Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 12 Days Through the Annapurna Sanctuary

Duration: 12 Days(5)of 9 reviews

Overview

  • Duration 12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 4,130m. | 13,549 ft.
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu-Kathmandu
  • Trip Area Annapurna Base Camp
  • Best Season All Seasons

Highlights

  • Explore the culture and tradition of the Magar and Gurung communities
  • Rest at the traditional houses turned into guesthouses in Chhomrong, Jhinu, and Deurali
  • A chance to see one of the world’s highest mountains from a low altitude of 4,130m. | 13,549ft.
  • Watch the rare and elusive native animals like, Himalayan Tahr, Blue sheep, Tibetan fox, and Danphe.
  • Hike along the ups and downs of the Mahabharat range.
  • Chance to visit some of the region’s most spectacular mountain peaks, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), Hiunchuli, Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Tharpu Chuli.
  • Get rid of the fatigue of trek at the natural hot spring at Jhinu.
  • Explore the streets of Pokhara and wander around the lakeside of Phewa.

This is the classic Annapurna Base Camp trek — 12 days through some of the most diverse and beautiful landscape in Nepal. You begin in the subtropical lowlands and climb through rhododendron forests, past Gurung villages where the culture is completely intact and the people are genuinely going about their day, into the high Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre ringed by thirteen peaks above 7,000 metres. Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130 metres. The walk to get there is as rewarding as the arrival. If you want to understand why Nepal is still one of the great trekking destinations on earth, this trail shows you.

Best Time For The Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The best season and time to visit Annapurna Base Camp is Autumn and Spring.

During Autumn (September-November), there will be beautiful, joyful landscapes. Since several festivals occur during this time, this season offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the region's rich culture.

In springtime( March-May), the route is filled with wildflowers, green trees, and blooming rhododendron forests with clear skies.

12 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Why Should You Do It?

The 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek is moderately challenging. This ABC trip will let you experience the culture and nature in a single trip to ABC. The Annapurna region is inhabited by the people of the Gurung and Magar communities and a minority of Brahmins. The hike is done at a relatively low altitude, decreasing the chances of falling victim to Altitude sickness. The route is not challenging with fewer ups and downs, making it accessible to most of the age groups.

You will be able to experience the culture and tradition of locals in this Annapurna region and enjoy the festivities and activities during the time of your journey. Moreover, this exploration is one of the budget-friendly choices for most travellers coming to Nepal. Unlike the Annapurna circuit trek, which circles the Annapurna massif and reaches its highest point at Thorong La Pass, the Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you directly to the heart of the Annapurna region.

Requirements For Guides And Permits For ABC Trek 

The Trek to ABC requires you to have one permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
The price of the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit:
For Foreigners: $30
SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 (about $ 10)
The Annapurna Base Camp trek falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project and, due to this, requires you to have an entry permit.

As for the guides' requirements, Nepal has banned solo travelling since April 2023. The permit is provided with the help of a travel agency and guides, too. The guides are required for you to travel safely and experience the most this journey has to offer.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek 12 Days Budget Requirements

The 12 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a price range of $600-$850. These expenses depend on the duration of the journey, the number of individuals, modes of transportation, food, and accommodation.

This hike is comparatively at a low altitude, so there are luxury choices for you as well. The budget for this adventure will depend on how you want it.

Itinerary

Show Detail ItineraryClose Detail Itinerary

After you arrive at Kathmandu airport, our staff will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. You can explore the streets of Kathmandu if you have the time.

On our 2nd day, after we have our early breakfast our guide will pick us up from our hotel. We will be going toward our tourist bus which will take us to Pokhara. We will reach Pokhara by evening so you can either rest or walk the lakeside street.

On our 3rd Day, we drive away from Pokhara to Nayapul. After reaching Nayapul we start our official hike and head towards Ulleri where we will be staying for the night.

On our 4th Day, we head from Ulleri towards the Magar village in Birenthanti. After passing by the place we head hike toward the Ghorepani passing by rhododendron forests and and small wooden bridges. We will stay in Ghorepani for the night and witness the mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna loom in the background.

On our 5th Day of Annapurna Base Camp Trip, we head toward the Poon Hill viewpoint to see the sunrise. Poonhill is famous for its beautiful sunrise. After this, we head toward Tadapani crossing the village of Deurali on our way. We will stay in Tadapani for the night.

On our 6th Day, we pass by the oak and Rhododendron forest alongside the Modi Khola tributary. After passing them we trek toward Chhomrong. This is the last village trail till we reach the ABC. we will stay in Chhomrong for the night.

On the 7th day, we head upward toward Khuldighar. Khuldighar used to be the Annapurna Conservation area checkpoint. After passing Khuldighar, we follow the trail through the bamboo and rhododendron forests to reach Himalaya. We will be staying in Himalaya for the night.

On the 8th day, we take the route which is covered in snow, and pass Machhapuchhre Base camp. After crossing Machhapuchhre Base Camp we reach Annapurna Base Camp at the maximum altitude of 4,130 metres. ABC presents you with the view of Annapurna I (8091m. | 26,545ft.), Khangsar Kang (4771m. | 15653ft.), Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machapuchhre.

We will be staying in Annapurna Base Camp for the night.

On the 9th day after staying in ABC, we head down the same route which goes to the bank of Modi Khola, and be on our way toward Bamboo. We will stay in Bamboo for the night.

On the 10th day, we hike upward to Sinuwa to reach Chomrong. After passing Chomrong we then move toward Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda has a natural hot spring, where we can relieve our fatigue of travel. We will stay in Jhinu for the night to relax our sore muscles after a therapeutic hot spring bath.

After an enjoyable hot spring bath, we take a local transport and come to Pokhara to stay for the night.

On the last day, we journey back to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a bus to reach our cosy hotel rooms in the busy city of Kathmandu.

    Today, you bid a farewell to Nepal and so does Nepal to you. Until then, a goodbye.

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    Cost Details

    Included

    • 2-night 3-star Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
    • International Airport Pickup-Drop off
    • Shared tourist transfer to trek starting point from Pokhara and Shared Tourist Bus for to and back Pokhara-Kathmandu.
    • Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
    • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
    • 2 Nights 3-star Hotel in Pokhara (Twin-sharing)
    • One highly experienced government-licensed guide
    • Porter (1 for 2 trekkers) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment
    • Accident insurance for all staff
    • Trekking map, cap, and trip achievement certificate
    • First aid medical kit and oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes
    • ACAP Permit & TIMS fee
    • Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements
    • Government taxes & office service charge

    Excluded

    • Travel Insurance
    • Snacks /Drinks/ hot shower and other personal expenses
    • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff 
    • Single Supplement- $200
    • Anything not mentioned in the cost Inclusion Section

    Useful Info

    Physical Requirements

    While there are no strict requirements for the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, it is recommended that you engage in thorough physical activity for a week or two before embarking on it. It is essential to have a balanced diet and avoid smoking and drinking. Maintain appropriate hydration, even if the danger of mountain sickness is reduced on this route.

    It is also critical to bring clothing and equipment appropriate for variable hot and cold weather conditions, as hiking circumstances may fluctuate. It is critical to be adaptable and dress appropriately for the changing environment.

    To get ready for this trip, start doing exercises 2-3 weeks before. The strength training and cardio exercise will be good. Running, Brisk walking, Swimming, Jump roping, and weight lifting can be some of the exercises. This ultimately reduces your risk to acute mountain sickness.

    Accommodation during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

    Foods And Accommodation

    Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is near compared to any other mountain hike. Because of its convenient location, the dining and lodging options are superior. Though you won't discover any luxury products, you'll be able to appreciate the wonderful nature without needing anything else. ABC only offers alpine goat and sheep meat. It would help if you ate vegetarian meals when trekking to stay in peak condition.

    Note for travellers during Annapurna Base Camp Trekking: Once you reach the Annapurna Conservation area, you cannot carry animal items such as chicken, beef, or pork.

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