Join us for a beautiful adventure into the heart of Annapurna sanctuary with Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This pleasing journey walks past engaging terrains and parishes full of rich traditions and cultures. The folklore of lush forest to the rugged mountain terrain engrosses trekkers as they reach the awe-inspiring amphitheater of towering peaks surrounding the base camp.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Upon your arrival in Nepal, one of our team members will be waiting to greet you at the airport and escort you to your designated hotel. With nothing too hectic planned for your first day, take the opportunity to explore the charming town at your leisure.
The next day, we fly to Pokhara from where our journey to Annapurna Base Camp begins. From Pokhara, you take a bumpy yet scenic ride to Ulleri which is a rest stop for the day. Explore the traditional houses and engage with the locals before we head for another charming town of Ghorepani, the next day. Famously known for its hospitality and culture, Ghorepani offers a chance to dive into the rich culture of the Annapurna region.
Early the next morning, we hike to Poon Hill to witness the alluring image of golden hues or sun rays splashing on gigantic peaks of Annapurna massif. After enjoying the magical sunrise and gushing over the panoramas, we continue our hike to Tadapani. Meandering through lush forests, and small quaint towns, we reach Sinuwa, the next day. We enjoy the up-close view of Macchapuchhre in Sinuwa, early in the morning before we continue our journey to Deurali.
The journey meanders through a densely forested path and roaring river until you reach Deurali. A lot of ascends and descends are made but the ultimate walking challenge arises after you bypass the riverbed in Annapurna sanctuary before reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The journey is a bit challenging as you are approaching great elevation and air pressure starts to thin. Yet, majestic pasture lands engulfed by the splendor of the Annapurna range will inspire and energize you to continue onward.
At Machhapuchhre Base Camp, you will be granted a grand scene of Machhapuchhre at the front and glimpses of the Annapurna range at the back. On the way to ABC, you are greeted with magnificent sights of Chuli Peak, Tharpu, Annapurna South, Tharpu Chuli, Annapurna I, II, IV, and many more. The experience of marveling at the sheer opulence of the surrounding mountains and soaking in the serene atmosphere is simply incredible.
After enjoying such magical moments, we retrace back to Pokhara, making stops at the quiet towns of Bamboo and Jhinu Danda. Cherishing the memories of your epic adventure in the mountains of Annapurna, you descend to another rural yet vibrant town of Samrung before driving back to Pokhara.
After your unforgettable adventure, you'll board a flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of Annapurna Massif and Pokhara. The trip concludes the following day, and one of our team members will accompany you to the airport for your journey home.
Overall, this journey is much more about scaling great elevations to glance at giant peaks; it’s a journey of connection with nature and appreciation of unique cultures. It’s about making unforgettable memories to last a lifetime. Nevertheless, if you are looking to make your journey more personal, please feel free to contact our expert team at World Alpine Treks.
The first day marks your arrival day in Kathmandu. Clear all the visa requirements and customs clearance, if any, at the arrival section of the airport. As you come out, you will find a representative from World Alpine Treks waiting for you holding a board with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The representative will shortly inform you about the plans ahead.
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport. Catch a flight to Pokhara, and you will land at the airport in Pokhara. From Pokhara airport, we take a short drive for around 2.5 hours to Hile. It is the actual starting point of our trekking journey.
From Hile, we start walking along a lush landscape to Tikhedhunga. It is a prosperous town inhabited by people of ethnic communities. We follow the streets of Birethanti and pass the forests of bamboo and the waterfall on the way.
We further walk towards Ranghai and ascend the valley until we reach the village of Tikhedhunga. we cross a suspension bridge over a stream and ascend through the stone-paved step stairs to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large village at an elevation of 2050 meters inhabited by the people of the Magar community.
Today’s trek takes you from Ulleri to the charming village of Ghorepani. The trail ascends through dense rhododendron forests, which burst into vibrant colors during the spring season. As you climb higher, the views of the surrounding mountains become increasingly spectacular.
Upon reaching Ghorepani, you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and the unique culture of the Gurung ethnic community. The village itself is architecturally pleasing, with its traditional stone houses and warm hospitality, making it a memorable stop on your journey.
We wake up early to catch the sunrise view from Poonhill, a popular viewpoint in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is known for sunrise/ sunset views and panoramic views of mountains in the Annapurna range. The shimmering glory of golden sun rays over the Annapurna massif from Poonhill merely looks amazing.
The panoramic views of mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Tukuche Peak, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Varaha Shikhar, Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, etc. add to the glory of this place. After enjoying the views, we return to Ghorepani and follow a trail that takes us to Tadapani.
Today, we descend along the lush rhododendron and oak forests. We follow the trail that goes through dense wood to Chomorong. Chomorong is a beautiful village inhabited by the people of the Gurung community. It is considered a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary. One can enjoy the great hospitality of the Gurung people here.
From Chomorong, we further descend through the stone-paved stairs and cross a long suspension bridge over the Chomorong River, we then climb up a rocky trail until we reach the village of Sinuwa.
Leaving Sinuwa, walk along the forested area to Kuldahar. There is a check post of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project here. From here, we continue our descent down to Dovan and follow a damp trail that passes through the thick forests of bamboo and rhododendrons.
As we move ahead, we open up to the Hotel Himalaya with inspiring views of a glacial lake that flows down to the valley. From here, we ascend to a historical place – Hinku Cave. It is a camping site for the climbers trying to ascent Annapurna I. We then descend through an undulating path to Deurali.
As we leave Deurali, we descent down to a glacial river and walk towards Macchapucchhre Base Camp, Leaving Macchapucchhre Base Camp, we head towards Annapurna Base Camp, enjoying the magnificent views of Macchapucchre Himal, Annapurna Hima, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. We enter through the natural gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary and ascend until we reach the Annapurna Base Camp.
As we open up to the base camp, we will be able to get some astonishing views of a valley surrounded by grand peaks in the Annapurna range and glaciers. It is a perfect sight to fade away the tiredness of walking to the base camp all week long.
Early in the morning, we wake up for the sunrise view over the mountains in the Annapurna range. Then we step towards Annapurna Sanctuary for splendid views of the mountains. After relishing the views of the mountains, we bid the base camp goodbye. We take a long and steep descent down to Bamboo.
Today, we will be headed to Jhinu Danda. It is a beautiful settlement in that area famous for its natural hot springs. As we leave Bamboo, we follow an undulating path that goes up and down. At first, we hike up to Chomorong and make a descent down to Jhinu Danda. Upon arrival, we can walk immediately to the riverside and enjoy the hot water bath at the natural springs. Taking a hot water bath in those springs is a soothing experience.
We are almost at the end of our trekking journey. We walk past the terraced farmlands and villages to Samrung. It is just a 20-minute trek. From Samrung, we will take a vehicle that will take us to Pokhara. You will then be transferred to a hotel in Pokhara.
Concluding our trip, we catch a return flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Within 30 minutes of the flight, we will find ourselves in Kathmandu. You will then be transferred to a hotel in Kathmandu.
Before a few hours of your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the international terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport.
The accommodation services in the Annapurna base camp trek can vary from place to place. You will find fairly decent tea houses in the lower reaches, such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Jhinudada. Twin-sharing rooms with beds, pillows, and blankets are available. Most of the rooms are wood-paneled, which helps to keep out the cold of the surroundings. Although insulation may vary, bring a sleeping bag handy.
A few tea houses on the way even have attached bathrooms-what a luxury it is to the Himalayan trekkers-and, in some places, even Wi-Fi. Inside the dining area is a stove or a heater to keep the people inside the dining area warm during those cold nights.
Going upwards in the base camp, accommodation will gradually become more straightforward and basic, especially at Deurali, ABC, and Bamboo.
In the rooms, there is normally a twin-sharing bed with a basic mattress, sometimes quilted, but only requiring a sleeping bag to keep you warm. The bathrooms are shared, and toilets of squatting types are in most places.
Because of the elevation, attached bathrooms and hot showers are less common, although some tea houses will offer a bucket hot shower for a nominal additional fee. The rooms at this elevation don't have heating, so the dining room becomes the hangout spot in the evenings, with a warm central stove.
Basic services such as charging points and Wi-Fi may be available, but they are sometimes extra and unreliable due to altitude and weather reasons. The rooms in Annapurna Base Camp are ultra basic: twin beds and shared bathrooms. Teahouses are more concerned with keeping you warm and fed than luxury.
Food on Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The food on the Annapurna Base Camp trek is simple and healthy. The most loved food in the trek is Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepali food. Other local favorites include thukpa, a type of noodle soup, and momos, which are dumplings; among other popular is garlic soup, which is said to help with altitude sickness.
In the low-lying areas of Ghandruk and Chomrong, food options range from pancakes, eggs, and porridge for breakfast to pasta, fried rice, and chow mein for lunch and dinner. Food options become straightforward at high altitudes, especially at ABC, with dal bhat, noodle soup, and potato dishes owing to limited resources.
The warm ginger tea is best for warmth, but coffee, hot chocolate, and bottled water are all on offer, too, although prices rise accordingly as you ascend. Some tea houses give you water refills, so you should pack some purification tablets.
How difficult is the Annapurna base camp?
Annapurna base camp is a moderately challenging trek. You will be required to have a good level of fitness. As one of the major factors, the altitude rises while approaching Annapurna Base Camp as high as 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). It is very common that several trekkers face symptoms related to altitude sickness, such as headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath, because there is a high danger of altitude sickness at this altitude.
It also has long and steep climbs, similar to what was experienced in Ulleri, which has thousands of stone steps and would really tire the knees and legs. Other tiring sections of the trek are between Chhomrong and Bamboo, which involve ups and downs and require energy. In addition to the above, changing weather conditions in the mountains might make the trek difficult: relatively cold at higher altitudes, rain makes the pathways slippery, and sometimes even snow.
You will require the following Annapurna Base Camp Permits:
Clothing
Footwear
Backpack and Storage
Sleeping Gear
Health and Safety
Trekking Gear
Personal Items and Documents
Electronics and Other Essentials
Wi-Fi, Electricity, and Internet
Access to Wi-Fi is quite common in lower villages such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chomrong. In most cases, you can get Wi-Fi by paying a daily fee of around NPR 200 – NPR 500 ≈ USD 2 – USD 5 per day. Normally, it goes beyond Deurali and upwards to ABC. Up higher, the internet access can be a little bit slow, and you may need to pay up to NPR 500-800/ USD 5 to USD 7.
Charging electronic devices like phones, cameras, and power banks is generally available but only for a fee. The rates begin at low altitudes from NPR 200 (approximately 2 USD) per hour, going up as high as NPR 500 in higher tea houses such as Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp.
Occasionally, Nepali SIM providers such as Ncell or NTC are available, offering some limited 3G coverage along parts of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. NTC usually has better coverage in more remote areas, although reception is variable and cannot be relied on high up.
On the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, drinking water is mostly available in tea houses; however, certain precautions must be taken. Bottled water is available at tea houses, especially in lower areas such as Ghorepani and Chomrong.
Instead, carry a reusable water bottle and refill it with boiled water, which will cost around NPR 100–400 (USD 1–4) every liter, depending on your height. You will not find mineral water bottles, so maybe you should carry one and refill it at junctions. You need to carry water purification tablets or UV sterilizers to drink purified water.
With World Alpine Treks, the cost for the Annapurna base camp trek for individual trekkers is $1,299. However, if you have a group, the ABC trek cost will be $999 per person for group bookings. Hotel, Permits, accommodation in guesthouses/lodges, meals, guide, and porter, along with some added costs for the trek.
The best time to trek the Annapurna Sanctuary is in the spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November.
In spring, during daytime, the temperature is between 10 and 20°C (50 to 68°F) in lower areas like Pokhara and Ghandruk, while it is cooler at higher altitudes. The skies are clear, and the wildflowers in bloom (among them, rhododendrons) make for a colorful, beautiful landscape.
Besides, autumn is an ideal time for trekking; it has cool and dry weather. The temperature is also mild, while the clear skies provide spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. Dry trails make it easier to hike, and during festivals, it is vibrant.
Of course, winter should be avoided due to the cold and snow, which might hinder your progress across the high-altitude trail areas. At the same time, the monsoon season should also be avoided, as heavy rainfall makes the trails slippery.
Preparation for the Annapurna Base Camp trek is to build up physical fitness. It will also be important to tone up this stamina through cardiovascular exercises that include walking, jogging, and hiking with your backpack.
In addition to this, endurance training is applicable because days are long and involve much walking on different terrains.
Besides this, endurance training is relevant because days are long and involve much walking on various terrains. The further important preparation a person may have is a good set of gear.
See your doctor and carry with you a first aid box, including strictly personal medicines. You need to take enough water, sleep for acclimatization, and know the signs accompanying altitude sickness.
You will also add to your packing list a water refillable container, water treatment tabs, power bars, ID card, and camera for a great view. If you had prior experience of altitude training or had spent much of your time at higher altitudes, your body has been pre-acclimatized to this condition. Last but not least, get yourself insured for travelers trekking in high altitudes, including emergencies.
The Annapurna base camp trek length is about 110-120 km, which is 68-75 miles. Nevertheless, this may depend on the route the passenger intends to use and may be additional routes that the passenger might consider during their journey.
The standard route departs from Pokhara, although the drive to Thikhedhunga is more popular, and real treks begin. It would take you through some of the villages, Ulleri - Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani - Sinuwa - Deurali - MBC, to the final destination, Annapurna Base Camp.
On average, 10-15 kilometers are hiked a day but some days less and a few more especially as one approaches the high altitude.
The risk of altitude sickness is relatively high on the Annapurna Base Camp trek since you will walk right up to 4130 meters. In case the symptoms get unbearable or too discomforting, the best option is to go down lower to probably allow the body to get some rest. If the symptom worsens, you should take a break and rest for a while. Please carry travel insurance with you for emergency cases.
Some of the distinguishing factors between the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek as well as the Annapurna Circuit include the time needed to cover the area, its steepness, and the beauty of the scenery.
The Sanctuary Trek is shorter: it takes around 7- 12 days. Beautiful scenery of the Annapurna range is available at the center point of ABC at 4130m, and altitude variation is moderate.
The Annapurna Circuit is longer, usually takes between 12 and 21 days, and encompasses the whole of the Annapurna range. It also reaches the high Thorong La Pass at 5416m above sea level, and you need to acclimate to this high altitude.
Where the Circuit varies from subtropical forests to high deserts, the Sanctuary Trek is more pointed in offering outstanding views of Annapurna. While equally in demand, the Sanctuary Trek tends to be less crowded and easier for those hankering for shorter, less demanding treks.
The weather of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek differs according to the seasons, which means that each season offers different trekking opportunities.
The climate is normally calm with clear conditions during daylight, with temperatures averaging between 10 to 15 °C/ 50 to 59 °F. At night, it can be very cold, particularly if you are camping at a high altitude, and it could freeze at night, ranging from 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F). The trek is equally delightful since rhododendron flowers are in full bloom. During this time, the sky is clear to enable you to view the mountains.
It is the rainy season here, and thus, it reduces the tractability for trekking. There are likely to be some slides along trails and this will make the trails slippery. The day temperature rises reaching 15-20°C while continuing raining, so the pleasure of trekking is greatly marred.
Autumn starts from September- November and may also be referred to as a trekking season as well. The climate is pleasant and dry; the maximum day temperature may be around 10 to 15 centigrade, while the minimum night temperatures at the higher reaches may drop to 5 to 10 centigrade freezing point to mid-zero centigrade.
In normal circumstances, the skies are clear; therefore, the view of the beautiful surrounding environment is magnificent. This is also an excellent period for photography if one is in search of a setting with clean crisp air.
The remaining months are cold and in winter the temperatures may drop to freezing point, particularly in areas of high altitude. However, daytime can rise to about an average of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius while during night they freeze at -10 to - 15 degrees Celsius. The upper part of the trek will be closed because of snow. That is why it is rather difficult to trace it by trekkers, though.
The ABC trek is one of the most common trekking destinations in the country of Nepal. It has been very well developed; the direction is obvious here, and there are lodges and teahouses. It is always well signed and well maintained and hence is relatively safe for trekkers.
However, altitude is a big threat as its reach is up to 4,130 meters or 13,550 feet at the base camp; careful measures should be taken on this. Slow walking should be adopted and also should allow the body to get used to the increasing altitude.
Solo trekking this route is quite viable though for ABC, safety is often an issue though it is still advisable to open your plan to someone back home and hire a local guide or porter for the trek.
It is quite a busy trail; others will be meeting on the same journey, which helps to feel more protected. Even though trekkers are confident, they should be careful and refrain from taking dangerous activities especially when they travel in a certain district. However, it is safer to hire a guide even if it's for added measure especially if you are hiking alone.
Trails on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are less risky compared to other parts of the world, looking at the percentage of female trekkers who trek solo every year.
As it is a very busy trail, solo and group traveling ladies should be most cautious during their trekking activities, and they should ensure that they book their accommodations in standard teahouses.
People of most of the regions in Nepal are very polite and gentle with trekkers, and many of the female trekkers have mentioned good things about the nature of Nepalese people.
The guide-assisted option is mostly available on ABC Trek for those who want extra support, safety, and local knowledge en route. The cost for a guide varies depending on the season, length of time, or whether or not you go solo or as part of a group.
In the case of ABC Trek, one could expect to pay an average of anywhere from $25 to USD 35 for a guide per day. This will likely include services from a guide to navigate the trail, illuminate local culture, and ensure your safety. For those who hire a porter besides a guide, a porter will add an extra cost of $15 to $20 per day.
Tipping the guide and porter at the end of the trek is also customary, which is around 10-15% of the total cost. Though a guide isn't optional for the ABC Trek, many trekkers would love one for an enhanced experience, especially when trekking solo.
It's one of the most popular routes in Nepal, and its duration varies from 7 to 12 days, depending on your speed and extra rest days. The following is the detail in sequence:
Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga → Ulleri → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Chhomrong → Dovan → Deurali → MBC → Annapurna Base Camp → Bamboo → Jhinu Danda → Nayapul → Pokhara
It is agreed that the Everest Base Camp Trek is more demanding, especially at altitude. The trek brings you to 5364m or 17598ft, which is quite high, and thus, there is a high chance that one will suffer from altitude sickness.
Though it is rough and rocky and takes longer time, it usually takes about 12- 16 days to accomplish it. Other than that, trekking to EBC also means that you're getting to see Namche Bazaar, Sherpa culture, as well as Khumbu glacier, so yes, it is way more ethnophiles.
However, the EBC trek requires more energy and a faster process of acclimatization than any other trek in Nepal. On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp is a trek shorter in time duration and easier in difficulty level as compared to the other one. It has a mere altitude of 4,130 meters; thereby minimizing the possibility of acute mountain sickness.
The trek ranges from lush green forests to finally the area of terrace fields and alpine pastures. The ABC route is also accepted to be somewhat easier because there are fewer steep climbs than EBC. ABC is also less populated; therefore, it is a very quiet experience while on a trekking adventure.
ABC Sanctuary Trek
I recently embarked on the ABC Sanctuary Trek with the World Alpine Trek and had the privilege of being guided by Deepak. I can confidently say that it was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all expectations.
It's so important for me to feel relaxed and relieved not only during the trek but before and after that.
He is very faithful and suave, which gave me such feelings perfectly.
Needless to say, the 2 treks he organized were awesome.
Moreover, I'm glad to know there is a woman who works for this company. I'm hopeful for his company's growth.
I believe a new era has come to this fascinating country and this company will lead that.
Good luck, Shubha Kamana.
Excellent trip to ABC & EBC with a professional Guide
A very special thanks to my really good guide, Deepak. I don't think I can find a better one. I traveled solo and he was always there advising me on things to buy, also taking good care of me and answering all my queries during my trek. When I had blisters and walked with so much pain, he always made jokes to make me feel better. Would choose Alpine Treks because of Deepak on all my future Nepal trips as my trip was a success! The Alpine Treks team is amazing and everyone showed more care than interest in money which I found truly amazing. They always prioritized my safety, and food and made sure I was always contented with everything. They give very good service. Deepak personally sent and fetched me from the airport and they always had lovely greetings and farewells.
My trip went very well because I decided to go with World Alpine Treks. It's really important to find the right trekking company and I especially recommend them as they were more interested in my well-being and to enjoy my stay in Nepal more than anything else. There was full transparency from the start to the end & Deepak always answered every query I had even before I arrived in Nepal. World Alpine Treks is a trustable, honorable company and I would recommend it to all. Have been on a hiking trip to EBC, ABC & Annapurna Circuit with them.
