Annapurna base camp trekking

Trip Overview

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREKKING
‘a short, moderate & adventurous walks into beautiful Annapurna sanctuary’

Trekking Highlights:

“Sweeping panorama of high and towering Annapurna Himalaya range of mountains
Annapurna Himalaya home of Gurung people famous as Gorkha soldiers in foreign legions
Explore country villages enriched with age old traditions and colorful culture of ancient heritage
Walk into enchanting alpine woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia-oaks and pine trees
Adventure in the heart of Annapurna within scenic and beautiful sanctuary at base camp”

Trip at Glance:

Trip Mode:                              On Hotels – Lodge on treks.
Trek Grade:                             Moderate to Adventurous
Activities:                                Tour of world heritage sites-exciting drives and scenic walks
Areas of Trekking:                   Nepal North Mid West around massive Annapurna Himalaya.
People & Culture:                    Majority of Gurung people with Buddhist religion & culture
Trekking duration:                   08 Nights & 09 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara).
Highest Altitude gain:             4,130 m / 13,629 ft high at Annapurna Base Camp
Average Walks per day:          4 hrs to 6 hrs or more as per our standard itinerary days.
Overall duration in Nepal:      13 Nights & 14 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
Best Season:                           March to May and September to December, can visit
all year of the months except monsoon months of
July to mid September, March to May flowers in full bloom.

Introduction:

Annapurna base camp trekking, a wonderful way to spend your adventure holiday in Nepal with us, truly a fascinating and interesting walks in the heart of massive Annapurna Himalaya at base camp within scenic sanctuary with amphitheater series of peaks.

Nowhere in this planet earth where you can find great change in landscapes-peoples-culture-vegetation and difference of climate in short period of time of a week duration, where Annapurna base camp is the one and only place with great varieties on daily walks.

Annapurna base camp trekking starts from scenic and beautiful Pokhara city and its verdant valley, blessed with mountains-rolling green hills and serene lakes of Phewa and Begnas which catches reflection of Annapurna Himalaya on its calm lakes making Pokhara one of the most sought picturesque destination.

Walk leads into mid hills with enchanting woodland of tall rhododendron (national flower of Nepal), magnolia, oaks and pines trees including bamboo grove past traditional farm villages of Gurung people interwoven with Buddhism religion then following raging Modi River into a gorge upstream.

As trek progress where gorge opens up into a wide scenic plateau after a climb entering into beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary and at base camp enclosed within series of high peaks, where overnight is spend in a nice cozy lodge with rooms facing mountain views.

After a glorious and splendid moment at Annapurna base camp heading back to Pokhara taking a scenic route past Jhinu, place with hot spring and then walk to Dhampus village with grand panorama of mountains to conclude our overwhelming adventure on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.

Optional extension to Everest

Guideline Itinerary:

 

Day 01:            Reach Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to your Hotels.

Day 02:            In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest and trek preparation.

Day 03:            Drive / Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 860 m – 06 hrs journey / 30 mins by air.

Day 04:            Drive to Nayapul further to Sibai 1,250 m walk to Jhinu Danda 1,780 m -05 hrs.

Day 05:            Trek to Chomrong 2,340 m – 05 hrs.

Day 06:            Trek to Dovan 2,630 m – 06 hrs.

Day 07:            Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,700 m – 06 hrs.

Day 08:            Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m – 03 hrs.

Day 09:            Trek to Bamboo 2,345 m – 06 hrs
Day 10:            Trek to Jhinu village 1,780m a place with Hot Spring – 06 hrs.

Day 11:            Trek to Potana village 1,810 m – 05 hrs.
Day 12:            Trek to Dhampus 1,540 m -02 hrs with an hour drive to Pokhara.

Day 13:            Drive / Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
Day 14:            International departure for homeward bound.

Itinerary

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01:           Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to your Hotels.
On arrival at Kathmandu International airport, received by our guide and staff for transfer to your hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city, after checking in to your rooms and getting refreshed our guide / group leader will brief regarding Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.

Evening welcome dinner in a nice and authentic Nepalese restaurant includes local folk dance program entertainment while you have delightful meals.

Day 02:           In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest and trek preparation.
With free day in Kathmandu an options joining in our interesting tour which leads you around Kathmandu beautiful historical sites, as Kathmandu city with Patan and Bhaktapur steeped with religious monuments of temples-monasteries and stupas listed most as World Heritage Sites.

After a pleasant and exciting guided tour return back to your hotel with rest of the afternoon free, preparation for Annapurna Base Camp trekking next early morning.

Day 03:           Drive / Fly to Pokhara 860 m – 06 hrs journey and 30 mins on flights.
Depending on size of the group on Annapurna base camp trekking, either on tourist coach or in private chartered vehicles for exciting overland journey to Pokhara an interesting drive of six hours within scenic country side of farm villages and towns.

On reaching beautiful Pokhara, transfer to your hotels by the lake side of Phewa with grand

views of Annapurna Himalaya and Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’.

 

(By air options of 30 minutes scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara)

 

Day 04:           Drive to Sibai 1,250 m and walk to Jhinu Danda (hot-spring) 1,780 m -03 hrs.

After a pleasant overnight in scenic Pokhara with views of Annapurna Himal and

Machhapuchare peaks ‘Fish Tail’ after breakfast a short drive beyond Pokhara valley to start our

first day treks.

 

Drive leads with grand views of Annapurna past farm villages and towns and then following

Modi River upstream to reach at Sibai, a small farm village and then walk begins on slow

winding trail with final uphill walk to Jhinu Danda for overnight stops with grand views of

green landscapes here with time to enjoy natural hot spring a short walk downhill by the Modi

River.

 

Day 05:           Trek to Chomrong village at 2,170m – 06 hrs.
After a pleasant morning at Jhinu village second day walk a short day trek with steep climb on stone steps to reach at Chomrong village.

Climb leads through terraced farm areas after an hour uphill reaching a level path with stone paved, and then with short descend to reach at Chomrong village for overnight stop.

Chomrong the last permanent Gurung village on route Annapurna base camp and sanctuary, here with time to explore the village to witness local culture and custom.

Day 06:           Trek to Dovan 2,600 m via Bamboo 2,310 – 06 hrs.
Morning walk downhill to a river, then crossing a short bridge heading up to reach at Sinuwa at 2,360 m high, a lonely spot with few shops and nice lodges walk from here leads into cool forested area of oaks-rhododendron and pines trees and then a short steep descend to Bamboo, a small settlement with number of lodges surrounded within bamboo groves situated into a Modi River gorge.

After Bamboo an hour or more of slow climb leads you at Dovan for overnight stop located within Modi River Gorge with couple of lodge for overnight stay.

Day 07:           Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,700 – 06 hrs.
After a nice overnight stop at Dovan with sounds of Modi River, morning walk entering higher areas within thick forested area to reach at Himalaya Hotel, located beneath Huichuli peak and large overhanging Hinko Cave.

From here downhill to cross an ablation of an old avalanche of rocks and moraine, then a short climb to Deurali. From Deurali after lunch stop heading higher leaving the tree lines behind following Modi River all the way to Machhapuchare base camp at 3,700 m high for overnight stop, located beneath towering Machhapuchare Himal North Face.

Day 08:           Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m – 03 hrs with free afternoon.
Finally walk leads into picturesque Annapurna Sanctuary where Annapurna Base Camp located.  MBC the starting point of the sanctuary, as walk leads higher ground for few hours and then entering into a sanctuary within amphitheatre of peaks that surrounds you.

After few hours of pleasant walk brings you to our highest point of the adventure at Annapurna base camp with 4,130 m high.

Afternoon enjoy views of Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), Gangapurna (7,455m-24,457ft) and Annapurna III (7,555m-24,787ft), including to Mt. Machhapuchare (Fish-tail) at 6,790 m stretches up towards Tent Peak / Tharpu Chuli and Fluted Peaks or Singu Chuli.

Day 09:           Trek back to Bamboo 2,310 m – 06 hrs.
After a fantastic time at base camp with super views retrace the journey back on downhill into trees with few short ups to reach at Bamboo for overnight stop.

Day 10:           Trek to Jhinu Danda (hot-spring) 1,780 m – 05 hrs.
From Bamboo on leaving Modi River gorge climb leads up to Khuldi-Ghar into forested area, and then a short gradual walk to Sinuwa danda, from here descend to Chomrong River, and then climb on steps to Chomrong for lunch stop.

After Chomrong a short climb to the top ridge and then changing our direction from here with an alternative route to reach Pokhara, a short downhill walk brings at scenic and lovely Jhinu village for overnight stop, located on a ridge top with views of surrounding landscapes and rolling green hills. A short descend of 25 minutes reaches you at hot-spring by the Modi River.

Day 11:           Trek to Potana village 1,810 m – 05 hrs.
After nice overnight stop at Jhinu village, morning walks on stone steps downhill to cross over a bridge and then short climb to Landruk village.  After a rest on winding trails with few short and up and down to reach at Tolka village with grand views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli.

From here walk on gradual trail with few short ups and down, hour climb into forest to reach at Deurali offering grand views.

From Deurali downhill into forest areas to Potana village for overnight stop with grand views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare Himal.

Day 12:           Trek to Dhampus 1,540 m -02 hrs with an hour drive to Pokhara.
Our last walk of the great adventure leads downhill to reach at Dhampus village with panorama of Annapurna-Manaslu-Lamjung with Machhapuchare Himal, where a short drive takes you back to Pokhara after a great and wonderful time up in the high mountains.

 

Day 13:           Fly or drive to Kathmandu and transfer to your respective hotels.
From Pokhara with awesome time on high hills in the shadow of Annapurna Himalaya, morning starts with an exciting and pleasant drive of six hours past beautiful scenery of farm villages and towns to reach at Kathmandu, with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities.

(By air options of 30 minutes scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu)

Day 14:           International departure for homeward bound.
As per your international flight time homeward bound or to other respective destination, transfer to Kathmandu airport with excellent memory and overwhelming adventure of a lifetime on Annapurna base camp trekking.

Cost

Trip Cost Includes following services:

01:       All arrival and departure transportation airport / hotel / airport.
02:       Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu / Pokhara at tourist standard hotels on bed
/ breakfast basis. (Single room supplement at extra cost if required)
03:       Sightseeing tour (if mentioned and added in the itinerary) or as optional.
05:       Full board on treks includes (B-L-D) with twin sharing accommodation rooms in local
standard and basic lodge / Tea House (for single room supplement at extra cost if
required)
06:       Applicable TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems) and ACAP ( Annapurna
Conservation Area Project) Permits.
07:       Service of trekking guides/ porters with equipment, daily wages-medical insurance,
meals with transportation allowance.
08:       Welcome dinner at Kathmandu in authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural
programs.
09:       Comprehensive medical kits and re-confirmation of international air tickets.
10:       Overland drive on private or on normal Tourist coach as per the itinerary.

Our Trip Cost excludes following services:

01:       Nepal Visa-International airfare-personal travel and medical insurance.
02:       Expenses of personal nature and meals in Kathmandu, gratitude (tips) hard / soft drinks
throughout the trip.
03:       Trekking gear and personal medical kit.
04:       Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation including Heli services and
personal medical kit.
05:       Early return from the trip due to personal / medical problem in this case clients should
bear his / her own expenses on return from trek and in Kathmandu including expenses
of accompanying guide / porters.

 

Weather & Climate

Weather & Climate on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking:

The weather depending upon the season of trekking around Annapurna or other higher Himalayan belts, where’s Annapurna Base Camp trekking can be visited all time of the year, however monsoon months of July to mid September will be wet but much greener with heavy moistures.

The best time will be from March to May when wild flowers are in full bloom around 2,000 m to 3,000 m high and then tree lines and vegetation declines for rough arctic terrain, the temperature will be 15 to 20 degree Celsius during the day with sunlight, morning and evening can be much cooler with minimum of -0 to 05 degree Celsius not counting the wind chill factors.

As the trek leads higher above 4,000 m temperature drops in the shade as well in the morning and night time, day will be clear with strong sunlight and UV (due to drop in oxygen and air pressure on high elevation) , where you need strong sun screen to avoid sun burn in direct sunlight.

Mid September to December will be the clearest weather but with short days minimum of -05 to -10 degree Celsius in the morning and night time with maximum of 15-20 degree during the day in full sunlight, also depends upon the altitude and areas of trekking.

December to March will be the coldest months with chances of snows with minimum of -10 to -15 degree Celsius with maximum 15-18 degree Celsius without wind chill factor, however most of the day time will be clear with fine blue sky.

Trekking Equipment List to Bring from home or rent and purchase in Kathmandu:

Equipment & Clothing:
Well fitting, comfortable boots / shoes are to be preferred over training shoes and clothing will be required, for strong hot sun on drive through the lower foothills to freezing temperatures at night in the higher region. Shorts, skirt or lightweight trousers are ideal in the heat of the day along with T-shirt, long sleeved cotton shirts and sun hat. During evening and at higher altitudes warmers clothing required.

FIBRE PILE JACKETS:
SHORTS OR SKIRTS (for ladies):
LIGHT COTTON TROUSERS:
BREECHES /TRACK SUIT BOTTOMS /ULTRA FLEECE TROUSERS:
DUVET / DOWN JACKETS: (Down feathers or synthetic (required  in autumn / winter and early spring time)
WOOL BALACLAVA, WOOL MITTS: (required  in autumn / winter and early spring time)
WATERPROOFS:                                  Jacket and trousers
SUN HATS:
SCARF :                                               Silk/Nylon, useful for keeping the sun and dust SUNGLASSES / GOGGLES:                        Essential to get a pair which cuts out 100% UV rays
SUN SCREEN CREAM :                        High protection factor [20 or higher] or high
altitude glacier cream due to thin air the
U/V is stronger in the sun.
LIP SLAVE/ LABISAN:                          Protection for the lips with a sunscreen
WATER BOTTLE:                                 1 litre metal to keep warm while at night time and for
drinking purpose.

TOILET ITEMS:

HEAD TORCHES:                      Petzel (recommended) -spare batteries and bulbs
SEWING KIT:
SMALL KNIFE :                        Swiss army style – has many uses
NOTEBOOK/DIARY/PENS
SMALL PADLOCK :                   Useful for locking your kit / duffel bag
MONEY BELTS
SLEEPING BAGS / DOWN JACKETS (which can be hired and purchase in Kathmandu at
reasonable cost, if it is too much to carry from home.

OPTIONAL

THERMAREST:            Or similar self-inflating mattress, gives decadent luxury
CAMERA GEAR
WALKING STICKS / POLES:  Useful crossing rivers and in snow and ice areas.

Important Notes for the Trekking around Annapurna and other Himalaya region:

 

Main flow of foreign visitors in Nepal is for trekking from moderate to adventurous or challenging treks, the most important is choosing the right trip as per your duration of holiday and fitness, for Annapurna and other Himalayan trekking adventure one needs to be in sound health and physically fit.

 

On booking with us preparation of fitness required like walking-jogging-Jumba-aerobic at least a month before your departure from home country, and all clients should be prepared with Travel and Medical Insurance (in case for sudden accidents and immediate evacuation by any means of transport available for quick relief to nearest hospitals.

 

Please send us your dietary list and medical history report so that we can arrange well in advance respectively.

 

Book the ticket from home for Kathmandu-Nepal to reach at least a day ahead or earlier from trek departure with much space in Kathmandu after the trek, this allows you with more time in Nepal to enjoy the culture and heritage life of Nepalese people.

Faq

GERNERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

To plan your trips in Nepal with us, providing you with useful information with related questions and queries, which helps you to book your holiday and understand the nature of the treks chosen before booking your trip in our exotic mountain destinations.

01:       How do I book your trips?
02:       Which time of the season best for Himalayan this treks?
03:       How are the treks around Annapurna and what to expect?
04:       How tough is the walks?
05:       What are the measures and arrangement if a person gets very sick on trekking?
06:       Are there any telephone and other good communication on treks including cell phones?
07:       On Annapurna trek how cold can it gets?
08:       How long is the walk each day?
09:       What are the limits in age-group on Annapurna base camp treks?
10:       Will I be safe from theft and robbery on trekking?
11:       Is it all right if I am a vegetarian person in the group?
12:       Are there any medical facilities and hospitals on Everest trekking?

FAQ Information:

01:       Can be done either give us a call and let us know through our E-Mail and other useful method at you own convenience, select the trips for our wide range of listed programs. Booking should be made within minimum of 4 weeks before treks departure dates.

For private family-school / collage groups or individual groups seeking special tailor made programs can be done in short frame of time minimum 2 week ahead.

02:       Around Nepal Himalaya we run and organize treks and tours nearly all seasons depends upon the areas of trekking destination from soft-moderate to adventurous treks.
Nepal has 4 main seasons ‘ spring, summer includes monsoon (wet months) with autumn or fall & winter.

For major treks best from March to June and September to November for moderate short treks all season except July to mid September (wet monsoon months)

03:       Annapurna base camp trek can be done in several ways the shortest way flying to Pokhara to and from Kathmandu, walk is moderate with much ups and down hills trails with grand views of peaks on daily walks.

Encountering many Gurung farm villages and interesting places walking around farm terraces and fields, a great place to be as walk leads into lovely forested areas, with chances of spotting some mountain wild-life as well.
As walk lead higher, taking slowly to get acclimatize on route Annapurna Base Camp.

04:     It all depends upon the trek that you choose, on Annapurna base camp trekking leading with moderate walks and then gets adventurous due to high altitude, any normal and fit people can join on this trek, as long you take it slow and steady with rest in between.
Walking minimum 4 hours and with some days of more than 6 hours leading you ups and down with some gradual path.

05:       Every treks we carry full stocked medical kits, most visitors are unaware of
some medical problem in developing countries with hygiene and sanitation.
Our guide and staff are well and fully trained with several Medical Course and First Aid, If some serious medical problem arises, our guides has full capacity to deal with the situation acting immediately and evacuating sick victims to a nearest health post or hospitals.

On serious cases and accident of emergency related to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) where evacuation requires we transport the victims on helicopter to Kathmandu or to nearest towns and cities having good medical facilities.

06:          Since last few decades of time where most of the rural villages do have proper communication wither by cell- phone (mobile) or STD / ISTD, our guides will be in touch with the head office through his cell-phone.

Sometimes Cell-Phone and Sat Phone do works and don’ts as Nepal a hilly and mountainous country with deep gorge and valley, where cell phone works on high hills, and might not when in deep gorge hidden by hills and mountains.

Chances of working cell-phone are most positive you can try using local popular SiM card.

07:         Himalayan region also known as Third Pole, depending upon the region of trekking normally days are warmer with sunshine in the high altitude, but in cool shade temperature drops down mainly in the months.
But April- May – June to September are much warm even above 2,500 m the temperature drop up to below minimum minus -0 to -05 degree Celsius without wind chill factor, however mid morning and afternoon are pleasant with some sunshine.

08:       Depending on the trekking itinerary chosen with average hours of 4 to 5 hours normally,
but on longer adventure treks, can extend 7 to 8 hrs specially on crossing high passes.
09:       No limit on age groups in most of our leisure and moderate, where any people with
sound physical / medical health can join in our treks and tours.
But joining in longer adventure trekking maximum 65 years of age should book and one must be physical fit and in sound medical health.

We need medical reports from your doctors mentioning that one is fit for longer hard
adventurous treks.

On treks from a week to 10 days child of minimum 4 to 5 yrs can join with proper guidance of parents where extra porters / staff will be needed to take care of the infants.

10:       Nepal, a friendly country with warm hospitality of Nepalese where all world-wide travelers received with warm cheerful smile.

Most of your valuables and items are safe to carry, as Nepal has few theft and robbery cases within local towns and cities only, not a major crime like in other parts of the world.

As always where you travel, especially backpackers traveling alone without guides have encountered this situation rarely.

Using good companies with expert and good guides where you will be always safe from such situations, facing very minimum regarding this type of cases theft and robbery.

11:       There will be no problem, now days most of the clients from western countries are
turning vegetarian. So on treks using Tea-House and lodge or camping, where meat
varieties are least available and as well due to hygiene quality.

We prefer and encourage serving vegetarian meals which safe and hygienic during
trips that we run.

12:       On treks which involves walking in remote areas, where hospitals and medical care is very minimum, but some villages has health post with simple and basic medical treatment.

Towns and cities do have good medical facilities on trek for severe and emergency situations our guide will contact the head office for immediate medical evacuation by other means of transport with helicopter service for quick recovery.

For quick and immediate evacuation one should obtain medical insurance policy to cover all medical, travel and Heli evacuation when required in such situations.