Annapurna Base Camp Trek

We will start our Annapurna Base Camp Trek from the scenic city of Pokhara, which is a major gateway to many trekking destinations in Nepal. A short drive from Pokhara will take us into the high hills covered in lush vegetation and rhododendron, oak, magnolia, and pine forests. We will follow the Modi River to its glacial source at Annapurna Base Camp, passing through the picturesque Annapurna Sanctuary.

We will walk through traditional Gurung villages like Ghandruk, Jhinu, and Chhomrong as we trek. The trail will take us through a gorge, staying overnight in lodges like Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya, and Deurali before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp. We will make our way, passing through stunning views of the Himalayas and experiencing local traditions.

From here, we will enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. It is a plateau surrounded by an amphitheater of towering peaks. Our trek will culminate at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters (13,629 feet).  After reaching the base camp, our return journey will retrace the path back. We will pass through the same charming villages and landscapes. It allows us to soak in the beauty and culture one last time before concluding our trek in Pokhara.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is a legendary and classic trekking route in the Himalayas, offering breathtaking sunrise views over the 8,091-meter peaks. The trek allows you to experience the typical Nepalese villages, the traditional way of living for the local people, and their life in the Himalayas of Nepal.

The route passes through spectacular and tranquil landscapes, charming villages of the Gurung and Magar communities, and lush green forests filled with rhododendrons (Nepal’s national flower), bamboo, and alpine trees, culminating at the high altitude of 4,130 meters (13,546 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp.

Natural Experiences

The Annapurna trail is equally a delight for natural experiences. One of the trek’s highlights is climbing to the first viewpoint, Poon Hill, where we leave our big luggage at a Ghorepani hotel. Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters, provides an excellent sunrise viewpoint with panoramic views of Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), the Annapurna mountain range, and the sacred Machhapuchhare (Fishtail).

From here, we trek to Tadapani, enjoying the stunning vistas. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp, situated at the base of the massive Annapurna I (8,091 meters), offers an incredible 360-degree mountain view, creating an unforgettable lifetime experience in the Nepal Himalayas.

Natural Hot Spring

There is a natural hot spring 10 minutes down the Modi River from Jhinu Danda hotels, you can enjoy yourself spiritually in a natural hot spring with bathing areas in the lap of the mountain peak. Locals people around believe that the waters have a healing quality that eases away your body’s aches and pains.

Annapurna People and Culture

Along the trek, we encounter mixed ethnic groups, including Brahmins and Chhetris at lower elevations and the Gurung and Magar communities at higher elevations. The Gurung and Magar people are popular for their service in the British Gurkha regiments. For those interested in exploring more of Nepal’s cultural and traditional heritage in the Himalayas, consider trekking to Upper Mustang, Langtang Tamang Heritage, Manaslu, and the Everest regions.

Like most famous Annapurna treks, except the Annapurna Circuit crossing Thorong-La Pass (5,416 meters), the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) also starts and ends in Pokhara, situated at an elevation of 800 meters. Pokhara is a beautiful city that is naturally blessed and a perfect place to relax after several days of hiking in the Annapurna region. It’s located approximately 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. `

You have two main options to reach Pokhara: by road or by air. By road, the journey takes about 7-8 hours on a normal tourist bus. Local buses and microbuses leave every hour from the new bus park in Kathmandu until 3 PM. GreenLine Buses cost USD 25.00 per person, including lunch, and other tourist buses depart every morning from Kantipath.

For a quicker option, you can fly. Several domestic airlines offer daily flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, which take around 25 minutes. The cost is USD 125.00 per person during the main trekking season and USD 100 in the off-season for foreigners. Nepalese and Indian passport holders pay between USD 50 and USD 80. The Nepal Base Camp Team can happily arrange and handle all your travel logistics upon request.

To trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you need two permits: the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).

TIMS Card

You can get the TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The Kathmandu office is in Bhrikutimandap, and the office in Pokhara is in Damside. If you travel with a trekking agency, they will arrange the TIMS card. The TIMS card costs USD 20 per person for individual trekkers. If you are trekking with a guide or a group, it costs USD 10 per person.

ACAP Permit

Having the ACAP permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area would be best. Like the TIMS card, you can get this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The cost of the ACAP permit is USD 30 per person. This fee is the same whether you are trekking individually or with a group.

Getting the Permits

You must provide your passport details and two passport-sized photos to get both permits. The offices are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is best to get your permits in advance to avoid any delays.

Many people wonder about the difficulty level of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). It is a very moderate route and doesn’t demand advanced physical fitness levels to get there. Thus, it is suitable for all levels of people. Whether an experienced trekker or a beginner, you can enjoy the natural beauty along the route. Also, those who are trekking with children or family can get pleasure from this trek

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp via the Ghorepani loop allows your body to gradually adapt and acclimatize to the altitude. This approach helps keep your body in good shape. It makes tackling the physically demanding sections easier as you move into thinner air at higher elevations. The highest elevation reached on this trek is 4,130 meters (13,546 feet) above sea level.

Visitors with previous trekking experience and a fit body can complete the trek quickly. However, even those without prior knowledge can complete the trek by pacing themselves and taking the time to acclimatize properly.

From mid-September, as soon as the rainy season stops, to mid-December and mid-March to May are the best trekking seasons at Annapurna Base Camp. These seasons offer the most favorable weather conditions, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. You can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and comfortable trekking conditions. Mid-June to mid-September is the rainy season, making the trails wet and slippery. However, this time is ideal for botanists due to the lush greenery and blooming flowers, and it is less crowded.

February, March, and April are particularly beautiful, with the blooming rhododendron flowers adding vibrant colors to the trek. The highlight of the trek is climbing Poon Hill at dawn to witness the sunrise over the majestic peaks of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Trekking in December and February is highly recommended for those looking to avoid the crowds. Although mornings can be a bit cold, the days are warmer and offer clear skies with fantastic views.

During the Annapurna Base Camp trek, various tea houses and lodges provide meals and accommodations. For meals, breakfast typically includes options like porridge, toast, eggs, pancakes, and tea or coffee. Lunch and dinner options are similar, featuring dishes such as dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), noodles, pasta, momo (dumplings), and soup. Snacks and drinks include biscuits, chocolate bars, tea, coffee, and bottled water. It’s important to note that prices increase as you ascend due to the difficulty of transporting goods to higher altitudes.

Accommodations along the trek are typically in tea houses, which offer basic rooms with twin beds, usually equipped with a mattress, pillow, and blanket. It is advisable to bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth. The cost of a room ranges from USD 3 to 5 per night at lower elevations and can rise to USD 7 to 10 per night at higher elevations. Tea houses often include shared bathrooms with basic toilet facilities, and hot showers are available for an additional fee of about USD 2 to 5 per shower.

Once you confirm booking with us, Nepal Base Camp Treks will send you the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Packing Gear List specifically required for this trekking. But in the meantime, here is the basic list of gear and essentials you will need to arrange.

Due to its challenging and remote nature, travel insurance is essential for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It covers various potential risks and emergencies, ensuring peace of mind during your adventure.

Coverage

• Medical Emergencies
• Evacuation and Rescue
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption
• Lost or Stolen Belongings
• Flight Delays or Cancellations

Choosing the Right Insurance

When selecting travel insurance for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, ensure it includes:

• High-altitude trekking coverage: Confirm that the policy covers trekking above 4,000 meters, as many standard travel insurance policies do not.
• Emergency evacuation coverage: Look for policies that cover helicopter evacuation, as this is the most efficient way to get medical help in remote areas.
• Comprehensive medical coverage: Ensure the policy covers all potential medical expenses, including hospital stays and treatment costs.
• Coverage for cancellations and interruptions: Choose a policy that reimburses you for non-refundable expenses in case of trip disruptions.

Trekking with Nepal Base Camp Trek is a short and memorable adventure to Annapurna Base Camp in just eight days. We have carefully planned each day of our itinerary to ensure you enjoy the stunning scenery and experience local culture comfortably. From Kathmandu to Pokhara and Ghandruk’s terraced fields to the majestic views at Annapurna Base Camp, we carefully design every part of our journey to create unforgettable memories.

We further offer peace of mind as we are a government-registered trekking company. We prioritize safety and enjoyment at Nepal Base Camp Trek, providing experienced guides intimately familiar with the trails and local culture. We prioritize your comfort with customizable itineraries that cater to your preferences and schedules. Moreover, our trekking packages are cost-effective compared to others in the region.

Whether you are a seasoned trekker or embark on your first Himalayan adventure, Nepal Base Camp Trek promises a journey that meets and exceeds your expectations of exploring the majestic Annapurna region.