Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is most likely the most renowned and recognized trek in the world. The trekking offers mountain views, a chance to encounter the regular Nepali community, indigenous everyday people, and also the purpose of residing in a traditional lifestyle in the Himalayas of Nepal. The trail proceeds through breathtaking and peaceful scenery, dense eco-friendly green Rhododendron, natural bamboo and mountain forested acres, enchanting Magar and Gurung villages. Base Camp at an altitude of 4130m is ultimate desired destination. Adventure is one among the life-time travel enjoyment!

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is also popular as Annapurna Sanctuary. There are different alternative option to reach at base camp of Annapurna. One is from Nayapul and another from Phedi, Dhampus. Discovering by yourself at the bottom of massive Annapurna I (World Tenth Highest Peak 8091 meter from sea level) with 360-degree Mountain outlook is tremendously stunning which is beyond your creative imagination. That could be a memorable lifetime experience at the high Himalaya adventure trip in Nepal.

Additional popular features of this trek is the Jhinu hot spring. Incredibly enjoyable and remedies for your pain muscular areas. It is indeed a favorite alternative choice for different outdoor adventure fans, from a single females’ tourists to trekkers traveling in groups of friends to Nepal.

Society and Culture in Annapurna Base Camp Trek

On this Annapurna Base Camp Trek route, mixed ethnic groups are living in good harmony. The Gurung and Magar people live in high altitudes, where their physical features are short and their fair complexion is Mongolian. They are known worldwide as Gurkha soldiers. Their main occupations are farming and good positions in the army sector. Other ethnic groups like Brahmans and Chettri look like Aryans and they mostly live in the lower parts of the mountain.

If you go to other part of the region for trekking in Nepal like; Everest Base Camp Trek, then there you see the Sherpa people and culture who are mostly involves in trekking and climbing to the Himalaya. Likewise, in Annapurna Circuit Trek route, Thakali people. But, there are many regions and different lifestyle people living in Nepal. Coz, here are 59 ethnic groups in Nepal that have their own lifestyle and culture. Anyway, Annapurna Base Camp Trek route is the best for scenery and above 50,000 people trek every year to see the Himalaya range and culture of the mountain people.

How tough is the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

In regards to the difficulty on this trek, we go to the 4130 m from the sea level and the trail is moderate and average. Doesn’t need sophisticated exercise routine settings. Ten Days physically based cardio exercise is recommended before doing trekking that maintain your body and mind in far better form.

Thereafter, anybody can delight in and have a good time in nature strolling in this adventure. Additionally, the people who are adventuring with young children also can take joy in this trek. Trekking to base camp via Ghorepani makes it possible for your physique to acclimatized with higher altitude. Every person obtaining earlier hiking experience with fit in body system can complete trek within short duration.

Best time to go to Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Spring (March, April, May): Best season to trek. Throughout the trekking, it offers a superior great spectacles of blossoming rhododendron flowers and to enjoy in some of the most wonderful mountain ranges vistas on the planet.

Autumn (September, October, November): This month or season is the best and peak period of the year. The temperature is moderate and the sky will remain clear. This is the season of festival time in Nepal and the weather supports the beauty of a magical view of high mountains.

Winter (December, January, February): The climate is cold in the mornings, although not unacceptable. hot over day hikes and crystal clear skies with awesome scenery most of the time. If you would like to avoid crowds, then it is suggested you trek this time.

Summer (June, July, August): The wet months. However, this period is most beneficial for travelers enthusiastic about botanicals or plants and also because the sky remains clear from time to time.

Do I need a guide and porter for this Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Yes, you need a both guide and porter for this trek. Because this trek goes up to the altitude of 4130 m from the sea level. So, there might be the chance of acute mountain sickness which probability from the above 3000 m. It manifests itself in a headache, sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness’ etc. In such situation, Medicine is no substitute for descent. Sometimes may be you get severe problem that you cannot control, then your guide ready for an emergency situation to help you. Guides are able to handle the situation. They are capable to rescue you and they are certified by the government. Porters are carrier for their livelihood. They carry your bag and he/she know little English. But, your guide has good English then porter.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map

Food and Accommodation in Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Foods are cooked by local people that meet the standard of Guest. Every kinds food is available like Dal Vat, includes of rise, dal soup, veg curry, pickle, salad etc. Everything from chapatti with curry, pizza, macaroni, sandwich, muesli, porridge, pancake, noodle soup, fried noodle and even apple pie are available.

Accommodation is completely basic, though the standard of the room is clean and good to sleep in. It is recommended to carry the sleeping bag all the time in this base camp trek. Coz, in the season tea houses are full and less blanket more often. Bathroom in the lodges are basic. Bathroom and toilet will be outside and away from where you are sitting. Do remember: They charge 150 to 200 rupee for each, like for heater, charging battery, shower etc.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek packing list

The trekking essential that you need for this trek are as follows:

• Trekking bag that has a belly strap and is comfortable to wear and carry.
• The Trek Boot is light and comfortable to walk in.
• Casual light shoes to wear in the lodges after arrival
• 4-5 Cotton T-shirt
• Sleeping bag (-20)
• Warm jacket (if possible, down jacket)
• warm trousers to wear when you get cold.
• Obligatory rain coat
• Sunscreen/sun protection cream
• A Pair of Gloves
• A warm woolen hat
• Sun hat- Ensure it covers face and neck
• Polaris Sun glasses
• Swimming suit- necessary for Hot Spring bath.
• First-Aid Kit (Common Problems like diarrhea, dehydration, fever, headache, tonsil can be occurring)

Rest of the things that you need for trekking can be keep as per your travel experience.

Note: Two types of trekking permits are also essential [Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) – $10 and National Trust for Nature Conservation Permit – $30] before entering into a conservation area. You can get this from Nepal tourism board at Kathmandu or in Pokhara. If you come through a trekking agency, you don’t need to worry about such things. Everything is managed by your agency. Just you need to give photocopy of your passport and 2 passport size photograph.

Outline Itinerary of ABC Trek from Kathmandu

Days	From	To	Altitude	Time
1.	Drive from Kathmandu (1340 M)	Pokhara	830 M	6 to 7 hrs.
2.	Drive one and half hrs. 45km Nayapul	Trek to Tikhedhunga	1540 M	4 to 5 hrs.
3.	Tikhedhunga	Trek to Ghorepani	2900 M	5 to 6 hrs.
4.	Ghorepani	Trek to Tadapani	2640 M	4 to 5 hrs.
5.	Tadapani	Trek to Chhomrong	2170 M	5 to 6 hrs.
6.	Chhomrong	Trek to Himalaya	2920 M	5 to 6 hrs.
7.	Himalaya	Trek to ABC via MBC	4130 M	4 to 5 hrs.
8.	Annapurna Base Camp	Trek to Bamboo	2300 M	5 to 6 hrs.
9.	Bamboo	Trek to Jhinu	1780 M	5 to 6 hrs.
10.	Jhinu	Trek to Pothana	1900 M	5 to 6 hrs.
11.	Pothana	Trek to Phedi & Drive to Pokhara	1130 M	2 to 3 hrs.
12.	Final Drive from Pokhara (PKR)	To Kathmandu	1340 M	6 to 7 hrs.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Pokhara is the hub of adventure cities, there are many things to do. Like Trekking, Hiking, Paragliding, Zip line, Ultra-light Flight etc. Also the place called seven lake city. This is the place everybody should be to do Annapurna base camp. The trek can be 8 to 12 days from/to Pokhara and the more 2 to 4 day’s transportation day from / to Kathmandu. It is depending on your physical fitness and time. Starting from Nayapul- Ghandruk – Jhinu – Chhomrong – Himalaya and straight up to Base Camp and back to the Bamboo – Jhinu – Nayapul same way along the Modi Khola River is the shortest itinerary.

The itinerary can be even longer by 2 days if we trek through the villages of Landruk, Pothana, and Dhampus, and end the tour at Phedi. Most of the people who go on the Annapurna Base Camp trek go via Ghorepani Poon Hill, which is tranquil and allows you to get acclimatized. The itinerary will be 10 to 12 days.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapool (1070 m) for one and a half hours and trek to Thikedhunga (1540 m) for four hours.

We started our journey from mount Kailash hotel Pokhara. Firstly, we waked up early morning around at 6 am and had our breakfast at 7 am. After that, we went to pack up our things and came into the reception. The car was ready to take a drive for Nayapul. Driven like one and half hours to the place where we start our Annapurna Base Camp trek (Nayapul). The drive was smooth and lucky to see the mountain and lush green hill. As we started from Nayapul, the trail goes inside the little town. Cross the suspension bridge and follow the Modi River till check point.

Afterwards, passing by a clockwise path, we followed the trail from tea houses, and the stream of the Burundi River and bamboo forest to the Thikedhunga. We stopped along the route at Ramgai (1340 m) to have lunch. After our lunch, we just walked for like one and a half hours to the Thikedhunga. The place is very beautiful because it is surrounded by lush green hills and there is a beautiful waterfall.

Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (2900 m) from Thikedhunga for 6 hours.

We had briefed to waked up at 6am in the morning and have breakfast at 6:30 am. Because, the day today was toughest part to climb up through the stone steps (3700) to Ulleri. Before sun strike in the mountain, if we climbed the toughest section, it would be easy for us to go further to have Lunch stop and Ghorepani. We halted for tea break at Ulleri and headed upwards to Nangethanti for the Lunch. After had lunch, we stroll uphill through the Rhododendron jungle for one and half hours and pasture at Ghorepani. In between, the trail offered the beautiful birds, Rhododendron forest, stream, waterfall, mountain etc. The forested acres of rhododendron jungle in this route are world largest. We went to slept at upper Ghorepani called Deurali at Hotel Hill Top. The high Himalaya range is awesome.

Day 3: Trek to Tadapani (2640 m) from Ghorepani after Poon Hill (3210 m) for 5 hrs.

It was the day to waked up early morning at 5 am for the excursion hike to Poon hill. To see the sunrise view from the Magnificent Himalaya. The dawn view of Poonhill top was excellent and felt like the world best sunrise view point. The mountain that we can see from 3210 m poon hill are Dhaulagiri (Seventh highest peak of world 8167 m), Annapurna (Tenth highest peak 8091 m), Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Nilgiri South, etc. More than 10 mountains can be visible

After spending the time for sunrise, we came down to the lodge for the breakfast and headed towards the Deurali for 2 hrs.at the same height of Poon hill and trail leaded up and down over the bamboo and rhododendron forest till tea break.

Subsequently, the trek route descends through the forest, crosses the bridge and stream, and stops to have a day meal. Later, the path climbs up through the jungle and reaches Tadapani. The place is a good place for a close up view of the Annapurna range and Fishtail.

Day 4: Trek to Chhomrong (2170 m) for 5 hrs. from Tadapani.

Today the trail first descended through the forest of sandal wood and rhododendron, so after arrived at Chaile. We refilled the water and continued to descend over the trail passing by Mountain terrace. Crossed the rivers from two suspension bridge and get hold for a Lunch at Gurjung village.

After our day meal, we headed up through stone steps for one hours up to Durbin Danda from the terrace field and oak forest. So, later the trail goes down initially for few minute and walked steadily up to Chhomrong. Stayed at New Chhomrong guest house. Mountains can be seen Annapurna south (7219 m), Hiunchuli (6441 m) and Fishtail (6997 m).

Day 5: Trek to Himalaya (2900 m) for 7 hrs. from Chhomrong.

Initially, descended few minute from the stone stair case. Crossed the suspension bridge of Modi river. The view of South Annapurna was stunning from the swing bridge. Again uphill through the oak trees for one hours to Lower Sinuwa and subsequently, upward hill for one and half hours to Upper Sinuwa (2340 m) to stopped for tea break. Had a break for tea and enjoyed the paradise views of Mount Fishtail, Annapurna-3 and Gandharbachuli. After that, we moved steadily and down through the stone steps passing by Bamboo forest and oak tree along with rhododendron till Bamboo (2400 m) for Lunch. Afterward, we walked 1 hrs. to Dovan and 2hrs. to Himalaya. The trail gradually uphill to Dovan and up down for 1 hrs. Finally, trekking route is natural but, narrow in ascending part up to Himalaya.

Day 6: Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (4130 m) from Himalaya for 6 hrs.

After breakfast, we almost headed up, passing the forest of bamboo and oak and walking from the middle of a rocky cliff. Crossed the river and stopped to have a tea break at Deurali (3200 m). After that, the trail was up and down through the rocky cliff mountain by viewing the fishtail, Annapurna three and Gangapurna. The landscape along the trail was beyond the Imagination till MBC. We halted for lunch at MBC- Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m). Later, the route in the beginning headed up through the stony trail for one hours. And track gradually headed upwards which was the main accomplishment of the trek. As we arrived, we saw the 360-degree view of High Himalayas.

Day 7: The trek reroutes back to Bamboo (2400 m) from ABC for 6 hrs.

We waked up early morning before the sunrise and went to see the glacier nearby peak point where the prayer flag was hanged. The 360-degree view of Himalayas are beyond the expectation when the sunlight ray strike on the Himalaya. Number of mountains for instance, Hiunchuli (6441 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Tent Peak, Gandharbachuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre (6997 m) etc. We enjoyed a lot and backed to have breakfast and descended same route back to Deurali for Tea Break. We stopped to have day meal at Himalaya and Overnight stayed at Bamboo.

Day 8: Annapurna Base Camp Trek to Jhinu (1760 m) from Bamboo for 6 hrs.

First, we climbed through stone stairs for a few minutes from the bamboo forest. And the trail goes up and down steadily to Sinuwa for a drink break. We saw long-tailed langur monkeys along the trail. After that, we again descended and cross the bridge and stair up to Chhomrong for the Lunch. After few minute of stair cases, we split down to the Jhinu for 1 hrs. Put off our bag at the lodge and in half hour ready for hot spring bath. Carried towel, soap, swimming suit and changing clothes and went to take a hot spring swim down to valley nearby Modi river. And came back to stay at Jhinu Guest House.

Day 9th: Trek to Pothana (1980 m) from Jhinu for 6 to 7 hrs.

From the Jhinu, the path tracks down through the stone steps and crosses the river from wooden bridge. Along the trail, saw the construction site that we heard long suspension bridge is going to be made. Followed by the Modi river and bamboo forest, we crossed the swing bridge and headed towards the Landruk for Lunch. After that, we walk along the graveled muddy trail for three hours, and half hours along the natural trail up to Pothana.

Day 10: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is close to ending at Phedi (1100 m) from Pothana in 3 hrs.

After passing the check point, we descended down through the forest and reached at Dhampus. From there to Phedi was just 2 hrs. of walk down. Firstly, the wide muddy trail. After that, split to descend over stone steps up to Phedi and driven back to Pokhara for 30 min. A beautiful lake city and second biggest valley of Nepal. Highest rainfall city of the country and there are many fun things to do those who are looking extra experience. But, the day was last night of us, so we went for nightlife and entertainment.

In Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our editorial about Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Please reach out to us for more information about ABC trek, contact us. We would love to hear from you! If you are interested in experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and going on a trek. Thank you for reading, we hope the information we provided was helpful!