Imagine spending a night on the lap of the tenth highest mountain in the entire world! This is what the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek offers. This trek is not just about the renowned Annapurna range, you will also have a close look at the forbidden holy mountain of Machhapuchre (Fishtail) forth face. The religious value of the Fishtail mountain is such that it is completely restricted for any living being to step foot on its peak as the shape of the peak is believed to resemble a Hindu god Lord Shiva’s “Shiva Linga”, when seen from a particular angle. Another popular myth is that Lord Shiva lives in the mountain of Machhapuchre and therefore it is not a place for human beings but only for the gods. As no living soul has ever climbed the Fishtail mountain and is strictly prohibited for anyone to do anything but admire its beauty from distance as per the government of Nepal, so it is called “the virgin mountain”.
This trek is a complete package for nature lovers and anyone trying to get away from their urban chores. Without a doubt, ABC is one of the best places to visit in the entire world.
Overview
<p><b>Starting Trek point: Ghandruk</b></p>
<p><b>Ending Trek point: Ghandruk</b></p>
<p><b>Highest altitude to gain: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)</b></p>
<p><b>Difficulty: 3.5 out of 5</b></p>
<p><b>Seasons to avoid trekking here: Mid-June to August (Monsoon season) and January-February (winter)</b></p>
Itinerary
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Our representative(s) will await you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the hotel or homestay in the city along with your luggage. There is no specific activity designated for this day. You will meet the rest of the trekking team and pre-trek briefs by our representative. Then time to prepare yourself for the next day's program.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400 m), Pokhara (822 m), Ghandruk (1,940 m)
We leave the bustling city of Kathmandu and fly to Pokhara. The flight experience guarantees the unforgettable panoramic mountain scenery of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna Himals and an aerial view of Pokhara “The city of lakes” and the gateway to Annapurna trekking.
From Pokhara, we will take a thrilling 5-hours jeep ride to reach Ghandruk where we will be spending our night with a starry view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchre (Fishtail mountain).
Overnight in Ghandruk
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included
Altitude information: Ghandruk (1,940 m), Jhinu Danda (1,736 m), Chhomrong (2,030 m)
After experiencing the great hospitality of the Gurung community in Ghandruk village we will start hiking up to Komrong Danda and down to Modi rivel valley. Our goal is to reach Chhomrong village via Jhinu Danda hot spring spot. The trail will be somewhat demanding on the first day but the lush green hills with the tranquil essence of the typical Nepali lifestyle will keep you engaged throughout the trail. We walk along the trail of Modi river and get across settlements that connect to Jhinu Danda. From Jhinu Danda it takes about three hours of uphill walk to reach Chhomrong.
Overnight in Chhomrong
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Chhomrong (2,030 m), Bhanuwa (2,049 m), Sinuwa (2,340 m), Bamboo (2,310 m)
We leave Chhomrong early morning with a beautiful view of snow-capped mountains. While we keep on walking down to Bhanuwa, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) will be glancing at us from behind a massive block of a hill. It will take about 4 hours to reach Sinuwa where we will traverse through a dense Oak and Rhododendron tree forest. If the walking pace is maintained we will be in Bamboo village in no time. The trail is very ideal for nature lovers as the sound of waterfalls and birds chirping is all you can hear in the forests of Annapurna sanctuary.
Overnight in Bamboo
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Bamboo (2,145 m), Dovan (2,600 m), Himalaya (2,920 m), Deurali (3,200 m)
By now our bodies would have accustomed to the altitude and with proper sleep and enough water fatigue will not be an issue. It takes about 2 hours to reach Dovan from Bamboo. Small wooden bridges over calmly flowing rivers lead us to the next checkpoint at Himalaya village.
From Himalaya, it takes about one and half hours to reach the resting destination, Deurali. Small tea houses and settlements are prevalent throughout the trek for water and lunch breaks. There are few landslide areas while heading to Deurali but nothing too dangerous. Deurali is surrounded by gigantic hills on all sides which makes this place relatively warmer. Overnight stay here and head to the base camp the next day.
Overnight in Deurali
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Deurali (3,200 m), Machhapuchhre Base Camp [MBC] (3,700 m), Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
Today is the day we reach the coveted Annapurna Base Camp. We walk through Bagar a narrow Modi river valley. This valley is desolate for a reason and that is the potential of avalanche from surrounding Himalayan glaciers. While heading to the Annapurna Base Camp you will encounter a massive solid block of an ice cave. Throughout the years it has developed its reputation as a monument for travelers but as tempting, as it looks, avoid the ice cave and maintain distance from it.
We will have our lunch at Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The Fishtail mountain looks completely different from what we are used to seeing it. Along with the Fishtail, we will also be able to spend some undisturbed moments around Annapurna I, Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna while having our lunch. It takes about 3 more hour’s walk to Annapurna Basecamp from MBC. Once we step our foot before the desired signboard of the almighty Annapurna we get to our hotel rooms and rest.
Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Annapurna Basecamp (4,130 m), Machhapuchhre Base Camp [MBC] (3,700 m), Deurali (3,200 m), Himalaya (2,920 m), Dovan (2,600 m), Bamboo (2,145 m)
The main highlight of today will be the Sunrise over the Annapurna Range. Annapurna I is the 10th highest mountain in the world and to be watching the sunrise over it would be a fantasy come true. After enjoying the captivating act of nature, we will have our breakfast and retrace our trail down to Bamboo.
Overnight in Bamboo
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Bamboo (2,310 m), Sinuwa (2,340 m), Bhanuwa (2,049 m), Chhomrong (2,030 m), Ghandruk (1,940 m)
The trail from Bamboo to Ghandruk is mainly the downhill walk. Once we reach Ghandruk we can celebrate with authentic Nepali cuisines and of course celebrate with local beverages. We will enjoy the nonchalant vibe of Ghandruk Gurung village and the mountain ranges that surround as we wave goodbye to the walking days.
Overnight in Ghandruk
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Ghandruk (1,940 m), Pokhara (8,22 m),
After a leisurely breakfast and lunch here, we will book a ride to Pokhara city.
Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist hubs of Nepal. There are ancient caves, historic waterfalls, temples, and numerous vibrant lakes for everyone to enjoy along with boating on the lake, paragliding, Zip Lining, cycling, and many more.
Overnight in Pokhara
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m), Pokhara (822m)
We can return to Kathmandu by bus, minivan, or airplane. The return to the capital denotes an end to our memorable journey.
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is considered a moderate trek in Nepal. As we will climb just over 4,000 meters above sea level, some acclimation along the trail, with comfortable lodges and good food will make it pleasantly adventurous. With our qualified guides there is nothing to worry about as long as you can keep up with the pace and enjoy the journey.
Accommodation throughout the trek is comfortable compared to other trekking destinations in Nepal. There are tea houses after every two hours of walk with natural water sources along the trail. You might have to pay for Wi-Fi and hot showers in some lodges but all the hotels are equipped with basic facilities. Discounts in services depend on which season you travel here.
You will have to be physically and mentally prepared for this trek. Preparing physically through cardio workouts, lower body workouts, and core strengthening exercises are highly recommended. Remember you will be spending your time around some of the highest peaks in the world so stamina and determination are important.
Yes! When you gain altitude oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases but with a healthy diet, hydration and slow-maintained walking pace, it will not be a problem. If you see any signs of altitude sickness our guide and porters will resort to recovery measures.
