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Annapurna Base Camp Route takes us to one of the isolated traditional villages where our journey leads to greetings of regional people with lush green growth with the scenery of white snow-covered mountains with spectacular views and a wonderful mix of cultures. Annapurna Base Camp Route Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the Annapurna region. The journey begins in the foothills of the Annapurna from Pokhara through charming villages of Magar and Gurung. On the rugged route, the journey is indifferently full of thrilling bums of ups and downs. The magical hike from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp begins with a short drive. Spend a day enjoying the natural beauty that exists in Pokhara before the trek starts. It’s a big breath of fresh air out of Kathmandu’s dustiness and almost never-ending noise. The first section of the trail leads through mixed forests that are subtropical. A sight to see in springtime is the fiery red and pink rhododendrons. The road climbs higher, to the rugged alpine landscape above the tree line, emblematic of the area of Annapurna. Soon enough, we’ll enter Annapurna Base Camp after Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Here, we can witness the panoramic mountain views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Barahi Shikhar, Annapurna I, Tharpu Chuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre.
Annapurna Base camp Route Trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek because you walk along the trail of the protected area. It is recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful sanctuaries, protecting not only the soil’s floral and faunal species but also its natural ecosystem and local ethnic community. You will admire and observe local ethnic Gurung and Magar cultures in tiny settlements and villages during the journey. The Sanctuary is an oval-shaped plateau surrounded by the Mountain Ring of Annapurna. Trekking through it provides you with a thriving Himalayan ecosystem consisting of lush woodlands mixed with drier territory due to its unique terrain. You can also come across Thakali people who have delicate villages at the foot of the Annapurna Himalayas as you ramble along the unsophisticated trails that are decorated with rhododendron canopies.
Meander through Ghandruk’s winding stone roads and narrow passages. In the village, there are plenty of nice guesthouses and good restaurants. In the village, there are two Gurung museums, both worth a visit. The Gurung Traditional Museum, which brags a shield constructed from elephant skin. Spend some time visiting the Old Gurung Museum too. Staying in Ghandruk for a couple of nights is a remarkable period during our trip, in addition to reaching Annapurna Base Camp. The second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal is Ghandruk (after Siklis). Ghandruk (at around 1,940 meters) is open to incredible views of the Himalayas, enclosed by magnificent terraced farming fields. The sight of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and a few other rugged mountain tops will enchant you.
Annapurna Base camp trek isn’t particularly strenuous but of unparalleled beauty thereto of other treks, which is additionally a reason for its popularity. This is often just an 11-day trek except for those that do not have that much time and are willing to push themselves a touch. We even have Annapurna base camp trek, where you get an equivalent experience within a week. After almost a year of ban on travel and tourism, Nepal is welcoming travelers, trekkers, and mountain climbers from everywhere to pursue their dreams in Nepal to travel in Nepal.
Trip Facts
Destination: Nepal.
Trip Difficulty: Moderate.
Style: Trekking and Tour.
Transportation: Private Vehicle/Tourist Bus.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Accommodation: Trekkers Hut.
Group Size: 1 to 20.
Max Altitude: 4130 meters.
Region: Annapurna Region.
Walking hours: 4 to 6 hours.
Highlights
- Visit the base camps of Annapurna and Machhapuchere.
- Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour around the historical UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Amazing views of the entire Himalayan range from the Annapurna base camp.
- Scenic hiking through traditional Gurung villages.
- A hot bath in Jhinu Danda’s natural hot springs
- Splendid views of Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Annapurna I, and Mt Fishtail.
- One of the largest villages in Chomrong and Sinuwa Gurung Village.
- Get a great taste of Rural Nepalese life.
Day to Day Itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Route
Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal.
You will be picked up from the airport by one of our employees. After that, you’ll be driven to your hotel. Following your refresh, you will be briefed for your trip at either the hotel or our office. You’ll eventually wander around Thamel market if you have time.
Max. Altitude: 1340m
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast
Place: Kathmandu
Day 02: 7 hours drive to Pokhara by Tourist bus.
We depart for Pokhara after breakfast at the hotel. We track villages and the Trishuli River until we hit the halfway point of the journey. Trishuli is also known for foam rafting, but the road is flat until Pokhara, bypassing small towns.
Max. Altitude: 815m
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast
Place: Pokhara
Day 03: Pokhara to Ghandruk by a vehicle about 3 hours and hike up 1 hour.
After breakfast, the journey will begin with a private car, jeep, or bus ride to Kimche. Then we begin our trek to Ghandruk, which will take about an hour to complete. Ghandruk could be a large Gurung (ethnic cast) village with views of Annapurna South, Himhuli, and the fishtail.
Max. Altitude: 1940m
Accommodation: Tea House
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Place: Ghandruk
Day 04: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong Village about 6 hrs.
From Ghandruk, the path continues straight to Kimrung, passing through small villages along the way and then through the jungle to the river. Chhomrong is a Gurung settlement situated at the valley’s highest permanent settlement, with stunning views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Max. Altitude: 2170m
Accommodation: Tea House
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Place: Chhomrong Village
Day 05: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan about 6 hours.
After crossing the Chhomrong Khola, the trail descends through a stone staircase. We continue climbing until we reach Sinuwa. After leaving Sinuwa, we will travel through bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests to the Bamboo village. We’ll walk another 1.5 hours from bamboo to Dovan, where we’ll spend the night.
Max. Altitude: 2600m
Accommodation: Tea House
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Place: Dovan
Day 06: Trek from Dovan to Deurali about 5 hours.
The day begins with a gentle incline along the river’s edge, passing through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests. There’s also the chance of seeing animals such as wild pigs, deer, and languors (monkeys).
Max. Altitude: 3230m
Accommodation: Tea House
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Place: Deurali
Day 07: Deurail to Annapurna base camp trek about 5 hours.
We will begin our trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp today (MBC). The path starts with a gentle climb along a riverbank before soaring steeply up the mountainside. On the trail, there are a few places that are vulnerable to avalanches, but only after or during the winter season. The climate will change from MBC to ABC to a barren plateau devoid of plants. We’ll see snow boulders melt into small rivers and stunning views of Annapurna’s near-vertical south face towering over the sanctuary. All of our efforts will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Machhapuchre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli, and other peaks.
Max. Altitude: 4130m
Accommodation: Tea House
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Place: Annapurna Base Camp
Day 08: Annapurna Base camp to Bamboo trek for about 8 hours.
We begin our day early in the morning, taking in the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas from Annapurna Base Camp. We begin our descent from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo after breakfast, passing through Machhapuchre Base Camp, Deurali, Dovan, and finally Bamboo. It’s much easier to return to the valley than it is to climb up. The numerous waterfalls that cascade down from high above to the rocks below will be visible.
Max. Altitude: 2310m
Accommodation: Tea House
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Place: Bamboo
Day 09: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinudanda for about 6 hours.
We hike up to Sinuwa and then down to Chhomrong Khola after breakfast. We then make our way to Chhomrong through a thousand stony steps. We continue our descent from Chhomrong to Jhinudanda. We have the opportunity to soak in the hot springs just 20 minutes down the road from Jhinudanda when we arrive..
Max. Altitude: 1780m
Accommodation: Tea House
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Place: Jhinudanda
Day 10: Jhinu Danda to Matque 1 hour and descend back to Pokhara 3 hours.
After taking a jeep to Pokhara, we begin our trek from Jhinu danda to Matque village, which is located just opposite Jhino. The journey will take three hours. We’ll have until the evening after arriving in Pokhara to visit some more places around the lake city.
Max. Altitude: 815m
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast
Place: Pokhara
Day 11: Back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, about 7 hours.
Returning to Kathmandu, where our journey began. When we return to the hotel, you can either relax or go shopping in Thamel’s labyrinth of souvenir shops.
Max. Altitude: 1340m
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast
Place: Kathmandu
Day 12: Full day sight seen of the heritage sites.
After breakfast, a guide with a vehicle arrives at your hotel around 9 a.m. to try to see sights in the Kathmandu valleys such as Pashupatinath (one of the most famous Hindu temples with cremation center), Boudhanath (one of the most important Stupas), Swayambhunath (also known as monkey temple), and Patan Durbar square (An old palace with ancient art and architect).
Max. Altitude: 1340m
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast
Place: Kathmandu
Day 13: Fly back home
Today is the farewell day as you’re flying back home. See you soon again.
FAQS related to Annapurna Base Camp Route
How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Route ?
The Annapurna base camp Trek route is considered as moderate in terms of difficulty. The maximum elevation of the Trek is 4130 m. The trek quite demanding with lots of stairs but with a bit of patience and persistence, it is achievable.
What is the maximum elevation of the Trek?
The Maximum Elevation of the trek is 4130 m where Annapurna Base Camp is located.
How fit do I need to be to do this trek?
Annapurna Base Camp is moderately difficult trekking route. However, one needs to be physically fit to do this trek even if you do not have any previous experience in trekking. You got to be physically and mentally prepared of what it takes to complete the trek.
Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?
No. There are no ATMs on the trek route. You have to draw enough cash for the trek from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Everything you do is in Nepali rupees. So, you need to carry enough and sufficient Nepali currency before you set off for the trek.
How long do we need to walk each day while on the trek?
On average, you will walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. On our Day 8 of trekking we will be walking around 8-9 hours.
Is there a facility of internet access on Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route?
Yes, you will have enough Internet access in most places but don’t expect the internet to be smooth and fast. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems and may take a very long time to be resolved due to lack of technical support in Himalayan region.
Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp Route?
Not really! Though it completely depends upon the trekkers. If you want, you can go solo as well on this trek. You will always find the people doing the trek also the signs of the route can be found throughout the way. But hiring a guide can be fruitful as the guide will manage all the things for you through out the way from hotels to accommodations. You just have to walk along without taking any burden of managing the things through out the trek. The guide suggests you through out the trek which can be really helpful.
It depends upon several factors. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being alone and walking all the way through finding the route yourself? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier, but they will plan everything for you throughout.
What are the required permits for Annapurna Base Camp Route?
There are two types of permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) card.
It Costs : SAARC nationals: Nrs.200 (about US $2)
For Others: Nrs.2000 (about US $20)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.
It costs NRS. 2000 (about US $20).
