Take your time out to trek to a fabulous base camp trekking in the world. Annapurna Base Camp Trek in the Himalayas of Nepal is one such trekking journey that blows your mind with the marvels that it houses. Annapurna region lies in the middle of the Himalayas near Pokhara, a beautiful city that is the gateway for Annapurna trekking.
Overview
Apart from exploring the cultural trail and majestic beauty of the mountains, you will have chance to immerse into the incomparable charm of the Annapurna Base Camp a day. Being at the base camp, surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks, is a feeling that you rarely get to experience elsewhere. On top of the natural charm, indulging in the cultural absorption of the region is what makes the trip wonderful and memorable.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek itinerary breakdown is designed in such a way that lets trekkers absorb and enjoy the nature and the walk in plenty. The trek that involves several up and downhill challenges makes you feel the intensity of trekking in the high mountains but yet lets you enjoy it to the most. The trek starts at Dhampus Phedi and traverses all the way to Annapurna base camp via Tolkha, Chhomrong, Machhapuchhre base camp and finally returns back via Ghandruk village. The mountain views that you get to experience along the way is an inspiring and breathtaking.
Itinerary
Today is the day of your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. As soon as you come out of the Kathmandu airport, you will find our representative waiting for you in the waiting area right outside the arrival lounge. You will be warmly greeted and welcomed by the representative and led to the vehicle. Our vehicle will take you to the trip hotel, most of the time in Thamel, that is 20-30 minutes drive, depending upon traffic, from the airport.
After you check into the hotel, you can take relaxing time on your own as there are no activities scheduled for today, except our trip briefing meeting. We will let you know about the briefing timing upon your arrival.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. We come to take your for a wonderful cultural heritage tour of Kathmandu valley. As part of the tour, we are going to visit four of the UNESCO Heritage monuments in Kathmandu valley. The places we visit today are incredible mixture of culture, history, spirituality, art and stories. Overnight in Hote.
Swoyambhunath
Believed to have been created on its own, this Budhhist stupa is the oldest of all the monuments in Kathmandu valley. Standing atop a small hillock, Swoyambunath, known as monkey temple amongst tourists, provides a fascinating view of the valley, surrounding hills and snow-capped mountain at the distance on a clear day.
Patan Durbar Square
One of the three medieval palace squares, Patan Durbar Square holds its medieval art and architectural grandeur. Amazing skill of the artisans is evident in each and every building that stands in the square. The square comprises of medieval palace, temples and museum.
Pashupatinath
This site is the most sacred Hindu temple area in the country. But, as the temple is strictly a Hindu only area, non-Hindu tourists go there to watch the unique Hindu cremation rituals on the bank of River Bagmati. The death rites of Hindu family there are so engrossing and heart-touching which make you feel the moment. It’s not any kind of intrusion in being there and watching somebody being cremated in an open ground. It’s a great cultural experience.
Boudhanath
This giant Buddhist stupa is considered as the biggest one in the world. This small square with giant shrine has a powerful presence of the spiritual vibrations. It’s an important pilgrimage site for the people following Tibetan Buddhism.
We take early morning breakfast and get ready to drive to Pokhara. Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is a blessed city with beauty of nature and is the gateway to Annapurna region trekking. We drive along the highway that passes through several beautiful towns and runs along the river in most of the parts. The peaceful rural setting of Nepal looks fascinating during the drive. About 7 hours on the road brings us beautiful rural views along the highway before reaching Pokhara. Once we reach Pokhara, we can take leisurely wanderings around the serene lakeside.
It is the first day of trekking into the Annapurna Sanctuary. We drive for about half an hour to Dhampus Phedi to start the trek. The first part is a steep ascent towards Dhampus. The trail passes narrowly through sloppy grassland to emerge into ridge that eases the difficulty level of the trail. When we reach the top ridge of Dhampus, we are welcomed by beautiful and overwhelming view of the Fishtail and other mountain peaks in the Annapurna range. We then trek gently towards Tolkha, our destination for today. It’s a beautiful experience of trekking through the woods and cultural villages.
We set off on the second day of trekking after breakfast at our lodge in Tolkha. We descend toward New Bridge on the bank of a glacial river called Modi Khola. After crossing the bridge over the river, we proceed towards Jhinu Danda on relatively a gentle trail before starting on a steep uphill challenge to Chhomrong. The day walk takes us to the beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong for the overnight stay where we can experience the unique life style of the ethnic tribe along with the charismatic beauty of the nature.
We start the day with a descent to Chhomrong Khola after breakfast. A beautiful walk to Chhomrong Khola takes us for the ascent to Sinuwa and then proceeds further to Bamboo. The trail passes through beautiful nature that is full of bamboo forest and other trees. View of the nature that surrounds the trail so charming that takes our tiredness easily away. We eventually reach Bamboo after traversing the beautiful nature trail.
Our day starts with a mouthwatering breakfast. We set off on the trek for the day that takes us through a beautiful trail towards Himalaya hotel along the trail. The trekking hours, especially on this trek, is shorter so that we have more time to absorb the beauty of the surrounding. We walk on an easy pace and immerse more into the charming spell that the nature around in throwing upon us. When we reach Himalaya hotel we will have enough time to indulge ourselves in the overwhelming beauty of the place.
We are on an easy walk to Machhapuchhre Base Camp for overnight stay. When we reach the MBC, we get to enjoy the overwhelming view of the mountain peaks that surround us. Another easy day of walking into the Annapurna Sanctuary trail takes us closer to the charm of mountains. As we will have enough time in the afternoon, we laze around exploiting the beauty of the mountains at the MBC.
We reach the final destination on this trek today. Reaching Annapurna Base Camp amidst the gigantic mountain peaks brings us an amazing feeling of mountain charm. As we have plan to stay overnight at ABC today, we will have enough time to enjoy the beauty of the base camp for the whole day. We spend an amazing day at the base camp and stay overnight there at the elevation of 4,130 meters above sea level.
After enjoying a full day and the morning today at the base camp surrounded by amazing beauty of the mountains, we are setting off on the journey back. We trek to Dovan today after relishing of breakfast above 4,000 meters from sea level. The trail passes through MBC, Deurali and all the way back to Dovan to stay overnight.
Our trek for the day today takes us back to the beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong. We walk past Bamboo, Sinuwa, Chhomrong Khola and finally with an ascent to Chhomrong village. The walk today will allow us to enjoy the charm of the trail and surrounding.
We are walking to another beautiful village of Ghandruk. After breakfast, we descend to Jhinu Danda and cross a mountain stream to proceed towards Ghandruk village. After walking for about an hour and half following the Modi Khola, we reach Kyumi village to start the uphill walk to Ghandruk. This final uphill section eventually takes us to Ghandruk for overnight stay.
It’s the final day of trek today where we trek down to Nayapul. Starting right after the breakfast with view, we descend the trail closer to Modi Khola bank and continue the walk to Birethanti along the river. When we reach Birethanti, we check out from the Annapurna Conservation Area. We walk further to Nayapul. We get on a vehicle that is there to pick us up and take to Pokhara. After about one and half hour, we will be back at beautiful city civilization of Pokhara.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we get on the bus to drive back to Kathmandu. About seven hours of overland journey takes us back to Kathmandu. Once we are in Kathmandu, we go to hotel and spend the whole day at leisure on our own. Finding relieving massage, good food, souvenir shopping, and wandering around can keep you busy for the day.
Farewell dinner is scheduled for this evening. We will let you know the departure time for dinner once we reach Kathmandu.
The final day of the trip, we drive you to airport for your scheduled flight homebound or other destination. We will pick you up 3 hours prior to your flight schedule.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Airport Pick and Drop for both International and Domestic flight by Private vehicle.
- Welcome, Farewell dinner with cultural program.
- 3 Nights Tourist Standard Hotel Accmmodiation in Kathmandu with B/B basis.
- Half Day Guided Cultural Tours in Kathmandu with all the Entrance fees.
- 2 Nights Tourist Standard Hotel Accmmodiation in Pokhara with B/B basis.
- Transportation from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by Tourist Coach.
- Transportation from Pokhara-Nayapul-Pokhara by local jeep.
- Standard Lodge Accommodation (best available) with twin sharing basis during the trek.
- Full Board Meals (3 Meals a day) while on the trek.
- Trekking Permit (ACCAP) and Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees.
- Professional & highly expertise Government Licensed holder Trekking Guide.
- 2:1 Porters to carry luggages.
- All expenses of the staffs (Guides/Porters) that includes Food, Accommodation, Salary, Insurance, Equipment during your travel period.
- All the necessary trekking gear for porters like jacket /trousers, trekking shoes, gloves, shocks, sunglasses etc.
- Friends Adventure Team's Sleeping Bag, Walking Poles and Duffel Bag, to be return after trip completed.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit.
- Arrangement of all rescue and evacuation promptly, in Worst Condition
- Group Trekking Gears.
- Trekking Map, Friends Adventure Team's special Souvenir.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars.
- All desserts, sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses.
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears.
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Medical and Travel Insurance and Emergency rescue by any means of Transportation including Helicopter evacuation if required.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival).
- Gratuities to guide, porters and driver (Not mandatory but expected as customizetripomary thank you for the service).
- Any other item not included in "Cost Includes" Section.
Frequently asked Questions
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is Medium trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
