Annapurna Base Camp
one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna
one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna
Annapurna Base Camp Trekis a sought after and popular trek. How difficult is it trekking to Annapurna Base camp It is at lower altitude and
also combines stunning views of high mountain peaks like Machapuchre and
Dhaulagiri.
The Annapurna mountain range lies between the Kali Gandaki
and Marsyangdi river valley, forming
a solid, mountain bastion. It spans 40 miles and
incorporates twelve peaks higher than 7000 m. Surrounded by spectacular
vistas and rhododendron forests which give way to bamboo groves, you
will encounter the marvelous traditional people
who live in Annapurna region on the base camp trek.
After leaving Kathmandu you will be struck by the
incredible and vast mountain vistas that lie before you with the
Annapurna range.
The trek itself is only 10 days but can be modified to
spend less time in the Annapurna's and still get to
base camp by starting out from Ghandruk, a beautiful
village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community.
The trail heads through a
variety of vegetation areas. From Ghandruk to Chomrung there are
endless rhododendron, fern and thickets of bamboo.
Once you
enter the Annapurna sanctuary, the forest becomes more dense
with the main trees being tall oaks. Near Deurali, the Annapurna
trail gives way to tussock grasses where you may get to see the
Nepal national birth the Danphe. Closer to Machapuchare base
camp, the terrain becomes Alpine.
Classified as a moderate-difficult trek, Annapurna
base camp trek it is one of few treks that give you such spectacular
mountain views over a short period of time.
Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu
Day-2: Guided Sightseeing
Day-3: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day-4: Drive: Pokhara & Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1960m)
Day-5: Ulleri - Ghorepani (2774m)
Day-6: Ghorepani - Tatopani (2590m)
Day-7: Tatopani - Chomrong (2170m)
Day-8: Chomrong - Himalaya Hotel (2920m)
Day-9: Machhapuchhre BC
Day-10: Annapurna Base Camp - Doban
Day-11: Doban - Chomrong /Modi Khola
Day-12: Chomrong /Modi Khola - Ghandrung (1940m)
Day-13: Ghandrung - Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara
Day-14: Return to Kathmandu
Day-15: Departure
Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu
Arrival and transfer to Hotel.
Day-2: Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
Day-3: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. Hotel Overnight.
Day-4: Drive: Pokhara & Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1960m)
From Pokhara we drive to Nayapul, the start point as well as for the easier Poon Hill Trek. The trek starts out along a dirt road and after some time reaches a suspension bridge. From there, about an hour of climbing an endless series of stone steps take you to the old stone village of village. Tonight you will see an amazing view of Annapurna South (7,219 m) is in the distance.
Day-5 Ulleri - Ghorepani (2774m)
Leaving Ulleri the path heads up yet another series of endless stone stairs but the scenery is breathtaking as it winds past waterfalls, small villages and tea houses and farming areas. Along the way we will stop at Nangathati for a bit of lunch and rest. At the end of today's walk we find the village of Ghorepani, almost a mini Namche Bazaar buzzing with activity, numerous shops, bakeries and even wifi facilities. Ghorepani also has a Health Post, a School, Police check Post, and a temple for you to see, not to mention the amazing view Annapurna range.
Day-6: Ghorepani - Tatopani (2590m)
Early this morning we will hike up the famous Poon hill (3200m) for a magnificent sunrise view over the mountains. After that the route descends and then starts to head up a series of climbs and descents through beautiful rhododendron forests to Tatopani.
Day-7: Tatopani - Chomrong (2170m)
This morning as we descend from Tatopani we get amazing views of upper Modi valley. We trek downhill to the Kimrong Khola where we cross a suspension bridge and then start a gradual uphill trek to a Gurung village of Ghandruk. After a break we continue to hike to Chomrong at the very base of Himal Chuli.
Day-8: Chomrong - Himalaya Hotel (2920m)
Today begins with a steep descent down a bank of rock and then through thickets of bamboo at the lower gorge area. We then trek toward the neck of the gorge at pantheon Barah and climb to Himalaya hotel.
Day-9: Machhapuchhre BC
After trekking away from "Himalayan Hotel" we start to trek into more sparse and arid ground as we approach Machhapuchhre BC. The trail eventually emerges into the Annapurna Sanctuary and straight ahead lies the high lateral moraine of south Annapurna glacier. Machhapuchhre towers above to a incredible height 6993m. This is undoubtedly one of most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas and its profile is reminiscent of the Matterhorn. Machhapuchhre is a sacred mountain and it is strictly forbidden to climb it.
Day-10: Annapurna Base - Doban (3700m)
We climb steadily uphill for about 2 hours. After taking in some unforgettable views, we retrace our steps as we descend down the rail to Doban.
Day-11: Doban - Chomrong /Modi Khola
Today, we pass an experimental sheep farm at Khuldi Bikas and then climb towards Chomrong where the trail continues steeply up stony steps to Kabre Chautara and on to Modi Khola.
Day-12: Chomrong /Modi Khola - Ghandrung (1940m)
After Chomrong the trail continues steeply up more stone stairs to beautiful village of Ghandrung.
Day-13: Ghandrung - Nayapul (1070m). Drive to Pokhara
We continue to trek down hill to meet up with our transport at the village of Nayapul. We then drive back to Pokhara. Hotel
Day-14: Return to Kathmandu
Free at leisure.
Day-15: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home
End of services
Annapurna Base Camp elevation is 13,550 feet (or 4,130m. Most of your trek to Annapurna Base Camp is spent below 3,000m/ 10,000 feet.
In general if you are happy walking for 5to 6 hrs a day with a light day pack then you should be fine so long as you are fit in advance. Trekkers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain, but expect long steep climbs. Some days could include ascents and descents of 500 metres or more. Most walking is done in the morning and afternoons are for relaxing. One thing you can’t train for though is altitude and that can prevent people reaching base camp where there is 50% less oxygen compared to sea level. The secret is to acclimatise well and to do so you need to take a slow pace, a good itinerary, ascend to altitude slowly, rest, eat good food, sleep well and drink plenty of fluid.
We rate ABC trek as moderate to difficult for two reasons. First, the distance is around 67 km over 10 days of trekking. Secondly, the altitude gain and loss over the trek, starting the trek at just over 2250m to 4130m at the Annapurna base camp.
The trek takes 15 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. However it can be modified to be longer or shorter to even 8 days
Yes, you can charge your batteries and mobile phones in every place by paying extra at the rooms do not have charging facilities. The price of charging may vary in different places. It is wise to bring your power bank which you can charge in Kathmandu and use it in the higher area as charging batteries in the higher area is quite costly.
You can choose the food from the menu and it depends on the places. You can also choose local dishes and continental/Chinese dishes. However, food is cooked by the basic local lodges so the variety and flavour differs from one place to the next.
This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly.
If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click here
The legendary Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
The two trips are very different. The Annapurna Circuit trek is a longer more challenging trek with mountain passes and higher altitudes. The Circuit trek goes around the northern side of the Annapurna Mountain Range and you do not actually go to Annapurna Base Camp when you are on the Circuit trek. Also, you reach an altitude of 5,420m/ 17,782 feet on the Circuit trek, and on the Base Camp trek, the highest point reached is at 4,131m/ 13,553 feet.
Both the Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are quite exciting in their own way. If your goal is to get the best views of the Annapurna Region, then you can choose either one. On either trek, the Annapurna Massif will be center of attention.