Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 13 Days
Explore Tours
Country: Nepal
Duration: 13 Days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Activity: Trekking/Hiking
Max. Altitude: 4,130 m/13,550 ft
Best Season: February-May, September-December
Accommodation: Tea House & Hotel
Meals: Included
Start/End Point: Kathmandu
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights:
- Witness an impressive sunrise from Poon Hill.
- See some of the world’s highest mountains: Dhaulagiri I (7th) and Annapurna I (10th).
- Spend a night at Annapurna Base Camp.
- Trek through diverse wilderness with varied flora and fauna.
- Enjoy spellbinding views of mountains and glaciers from Annapurna Base Camp.
- Take a natural bath in the hot springs at Jhinu.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Overview: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a celebrated adventure that draws trekkers from across the globe. At an altitude of 4,130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp is a gateway to the stunning Mount Annapurna, the 10th highest peak in the world at 8,091 meters. This trek promises an unforgettable journey, offering captivating experiences as you embark on this iconic Himalayan adventure.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a remarkable setting surrounded by majestic peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machapuchhre (6,993 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). This trek is renowned for its significant altitude variation and diverse ecosystem, making it an extraordinary expedition.
The trail winds through lush forests adorned with rhododendrons, picturesque rice paddies, and terraced farmlands, offering unmatched mountain views. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of enormous mountains and gain insights into the rich tapestry of Nepalese life and culture.
Embarking on the ABC trek will undoubtedly make you feel like you’re on one of the most extraordinary journeys in the world. However, this trek is not just about the scenery. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the local cultures and traditions of the ethnic Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis, and Lobas.
These vibrant communities reside in charming villages at the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas. You’ll encounter small Buddhist shrines, Gumbas, and experience the tranquility of their exotic traditions, as if you’ve been transported to another time.
To begin your Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poon Hill, you’ll first travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where the trekking adventure starts. Setting off from Hile, the trail follows the Modi River and meanders through dense forests of rhododendrons and bamboo.
As you ascend, the vegetation gradually thins, and the gorge narrows to a few hundred meters wide upon reaching Hinku Cave.
While trekking through the Annapurna Sanctuary, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking sight of steep, snow-clad ridges cascading from Hiunchuli on the left and Machapuchhare on the right. Passing through the “gate” and entering the Sanctuary, you’ll find yourself in a colossal amphitheater encircled by a solid wall of snow-capped peaks.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary typically starts and ends in Pokhara, though it can also be tailored as part of the Annapurna Circuit for a longer and more comprehensive trekking experience.
Embarking on the ABC trek is a remarkable opportunity to challenge yourself physically, immerse yourself in natural beauty, and explore the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.
With its majestic peaks, unique ecosystems, and cultural encounters, this trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Discover the wonders of the Annapurna region and create unforgettable memories on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Note:
Please be aware that extensive road construction along the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara has led to increased traffic congestion and air pollution. Consequently, the journey, which typically takes around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
Our standard itinerary may undergo slight changes due to unforeseen events beyond our control. These can include flight cancellations or delays, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, newly imposed government regulations, political developments, or trekkers’ health issues. We will evaluate the situation and strive to resume trekking as smoothly as possible, based on the best available alternatives. Your cooperation and flexibility are crucial during these times.
It is advisable to arrive one day before the trip start date to rest and allow time for purchasing necessary clothing, equipment, and gear required for the trek. Additionally, booking flights with extra days in Nepal before and after the trek is recommended to accommodate any potential flight delays or cancellations.
Moreover, you have the option to customize this trip by adding sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara, engaging in other adventure sports, or taking day trips around the country before or after the trek. This flexibility ensures you can make the most of your Nepal adventure while enjoying a seamless trekking experience.
Included/Exclude
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights) including breakfast. (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region for 8 nights
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
- Filtered water in the trails using Water Filter or using water purification tablets
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking Ace the Himalaya's trekking guide
- Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara and private tourist vehicle from Pokhara to Birethanti and from Syauli Bazaar to Pokhara
- A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- All administrative expenses and government taxes
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
Note: Pre-trip meeting will be done at the office if you arrive before 4 pm and in your hotel itself if you arrive later in the evening. Be sure to bring two copies of passport-sized photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy to the meeting. These documents help to acquire trekking permits and related documentation during the trek. Pay the remaining balance of your invoice and sign in the legally binding trip form and non-liability disclaimer.
Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30 am. Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake and is often referred as the gateway to the Annapurna region.
Pokhara Road Update
Please be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 130 per person.
The city is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east.
It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our Annapurna base camp trekking.
On this day, we head out of Pokhara in a private vehicle. After 2 to 4 hours drive, we reach Birethanti (1,039 m/3,409 ft). And then, after a couple of hours’ hike, we reach Hile (1,495 m/4,905 ft), a large village with many shops and teahouses.
We will rest for a while and then start our trek to Ulleri, a large Magar village. Today’s walk provides a short and relatively easy day. The journey familiarizes climbers with the experience of trekking in Nepal.
We move on towards our destination Ghorepani, a popular scenic village at an altitude of 2,840 m/9,318 ft. The trail ascends more gently from Ulleri, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons, towards Banthanti (2,250 m/7,382 ft). Then we trek towards Nangethanti (2,460 m/8,071 ft). After an hour walk, we arrive at Ghorepani.
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour or two hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft). The place is a brilliant mountain range spectacle. This vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.
We spend about 1 to 2 hours on Poon hill and retrace our path back to Ghorepani. Here we take a hot breakfast. Then we make a climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests, towards Deurali (2,960 m/9,711 ft). After that, we descend to the Banthanti, then turn off to Tadapani.
The day starts with a steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend through the forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung, the village of Gurung people. From here, it is an easy walk to Chomrong (2,140 m/7,021 ft).
Today the trail drops down to the Chomrong Khola and again we continue climbing to Khuldighar (2,380 m/7,808 t). An ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check post used to be there. There is a clearing in the forest a little further on.
Soon after, the route travels very steeply down a rock bank, then levels out. Along the way, we pass through thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge while always staying on the west side of the river. We walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests to the Himalayan Hotel.
Today the trail climbs on past the Hinko Cave, Deurali and then Machapuchare Base Camp, which isn’t really a base camp since climbing Mt Machapuchare is not permitted. Since it is totally surrounded by mountains, this area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Two hours trek from Machapuchare Base Camp takes us to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,550 ft). There, we will view astonishing views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular.
We follow the same trail down today. The trail drops by 1,700 m/5,577 ft to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo (2,345 m/7,694 ft). The panoramas of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Tharpu Chuli, and other peaks are worthwhile. There are a few teahouses/lodges available to stay at Bamboo.
We follow the same trail until Chomrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar, there is an experimental sheep farm. The trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields.
From Chomrong, the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu. Here we can bath in natural hot springs.
From Jhinu, we walk on the right side of the Modi Khola (River) for 3 to 4 hours until Syauli Bazaar, the end point of our trek.
Today’s walk can be considered one of the best and most relaxing walks of the entire trek. We will rest for a while in Syauli Bazaar.
Soon enough we take a drive to Pokhara. The road until Nayapul is unpaved and uneven as it was recently made. We will have a bumpy and challenging drive.
This section lasts for 2 to 4 hours of the total drive. From Nayapul onwards, the road is paved in concrete and is more maintained than in the previous section. In 1 to 2 hours from Nayapul, we will reach Pokhara.
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
Pokhara Road Update
Please be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 130 per person.
The trip concludes today. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
