Highlights
Annapurna Conservation Area trails, enchanting & panoramic view of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Mountains from Poonhill, the culture of ethnic groups of Gurung.
Annapurna Basecamp Trek
GRADE – Moderate
TRIP DURATION – 16 days
BEST SEASON – March to May & Sep. to Dec.
Maximum Altitude – 4130 Meters
The Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes place in the Annapurna region of Nepal, within the beautiful Annapurna Conservation Area. The park covers an area of 7629 km2 and stretches through the districts of Manang, Mustang, Kaski, and Lamjung. The trek commences at Pokhara, in the west of Nepal. Pokhara is at 820m, and as the elevation gradually increases and the landscape changes from green vegetation to a rockier landscape; rising to an altitude of 4130m at Annapurna Base Camp.
It is also possible to expand the trek to take in the Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Furthermore, it is possible to lengthen the exploration of the wilderness by encompassing the Manaslu Circuit Trek as well.
Accommodation:
You will arrive in Kathmandu where you will be greeted and 3* hotel accommodation will be provided. On the trek, the accommodation will Lodges or what is known as a teahouse (Mountain hut). All accommodation is on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and at an additional cost. Lodges in most places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, please note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevations but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Regarding the budget, the hotel accommodation can be upgraded and downgraded in Kathmandu.
Food:
On your trek, you will experience authentic Nepalese cuisine as well as more common international food (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) Breakfast and dinner will be served in the Lodge where we spend the night and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided while trekking while only breakfast in Kathmandu.
Electricity facilities in trekking lodge:
Some villages will have hydropower lines but most commonly there will be a solar power system. There are likely to be battery charging facilities in most of the Lodges but for these facilities, there may be a separate charge (a cost of about 1USD for 1hour of charge).
Outline itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1300m).
You will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport and meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. After you are refreshed, you can explore the Kathmandu Valley and prepare for the trek as well. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive or fly to Pokhara (900m).
From Kathmandu,you have the option of either driving or flying to Pokhara. The drive lasts for about 6 hours and it can be done either on a private or public vehicle. If you decide to fly, then it takes about 30 minutes and it provides a gorgeous display of the snow laden mountains and greenery. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can explore the city. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 03: Drive to Nayapul (40min), Trek to Ulleri.
Wake up early and get on a drive that leads to Nayapul. After arriving there, get all your stuff sorted and head to the resting stop of the day which is Ulleri. We initially head towards Birethanti, and there we can see a huge sign that welcomes us to the Annapurna Conservation Area. Crossing the quaint settlement of Lamdawali, we climb the long steps to reach Tikhedhunga. After making the climb along the stone steps, we arrive at Ulleri. Overnight stay at Ulleri.
Day 04: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2860m).
Today, we trek to Ghorepani. The trail is rather steep and the going isn’t easy. The climate becomes much humid and you will find the forest dense. If the weather favours the trek, you can observe the delightful views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri ranges. As you reach Ghorepani, you’ll be greeted by the radiant Gurung culture and lifestyle. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.
Day 05: Hike to Poonhill (3210m) and Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2630m).
The trail to Poon Hill is incredibly steep, but it only lasts a maximum of 45 minutes. We head up early in the morning to observe the magnificent sunrise that lights up the snowy mountain ranges. The trail to Tadapani goes through the Deurali Danda. We can also make stops in the villages of Ban Thanti and ThuloOdar. We arrive at Tadapani in the evening. Overnight stay at Tadapani.
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Sinuwa (2360m).
With a sharp decrease in elevation, the trail goes through wet terrain covered by lush forests and greenery. This route is prone to wild animals, so be careful while traversing these parts. Sinuwa is a small Gurung village where you can reflect upon the prevalent Gurung cultures and traditions. Upon arrival in Sinuwa, transfer to your lodge. Overnight stay in Sinuwa.
Day 07: Trek from Sinuwa to Himalaya Hotel (2920m).
We descend further down the rocky slopes and across a suspension bridge over the ChhomrongKhola. Along the trail, there are glimpses of cascading waterfalls and local shrines. As we pass the Modi Khola, the trail becomes incredibly steep and after we climb it, the Himalaya Hotel gets into sight. Overnight stay at Himalaya Hotel.
Day 08: Trek from Himalaya to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3700m).
The trail provides an awesome display of the majestic rock structure which forms a part of the Hinku Cave. This cave is renowned among climbers and mountaineers for being a well-deserved stop. We head forward and arrive at Deurali. Later, the trail transverses through numerous streams and paves the way to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Admire the magnitude of the Machhapuchhre (6997m) from here. Overnight stay at MBC.
Day 09: Trek from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4130m).
The path from the Machhapuchhre Base Camp to the Annapurna Base Camp involves crossing moraines and walking on steep paths. You will cross small meadows and climb boulders en route to the Annapurna Base Camp. Stand in awe at the blissful sight of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu mountain ranges as you reach the base camp. Meet fellow campers and interact with them. Overnight stay at ABC.
Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan (2600m).
You wake up early and you will see the beautiful sunrise which illuminates the snowy environment around the base camp. The Annapurna ranges are beautifully decorated by the morning sunrise. We head back to Dovan by retracing our steps. The trail leads us to Bamboo, and after having lunch there, the downhill walk leads us through quaint forests. We finally arrive at Dovan, where we spend the remainder of the day. Overnight stay at Dovan.
Day 11: Dovan to Chhomrong (2170m).
From Dovan, we cross the Chhomrong Khola and further continue our descent. We walk through forests of oak, fern, and rhododendron until the forests start to get denser. We will go through the settlements of Sinuwa, and spend the afternoon resting there. As we interact with the locals there, we trek ahead and finally reach the Gurung settlement of Chhomrong. Overnight stay at Chhomrong.
Day 12: Trek to Sauli Bazaar (1210m), Drive to Pokhara (820m).
The route to Sauli Bazaar involves going through inhabited trails and interacting with the locals residing here. After a brief walkthrough of hillside routes and forested trails, we arrive at Sauli Bazaar. Have your lunch here, and later get on a vehicle that will take you to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to your hotel. You can also enjoy touring around the city for the remainder of the day. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 13: Drive or fly to Kathmandu (1300m).
From Pokhara, you have the option of either driving or flying to Kathmandu. The drive retraces the same route on the Prithvi Highway along with the company of the Trishuli River. The flight also allows you to relish the views of the Himalayas as you head to the capital. Once in Kathmandu, you can rest in your hotel. Later, stroll around the markets and streets. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 14: Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Today, we explore the major UNESCO world heritage sites of the Kathmandu valley. These sites are rich in both terms in art and culture. Starting from the Swayambhunath stupa, the tour heads to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Following with an exploration of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath is the final destination for the day. During the process, you can find some extra time to buy and bargain gifts and souvenirs as well. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu.
Today is a free day in Kathmandu which can be used either by resting or further exploring the Kathmandu valley. You can do some shopping for souvenirs or watch some movies. Head to the restaurants and diners to enjoy the local cuisine. The spas and wellness centers in the city also offer a great option to relax. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure.
Today is your final day in Nepal and our representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.