Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) TRIP OVERVIEW:
Trip Duration: 8 nights 9 days trek.
Max Altitude: 4130m
Start: Pokhara
End: Pokhara
Difficulty: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle, local bus & Jeep
Accommodation: Tea house
Group Size: For individual, friends and family members. All our treks are private.
Meals: All included.
Why to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
- Spectacular Scenery: The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world. The trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and high-altitude landscapes with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
- Annapurna Base Camp: The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp itself, which is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and other snow-capped peaks.
- Annapurna Panorama: The Annapurna Base Camp trek also offers a breathtaking view of the Annapurna Panorama, which includes the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other peaks.
- Annapurna Sanctuary: The Annapurna Base Camp trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek because it takes you through a beautiful and serene valley that is surrounded by high mountains on all sides, making it feel like a sanctuary.
- Ethnic Culture: The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you through a variety of traditional Nepalese villages, where you can experience the local culture and way of life of the Gurung and Magar people.
- Moderate Trip: The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered a moderate trek, which means that it is suitable for most people with a moderate level of fitness. The trek takes around 10-12 days to complete and involves hiking for 5-6 hours per day.
- Flora and Fauna: The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you through a variety of ecosystems, from lush forests to alpine landscapes, and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests, rare birds, and animals like snow leopards and Himalayan thars.
- Annapurna Mountain: The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you to the base of Annapurna Mountain, which is the 10th highest mountain in the world, standing at an altitude of 8,091 meters.
In summary, the Annapurna Base Camp trek offers a unique and unforgettable trekking experience, with spectacular mountain scenery, a rich cultural experience, and a moderate level of difficulty that is suitable for most people.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range, some of the highest peaks in the world. This trek also gives trekkers the opportunity to experience the rich cultural diversity of the Nepalese mountain lifestyle.
Starting from Pokhara, the natural capital of Nepal, the trek winds through charming villages and terraced farms and takes trekkers through the pristine higher reaches of the mountains. The Annapurna range, with its northern wall looming over Pokhara, makes for a breathtaking backdrop to this trek.
The first stop is Ghorepani, which offers a panoramic view of 15 snow peaks including Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, and Manaslu. The trek then takes trekkers through a rhododendron forest to Chhomrong village, which boasts magnificent views of Annapurna South and Fishtail.
The trail then enters into a narrow valley wedged between Annapurna South and Fishtail, leading to the Fishtail Base Camp at 3,700m. Here, trekkers can experience the meadows and glacial moraine of a relatively bright and wide valley.
Finally, at Annapurna Base Camp, trekkers are rewarded with 360-degree views of snow peaks, including the majestic Annapurna I at 8,091m, the 10th highest peak in the world.
Throughout the trek, trekkers will encounter diverse ethnic groups and their charming villages, gaining insight into the Nepalese mountain lifestyle and cultural diversity. With moderate adventure in the Himalayas, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a must-do for any adventurer looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
ITINERARY:
9 Days ABC Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive From Pokhara to Nayapul /Birethanti /Tikhedhunga (1,570m). Trek to Ulleri (2020 m)
Driving hrs: 2 hrs
Highest altitude 2020 m
Trek Duration : 3-4 hrs
Our trekking guide will pick up our guests from their hotel and we take a short drive through the beautiful landscapes and head to Tikhedhunga. The road is quite gentle and passes through Nayapul and then Birethanti. While on the road, you will see stunning terraced farms along the Bhurungdi Khola.
After Birethanti, it is an off-road drive that takes us to Tikhedunga. The hike starts at Tikhedhunga, passes through Sudame and Hile villages, and ends at Ulleri (2020 meters). You will be hiking for about three hours.
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri (2020 m) to Ghorepani (2860 m)
Highest altitude: 2860 m
Trek Duration : 3 / 4 hrs
Today’s trek will be exciting as the trail slowly ascends. From the path, you can savor the views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli snow peaks. As we walk through the rhododendron forest, we can see several wild animals, refreshing springs, and rivers. The path then leads us to Ghorepani, which is a spectacular settlement that lies on a ridgeline.
The views of the Himalayas from this village are breathtaking allowing heavenly sights of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, V, Tukuche, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Barah Sikhar, Machhapuchhre (commonly known as Fishtail).
Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint, then trek to Tadapani (2,675 m) / Chuile (2,309 m)
Highest altitude: 2675 m
Trek Duration: 4 hrs
If you love sunrises, today is your day. Early in the morning, before sunrise, we ascend Poon Hill just in time to view the sunrise on the Himalayas. From Poon Hill, you can see dawn breaking at more than 32 Annapurna ranges along with Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre mountains. Poon Hill is a famous spot for photography, so we will make the most of our visit to Poon Hill by clicking pictures to our hearts’ content.
After spending time on Poon Hill, we descend to our lodge, have our breakfast, and start the trek to Tadapni (2675 m). But to reach Tadapani, we will be passing through Deurali (3200 m) and Band Thanthi. If we arrive early at Tadapani, we will trek a little further to Chuile Village.
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani (2,675 m) / Chuile (2,309m) to Chhomrong (2,170 m) / Sinuwa (2,360 m)
Highest altitude: 2170 m
Trek Duration: 5 hrs
Today’s trek will slightly differ based on where we stayed last night. At Tadapani, we will have our breakfast, and continue our journey to Chomrong (2,170 m), passing Chuile on the way. First, we pass the beautiful Ghandruk Village and then take a steep descent to the Kimron River before reaching Chomrong. From the way, you will see mind-blowing views of Annapurna South and Fishtail.
Chomrong village lies on the lap of the mighty Annapurna massif and is a popular overnight spot for those ascending to Annapurna Base Camp. However, if we stayed at Chuile last night, we would stop at Sinuwa to spend the night.
Day 5: Trek from Chomrong (2,170 m)/ Sinuwa (2,360 m) to Himalaya (2,920 m) / Deurali (3,200 m)
Highest altitude: 2920 m
Trek Duration: 6 / 7 hrs
Today’s trek is going to be a bit longer. It also differs a bit based on your previous night’s stay. If you stay at Chomrong, you will follow the trail down to Chomrong Khola on steep stones, but then the path ascends through the bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests to reach Sinuwa. However, if you spent the night at Sinuwa, the trek starts from Sinuwa. You will get to enjoy the views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna snowcaps from the route. The route passes Khuldigar village, descends to Bamboo Lodge settlements, and ascends to Himalaya (2,920 m). If you start the trek from Sinuwa, you will stay at Deurali for the night.
Day 6: Trek from Himalaya (2,920 m) / Deurali (3,200 m) to ABC (4,130m / 13,550ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m)
Highest altitude: 4,130m / 13,550ft
Trek Duration: 5 hrs
If we spent the last night in the Himalayas, we will follow a route through the narrow gorge along the Modi Khola Glacier Valley, past more forests. We will also be passing a large overhanging rock known as Hinku Cave and the lodges of Deurali before making it to the entryway of the Annapurna Sanctuary, which ultimately takes us to ABC. However, if we slept at Deurali, the trek starts from Deurali itself.
Throughout the day, we will be walking close to the Annapurna glaciers. On our way, Machhapuchhre Base Camp offers us a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. However, we continue our journey northwest to eventually reach ABC.
From ABC, we get a 360-degree view of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South to Annapurna I (8,097m/26,566ft), and Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare.
Today’s trek takes you close to several huge mountains – including Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Paungda Danda, and numerous other peaks ranging from 6000 to 8000 m in elevation. This might be the day, that you will never forget in your entire life due to the sheer beauty of the snow-capped mountains that surround you. We will spend the night at the Base Camp.
Day 7: Trek from ABC (4,130m / 13,550ft) to Bamboo (2,310 m)
Highest altitude: 4,130m / 13,550ft
Trek Duration: 6 hrs
After leaving our footprints on ABC, it is time to climb down. We will take a path that takes us out of the Annapurna Sanctuary and out of the Modi River Valley. Eventually, we will make it to our serene stopover point called Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700 ft) – our destination for the day.
Day 8: Trek from Bamboo (2,310 m) to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m / 6,393ft) and nearby natural hot springs
Highest altitude: 2,310 m
Trek Duration: 3-4hrs
After a long journey from ABC to Bamboo last day, we continue our way toward Jhinu Danda. First, we take a path that takes us down to Kimrong Khola and then ascend through the serene rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests, eventually reaching Jhinu Danda.
Jhinu Danda consistently attracts thousands of visitors each year as an exotic place famous for its soothing natural hot springs, where we will also let our tired muscles relax. From the hot springs, you can enjoy the views of the rhododendron forest and lush vegetation.
Day 9: Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1940 m) and drive to Pokhara (820m) via Nayapul
Highest altitude: 1,780m / 6,393ft
Trek Duration: 2-3hrs
Driving hours:2-3hrs
We have reached our final day on the trekking trails. After leaving Jhinu Danda, we follow the plain dust road along the right of Modi Khola. This part of the trek forms the most relaxing walk of the entire trip. After trekking for about three hours, we will reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi, where we will bid goodbye to the trails and drive through the picturesque countryside to Pokhara.
Please note that the trekking duration mentioned for each day is an approximate estimate and can vary depending on individual hiking paces, weather conditions, and other factors.
INCLUDES:
- Trekking permits
- Trekking guide
- Food (meals include only the main course and tea/coffee. It doesn’t include starters or dessert).
- Private lodgings
- Water purification tablets
- Transportation (pick up and drop services from your hotel)
EXCLUDES:
- alcoholic and soft drinks
- Porter
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
1) Trekking Bag (35L to 50L Maximum)
2) One pair of trousers
3) One pair of shorts/half pants
4) Hat or Cap to block strong sunlight
5) Two T-shirts
6) Medium size quick drying towel
7) Few underwears
8) One thick coat/jacket
9) Trekking boots
10) 2 pairs of socks
11) 1 pair of sandals
12) Water bottle
13) Trekking poles (I have 2 poles)
14) Sunblock cream, face and body moisturizer
15) Sunblock spectacle
16) Basic First Aid Kit
17) Tissue paper, wet wipes, and toiletry
18) Feminine hygiene products
19) Anti-bacterial hand wash.
20) Toothbrush and toothpaste
21) Flashlight