Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Discover the Enchanting Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, is nine days and 80 km long trek in central Nepal Himalayas that offers stunning landscapes and moderate challenges.

The shortest base camp trek in Nepal himalayas, it starts from Kande in the foothills of the Annapurna mountains, and gradually ascends through tropical forests through tiny villages to the iconic Annapurna Base Camp, also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary at an altitude of 4134 m above mean sea level.

This trek’s diverse scenery sets it apart. From vibrant forests full of life to breathtaking views of towering Annapurna mountains—the experience immerses you in Nepal’s natural beauty like no other trekking trail.

Discover the Enchantment of Annapurna Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of the Annapurna range, the Annapurna sanctuary often called an “abode of gods” is a pristine amphitheater, surrounded by 360 degree towering peaks of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains, and stretches to the edge of Annapurna Glacier. The most important aspect of the Annapurna sanctuary is the 360 degree circular vistas of the Annapurna mountains.

Kind of Trail

The trail on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is like a roller coaster. It’s either you go down or you go up, making it equally difficult at times. But the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary is perhaps the most accessible route for anyone looking to do this trek in Nepal, while at the same time showing you the best of the central Nepal Himalayas.

With a wide trail and markers along the track, the trail to the Annapurna Sanctuary is easy to navigate, and other than a few sections over rough terrain as you trek to higher altitudes, the conditions for trekking to the Annapurna Sanctuary are rather smooth. But trekking up to 4130 m does have its challenges. The continuous descent and ascent mean that coming down can be just as tiring as going up on those flat stone steps.

Getting there and away

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins in Pokhara 200 km west of Kathmandu.

From Pokhara, hikers drive an hour to Kande where the trek officially starts. This route leads through lush forests and scenic villages against a backdrop of awe-inspiring Annapurna mountains.

The trek typically concludes in Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village with panoramic vistas of the Annapurnas. From here, it’s a three-hour drive back to Pokhara—a perfect time for reflection on an incredible journey and planning future adventures in this beautiful region.

Highlight of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The key highlight of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is witnessing panoramic 360-degree view of the Annapurna Massif at dawn and dusk from within this sanctuary. As daylight touches snow-clad summits, they burst into a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. Similarly, sunset bathes these mountains in rich golden and orange hues.

Who can do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Venturing on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a challenge but offers unmatched rewards. The Challenge is reaching an altitude of 4,134 meters at the Annapurna sanctuary and covering 88 km, this trek tests your physical and mental limits. Classified as moderate to strenuous with about 10 km of hiking each day, it demands preparation but remains accessible to those committed.

With thorough preparation and determination despite its rigors, and if you are reasonably fit and accustomed to long walks in the mountains, then the Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be completed comfortably.

The Ideal Time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The best season for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when conditions are more stable. However, nightime temperatures drop significantly at higher altitude, and weather changes can occur rapidly throughout the day.

Autumn (October – December): Autumn stands out as the prime season. Clear skies in October and November unveil spectacular views of the towering peaks of the Annapurna Range surrounding the Annapurna Sanctuary. The weather is cool and comfortable, perfect for trekking during this time.

Spring (April – May): Spring season provides another favorable time with mild temperatures. While the mountain views might not be as sharp due to occasional haze, vibrant flowers blanket the landscape, adding a different kind of beauty to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: A Tea House Experience

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a lodge based trek in Nepal, where cozy tea houses and lodges dot the trekking trail right up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. These small lodges, managed by local families, provide essential services for trekkers. Each lodge can accommodate 40 to 50 hikers at a time. Rooms are typically compact with just two beds and a common bathroom, and they are clean and hygenic.

Food on the Trekking Trail

In addition to Nepal’s beloved Dal Bhat—a staple dish of lentil stew, rice, and curry—lodges do offer on demand otheer food items, such as dumplings and even pizza. These lodges and teahouses cater to both local tastes and international preferences.

However, Dal Bhat remains unrivaled in popularity among trekkers. This nourishing meal often comes with assorted side dishes with a healthy second helping too.

Trekking permit for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Acquiring the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the most important for hikers embarking on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This can be easily obtained by paying the required fees at ACAP offices in Pokhara, Kathmandu, or various entry points into the Annapurna conservation area. Do not skip this step; it’s mandatory for all hikers.

Language

The Annapurna region in central Nepal is home to the indigenous Gurung people, who speak their own distinct dialect. This language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family and dominates communication along the Annapurna Base Camp trekking trail.

As you trek through villages like Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Deurali, you’ll frequently hear this local dialect. These areas have housed Gurung communities for generations.

While Nepali remains widely spoken across Nepal as its national language, understanding a few basic phrases in Gurung can enhance your interactions with locals and deepen your cultural experience.

Prepare to be greeted by the melodic tones of Gurung as you trek through this culturally rich Himalayan landscape – a true reflection of Nepal’s diverse heritage.

Religion Along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Embarking on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you’ll encounter a region rich in Hindu culture. The trail winds through villages where Hindu culture prominently feature in daily life.

The Gurung and Magar communities dominate this area and are devoted practitioners of Hinduism. Their faith is evident in numerous depictions of gods like Shiva, Ganesh, and Vishnu adorning local religious sites.

As you hike further into the Annapurna Sanctuary, you might witness vibrant ceremonies or festivals that highlight their deep religious devotion. This experience offers a unique glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual traditions.

Though some areas have Buddhist influences as well, Hinduism remains the most widespread religion here. This cultural diversity enriches your trekking journey by immersing you in Himalayan spirituality.

Remember to show respect for local customs—integral parts of this region’s heritage—as you explore Annapurna’s trails.

What to Pack for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

For day hiking: Breathable light T-shirts, light trekking pants, comfortable ankle-high trekking boots, cotton or wool socks, a light outer shell water-proof or wind-proof jacket, and a light fleece jacket; sunglasses as the sun is strong in the mountains.

Evening Use: a down jacket for evening use or a couple of thick fleece jackets with thermal inners for night use. Wollen Caps and gloves, Head Lamp

First Aid : Band aid for blisters; Diamox for altitude Sickness and medicines like Tylenol for headaches, Paracetamol tablets for fever, Loperamide for loose motions, and water purifying tablets.

Sleeping Bag: The lodges on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek do not have room heaters; therefore, carry with you down sleeping bags that can stand a minus 20-degree temperature.

Toiletries: Wet wipes, two roll of Toilet Papers, Sunscreen Lotions (50SPF), Vaseline or Lip Balm, Toothpaste, and a toothbrush.

Back Pack (60 l): A large backpack to pack in all your clothes that you will need for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Bring along a day pack large enough to put in your personal items, energy bars, water bottle, a rain jacket, camera, your personal medical kit. You will need to carry this yourself as the main baggage will be carried by a porter. Remember a porter will be carrying your baggage, therefore keep the weight of your baggae to 12-15 kg.

Travel Insurance 

Standard travel insurance packages do not include high-altitude trekking. Therefore, be sure to get suitable insurance that will cover evacuation by helicopter in case of emergency due to altitude sickness or injury, as the risk of trekking at higher altitudes is significant.

Free WIFI, Mobile Connectivity and Electricity

Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) offer mobile services in the Annapurna region. Mobile network coverage is generally available in major villages in Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, and Deurali.

However, as trekkers ascend higher, particularly beyond Deurali, mobile signal strength diminishes significantly. By the time trekkers reach Annapurna Base Camp itself, mobile service is unavailable.

Many guesthouses and lodges along the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offer WiFi services to their guests. However, the quality and reliability of these connections can vary, and accessing WiFi at lodges will cost an extra fee. Some places may charge per hour or offer unlimited access for a set price. But as you move closer to Annapurna Base Camp, options become more limited.

All the lodges on the trekking trail right up to the Annapurna Sanctuary have electricity. Therefore, charging your phone and  camera batteries will not be a problem. But, remember you will be charged extra by the lodges.

ATMs

Ensure you carry enough cash since credit cards are not accepted in lodges and teahouses along the route. You’ll need cash for meals, accommodations, and other expenses.

Withdraw your trek funds in Nepali rupees by using you International Visa or Master card credit card, because once you leave Pokhara or Kathmandu there are no ATMs or banks on the trekking trail.

A Journey Through Diverse Climatic conditions

Hikers on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek will experience a variety of climatic conditions. The southern part of the Annapurna Sanctuary, is drenched in rain and teeming with dense bamboo forests and vibrant rhododendrons. Conversely, the northern region near Tibet is dry and barren due to scarce rainfall.

Encircled by the Annapurna Mountains, the Annapurna Sanctuary itself enjoys only seven hours of daily sunlight.

TRIP FACTS

• Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult
• Duration: 08 Nights/09 Days
• Maximum Sleeping Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp, 4130 m/13,550 feet
• Maximum Hiking Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp
• Best Season: Mar-June and Oct-Dec.
• Trek availability: Join a group on the dates shown below.
• Customized private trips can also be arranged for a minimum of two people on request on a date of your choice.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY & COST

Day 01: Drive Pokhara to Kande (1130 m/45 minutes). Annapurna Base Camp Trek Starts. Trek to Pothana (1900 m/5 km/3 hours). Overnight Lodge at Pothana.

• Kande (1700m) to Australian Camp (2060m) to Pothana (1900m).
• Total Gain in Altitude: 200m

With a gain of 200m on the first day, the hike from Kande (1700m) to Pothana is moderate and short. The 5 km trek to Pothana starts with a gentle uphill from Kande, then the trail starts climbing on stone steps through a small hamlet, then through a beautiful forest till we reach Australian Camp. From here, it is an easy thirty-minute trek till Pothana

Day 02: Trek Pothana to Landruk (1565 m/7 km/4 hours). Overnight Lodge in Landruk

• Pothana to Pitham Deurali (2080m)
• Deurali to Tolka (1700m)
• Tolka to Landruk (1565m)

With no gain in altitude, the trek from Pothana to Landruk is probably the easiest trail to trek in the entire Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trail is easy on your legs, with a wide jeep trail to trek on till Landruk.

Day 03: Trek Landruk to Chomrong (2170 m/11 km/6 hours). Overnight Lodge in Chomrong.

• Landruk to New Bridge (1300m)
• New Bridge to Jhinu Dara (1780m)
• Jhinu Dara to Choomrong (2170m)
• Gain in Altitude : 605m

Day 3 of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with the trail descending down to the river bed for 1 km, and then the trail follows the river and starts climbing very gently through small villages until we reach New Bridge. This is a pretty long bridge that connects the two valleys. Immediately after the bridge, the trail starts climbing on steep stone steps to Jhinu and carries on till the view point above Jhinu. From here, the trail to Annapurna Base Camp dips down for a short trek to Choomroong. Chomroong is a fairly big village on a hillock with a few lodges and a bakery.

Day 04: Trek Chomrong to Dovan (2600 m/12Km/6Hrs). Overnight Lodge in Dovan.

• Choomrong to Sinuwa (2360 m)
• Sinuwa to Bamboo (2300 m/4 km/2 h)
• Bamboo to Dovan (2600 m/4 km/2 hours)

Day 05: Trek Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp (3700 m/14 km/7 hours). Overnight Lodge MBC.

• Dovan to Himalaya (2920 m/4 km/2 hours)
• Himalaya to Deorali (3200 m/4 km/2 hours)
• Deorali to Machapuchare Base Camp (3700 m/4 km/2 hours)

Day 06: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/4 km/2 hours). Day of exploration to Annapurna Base Camp. Overnight Lodge at Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 07: Trek Annapurna Sanctuary to Bamboo (2600 m/15 km/7 hours). Overnight Lodge.

Day 08: Trek Bamboo to Kimrung Khola (2260 m/15 km/7 hours). Lunch at Durpin Dada. Overnight Lodge.

• Bamboo to Choomrong (2170 m/9 km/5 h)
• Chomroong to Kimrung Khola (4 km/3 hours)

Day 09: Trek Kimrung Khola to Ghandruk (1990 m/5 km/3 h). Drive Back to Pokhara ( 3Hrs Drive). End of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

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• Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost: US$580/person
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost for Indian Nationals: Kindly write to us for quotes in Indian Rupee

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ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK COST INCLUDES:

• Twin-share hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
• Basic accommodation at local lodges is on a twin-sharing basis.
• Services of an experienced English-speaking local trekking guide.
• Porters to carry luggage while on trek (1 porter for 2 persons).
• Insurance for trekking staff, guides, porters, etc.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fees.
• National Park entrance fees.
• TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) registration fees.

COST EXCLUDES:

• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included for the duration of the trek
• Lunches and Dinners during Hotel Stays in Pokhara
• Departure Tax, where applicable (domestic or international flights).
• Domestic Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu airfare (if requested by clients).
• Transport from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the end of the trek.
• Travel/Trekking/Medical insurance.
• Rescue operations by helicopter.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Nepal visa fees.
• Any services in Kathmandu or Nepal (hotels, transport, etc.).
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.

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NEPAL TOURIST VISA

• Nepal visa are readily available on arrival at the International Airport
• in Kathmandu and all other entry points to Nepal.
• Two passport photos will be required.
• Single-entry visa: US$30 per visa (valid for 60 days).
• Multiple entry visa: US$ 80 per visa (valid for 150 days).
• Nepal visas are also available at all Nepalese embassies and consulates.
• Indian nationals do not need a Nepali visa to travel inside Nepal.

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Note: The above-given itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors, such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of participants etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well-being.

(All relevant terms and conditions apply.).