Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Himal is a vast massif of several peaks above 7,000m forming part of the range that forms a natural amphitheater known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. The Annapurna Base Camp is a high glacial basin lying north of Pokhara The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you into this spectacular setting where you will be surrounded by giants such as Annapurna I (8091m), Glacier Dome, Gangapurna (7455m), Fang (7647m) and the sacred Machhapuchhare (6998m), popularly known as Fish Tail.

Nilgiri (7041m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna II (7939m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal (6988m) and more, before descending to the Modi Khola valley and through the gates of the Sanctuary.

Passing directly below Machhapuchhare, we will visit both the base camps of Machhapuchhre and Annpurna and explore the Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheater before returning to Pokhara via a different route. This is a fairly strenuous alpine trek that gives the fitter walker close-up and unbeatable mountain views.

Experience Required

This trek is suitable for fit walkers or those with previous trekking experience. If you are a regular weekend hill walker, this would be a good next trek for you.


Detail Itinerary

Day 01 : Kathmandu Arrival (1300m).

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, we will pick you up from the airport and take you to hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit near places. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Sherpa Land Adventure.

Day 02 : Kathmandu sightseeing.

Our professional native speaker guide will take you for sightseeing around historic Kathmandu and their tradition and culture. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.

Day 03 : Drive to Pokhara (823m/2700ft)

In the morning we drive (6-7 hour) from Kathmandu to Pokhara by luxuries tourist bus. Lunch will be provided on the way between. When you will be in Pokhara rest of time visit lakeside, Boating in Fewa lake and visit local market then overnight  at Pokhara.

Day 04:Trek to Tirkhedhunga (1,577m/5,173 ft), 1 hrs drive and 4 hrs walk

After having breakfast in the morning, we drive to Nayapul 55km  and will start our trek to Tirkhedunga. After walking 20m from Nayapul we will reach in Birethanti, a large and prosperous town beside the Modi River. We head up the main trail to Sudami where we climb gradually up the side of the valley, reaching Hile (1495m) before pushing on to Tirkhe Dhunga.

Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft). 5-6 hrswalk

After breakfast we prepare for the long uphill and start with steeply ascends on the long stone steps to Ulleri village with the amazing landscape and the Himalayan scenery. Today is seriously a uphill climb so we prepare physically and mentally.We spend a pleasant day’s trekking through rhododendron and oak forests.After few hours of walking with several breaks in between reaching at Ghorepani, we can enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range.

Day 06: Trek to Tadapani (2540m/8332ft), 6-7 hrs walk

Early in the morning we climb up to Poon Hill (3210m.) to see sun rise with stunning views of Mt. Daulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Himchuli , Annapurna I and Fishtail as well as Lamjung Himal range.  After a great time enjoying sun rise in Poon Hill we return back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trek to Tadapani for overnight.

Day 07: Trek to Chhomrong (2,210m/7,249 ft), 5-6 hrs walk

After having breakfast the trekking trail goes downhill to Kimrung Khola,  passing through dense Rhododendron forest and views of the upper Modi valley and Himalayan range. After the Kimrong Khola, trail goes slightly up to Gurjung and from here crossing through forest like a Nepali flat to Gurung village of Chhomrong (2170m.). Overnight at lodge.

Day 08: Trek to Dovan (2,600m/8,528 ft), 6-7 hrs walk

Today trekking trail drop down to the Chhomrong Khola then climb up to Sinuwa, crossing the Gurung settlement. After the Sinuwa there is not settlement only few lodges in the Bamboo, after an hour we will be in Dovan (2600m).

Day 09: Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC- 3,700m/12,139ft), 4-5 hrs walk
After a breakfast our day start  with climbs to Himalaya Hotel (2840m). On the way we can explore the Hinku cave, where from the trail crosses a ravine and major avalanche track just further till Deurali (3,000m/9,840 ft) for lunch. After lunch the trail continues into the Machhapuchre Base Camp for overnight stay with the closest view of the Machhapuchre along Annapurna I and Gangapurna.

Day 10: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC- 4130m/13550ft) 3 hrs walk
From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp we again get to savor mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 11: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,300m/7,544 ft), 5- hrs walk
Today wake up with the glimpse of sunrise over Mt Annapurna I and after a great time retrace the journey back to Bamboo for the overnight. Today’s trek is downhill so it shouldn’t be difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the extraordinary landscape to cheer us up. Here is few guest house settled for the purposes of tourism service. You can rest and relax at the evening with a good memorable view of the many snowcapped peaks and enjoy the dinner.

Day 12: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,859 ft), 5-6 hrs walk
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy hot springs just 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.

Day 13: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara(823m/2,700ft)
On our way to Naya Pul from Jhinu Danda we get to enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal. A trail following the Modi river and is absolutely pleasant. We have lunch on the way. Our trek will end at Naya Pul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), 5-6 hrs drive
Early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to reach the Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the time relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today!  we will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions and health of team members can all contribute to changes. Our Sherpa guides will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

What are included

  • Airport pickup and drop by private car or van.
  • Deluxe hotel in Kahtmandu and Pokhara in BB. 
  • Luxury bus to Pokhara.
  • flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. 
  • Best available accommodations during the trek.
  • All meals in Pokhara and during the trek as per itinerary.
  • All necessary permits in Kahtmandu and for trek.(TIMS, ACAP).
  • A professional trained, government license holder guide, assistant guide and porter  With their salary, food, drinks, accommodation and insurance.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All applicable taxes/VAT and service charges.

What are excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee(USD $25 for 15 days, 40 for 30 day and 100 for 90 days),), you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport. 
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays or itinerary changes beyond the control of Sherpa Land Adventure. We recommend travel insurance to cover any unforeseen costs.
  • Your Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, shower etc).
  • Tips for Guide & Porter.
 

Gears

You are advised to consider the following equipment as essential while packing. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to your requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip.  We can find a variety of these items to hire locally or buy in Kathmandu. It important to remember that our luggage will be carried by porters and there is a weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds (or 15 kg). Head:
  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
Lower Body:
  • Under Garments
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
  • Thin, lightweight inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
  • Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
Upper Body:
  • T-shirts
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket
Hands:
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
Accessories:
  • Sleeping bag rated to -20 DC
  • Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
  • Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside kit bag
  • Daypack (approximately 35-60ltr)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Water bottle (2) or camel bag
  • Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)
  • Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring)
Toiletries:
  • 1 medium sized quick drying towel
  • Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Sun block cream
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Small mirror
Personal Hygiene:
  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue /toilet roll
  • Anti bacterial hands sanitizer
Extras/Luxuries:
  • Binoculars
  • Novels
  • Trail Map/Guide book (easily available in Kathmandu)
  • Journal & Pen
  • iPod/cell phone/ipad/camera
  • Pencils and notebooks
  • Travel game i.e. chess, playing cards
  • city dress (kathmandu)