- Nepal
- 17 Days
- Mar-May/ Sept-Nov
- 68 miles
Annapurna Basecamp
Overview
Annapurna Base Camp is the perfect introduction to trekking in the Himalayas. It is a magnificent medium length trek into the heart of the mighty Himalaya with unsurpassed views. It is known as Annapurna Sanctuary because of its natural serenity and beauty.
This trek passes through a diverse range of climate, vegetation and cultural zones. From lush vegetation of rain and temperate forests to the alpine environment of the Sanctuary, each day on this trek offers something different. The land really does change daily, which provides a tantalizing introduction to Nepal’s cultural and natural beauty and diversity. Many trekkers choose this route as a shorter and easier alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek.
Highlights
- Visit the ancient and sacred World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu that are so alive with spiritual vibration
- Explore the beautiful and colorful city of Pokhara, one of the most beautiful in Nepal
- Discover Ghandruk, homeland of the brave Gorkha soldiers
- Experience the warm hospitality of local communities as you pass through charming villages and immerse yourself in their unique culture, traditions, and way of life, adding a fascinating cultural dimension to your trek.
- Reach the heart of the Annapurna Sactuary (4,130 m/ 13,550 ft) and stand amidst towering peaks to feel a sense of accomplishment and wonder as you gaze at the spectacular amphitheater of mountains surrounding you.
Included
- 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu
- 2 nights Hotel in Pokhara
- 8 nights at Mountain Lodges during trek
- Domestic round-trip flight: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandui
- Private land transport for sighteeing and airport transfers
- Meals as per itinerary: 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners
- Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with entrance fees
- Professional trekking guide and porters
- Trekkers registration & Annapurna Conservation Fees
- Guide and porters' insurance
- First-Aid Kit
Excluded
- International Airfare
- Airport taxes and excess baggage fees
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages & meals not specified
- Bottled Water (boiled and colled drinking water is provided on trek)
- Tips for your guide, porters, cook and crew, & drivers
- Expenses from flight cancellation or early return from trek
- Optional Activities
- Personal Expenses
- Visa Fees (US $30 for 15-days)
Day 1: Arrive in Kathamandu (1350m/ 4430ft)/ Transfer to Hotel
Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m/ 4430ft) and you’ll be picked up at the airport by our representative at Kathmandu Airport (TIA) and taken to your hotel. Later, you will meet your trekking fuide who will brief you about the trek.
INCLUDED:
— Airport Transfer
— Meals: Dinner
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing to World Heritage sites in Kathmandu
Today, you’ll spend the day visiting the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in Kathmandu Valley. Its elegant architecture, refined culture, colorful bazaars and simple hospitable people are what makes this place special.
Explore the enchanting Soyambhunath Stupa, situated on a hillock overlooking the picturesque Kathmandu Valley. Known as the ‘Monkey Temple,’ this ancient and mystical shrine boasts a golden spire that graces the skyline. It holds a special place among all the holy sites in Kathmandu.
Next, venture to Kirtipur, an ancient Newar town perched on a hill. Stroll along its paved streets, lined with charming red-brick houses and tiled roofs, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Marvel at the temple squares that showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Lastly, don’t miss a visit to Patan, the first city of Nepal. Known by its ancient name, Lalitpur, meaning the city of beauty, Patan is steeped in history. Wander through its streets and be captivated by its incredible collection of exquisitely carved temples and palace courtyards.
Immerse yourself in the cultural riches and architectural wonders of these remarkable places, each offering a unique glimpse into the heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast
— Guided Tour and Entrance Fees
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara (850 m/ 2790 ft)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic airport for a short and scenic flight to Pokhara. Nestled beneath the Himalayas, the lush natural beauty of Pokhara contrasts with Few Lake and stunning mountain views. After check-in at the hotel, go boatin on Fewa Lake, then visit the International Mountain Museums and stroll around the colorful lakeside in the afternoon.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 4: Drive to Kimche (1780 m/ 5840 ft)/ Trek to Ghandruk (2000 m/6560 ft), 1.5 hours
After a leisurely breakfast, take a scenic drive of about 1 hour 45 minutes to the village of Kimche where you’ll start your trek. Today’s hike is about 1.5 hours of gradual uphill on a gravel road and climbing some stairs at the end. You’ll arrive in Ghandruk just in time for lunch. After lunch, you’ll have some free time to explore the village. Ghandruk is one of the most beautiful villages in Nepal and homeland of the brave Gorkha soldiers.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 2.2 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 5: Trek to Chhomrong (2170 m/ 7120 ft), 5 hours
From Ghandruk, the path heads north of the village and descends through the forest to Kimrong, an attractive, small village on the banks of the river. From here you will climb through fields and forest to the village of Chhomrong. Chhomrong is the last true village on the way to the Sanctuary – from here there are just small settlements built to provide accommodation for trekkers going up to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: 6 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 6: Trek to Bamboo (2145 m/ 7040 ft), 5 hours
Start your trek descending on steps through terraced fields to cross the river on a suspension bridge. Then ascend steeply through the fields and forest for about 1.5 hurs to the small settlement of Sinuwa that sits on top of a hill. Continue through the forest to another small settlement of Khuldi-ghar perched steeply on the valley side. From here you will descend across rock slabs into a dense bamboo forest. The trail then climbs through bamboo forest to reach the place known as Bamboo.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: 4.5 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 7: Trek to Deurali (3230 m/ 10,600 ft), 5 hours
Continue trekking up and down through bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest, crossing several wooden bridges, gaining in elevation steadily until you reach the settlement of Himalaya (2870 m/ 9416 ft). From Himalaya, the trail passes through a narrow gorge along the Modi Khola. Some ascents are very steep until you emerge into a more open alpine landscape with fewer trees and pass by a fascinating large overhanging rock known as Hinku Cave before we reach Deurali – a wonderful location with breathtaking views of the valley, river and mountains.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: 6 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 8: Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m/ 12,140 feet), 3 hours
Today, you’ll begin your trek with a gradual walk up the steep stone stairs towards the so-called ‘gates’ of the Sanctuary. As you get closer to the snowy peaks, the vegetation changes from forest to shrubs. After several short but steep climbs, you will reach the Machhapuchare Base Camp (MBC). Rest and spend a night at the MBC which helps to acclimatize rather than continuing directly to Annapurna Base Camp. The view from MBC is spellbinding. Machhapuchare (or Fishtail) is a sacred peak to the local Gurung people and considered home of a Gurung goddess, hence not allowed for climbing.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: 3 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 9: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/ 13,550 ft), 2 hours
From MBC, the walk is exhilerating. From here, the greenery vanishes and the trail widens. The winding trail climbs up steeply, deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you reach the upper ridge in the open and wide valley, you enter a magical amphitheater with breathtaking 360-degree views. Another one-hour or so of slow, steady climb will bring you the the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in the hear of the Annapurna Sanctuary. After a rest and lunch, you can go for a short walk beyond the tea-house to climb to the top of the moraine for the best possible views.
Enjoy the dazzling views of Annapurnas (I, II, III), Macchapucchre, Himchuli, Gangapurna and many more peaks above 20,000 ft and the majestic aura of the Annapurna sanctuary. Surrounded by 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains, ABC is one of the best mountain viewing regions in the world. From ABC, the Annapurna I (one of the eight-thousanders and most difficult peak to climb) is right in front of you and seemingly close enough to reach out and touch.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 2 hours
Distance: 1.8 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 10: Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp/ Descend to Bamboo (2300 m/ 7550 ft), 6 hours
Rise early in the morning for the spectacular sight of sunrise over Annapurna with a magical moment as the mountains turn pink with the sun first hits the peaks. After breakfast, start your descent and retrace your steps back down to MBC and to Bamboo. After several days of ascent, you will enjoy descending.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: 10.3 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 11: Trek to Jhinu (1780 m/ 5840 ft), 5 hours
Retrace your steps to Chhomorong where you will stop for lunch, or you can go straight to Jhinu for lunch. From Chhomorong, it is about 1.5 hurs to Jhinu. After check-in at the lodge and some rest, you may take a side trip down to visit the natural hot springs. It is about 20-minutes down through the forest to reach the springs and a little longer to climb back up. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and enjoy a soak, a real treat after so many days of trekking.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hiking time: 5 hours
Distance: 5.2 miles
Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 12: Trek to New Bridge (1530 m/ 520 ft)/ Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast, a short walk will bring you to the Modi Khola at New Bridge (Nyaphul). Here you will meet your transport for the drive to Pokhara. The drive is around two hours. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy the colorful lakeside town of Pokhara.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 2.7 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours
Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara
Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking-in and freshening up, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Boudhuath where you can enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant. Boudhanath is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and a site of great veneration and Tibetan culture. You will also have the opportunity to visit a Tibetan monastery and a painting school as well as buy some souvenirs at Boudhanath. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Kathmandu on your own or just relax at the hotel.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 14: Depart Kathmandu/ Airport Transfer
Today is departure day and there are no scheduled activities. At the appropriate time, a representative will pick you up and take you to the airport for your return home or to your next destination.
INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form a contract between parties. While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. Occasionally, our itineraries change due to weather or other circumstances that are beyond our control. This includes regulations surrounding COVID-19. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and are subject to vary.
- Our local travel partner for the Annapurna Basecamp Trek is a Sherpa-owned company licensed by the Nepalese government and they’ve been operating expeditions in the Himalayas for the past 25 years.
- Our guides are highly experienced and know how to get you to your destination with utmost comfort and safety. They are caring, understanding and experienced to handle your individual needs. They are aware of the nature of adventure, sustainability, and social responsibility.
- Our itinerary allows you to spend one night at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700 m/ 12,140 ft) which helps you to acclimatize and reach the Base Camp without altitude problems.
- On this trek, from Day 6 to Day 10, trekkers have to share dormitory rooms with fellow trekkers as the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) did not permit the addition of new hotels for conservation purposes. So, this trek is not for those who do not like to share dormitories. But our guide will try to get the best available rooms and there is always a chance you may get a private room for a private group if the group os moren than 2 people. By sharing the dormitory with fellow trekkers, you will be contributing to the conservation of the area.
- The food on the mountain consists of such staples as bread, butter, porridge, eggs, noodles, rice, lentils, curries, and vegetables. We recommend eating high-carb foods which provide energy and warmth and less meat as it may not be fresh at higher altitude.
- Travel insurance is mandadory for all Adventure People trips. A minimum of $200,000 in emergency medical and evacuation, including repatriation, is required to participate in any of our trips. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance which provides coverage for trip interruption, flight cancellation, and loss of baggage.
- We are aware of the negative impacts of travel and we choose our travel partners based on their commitment to social development and environment preservation. Our guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimize the impact they may have.
Level 5: Challenging
Our Challenging Trips are intended for physically fit individuals who are seeking a challenging experience. Previous trekking experience is not required for Annapurna Basecamp Trek, but you should be able to hike 4-6 hours a day at a moderate pace over hilly terrain with a light day pack. Your duffle bag will be carried by a porter. You can walk at your own pace with a small backpack and take rest breaks. ‘Slow and steady’ is the key to achieving this climb and enjoying the trek. If you do not have a habit of walking at hom, you should walk briskly for 45 to 60 minutes a day for two weeks prior to the trip. Cycling, swimming, climbing stairs or hills, and doing some squats are also very good training for the trip.
Once we receive your enquiry, we will reach out with a calendar invite in order to schedule a time to talk about your trip. A 25% deposit is required once the itinerary is approved. Payment is due in full 90-days prior to the start date of your trip.
From $1820
For group size of 2-4 people
