Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Route is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.Furthermore, it is one of the top ten trekking trails throughout the world. From the tranquil yet touristic lakes in Pokhara to the hamlets strewn by prayer flags nestled in the higher altitudes explorers have a lot to enjoy. You get to experience the unique culture of Gurung and other indigenous communities. Annapurna Conservation Area also boasts diverse landscapes and vegetation; rare species of flora and fauna; and several historical and cultural heritage sites.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking starts from the beautiful city of Pokhara. Also known as the City of Lakes, Pokhara is the unofficial tourist capital of Nepal. We may have either the beautiful Dhampus or the small hamlet of Nayapul as the starting point of the trek. Wandering through the lively settlements along the Bhurungdi River, the trekking trail traverses through colorful rhododendron and pine forests. We will also visit the Magar community dominated Ulleri village, ancient trade stoppage of Ghorepani and the breathtaking Poonhill. Stone steps carved in several sections of the trail lead the way to the base camp of Fishtail Mountain and the domineering Annapurna Mountain.
After creating memories with the up-close views of the glittering mountains, rolling hills, and the truly outstanding sunrises and sunsets, we shall retrace our steps through the rough and rocky terrain to relax at the natural hot springs in Jhinu Danda. The trek then traverses through the Valley of Modi River. Then back to the scenic city of Pokhara before returning to the medieval capital of Kathmandu. In this adventure, you shall enjoy the diverse scenery and cultural richness. During the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, marvel at the sight of golden sunlight spreading majestically over the distant peaks. Trek from the mossy jungles at a lower altitude to the snow-clad expanses in the higher elevation.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Route is designed for explorers who seek the stunning diversity without trekking on a strenuous trail. Suitable for trekkers with average physical fitness, this trek is at its best in the months of February to May and September to December. Join the professional and experienced team of Nepal Trekking Planner and make the most out of your adventure. We assure of quality service, meticulously planned itineraries and the maximum value of your money spent. Hope you have a wonderful holiday in Nepal with us.
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4430ft)
- Day 02: Full day in Kathmandu
- Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) about 7 hrs by tourist bus
- Day 04: Pokhara to Nayapul to Tirkhedhunga (1570m/5150ft) about 2 hrs drives and 3-4 hrs walks
- Day 05: Tikhedhunga to Ullery to Ghorepani (2780m/9121ft) 5-6 hrs walk
- Day 06: Ghorepani to Tadapani (2660m/8727ft) 4-5 hrs walks
- Day 07: Tadapani to Chomrong (2060m/6759ft) 4-5 hrs walk
- Day 08: Chomrong to Dovan (2606m/8550ft) 5-6 hrs walk
- Day 09: Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3707m/12163ft) 4-5 hrs walk.
- Day 10: Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4135m/13567ft) 2-3 hrs walk
- Day 11: Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) to Dovan (2505m/8219ft) 5-6 hrs walk
- Day 12: Dovan to Jhinu (1780m/5840ft) 4-5 hrs walk
- Day 13: Jhinu Dana to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) 5-6 hrs walk and about 2 hrs drive
- Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu(1350m/4430ft)
- Day 15: Final departure
- All airport pick up drop by private vehicle (for both international and domestic flights)
- Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant
- 03 night twin/double sharing accommodation in BB in Kathmandu
- Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with private vehicle.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
- National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- 02 guest to 01 porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment
- We provide an assistant guide his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance walking with group to support where necessary as per the group size
- Accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
- Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
- safe drinking water and first add kit box
- Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirt, cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
- Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
- All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary
- One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after trek
- Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
- All the International air fare to and from Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Meals during the travel time
- Personal travel and health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation
- In case of extra nights’ accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights accommodation.
- Your personal expenses such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc)
- The tips to the trekking crews and drive
- Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
- Anything not included in service includes column
Suggested Equipment list for this trip
- Duffel/Rucksack bag/Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Trekking Planner duffel bag that is to be returned after the trip)
- Day pack
- Trekking shoes
- Sports shoes or sandals
- Sun Hat/cap
- Warm woolen cap
- Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
- Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
- Pullover or warm sweeter
- Raincoat
- 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
- Hand gloves
- 2/3 pairs of trekking trousers
- 3/4 pairs of trekking shirts
- 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
- Sun glasses
- Water bottle
- 4 season sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it. It is to be returned after the trip)
- Flash or Torch light
- Camera and batteries
Difficulties rating of the Annapurna Base Camp trek
Someone who is easily able to hike 5-6 hours per day carrying a light weight backpack will be fit enough to do this trek. There are stone steps up and down which are uneven. Due to some long descents your legs may feel shaky so we recommend the use of walking poles. The maximum altitude of the trek is 4130m, so you need to be careful about your health and altitude related risks. To properly acclimatize one needs to walk slowly and drink lots of water.
Safe drinking water on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Generally, you can find bottled water at lower altitude but it gets harder to find it at higher elevations. Furthermore, it gets more expensive. In those higher altitudes, we recommend you drink previously boiled water which can be purchased at tea houses for a small fee. You can also bring chlorine tablets or a backcountry rated water filter to purify your water if you wish. Due to the lack of regulation and difficulty of disposing of plastic bottles it is highly encouraged to use boiled water. This is very helpful to protect our environment.
Recharging Batteries of Electronic Items On the Trek
Hydro electricity or solar power sources are used to charge your electrical items like cameras, batteries, iPods, phones etc. Tea houses or lodges may charge small fee per hour for charging facilities. We recommend buying adaptors before the trip since plugs are limited. In Nepal 220-240 volt power is used and sockets fit round and flat plugs.
Extra Advice for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
In your trekking you might come across some cute, sweet children that you may want to distribute balloons, chocolates, money and pens. Many trekkers have felt the same. But it is best not to do so because it encourages them to beg. While trekking, keep your valuables safe. Do not leave valuables behind. Ensure that you lock your door when you leave your room and do not hang anything outside at night.
Garbage Disposal
Use a dustbin and do not throw anything into the fire. Carry garbage until dustbin facilities are available. Do not litter on the trail. Please be conscious of conserving the environment.
Spending Money per Day
This mainly depends on your spending habits. Normally you should allocate US $9-12 per meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara. While trekking, US $10-15 a day is good enough to buy drinks and chocolates.
Travel Insurance for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
You should be sufficiently protected. It is required to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, lost items, liabilities, injuries and medical treatment. Ensure the insurance covers all the activities in the Himalayas. Trekking Planner can offer appropriate medical response based on your policy and insurance.
Washing and Toilet Facilities for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
All guest houses offer hot showers, which can be a shower stall or a bucket of hot water. Please note that at high altitude there may not be enough hot water for all the trekkers. Limit the use of hot water unless the water is solar heated for ecological reasons. Every lodge has some kind of washing facilities but you must carry a bar of soap. If the water is frozen simply ask your guide to get warm bowl of water.
Toilets are mainly Asian style squat toilets. Toilets are outside of your room. You are in the mountains: Cleanliness will vary. You should not throw toilet paper in the toilet. Instead use rubbish bin that is kept inside the toilet room.
Tea Houses
On this trekking route local people have built tea house lodges. The are quite charming and include food and beverage facilities. A simple room usually has two single beds. While staying in the tea houses you will have the opportunity to interact with the charming local people and experience their hospitality. Don't be shy, say Namaste!
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness can affect anyone. At high altitude, the decrease in atmospheric pressure makes breathing difficult due to less oxygen. Mainly, it happens above 3300m (10,000ft). Signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Headache/Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- tiredness/fatigue
- Sleepy but can’t sleep
- Loss of appetite
Prevention for this is to dress warmly as per weather conditions, drink plenty of water, eat well, and walk slowly. It is a good idea to climb higher than you sleep. Keep hydrated and make sure you avoid alcohol.
How Can I Plan and Confirm My Trip?
Trekking Planner is a government licensed trekking company in Nepal. You can see photos of legal documents in about us section. We accept your booking under following terms and conditions:
- Bookings must be done 48 hrs. in advance
- Free Cancellation
- No Down payment
- No Deposit
- Accept Cash Payment, Bank Transfer, Western Union, Money Gram, or a Credit Card.
For more information see our Terms and Conditions page.
