About Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The colossal Annapurna massif is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Despite being one of the most treacherous trails with the largest number of fatalities in the 7,000 to 8,000-metre mountain ranges, Annapurna Base camp (ABC) holds a magnetic charm that pulls trekkers to its terrain. It is on the wish list of every trekker. ABC is one of the few treks that journey along with such diverse landscapes and brings you close to the 7,000 to 8,000-metre mountain ranges in such a short period. The trek journey traverses through banana plantations, terraced rice fields, lush rhododendron vegetation, and staggering mountain peaks. The trek route to this popular destination commences at Pokhara, which is at a distance of 200 km from the capital city of Kathmandu.
Beautifully nestled between the mountain peaks of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Huinchuli peaks, Annapurna Base Camp simply takes your breath away.
A quick glance to some facts
- Region- Nepal Himalayas
- Altitude- 13,545 feet
- Trek level- Moderate to Difficult
- Distance- 160 km round trip
- Duration- 9 days, trek of 10-12 km every day
- Start point- Pokhara
- Endpoint- Pokhara
- Best Season- April and October
- How to reach-
- By road- You can reach Pokhara by bus from Kathmandu. It takes around 7 hours to complete this 200 km journey. To reach Kathmandu take a local bus from Gorakhpur till Sunauli (3 hours), which is next to the Indian border. It costs around 120 rupees. Get your exit stamp at the Indian passport office in Sunauli. Cross the border to reach the Nepal immigration office and get a Nepalese visa for USD 25. From here you can take an overnight air-conditioned bus to Kathmandu which leaves around 6 p.m. and reaches Kathmandu around 6:00 a.m. It costs around 740 Nepalese rupees.
- By flight- Pokhara has a small airport. It is best to reach Kathmandu by flight and take a connecting flight to Pokhara. It takes around 1 hour by flight to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. From Delhi, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Kathmandu by flight.
Note- Meal facility (no snacks) is provided when camping in our tents. You pay for your own snacks and meals when staying in a hotel, teahouse or lodge.
Weather at Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp trek can journey during any season. It treats you to an amazing panorama which is distinct to each season. However, the best season to undertake the trek is the fall and the spring season. The weather is warm and cool in the spring season with temperatures ranging from 17 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Early mornings and nights are slightly cooler. The skies are clear and the landscape looks lush green with beautiful flowers blooming along the trail.
The summer season from June to August witnesses a lot of rainfall, thunder, and humidity. Some of the hiking trails of the ABC trek are unaffected by the rains. With the right preparation and equipment, you can even undertake the ABC trek during the summer season. The fall season from September to November is the most favorable season to do the ABC trek. The weather is fresh and clear to enjoy the beautiful views of mountain peaks and scenic Nepalese landscape. The temperatures range between 15 to 17 degrees Celsius in the daytime and 5 to 7 degrees Celsius in early mornings and nights.
The winter months of December and January bestow upon you a snowy landscape which is nothing short of a Winter-Wonderland. The temperatures fall under zero and you need layered winter clothing and proper equipment to be able to undertake the trek. The trails become treacherous and you may require some mountain climbing experience to undertake the trek during winters.
Amazing facts of Annapurna Base Camp
- Scintillating views of staggering mountain peaks- It is one of the few treks of the Himalayan region that treats you to grandiose mountain views even before you start your trek. These mountain peaks are your constant companion throughout the trek. If Ghandruk gives you distinct views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Huinchuli, Deurali presents before you the view of Machapuchare in its full glory. Machapuchare, also known as the ?fishtail mountain? is the sacred mountain for Nepalese. Believed to be one of the abodes of Lord Shiva, it has officially never been summited. As you reach the ABC just opposite the Annapurna Glacier, you are welcomed by a sight that remains with you throughout your life. Annapurna 1, 3 and South, Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, and Machapuchare gaze at you with such command that you are swept off your feet and want to get into a tight embrace with these majestic mountains.
- Lush and diverse vegetation- You are treated to rhododendron, fern and bamboo vegetation in the initial lap of the trek. As you cross Sinuwa and enter the Annapurna sanctuary, the forest becomes dense and lush green. Annapurna sanctuary houses a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The mesmerizing view of this oval-shaped sanctuary encompassed in the Annapurna mountain range can be seen from the height of 4,000 metres. You see a lot of tall oak trees here. In the higher altitude towards Deurali, thick forests pave way for tall grass. Here you also find trees with thick bark called Daphne. These are used by local people to make paper. As you reach Machapuchare base camp (MBC) the vegetation becomes more Alpine. Patches of grass amidst boulders and flowering plants line the trekking trail. There are three sections of the trekking trail, one that starts near Chomrung and extends till New Bridge. This goes through a very dense forest. The second trail passes from Sinuwa with river Modi Khola streaming very close to you. Trees are so dense that you can?t see the river. III trail is after Bamboo and extends till Dovan.
- Amazing variety of flora and fauna- Annapurna Conservation Area is spread in the sprawling area of 7,629 square kilometres. With 1,226 species of flowering plants, 102 mammals, 474 Birds, 33 reptiles and 22 amphibians residing here, this area is an absolute delight for animal lovers.
- A glimpse into the Nepalese culture and the world culture as a whole- Nepalese lodges are called tea houses that can accommodate 20 to 25 people at a time. Nepalese style food is served in the tea houses and has flavour quite similar to Indian cuisine. Talking to waiters and helpers give you a sneak peek into the distinct Nepalese culture. Staying in these tea houses brings you close to many cultures as you find travellers from all over the world discussing and exchanging notes with friends and strangers alike. You get to hear languages from all over the world, this kind of cultural diversity is the unique feature of Annapurna Base Camp trek.
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
30000
Day 1: Arrival at Pokhara
- Altitude- 4,500 feet
- Distance- 200 km from Kathmandu
- Time taken- Around 6 hours by road and 35 minutes by flight
- Points of interest- Sightseeing at Pokhara, beauteous mountain views, Pehwa Lake and many more lakes, Tal Barahi Temple, International Mountain Museum
- Overnight stay in a lodge/hotel
You arrive at Pokhara and revel in the beauty of this beauteous mountain town bedecked with mountain peaks at a distance, placid lakes, and caves. Located at a distance of 200 km from the buzzing city of Kathmandu, Pokhara stuns you with a serene landscape which is urban yet pleasantly rural. In addition to the amazing natural beauty, Pokhara treats you to the newest attraction of paragliding.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk
- Altitude- 6,500 feet
- Distance- 40 km drive, 5 km trek distance
- Time taken- 1.5 hours drive and 5-6 hour trek
- Trek- Gradual ascent throughout the trek
- Points of interest- Stunning views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South
- Overnight stay in a teahouse
After a hearty breakfast at Pokhara, you head towards Nayapul. It takes one and a half hours to drive to reach here. From Nayapul begins your actual trek which starts with a stone-paved path with stairs followed by a gradual ascent of 5 to 6 hours to reach the camping site at Ghandruk. The largest village on this trek-route, Gandhruk?s beauty lies in the small stone houses that inhabit the locals. The views of Annapurna and Machapuchare stun you on the southern side. Overnight stay is arranged in the teahouses that serve the delectable Nepalese platter.
Day 3: Ghandruk to Chomrung
- Altitude- 7,200 feet
- Distance- 10 km
- Time taken- 6 to 7 hours
- Trek- Initial descent of 1 hour, uphill trek of 4-5 hours
- Points of interest- Stunning views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Gangapurna, Huinchuli and sunset on Annapurna range
- Overnight stay in a teahouse
You trek your way through a muddy trail lined by beautiful villages on either side. Initial descent of 1 hour leads you to Kimrong Khola. The majestic peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare begin to appear in full glory.
An uphill hike of 4 to 5 hours brings you to Chomrung. The route is interspersed with scenic hilly settlements, terraced paddy fields, rhododendrons, and ferns. Chomrung is located on a hilltop with stone stairs. The permit to Annapurna Sanctuary, a haven for flora and fauna is granted here. Watch the majestic Annapurna range glow in hues of orange and red at sunset.
Day 4: Chomrung to Bamboo
- Altitude- 8,200 feet
- Distance- 10 km
- Time taken- 5 to 7 hours
- Trek- A descent down 2500 steps to Chomrung Khola, steep ascent to Sinuwa to Deurali and finally to Bamboo village
- Points of interest- Views of Annapurna 3 and Machapuchare
- Overnight stay in tents
Descend on the 2,500 stone stairs to reach a hanging bridge that takes you to Chomrung Khola and you enter a dense canopy of trees. With diverse vegetation such as rhododendrons, ferns, bamboo, the trail looks picturesque with reddish-pink flowers taking you into their embrace. A steep uphill trek brings you to Sinuwa. Annapurna 3 treats you to a scenic sight. A short hike journey to Kulidhar followed by a downhill trail to Bamboo base camp. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 5: Bamboo to Machapuchare Base Camp
- Altitude- 12,150 feet
- Distance- 10 km
- Time taken- 5 to 7 hours
- Trek- Ascending trail with boulders, rocks, patches of snow, crossing Modi Khola river
- Points of interest- Moonrise on Machapuchare and views of Mount Huinchuli, Annapurna South Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna, Hinku caves
- Overnight stay in tents
This lap of the trek is arduous as you hike up to an elevation of 4,000 feet. It journeys through mixed paths of gradual ascends and descends lined with vegetation that changes from sub-tropical to alpine. As you journey through Dovan, the first village (which has only 5 lodges), you see the tip of Machapuchare mountain. The next lap of the journey brings you to Himalaya which has some quaint tea houses. An hour of the uphill trek takes you to overhanging caves called Hinku. After passing through a valley you reach a rocky terrain of 40 minutes that leads you to Bagar. Views of Machapuchare and Gangapurna peaks become prominent. River Modi Khola is seen bubbling past the valley. After crossing the bridge over Modi Khola, you reach MBC in 30 minutes.
MBC is a beautiful campsite famous for its resplendent night sky. Camp under the galaxy of stars inhaling the fresh mountain air. Mount Huinchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna peaks look majestic at MBC.
Day 6: Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
- Altitude- 13,500 feet
- Distance- 3 km
- Time taken- 2 hours
- Trek- Steep ascent to moderate ascent
- Points of interest- Full Annapurna range, beautiful views of Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, and Machapuchare
- Overnight stay in tents
A short trek through numerous mountains and then a sharp 90-degree turn to the left leads you to ABC. The trek includes an initial steep ascent followed by a gradual ascent with hiking above the tree line. The 360-degree spectrum of colossal Annapurna range, Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, and Machapuchare leaves you spellbound.
Enjoy every moment in the lap of the mountains and stay overnight in tents under the shelter of imposing peaks.
Day 7: Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) to Bamboo
- Altitude- 8,200 feet
- Distance- 13 km
- Time taken- 8 to 9 hours
- Trek- Gradual ascent and descent
- Points of interest- Revel in the downhill beauty of Day 5 trail
- Overnight stay in tents
You take a long trek to journey back to Bamboo. Revel in the memories of Day 5 and you gradually descend through MBC, Himalaya, Deurali, and Dovan.
Day 8: Bamboo to Jhinu Hot Spring
- Altitude- 5,600 feet
- Distance- 8 km
- Time taken- 5 to 6 hours
- Trek- Steep ascending and descending trail
- Points of interest- Retrace Day 4 as you reach Chomrung Khola, Sinuwa and Bamboo village via Jhinu Danda settlement, hot springs at Jhinu
- Overnight stay in tents
You trek through Sinuwa before descending to Chomrung Khola. Reminisce the memories of Day 4 and reach Jhinu Danda settlement. A 20-minute trek leads you to the hot springs of Jhinu. Soak in the warm water to flush away the fatigue of 8 days.
Make wonderful memories as you stay overnight in the tents on one of the last days of the trek.
Day 9: Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
- Altitude- 4,600 feet
- Distance- 11 km
- Time taken- 6 to 7 hours
- Trek- Easy trail to Nayapul
- Points of interest- Retail therapy at Pokhara, enjoy the scenic beauty, nightlife and buy souvenirs
- Overnight stay in a lodge/hotel
Wake up rejuvenated as you are all set to embark on the last lap of the trek. Reach Nayapul after taking a pleasant trek in the panoramic vista of Nepal. A 2-hour drive will bring you to Pokhara.
