Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trip Overview
Trip at-a- Glance
- Country: Nepal
- Trip grade: Moderate
- Destination: Nepal
- Activities: Nepal Trekking
- Accommodation: Stander hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Tea houses during the trek.
- Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 3 meals during the trek
- Maximum altitude: 4130m
- Group size: 1-12
- Best Season: Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and spring (March to May)
11 days – Annapurna Base Camp Trek: an adventurous trek giving heavenly feeling at the lap of Mt. Annapurna. One of the most selected and enjoyable treks is Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Starting the trail from Nayapul of Pokhara, this Annapurna Base Camp Trek gives the full opportunity to explore the extraordinary blend of exotic nature and ancient culture. The journey to the base of Mt. Annapurna is stunning. A number of ascents and descents passing through the dense forests, waterfalls, following the trails of the river, enjoying the 360-degree views of the snowy peaks will lead you to the Annapurna Base Camp. The lush valley with the majority of Gurung and Magar communities, you will taste the delicious traditional food items and dip into the pure culture of this region.
Mt. Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain in the world which is 8091 m high and its Base Camp is situated at 4130m. above sea level. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the paradise of snowy peaks and emerald glaciers. It is one of the dreams of every traveler to touch the base of Mt. Annapurna. You will pass through many beautiful hamlets like Ghandruk, Deurali, etc. The charismatic Annapurna region is a pleasant place to spend the quality time. Early morning walks in alpine climate are strenuous but adorable. The trek to steep uphill and downhill is challenging but when you arrive at the Annapurna Base Camp, it’s rewarding.
During October to November and February to May, the climate is pleasant and the skies are always clear giving a magical view of the magnificent Himalayas. Fewer chances of weather changes are there during these months. Hence, many travelers visit Nepal during these months mainly for the Annapurna Base Camp trekking. This 11-days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is mainly designed for those who want to reach the amazing Base camp of Mt. Annapurna but are short in time. Or else, if you want an extended stay, there are other packages like Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 14 Days or Annapurna Circuit Trek – 21 Days. Step On Himalaya will fulfill your dream of Annapurna Base Camp in all the ways possible in easier and cozier way. Step On Himalaya will be your trekking companion all the time taking care of you.
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (4,264ft/1,300m)
Day 2: Day 02 : 30 minutes’ Flight or 6 hours’ drive to Pokhara (2,700ft/827m), then 6 hours’ trek to Ghandruk (6360 ft/1940m)
Day 3: Day 03 : Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (7120ft/2170m): 5 - 6 hours
Day 4: Day 04 : Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (7578ft/2310m): 4 - 5 hours
Day 5: Day 05 : Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (10,595ft/3230m): 3 - 4 hours
Day 6: Day 06 : Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (13,545ft/4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (12135ft/3700m): 5- 6 hours
Day 7: Day 07 : Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours
Day 8: Day 08 : Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (5770 ft/1760m): 5 - 6 hours
Day 9: Day 09 : 6 hours’ Trek from Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul then 1 hour’s drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Day 10 : 30 minutes’ Flight or 6 hours’ drive back to Kathmandu
Day 11: Day 11 : Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (4,264ft/1,300m)
1st step in Kathmandu at Tribhuwan International Airport. You will be received by the representative of Step On Himalaya at the arrival gate. Then you will be taken to the hotel and by evening, a welcome dinner is hosted by Step On Himalaya. You will be enjoying the authentic Nepalese food in dinner or you can choose your own choice of food. Briefing of the program. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Dinner
Day 02 : 30 minutes’ Flight or 6 hours’ drive to Pokhara (2,700ft/827m), then 6 hours’ trek to Ghandruk (6360 ft/1940m)
There are two choices to reach Pokhara. The first option is by air which will be about 30 minutes’ flight. Secondly, the scenic drive that might take about 6 hours in a tourist coach.
After arriving in Pokhara, you will drive to Nayapul for about 1 hour and 20-30 minutes. From Nayapul, the trekking starts leading towards Ghandruk via Birethanti. Ghandruk is a beautiful village of amazingly friendly people of different castes, a majority is Gurung. Overnight in Ghandruk.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 03 : Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (7120ft/2170m): 5 - 6 hours
After having the breakfast, you will hike up to Kimrung Danda for about an hour. The views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mt. Gangapurna, etc. are heart-pounding. Then the trek will descend towards the Kimrong Khola followed by another ascent to Chere Danda and another descent and a straight way to Chhomrong. Overnight in Chhomrong.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 : Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (7578ft/2310m): 4 - 5 hours
There are 2500 stone steps to descend from Chhomrong and after crossing the bridge over Chhomrong river, you will climb up to Sinuwa. There is a beautiful forest on the way to Kuldihar. After walking down for some time, you will arrive at Bamboo. Overnight in Bamboo.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 : Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (10,595ft/3230m): 3 - 4 hours
You will start the trek from Bamboo heading towards Deurali. After having breakfast, you will slowly climb up a few steep sections of the road passing through a damp, cold forest of bamboo. Then you will arrive at Himalaya hotel where this forest ends up with the sunlight again. After climbing up another steep, you will enter a forest drier than earlier one. Hinku cave arrives. Continuing the walk will lead to the river and walk up towards Deurali. The sparse vegetation with the river flowing, the enchanted views of the valley, the rocky cliffs with gorgeous waterfalls are enjoyable in Deurali. Overnight in Deurali.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 : Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (13,545ft/4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (12135ft/3700m): 5- 6 hours
A gentle climb from the Deurali through a river bed to the mountain side of Machhapuchhre Basecamp is strenuous to some degree. The glimpse of the snowy peaks like Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Annapurna III, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Gandharvachuli, etc. is magical. On the way from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp, the vegetation starts getting sparser and the roads getting widened. The near-vertical south slopes of Mt. Annapurna can be seen as soon as you enter the Annapurna sanctuary. After arriving at the Annapurna Base Camp, the views are more enthralling and mesmerizing. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 : Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo: 7 – 8 hours
You will trek from the Annapurna Base Camp back to Bamboo for about 7 – 8 hours. As you will be descending now, the walk shouldn’t be tough. All the time you will be enjoying the extraordinary views of the unique landscapes all around. Overnight in Bamboo.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 : Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (5770 ft/1760m): 5 - 6 hours
Today’s walk is ups and downs as other days. You will trek uphill to Kuldighar and then downhill to Chhomrong river. Climbing some stone steps to Chhomrong, you will then descend to Jhinu Danda. You can go for the soothing bath in hot springs that is situated at about 15 – 20 minutes downhill from Jhinu Danda. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest house
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 : 6 hours’ Trek from Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul then 1 hour’s drive to Pokhara
You will return to Pokhara today. After having breakfast, you will walk down from Jhinu Danda towards the Nayapul. The Himalayas will still entertain you on the way. The 6 hours walk from Jhinu Danda will end at Nayapul and then about 1 hour’s drive in a private vehicle from there to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara at a hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 : 30 minutes’ Flight or 6 hours’ drive back to Kathmandu
As earlier, you have options to fly or drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you will be escorted to the hotel and the rest of the day for relaxing, strolling around or shopping. Time is yours. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 : Final Departure
The day of Departure from Nepal. The representative from Step On Himalaya will take you to the International Airport about 3 hours before the time of flight. Wishing you happy journey back home, Sayo Nara … Bon Voyage…
Meal: Breakfast
Cost Details
What is included?
- Pick up and Drop services from and to the Airport in a private transport
- Hotel accommodation in twin sharing basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Accommodation at Teahouses/Guesthouses/Lodges during the trek
- Meals as mentioned in the Itinerary
- Experienced, Government Licensed, English speaking Guide
- Porter (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Salary, Insurance, Food, and Accommodation of the staff
- All the documentation, trekking permits, TIMs
- All the local and government taxes
What is not included?
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee
- International Airfare
- Extra luggage/baggage charges
- Extended stay
- Emergency Evacuation charge
- Medical and Travel Insurance
Hari was an amazing guide on my trip to Annapurna Base Camp. Knowledgeable about the area, great company throughout the day and in the evenings, he made sure I was comfortable the whole trip. Everything was sorted for the length of my stay in Nepal. He also sorted out white water rafting and bungee jumping at the last minute for me. Would definitely recommend!
Tom P, UK