Annapurna Base Camp Trek -13 Days

Trip Code

NOA-37894

Starts At

Kathmandu, Nepal

Ends At

Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Grades

Strenuous

Maximum Altitude

4,310m

Country

Nepal

Activities

Trekking

Duration

13 days

Trip Highlights

  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu - the city of monuments 
  • Scenic tour to Pokhara - the beautiful Lakeside city
  • Trekking through the lush green hills alongside the Annapurna Himalayan range
  • Ghandruk and Chhomrong village
  • Panoramic view of the Himalayan range 
  • Machhapuchhre Base Camp
  • Annapurna Base Camp
  • Natural Hot spring at Jhinu

Trip Description

Annapurna Base Camp Trek probably the simplest legendary and classical treks within the world offering you the most breathtaking Mountain Views along with the opportunity to experience the local Nepali life, local cuisines, people, and their way of living a traditional life in the Himalaya of Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp route passes through spectacular and tranquil landscapes, beautiful Gurung and Magar villages, lush green Rhododendron, bamboo, and alpine forests, and finally to the trip’s major destination, Annapurna Base Camp at the peak of 4130m (13546ft.)

The trekking into the Annapurna region offers splendid views of the Great Himalayan ranges of Nepal such as Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna First (8,091m), Fishtail (6,997m), Mardi Himal (5,553m), and Manaslu ( 8,156m). Ghandruk is one of the major villages during the trekking expedition in the ABC trek. There's even a thermal spring on the way back while coming back from the bottom Camp.

Travelers' accommodation and transportation during the ABC trek are handled by the respective Travel Company if you prefer to go through the various travel agencies available while you can still manage everything on your own throughout the whole trekking which might be a little challenging as well as cheaper too. There are numerous guest houses with the best service available but make sure to do proper research and prior contacts with the homeowners of the tea-houses regarding your arrival. You don’t have to worry about a single thing if you travel through an agency. Everything will be pre-arranged and that’s the advantage of traveling with a travel company in Nepal. Spring (Mar-May) and Fall (Sep-Nov) seasons are the best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. 

Moreover, the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is additionally considered one of the simplest value-for-money circuit treks in Nepal. 

Outlined Itinerary

Day 1 : Kathmandu Arrival

At the airport, a representative from your WTH will pick you up. They will then transport you to your hotel. During the briefing, you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the expedition. They might as well lead you on a stroll through Thamel's streets if you want to get a feel for the area, and you can even squeeze in some last-minute shopping. You might as well check into the hotel or perhaps head out to a club because there are no more events planned for the day.

  • Accommodation

    The Milestone Hotel

  • Max Altitude

    1,350m/4,429ft

Day 2 : Guided Kathmandu City Tour and Trek Preparation

Before venturing into the Himalayas, you need to be well-versed in a number of topics. Everyone must seek guidance and conduct research for the journey. You will have an unusual experience, but with little preparation, you will be able to deal with it. You should use caution when packing your suitcase. Carrying unnecessary gear will make your travel more challenging. If there is time, we will do some last-minute shopping. You'll be able to see Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa. They have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These locations showcase a wide spectrum of historic and artistic achievements. Kathmandu Valley is world-renowned for its natural beauty. In Kathmandu, spend the night.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

  • Accommodation

    The Milestone Hotel

  • Max Altitude

    1,350m/4,429ft

Day 3 : Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus

You will travel by tourist bus to Pokhara the following day; the trip may take 7 hours. You may take in Nepal's picturesque highways, local marketplaces, people's way of life, waterfalls, rivers, forests, etc. Overnight in Pokhara.

  • Walking Hours

    6-7 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast

  • Accommodation

    Deluxe Hotel

  • Max Altitude

    840m/2,755ft

Day 4 : Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Ghandruk

After 1.5 hours of driving from Pokhara to Nayapul, the path begins at the bottom of the river valley and follows the Modi River and rice terraces. You'll arrive at the Syauli Bazaar base after two hours of walking, where the hike's moderately challenging section begins. From Syauli market, use the man-made stone path for 2353 steps till you reach Kimche, where you must then climb 4252 steps to go to Ghandruk. After another two hours of walking, you'll arrive at the gate of Ghandruk, a sizable and affluent Gurung community that is stunningly situated against the Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Mount Machhapuchhre backdrops (6993m).

  • Walking Hours

    4 hrs

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    1,940m/6,364ft

Day 5 : Ghandruk to Chhomrong

You will hike from Ghandruk to Chhomrong the next day (2170m). It takes 5–6 hours to walk there. You will go steadily upward from Ghandruk to Komrong Danda, from where the point you will descend to Komrong Khola. Finally, ascend to Chhomrong, a large and additional gorgeous Gurung village where you will be staying for the day. Overnight in Chhomrong.

  • Walking Hours

    5-6 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    2,170m/7,119ft

Day 6 : Chhomrong to Bamboo

A sequence of ascents and descents on the stone stairs will then signal the start of your adventure once more. The Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) mountain's tip will spur you on the entire way. The trail continues through thick stands of cedar, rhododendron, and oak trees. Then you'll make a brief tea break at a lodge in Sinuwa before continuing your hike to Bamboo, where you'll spend the night.

  • Walking Hours

    4-5 hrs

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    2,310m/7,578ft

Day 7 : Bamboo to Deurali

On your route to Deurali, you will have a little tea break at Dovan. A tiny hydropower plant has made excellent use of the site of Dovan on the top side of the steep valley. You'll need to climb up another high hill to reach Himalaya, a stunning site where you'll be eating lunch. After there, you'll ascend the many stone steps that lead to Deurali. You'll pass a huge rock feature named Hinku cave on your route to Deurali. After there, you will continue on the route as it gradually ascends along the Modi Khola River until you reach Deurali.

  • Walking Hours

    3-4 hrs

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    3,230m/10,597ft

Day 8 : Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp

On this day, you will hike from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp. At 4130m, one can find Annapurna Base Camp. It requires a 5- to 6-hour trek. The entire trail has inclines. You will once more be able to see the spectacular Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Gandharva Chuli, Glacier Dom, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, etc. as you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Continue on to Annapurna Base Camp, where you will spend the night at the lodge. You'll be able to see a stunning sunset from here if the weather is clear.

  • Walking Hours

    5-6 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    4,130m/13,549ft

Day 9 : Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

You'll need to get up early in order to witness the dawn and the magnificent views of Annapurna I, Barahi Shikhar, Tent Peak, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Gandharva Chuli. Following breakfast, you will go out on your 2340 m-distance trek from ABC to Bamboo via Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya, Dovan, and Bamboo. A 6-7 hour trek is followed by an overnight stay at the lodge.

  • Walking Hours

    7-8 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    2,310m/7,578ft

Day 10 : Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot Spring)

You will begin your day of trekking from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda via Sinuwa and Chhomrong Village after breakfast. Jhinu is situated at an elevation of 1690m. Walking takes 5-6 hours. The trial has hills and valleys. You may take use of the Natural Hot Spring in the afternoon and stay the night at the Lodge.

  • Walking Hours

    5-6 hours

  • Meals

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    Tea House/Lodge

  • Max Altitude

    1,760m/5,774ft

Day 11 : Jhinu Danda (Hot Spring) to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara

You will be returning to Nayapul, the starting point of the hike, after breakfast. Additionally, it will be the concluding hike of our trekking journey. You will reach Nayapul after a 3–4 hour trek, and from where that point you will take a drive back to Pokhara. As you travel back to Kathmandu the next day, you may spend the evening in lakeside Pokhara and take advantage of its nightlife.

  • Walking Hours

    3-4 hrs

  • Meals

    Breakfast and Lunch

  • Accommodation

    Deluxe Hotel

  • Max Altitude

    840m/2,755ft

Day 12 : Fly to Kathmandu

After that, you'll fly back to Kathmandu and then head to your hotel. You'll be escorted to a restaurant for a farewell supper that WTH is planning for our fellow guests.

  • Meals

    Breakfast and Dinner

  • Accommodation

    The Milestone Hotel

  • Max Altitude

    1,350m/4,429ft

Day 13 : Final departure

Your journey will finally come to an end on this day, as WTH will transport you to Tribhuvan International Airport two hours before your flight.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

  • Max Altitude

    1,350m/4,429ft

Cost Includes

  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle.
  • Twin sharing/Triple sharing accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 3 nights in Kathmandu on a breakfast basis (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
  • Twin sharing/Triple sharing accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 1 night in Pokhara on a breakfast basis (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
  • Tea House/Lodge accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region
  • Three meals daily during the trekking days
  • Licensed and experienced English-speaking guide
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
  • Porters service during the trek for carrying the luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients, per customer 10 KG maximum)
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
  • Walking The Himalaya duffel, Minor Medical Kitbag, Trekking map, T-shirt
  • Farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
  • All administrative expenses and government taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 Days Visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa, and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
  • International airfare and airport departure tax
  • Travel insurance along with high-altitude (4500m) emergency evacuation coverage 
  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • Any sort of beverages including bottles and boiled water
  • Tips to trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected; it is recommended to spend 10% of your trip price for tipping)
  • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
  • Any expenses other than the Price Include section

Costs & Dates

Extra Information

1. Best Time To Travel
Spring from March to May and autumn from mid-September to November are considered to be the best seasons to trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The weather is dry and clear during these times making it ideal for trekking and enjoying majestic views of mountains. The days are mild while the nights are chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons and the trails get crowded and busy.
You can also go for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds when you can even enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses which remain mostly empty during these times. But you should be aware of some discomforts (rain, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times.

2. Entry Permits & Requirements
The permits you need for Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes:

  •  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit—NRS 3000 per person for foreigners, NRS 1000 for citizens of SAARC countries, and NRS 100 for Nepalese.
  •  TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card—NRS 1000 if you are trekking with a guide. NRS 2000 for free individual trekkers (FIT). For SAARC countries, NRS 300 for trekking with a guide and NRS 600 for a solo trekker.

You can obtain both Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit and TIMS Card from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara.
To get these permits, you will need to provide the listed documents and information:

  • Copy of your passport
  • 2 Passport-sized photos
  • Dates when your trek starts and ends
  •  Itinerary/route
  •  Entry and exit points
  •  Emergency Contact Information (local and home country’s)
  •  Travel Insurance Details

3. Altitude Sickness
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness may begin once you reach 1500-2000 meters and upwards. If you gain a sudden height rapidly without letting your body adapt to the thin oxygen at higher altitudes, you are most likely to suffer from Altitude Sickness. But if you plan for acclimatization days to your itinerary, you are good to go. 
Acclimatization days are included in your trip to avoid Altitude Sickness. The sickness is common at high altitudes. Please remember that altitude sickness is a topic to be taken very seriously. Here are a few extra prevention tips: 

  • Avoid climbing rapidly, give your body some time to adjust to the environment 
  • Drink more water, not less than 5 liters per day 
  • Eat more, eat often, and eat healthier 
  • Listen to your body, do not ignore symptoms 
  • Do not skip acclimatization days 
  • Be prepared in case of an emergency 

4. Safety and security 
You can have Travel Insurance while trekking which is the safest measure. However, there are some measures following which you can implement to ensure safety: 

  • Secure your belongings 
  • Do not flash cash or jewelry 
  • Have an emergency plan 
  • Do not trek alone 
  • Only choose authorized trekking agencies 

5. Trekking essentials 
People, often you don’t need a lot of complicated gear and equipment for an Annapurna adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the most essential items that you should not forget to take with you during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

  • A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
  • Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
  • Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
  • T-shirts or shirts
  • Down jacket
  • Wind/ waterproof light jacket
  •  Fleece jumper or jacket
  •  Inner Thermal (top and trouser)
  •  Socks and inner wears
  •  Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
  •  Inner and outer gloves
  •  Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
  •  Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
  •  Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
  •  Water bottle and water purification tablets

6. Walking hours
On average, walking hours per day is 5-6 hours below 3,000m. For altitudes higher than 3,000m, the average walking time is 3-5 hours per day. The walking hours may vary according to conditions but do not exceeds 6 hours mark per day. 

7. Hiring a Guide
Do good research before hiring a guide. However, if you plan your trip via travel agency, an experienced guide will be provided for a group of 1-5. A group consisting of 6-12 individuals will be provided with 2 professional guides. Moreover, the package might also include a porter for every 2 individuals. 

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Ghandruk in Nepal is a moderate level trek that requires some level of experience. Our professional travel experts suggest that it is mandatory to attend a short training before beginning the trip. While the trek is still possible for those with no experience at all, a brief warm-up trek would definitely help. 

The best time is during the pre-monsoon months of March through May. It is also favorable after post-monsoon. This starts from late September till December. However, it is also possible to trek in February and early September. 

During the trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Ghandruk you can expect 5-7 hours of trekking per day, a scenic tour of Pokhara, and the beautiful Fewa Lake, Ghandruk village, Chhomrong Village, Annapurna Base Camp, and natural hot spring at Jhinu. 

The food is generally traditional Nepali lunch which is Dal (Lentil Soup), Bhat (Boiled Rice), Tarkari (Veggies), and Achar (Pickle).
For the accommodation, there are especially Hotels & Lodges, Tea houses, and Camping facilities. However, due to easy accessibility of hotels & lodges throughout the trial, camping is usually avoided during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal.
 

If you have booked a package with a travel agency, you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi, etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice. 

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