatization and the reducing altitude. O/n Doban .
Day 11:Doban - Chhromrong
From Doban we continue back down the trail, through Bamboo Lodge, and to Chhromrong where we spend the night. This is a short day and allows us to spend some time relaxing in this fascinating village which has some of the best mountain views in the world.O/n Chhromrong.
From Doban we continue back down the trail, through Bamboo Lodge, and to Chhromrong where we spend the night. This is a short day and allows us to spend some time relaxing in this fascinating village which has some of the best mountain views in the world.O/n Chhromrong.
Day 12:Chhromrong - Ghandruk
Today we stop retracing our steps and trek to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. We initially walk west on the trail that leads to Ghorapani, but then descend to the village of Khumnu. We cross the Khumnu Khola and then ascend steeply to a collection of tea-houses at Uri at 2220m. From here we can see Ghandruk ahead, and it is a gentle walk to this amazing Gurung settlement at 1970m. Ghandruk is a maze of narrow alleyways but is an ideal place to spend an afternoon wandering the streets enjoying the local food or learning about the local handicrafts. O/n Ghandrun
Today we stop retracing our steps and trek to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. We initially walk west on the trail that leads to Ghorapani, but then descend to the village of Khumnu. We cross the Khumnu Khola and then ascend steeply to a collection of tea-houses at Uri at 2220m. From here we can see Ghandruk ahead, and it is a gentle walk to this amazing Gurung settlement at 1970m. Ghandruk is a maze of narrow alleyways but is an ideal place to spend an afternoon wandering the streets enjoying the local food or learning about the local handicrafts. O/n Ghandrun
Day 13:Trek to Ghandrung (1952 m):
After breakfast trek towards Kyumrong Khola for lunch. After lunch trek to Ghandrung Village via Kyumrong Danda. This area offers some of the finest trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna range and Machapuchhre dominate the mountain views through glimpses further East to Lamjung Himal and Manaslu Range. Ghandrung village is rich through its excellent farming land and the generations of its sons who have sent and received pay and pensions from the British and Indian Gurkha armies. Trek duration –5 hours.
Overnight at Ghandrung.
After breakfast trek towards Kyumrong Khola for lunch. After lunch trek to Ghandrung Village via Kyumrong Danda. This area offers some of the finest trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna range and Machapuchhre dominate the mountain views through glimpses further East to Lamjung Himal and Manaslu Range. Ghandrung village is rich through its excellent farming land and the generations of its sons who have sent and received pay and pensions from the British and Indian Gurkha armies. Trek duration –5 hours.
Overnight at Ghandrung.
Day 14:Trek to Tadapani (2725 m)
After breakfast, trek upto Tadapani - a small settlement consisting of about 5-6 Tea Houses with camping grounds set among rhododendron forests with chirping birds and a stream nearby. During the trek, look out for some rare birds and pheasants as well as the Langur and Rhesus monkeys. The last forty-five minutes of walking is through a superb forest of giant rhododendrons to reach Tadapani or ‘far from the water’, situated at 2,725 meters. Trek duration - 4 hours.
Overnight at Tadapani.
After breakfast, trek upto Tadapani - a small settlement consisting of about 5-6 Tea Houses with camping grounds set among rhododendron forests with chirping birds and a stream nearby. During the trek, look out for some rare birds and pheasants as well as the Langur and Rhesus monkeys. The last forty-five minutes of walking is through a superb forest of giant rhododendrons to reach Tadapani or ‘far from the water’, situated at 2,725 meters. Trek duration - 4 hours.
Overnight at Tadapani.
Day 15:Trek to Ghorepani (2874 m)
Walk through another forest until the bridge across the Bhurungdi Khola. The descent is quite steep and should take about 30 minutes. The next climb is also steep and should take about an hour and to reach Banthanti. Banthanti (3200m), means ‘jungle shelter’ is only partially inhabited with about four or five lodges offering basic comfort and services. From here, it takes another hour to reach Deorali. From Deorali, climb right to the top of the hill called Gurung Tower, thirty minutes away, to get the panoramic view of the mountains.
Walk through another forest until the bridge across the Bhurungdi Khola. The descent is quite steep and should take about 30 minutes. The next climb is also steep and should take about an hour and to reach Banthanti. Banthanti (3200m), means ‘jungle shelter’ is only partially inhabited with about four or five lodges offering basic comfort and services. From here, it takes another hour to reach Deorali. From Deorali, climb right to the top of the hill called Gurung Tower, thirty minutes away, to get the panoramic view of the mountains.
As one climbs through the next forest of pine and rhododendron, views of Dhaulagiri improve. After a steep climb of about fifteen minutes, the path becomes easier for about an hour and reaches a pass from where one can see the Kali Gandaki Valley to the northwest, and the Ulleri valley to the southeast. Lower down is the village of Ghorepani (2874m), which will be reached within the next forty five minutes. Trek duration – 7 Hours.
Overnight at Ghorepani.
Overnight at Ghorepani.
Day 16:Sunrise view from Poon Hill and trek to Hille:
Early pre-dawn wake up call and it is time to climb up to the Poon Hill (3290m) to view a magnificent sunrise. The views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range is truly magnificent and guests may enjoy a cup of tea/coffee at the summit while viewing the sunrise. Shortly afterwards, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast and after packing, start trek (down hill) to Hille (1300 m). Enroute there are many scenic places including cascading waterfalls and lunch is best taken at the Magar village of Ulleri with views of the Annapurnas at sight. After lunch it is a knee wobbling descent on flagstone steps which leads straight to the to the bottom. The descent is more difficult by the constant arrival of the donkey and mule train shuttling provisions back and forth to the villages above. Upon arrival at the base of the mountain, cross the bridge and arrive at Tirkhedhunga but we continue further for about 30 minutes to Hille, for better camping grounds or hotel accommodations. Trek duration – 6 hours.
Overnight at Hille.
Early pre-dawn wake up call and it is time to climb up to the Poon Hill (3290m) to view a magnificent sunrise. The views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range is truly magnificent and guests may enjoy a cup of tea/coffee at the summit while viewing the sunrise. Shortly afterwards, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast and after packing, start trek (down hill) to Hille (1300 m). Enroute there are many scenic places including cascading waterfalls and lunch is best taken at the Magar village of Ulleri with views of the Annapurnas at sight. After lunch it is a knee wobbling descent on flagstone steps which leads straight to the to the bottom. The descent is more difficult by the constant arrival of the donkey and mule train shuttling provisions back and forth to the villages above. Upon arrival at the base of the mountain, cross the bridge and arrive at Tirkhedhunga but we continue further for about 30 minutes to Hille, for better camping grounds or hotel accommodations. Trek duration – 6 hours.
Overnight at Hille.
Day 17:Trek down to Naya Pul and Drive to Pokhara:
After breakfast, trek through a pleasant down hill trail and then the trail levels out and follows the banks of the river. After having spent a long time at higher altitudes, the heat sometimes makes travelling on the open riverbed an uncomfortable one. After about 3 hours arrive at the riverside settlement of Birethanti for lunch. This is also the main entry point to the Annapurna Conservation Area and after lunch, walk along the high banks of the Modi Khola for about 30 minutes and end trek at Naya Pul to meet waiting vehicles for the one hour drive back to Pokhara.
After breakfast, trek through a pleasant down hill trail and then the trail levels out and follows the banks of the river. After having spent a long time at higher altitudes, the heat sometimes makes travelling on the open riverbed an uncomfortable one. After about 3 hours arrive at the riverside settlement of Birethanti for lunch. This is also the main entry point to the Annapurna Conservation Area and after lunch, walk along the high banks of the Modi Khola for about 30 minutes and end trek at Naya Pul to meet waiting vehicles for the one hour drive back to Pokhara.
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