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Annapurna Base Camp Trekking (Sanctuary)

Key Points

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Max Altitude: 4130 m
  • Fitness Level: Moderate
  • Group Size: 2-15px
Trip Overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking – one of the most popular trekking trips – includes varied landscapes in the Annapurna region of the central Himalayas. This place is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary – as located in one of the largest nature conservation area and holy for the local inhabitants. The trek offers splendid views of the mighty Himalayan peaks and showcases distinct cultural heritages of local people.

The trek leads you through rhododendron forests and terraced farm proffering the charming scenery of the ethnic villages and their lifestyle. The beautiful views of the Himalayas you can sight include: Annapurna massif’s Annapurna I (8,091 m/ 26,545 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m/ 23,684 ft),  Annapurna III (7,555 m/ 24,786 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/ 24,457 ft); Dhaulagiri Range’s Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m /26,795 ft), Dhaulagiri II (7,751m/ 25,430ft), Dhaulagiri III (7,715  m/ 25,311ft); and others such as Himchuli (6,441 m/ 21,131 ft) and Machapuchhre (6,993 m/ 22,942 ft).

The bowl shaped Annapurna Base Camp – surrounded by mighty mountain peaks – is located at 4,130 m/ 13,549 ft above sea level just after Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Trekking to the Annapurna Base camp is spectacular to explore villages, cultures, and rural lifestyle close-up with walking in the forest and farmed terraces of mid-hill Nepal. 

Best Season

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is best enjoyed during the spring and autumn months. The spring season (March to May) is known for its pleasant weather with clear skies and bright sunshine. The temperatures are warm during the day and chilly at night, making it perfect for trekking. The autumn season (September to November) is also an ideal time to trek as the weather is still pleasant and the mountain views are awe-inspiring.
The months of December, January, and February are the winter months in the Annapurna region and the temperatures can be quite cold. The views of the mountains are not as spectacular during this time, although the landscapes are still beautiful.

When planning your Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the best time to go is the spring or autumn months. The clear skies and pleasant temperatures will create the perfect environment to enjoy the awe-inspiring Himalayan views and the incredible experience of trekking to the base camp of one of the world’s most iconic mountains. 

Difficulty 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and rewarding treks in Nepal. It takes you through stunning countryside, villages and gorges to a base camp located on the south face of majestic Annapurna I (8091m). The trek offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks with an altitude gain of 4,400 meters. 

The trek can be divided into three stages: the moderate first-day hike to Ghandruk then a five-day journey up to ABC with dramatic ascents through Modi Khola gorge; and finally exploring around Base Camp itself before returning back down via Jhinu Danda hot springs. Although none would describe this as an easy route - it’s certainly not technical but there are difficult sections - so it may require extra preparation if you plan on attempting it. 

Firstly, physical fitness is very important in order to enjoy Annapurna Base Camp trekking experience fully. Even though ABC has no technical challenges, walking hours at high altitudes makes this trek physically demanding compared to other low elevation hikes in Nepal. Hikers should come prepared by building stamina ahead of time by doing regular hiking or running for two months prior the trip starting date. 

In order to make it to Annapurna Base Camp, trekkers will be expected to face higher altitudes of up to 4,200 meters that require the acclimatization process. To walk at high elevations safely, a slow and steady pace should be set for each day with few hours for rest and interaction with local people along the way. 

Keep in mind that this is one of Nepal’s most popular treks and therefore you might expect hundreds of hikers on the trail every season. ABC trek can also offer extreme weather changing as you progress towards base camp due its typical location at the foothills of Mountain ranges which makes every day packing preparation quite difficult. Weather-wise it’ll range from 3 degrees Celsius (lowest temperature) at night-time even through summer time while increase significantly during afternoons over 25+ degree approximately once above Deurali point (3140m).
 
All-in-all Annapurna Base Camp Trekking demands extensive physical fitness; preparation and right equipment essential for safe and pleasurable adventure within a very short period of days/weeks as compared with other long-distance hikes in Nepal such like Mt Everest Base Camp or around Annapurna Circuit trails.

Accommodation 

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a popular and spectacular trek in Nepal. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes ranging from low-lying sub-tropical forests to glacier-filled valleys, high altitude lakes, beautiful ethnic villages and majestic mountain peaks. Accommodation for the trek can vary depending on your budget, time restraints and preferences. 

If you are looking for budget accommodation there is plenty of basic guesthouses (lodges) located along the trail that offer comfortable beds, authentic Nepali food & hot showers at an affordable rate. Most guesthouses have either twin or dormitory rooms depending on the size of your group so it’s best to book ahead if possible. For an even more rustic experience camping is also available in some areas where tents can be hired with mattress, sleeping bags and meals provided by local guides and porters. 

For those wanting a bit more luxury or just a break from simpler sleeping arrangements, there are several higher-end tea houses offering private rooms with ensuite bathrooms throughout most of the trekking route but bookings here tend to fill quickly, especially during peak season, so it's important to plan ahead. For premium level comfort, luxury lodges situated closer towards ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) such as the Himalaya Lodge or Shree Annapurna Lodge offer clean, comfortable rooms with a few added luxuries such as hot showers and western toilets for a slightly higher premium. 

Wherever you decide to stay on your trek, be sure to try out some of Nepal's traditional food like dal bhat (lentil rice), chowmein (fried noodles) & momo dumplings – all delicious Nepali classics that can’t be missed! 

Book your trip now for a lifetime of entharrling experiences at Annapurna Base Camp Trek!

Itenerary

Your arrival in Kathmandu is fascinating itself. Our friendly representative will be there at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your hotel. After you complete check-in formality, and taking short rest, we introduce to the market of Thamel, where you can eat your supper, change money, buy some stuffs from supermarket, or buy trekking gears. Later we take you to our office for the trip briefing. Overnight at your hotel. Delay of any kind will postpone the events for next day according to feasibility.

You will be starting the day with breakfast at your Hotel. The sightseeing tour involves tour of two religious, cultural, and art-wise important sites of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. Pashupatinath Temple: It is one of the most famous Hindu temples in South-Asia. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This place is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. The Bagmati river flowing besides the temple is religiously and spiritually important for Hindus where cremation of dead body takes place. Pashupatinath temple holds the most of prominence during Shivaratri – Shiva’s birthday and thousands of pilgrims gather in the night to celebrate the day. Boudhanath Stupa: It is one of the biggest Stupas in terms of size and height in Nepal and located in east of Kathmandu. The site is peaceful and culturally full with intermixed influence of Tibetan and Sherpa roots. Stupa built in the trading route between Kathmandu and Tibet has four pairs of eyes directed towards all four directions. It is believed to be influenced by Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. After short tour of city we return to hotel and prepare for the trek. Overnight will be spent at hotel.
You will enjoy your breakfast in the hotel and drive to airport for a flight to Pokhara. You fly to Pokhara – small beautiful city situated in the lap of the Annapurna massif – parallel to the central Himalayas. From Pokhara we drive to Nayapul. Today’s walk will be short. You hike from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga along the stretch of Modi Khola at first and then gentle uphill. Walking time for today is about three hours. Overnight stay in the Lodge.
The day is filled with track moving up and up until you reach Ghorepani. First off, you start by climbing all the way steep up to Ulleri, from where you get the view of mountain peak including Annapurna South, Himchuli, and tip of Fishtail top. You continue to Banthanti and fill your stomach with delicious lunch. We then walk through a forest and follow the trail to Ghorepani. Just below Poonhill, Ghorepani is located in middle of Rhododendron forest. We get to view Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain from this beautiful village. We spend the night at local lodge.

The day start with a pre-dawn hike to the top of Poonhill to view the sunrise – the most anticipated location for the same. After an hour of climb, you reach to the top of Poonhill before sunrise, and wait for it. The panoramic view of Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri is unbeatable and fulfilling in many ways. You will drink hot coffee/tea with sunrise and return back to your lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, set off for the day, and trek your way through beautiful forest to Tadapani. It is long up and down trail today yet enjoying in the forest. You enjoy your lunch in a small sunny place called Banthanti. From here another stretch of down and up remains. Arrive Tadapani and overnight stay here.

After breakfast with view of mighty Himalayan peaks: Annapura South, Fishtail and Hiunchuli, we start our walk. The day starts with downhill trek to a river, from then on after we cross the suspension bridge we walk uphill to Chhomrong. We pass through beautiful forest and small settlements of Gurung people on our way, giving us new perspective on Himalayan lifestyle. We spend the night at local lodge in Chhomrong.

After breakfast you follow the trail down to a river, which brings us to an uphill track again after crossing the bridge above Chhomrong Khola. You pass small villages of Sinuwa and Bhanuwa on your way uphill to Sinuwa. After you walk in the beautiful stretch in the forest and past Khuldighar, walk small downhill to reach Bamboo for lunch. After lunch, you walk about an hour an half to reach Dovan – small place located in a deep gorge with few guest houses to stay overnigh. Overnight stay at local lodge in Dovan.

Start your day in the morning upward from Dovan. You will start to walk on a slow pace throughout the day as you are gaining height and altitude begins to work on your body. Trail to Deurali goes through beautiful forest of Rhododendron and bamboo with views of mesmerizing waterfalls on both sides of the river. Overnight at a local lodge in Deurali.

You start today’s hike pretty early in the morning given the landscape you will be traveling. In winter months and early spring months this section is bit dangerous with avalanches. With increase in altitude the alpine landscape starts to appear. You walk along river to reach Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m/12,139 ft) . You can stop in this place for a tea. You then walk on a slow pace keeping in mind the height you are gaining and you are now in a altitude sickness prone zone. You need to acclimatize your body by walking slowly at this height. Reach Annapurna Base Camp where you stay the night and enjoy your lunch, and walk around the place.

Wake up early in the morning to view spectacular sun rise over the mountain ranges of Annapurana – specially in the Annapurna I. Sun peaking through white mountains is highlight of your trip. The view of the peaks from Base Camp Annapurna is splendid where you are encircled by peaks namely Machhapuchhre, Gandarva Chuli, Flute Peak, Annapurana I, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna South, and Himchuli. Enjoy the exploration around the camp where numerous memorial chorterns dedicated to those brave climbers who lost their life in this Annapurna while climbing. Annapurna I was the first climbed 8000er peak of the world by French climber Maurice Herzog and colleagues in 1950. They climbed from the north face, and you are now standing in the south face. After breakfast, you begin your way back to the city. Once we reach Bamboo we spend the night at local lodge.

After breakfast we start our day trekking on a downward trail. Although you are coming down still the steep uphill to Chhomrong waiting for you. You past Sinuwa and Chhomrong villages and then walk steep downhill to Jhinu Danda. According to time available, you can enjoy natural hot spring bath 30 mins down from lodge to the river. Spend the night in Jhinnu Danda.

After breakfast we follow the river and walk our way through beautiful forest, waterfalls and river streams. Bee hives hanging off cliffs are also great attraction of the day. Passing terraced farming and various small settlements, we reach Nayapul. From Nayapul drive to Pokhara and spend the night at hotel in this beautiful city.

Pokhara is a beautiful city with small lakes taking up most of its landscape. We take you to visit Devi’s Fall and Gupteswor cave which are few attractions among many. You could roam around the city on your own too in the afternoon. There are numerous fun and adventurous activities you could be part of, including Zip-lining, paragliding and bungee-jumping in Pokhara. You relax and spend your last night at hotel in Pokhara.

You drive back to Kathmandu – some 206 kms and takes seven hours – or take a flight according to your interest. If you are driving, you drive through beautiful bending mountain highway which stretches along the river and passes through beautiful landscape. Once in Kathmandu we will transfer you to your respective hotel and you will be given free time to wander around. Overnight will be spent in hotel.

After breakfast at your Hotel, we take you to the mysterious Kathmandu city tour. This historical, cultural and spiritual city unveils the social and historical mysteries to visitors. You will walk through the narrow lanes of the ancient Kathmandu – the center of power – that includes markets of Ason, Glass beads market at Indrachowk, oldest supermarket at New Road, Kilagal, and Hidden Stupas inside the family courtyard. Visit of Kathmandu Durbar Square – the administrative quarter of Malla Kings (fourteenth to eighteenth century), and Shah Kings who ruled Nepal from 1768 until 2008. The most unique experience in the square is the visit to the temple of the living goddess “Kumari”. After the tour, return back to your Hotel. If you are staying in Thamel, you can hang around this bustling tourist market and enjoy shopping. Overnight in Hotel.

As per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the international airport of Kathmandu three hours prior to the flight time and your tour ends here.

What is Included?

    • Airport Pick Up and Drop Off (International & Domestic)
    • 3 star standard hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu (Nepal standard)
    • 3 star standard hotel with breakfast in Pokhara
    • Tea house (Lodge) accommodation during trek
    • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and  Dinner) during trek
    • Tea / Coffee (3 times a day) during trek
    • A professional Trekking Guide, Porter (Helper), and Assistant Guide provided for more than 5 trekkers.
    • Air ticket (Kathmandu-Pokhara)
    • All food, drinks, lodging, salary, insurance, medical equipment, and transportation for Trekking Staff
    • Private transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu
    • Kathmandu Cultural and Historical sightseeing with a Tour Guide, private transportation, and entrance fee
    • Sightseeing in Pokhara with a Tour Guide, private transportation, and entrance fee
    • Trekking Permit (TIMS)
    • Annapurna Conservation Area  Permit (ACAP)
    • Down jacket, sleeping bag, fleece liner, and a duffel bag
    • All government taxes

What is Excluded?

    • Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and cold drinks), cigarettes, your insurance coverage that should include the emergency helicopter evacuation, and any kind of expenses created due to unforeseen circumstances.
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
    • Tips for Guide Porter & Driver (Tips are not mandatory but expected and recommended)
    • Any other services that are not mentioned in the Inclusion section

Equipment Checklist

This list outlines the required things to bring during the trekking tours. There are various selections and brands that you can choose as per your interest. All required trekking equipments can be bought or even hired easily at a reasonable price in Kathmandu.

General

  1. Down sleeping bag (you can borrow with us if required).
  2. Duffel or Rucksack bag (you can borrow with us if required).
  3. Daypack
  4. Down Jacket (you can borrow with us if required).
  5. Fleece liner (you can borrow with us if required).
  6. Walking poles (Walking poles are optional but recommended, and you can borrow with us if required).
  7. Water bottle with purification tablets.
  8. Hand wash liquids.
  9. Lip guard.
  10. Sun-block cream.
  11. Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

  1. Cap and ears covering hat. 
  2. Glacier glasses
  3. Head torch.
  4. Ear-muffs and neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth (optional)

Hand

  1. Hand gloves (One light pair and One warmer pair)

Body

  1. T-shirts – few.
  2. Light and weight thermal tops and warm thermal top.
  3. Light jacket and vest.
  4. Wind and rain jacket.
  5. Shirts and warm shirts.

Lower Body – Legs

  1. Long and short hiking pants.
  2. Lightweight and warm long underwear.
  3. Rain and windproof trousers and warm trekking trousers.

Feet

  1. Thin and thick socks.
  2. Trekking boots, light shoes, and sandal.
  3. Trekking Gaiters.       

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Our guide will carry first aid kit bag during the trek.  We still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as you feel it necessary).

  1. Headache and fever medicine.
  2. Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
  3. Burnt cream.
  4. Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach and diarrhea.
  5. Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide). Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.
  6. Antibiotics.
  7. Blister treatments such as moleskin, hand plants and-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.

Miscellaneous

  1. Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies).
  2. Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money and passport.
  3. Pocket knife.
  4. Bandanas.
  5. Favorite snack foods and energy bars
  6. Paperback books, cards, mp3 player. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items lightweights
  7. Binoculars.
  8. Camera.

All garments should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.

Trip Reviews

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking (Sanctuary)

Jerome M. Lorenzo 5 - Excellent
03/04/2023

I recently completed the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Mountain Delight and it was an absolutely amazing experience. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to help. The trek itself was beautiful, with stunning views and amazing landscapes. The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious. The staff were also very accommodating and flexible, so we could customize the trek to our liking. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend Mountain Delight to anyone looking for a memorable trekking adventure. 5 stars!

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