Annapurna Base Camp Trek ( ABC )
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is indeed a breathtaking journey that offers a diverse range of landscapes, cultural experiences, and stunning mountain views. Here’s a breakdown of the information you provided:
Key Features of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
Diverse Landscape: The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, including terraced fields, picturesque Gurung villages, and rich flora and fauna.
Mountain Vistas: With Mt. Annapurna (8091m) as the highlight, the trek provides spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The route takes you via Mt. Machhapuchhre, known for its unique beauty.
Cultural Experience: The trek allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, particularly the Gurung villages. This cultural aspect adds depth to the overall trekking experience.
Altitude and Base Camp: The trek reaches an altitude of 4130m/13549ft at the Annapurna Base Camp, providing a challenging yet rewarding adventure.
Shorter Itinerary: The 11-day itinerary is designed for those with time constraints but still want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region. It caters to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, including solo female travelers and groups.
Alternative Options: For those looking for a more relaxed trekking experience with additional days, there’s the suggestion to explore the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 14 Days
Recommendations:
Preparation: Given the altitude and challenging terrain, it’s essential for trekkers to be physically prepared. Adequate acclimatization and fitness are crucial for an enjoyable and safe trek.
Weather Consideration: Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. It’s advisable to check the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek to ensure favorable conditions and clear mountain views.
Guided Trekking: While some trekkers prefer independent trekking, considering the diverse landscapes and potential challenges, having a local guide can enhance the overall experience, providing insights into the culture and ensuring safety.
Permit Requirements: Ensure that you have the necessary permits for trekking in the Annapurna region. This information may change, so it’s important to check the latest permit requirements.
Overall, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers an incredible adventure, and the shorter itinerary provides a convenient option for those with time constraints. Whether traveling solo or in a group, the trek promises a memorable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Nepalese Himalayas.
Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking / Hiking |
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
Day 02 Fly to Pokhara; drive to Kimche & trek to Ghandruk | 1,940m/6,365ft | 50 min |
Day 03 Ghandruk to Chhomrong | 2,170m/7,120ft | 5 – 6 hrs |
Day 04 Chhomrong to Bamboo | 2,310m/7,579ft | 4 – 5 hrs |
Day 05 Bamboo to Deurali | 3,230m/10,598ft | 3 – 4 hrs |
Day 06 Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp | 4,130m/13,551ft | 5-6 hrs |
Day 07 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo | 2,310m/7,579ft | 7- 8 hrs |
Day 08 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda | 1,760m/5,775ft | 5 – 6 hrs |
Day 09 Trek to Mathque; drive to Pokhara | 827m/2,713ft | 1 hour |
Day 10 Fly to Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
Day 11 Final Departure |
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a Ngimalaya Adventure representative will provide transportation to the designated hotel. A welcome dinner, showcasing authentic Nepalese cuisine, will be hosted by Ngimalaya Adventure in the evening, offering an introduction to the country’s culinary culture. The overnight stay will be at the designated accommodation in Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation : Hotel and Dinner
We commence our journey with an early morning flight to Pokhara, renowned for its scenic lakeside setting. During the flight, passengers on the right side of the airplane can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon landing at Pokhara airport, we embark on a comfortable 2-hour drive to Kimche. The trek begins from Kimche, leading us to Ghandruk, a picturesque village predominantly inhabited by the Gurung community. If time allows, a visit to the Gurung museum is also scheduled for today. Our overnight stay will be in Ghandruk.
Flight : 30min / Hiking : 50 min
Maximum Altitude : 1,940m/6,365ft
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 03 : Ghandruk to Chhomrong
At this juncture, we ascend for approximately an hour to reach Kimrungdanda, offering captivating views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre), and Ganggapurna along the way. A steep descent brings us to the Kimrong Khola, followed by another ascent to Chere Danda. After a brief descent, the trail leads to a gentle walk, guiding us to the charming village of Chhomrong, nestled at the base of the towering Annapurna massif. Our overnight stay will be in Chhomrong.
Maximum Altitude : 2,170m/7,120ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 : Chhomrong to Bamboo
Our descent continues as we navigate through 2500 stone steps and cross the bridge over Chhomrong Khola. The trail then leads to an uphill climb to Sinuwa. Progressing through a scenic forest, we reach Kuldihar before embarking on an effortless downhill stroll to Bamboo. Our overnight accommodation will be in Bamboo.
Maximum Altitude : 2,310m/7,579ft. ( Hiking: 4-5 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 : Bamboo to Deurali
Following breakfast, our journey takes us through a bamboo forest characterized by its damp and cool atmosphere. The ascent is gradual with a few steep sections, and it’s only upon reaching Himalaya Hotel that the forest opens up. Emerging into the sunlight, we are treated to breathtaking views of the glacial river below. The trail then involves a steep climb through a drier forest, leading to Hinku Cave. From this vantage point, the trail descends closer to the river before ascending again to Deurali. This stretch offers the most scenic views of the day, with sparser vegetation allowing for magical vistas of the valley, the river below, and towering rock-face cliffs adorned with bands of wispy waterfalls. Our overnight stay will be in Deurali.
Maximum Altitude : 3,230m/10,598ft ( Hiking: 3-4 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 : Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Today’s trek involves a gradual ascent through a riverbed and then a steep trail along the mountainside. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat challenging. As we reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, we are rewarded with excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre, along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and Gangapurna. This panoramic spectacle is undeniably fulfilling.
Vegetation gradually disappears as we approach Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. The dynamic views continue as we witness the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary offers a 360-degree panorama without any obstructions. From the base camp, we once again savor mesmerizing views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other peaks. Our overnight stay will be in Annapurna Base Camp.
Maximum Altitude : 4,130m/13,551ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 : Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Descending from Annapurna Base Camp, we retrace our steps back to Bamboo. Today’s trek is primarily downhill, making it a relatively less challenging day. The picturesque landscape surrounding us serves as a constant source of cheer and inspiration. Our overnight accommodation will be in Bamboo.
Maximum Altitude : 2,310m/7,579ft ( Hiking: 7-8 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 : Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
Departing from Bamboo, the day’s trek begins with an uphill ascent to Kuldighar, followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. From there, we ascend the stone steps leading to Chhomrong. The trail subsequently descends to Jhinu Danda, our resting place for the night. Today presents an opportunity to indulge in the soothing hot springs, conveniently located just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda. This provides a welcome relief for our tired bodies. Our overnight stay will be in Jhinu Danda.
Maximum Altitude : 1,760m/5,775ft ( Hiking: 5-6 hrs )
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 : Trek to Mathque; drive to Pokhara
During our journey from Mathque to Pokhara, we are treated to the breathtaking hilly landscapes of western Nepal. We make a stop for lunch along the way. The trek concludes at Mathque, where we transition to our private vehicle for the onward journey to Pokhara. Our overnight stay will be in Pokhara.
Maximum Altitude : 827m/2,713ft ( Hiking: 1 hour / Driving: 2 hrs)
Accommodation : Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Meals : Breakfast, and Lunch
We fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu in the afternoon. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will check in at our hotel. We enjoy the remaining day in leisure or catch up on some last-minute shopping or explore any landmarks we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude : 1,350m/4,429ft ( Flight : 30 min)
Accommodation : Hotel
Meals : Breakfast, and Dinner
Day 11 : Final Departure
Today marks the conclusion of our memorable journey in Nepal. A representative from Ngimalaya Adventure will ensure our timely arrival at the airport, approximately 3 hours before our scheduled departure flight. If you have a desire to extend your stay in Nepal for additional adventure activities or explore neighboring countries such as Bhutan, India, or Tibet, Ngimalaya Adventure is ready to assist you with all necessary formalities and arrangements.
Meals : Breakfast,
- US $24,99.00
- US $218 per day
FAQS
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a relatively easier hike in comparison to the Everest Base Camp trek. The reasons behind it is because hiking to Annapurna Base Camp involves shorter days of trekking, reaching elevations of maximum 4,130m/13,550 feet, and staying for a minimum number of days on higher elevations. Also, because of the green forests in the low altitudes Annapurna region has more oxygen level in the air as compared with EBC trek. Annapurna Base Camp trek begins at an altitude of 800m/2,625 feet thereby allowing sufficient days for acclimatization. Although Annapurna Base Camp trek may be easier than EBC trek, the fitness level required on both the treks isn’t any different. Trekkers do not require technical expertise or rock climbing and mountaineering skills as the trek is basically a long hike on low elevations in the green hills of Annapurna massif’s southern flank. The trek is only taxing because of its duration of 9 days hike with lots of uphill and downhill walks (11 days, including arrival and departure). However, the trek can be accomplished in 7 days by traversing the shorter route if you are short of time.
The best time to do Annapurna base camp trek is during the pre-monsoon months of March through to May. It is also favorable to trek during the post-monsoon months from late September till December. It is also possible to trek to Annapurna base camp in February and early September but the most preferable time for this trek is as stated above.
You need to pack light yet sufficient for at least 8 days on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Unless you pack wisely, it is certain that you will not be able to enjoy your journey in the Himalayas. Since this is a lodge-to-lodge trek, you will be sleeping in small lodges or teahouses during the entire trip. You need to be prepared with the right clothing and equipment as it may get colder at higher elevations especially during the cold months.