Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Nestled in the lap of Mt. Annapurna, the awe-inspiring Annapurna Sanctuary is considered to be Nepal’s second most popular trekking destination after Everest Base Camp in the Khumbu Region. From your very own 3900 meter Annapurna Base Camp in the Sanctuary you wake up to truly one of the most spectacular views you will ever see!
Trekkers begin their trek at Dhampus after a short drive of 45 minutes from Pokhara and pass through fascinating Gurung villages, forests of flowering rhododendron trees and stunning river valleys set against the awesome backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. Your trek concludes at Ghandruk Phedi after exploring the Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Starts In: Pokhara
- Ends In: Pokhara
- Duration: 8 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Demanding
Highlights
- Unbelievable 360° views in the Annapurna Sanctuary
- Views over Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Annapurna One and the Dhaulagiri Range
- Start your trek in the forested mid hills and trek past the tree line into the stunningly arid alpine terrain
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus, Trek from Dhampus to Landruk [1550m]
This morning you have a scenic an hour drive to Dhampus. From here we continue on foot first to Pothana and then we head up the ridge at Deurali where we have magnificent views of the mountains, including Mt Dhaulagiri, the highest mountain in this region. We enjoy the views while having a well-earned rest and then we descend through forest to the small village of Tolka, a small Gurung village very rich in culture and very beautiful.
We proceed on to Beri Kharka and from here, the trail descends through scattered forests and villages to reach Landruk. Landruk is a large Gurung village situated above the Modi River where we will stay the night in a local tea house. Lunch will be served en-route.
Walking time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Trek from Landruk to Chomrong [2040m]
Our route now climbs quite steeply, high above the river, through bamboo forest and isolated farmsteads. The teahouses at Jhinu provide a welcome opportunity to stop for a drink and a rest on this long, hot climb. Ascending further along a treeless ridge we come to Taglung and just a short distance beyond this is Chomrong. From this Gurung village, there is a tremendous view of Annapurna South, as well as impressive views of Machhapuchhare.
Walking hours: Approx. 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Trek from Chomrong to Himalaya Hotel [2680m]
After dropping down to the Chomrong Khola on steep stone steps, the trail climbs again, initially through terraced fields and then through a forest of bamboo and rhododendron. Today’s walk is always either up or down on steep paths which are often paved. Sometimes there are views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare ahead, but often the forest is too thick to allow more than a tantalizing glimpse. After reaching the village of Khuldigar, we descend a stone staircase to a section of exceptionally thick bamboo forest which leads to the settlement known as “Bamboo Lodge”. From here, we climb steeply through bamboo and rhododendron forest, following the trail high above the river to day’s end at Himalaya Hotel.
Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp [3600m]
Climbing steeply, we soon reach a fire-blackened overhang which has been walled-in to make a small lodge. This place is known as Hinku Cave. The trail rises continually now, as we near the entry to the Sanctuary. Passing the lodges at Deorali and Bagar, we arrive at the level and grassy moraine platform known as Machhapuchhare Base Camp.
Walking time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp [3900m]
Another short day today, and a fairly gentle ascent through tranquil meadows brings us to Annapurna South Base Camp. Increasingly impressive views reward us for our efforts as we climb the last steep section before reaching the base camp area. From here there are fantastic views of the south face of Annapurna 1.
Walking time: Approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Himalaya Hotel [2680m]
Today we retrace our steps as far as Himalaya Hotel.
Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek from Himalaya Hotel to Jhinu Danda [1780m]
Today we retrace our steps as far as Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon you have the chance to relax in the natural hot springs about a 15 minute walk down (and half hour walk back up) from the tea house, well worth the walk (there is a small shed to change clothes in and the hot springs have simple cement slabs to contain the water).
Walking time: Approx. 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Ghandruk Phedi, Drive from Phedi to Pokhara
This morning the trail drops down to the river and then we follow to Ghandruk Phedi where our vehicle will meet us for the 3 hour drive back to Pokhara.
Once in Pokhara the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Relax in the lush surroundings of your resort or explore Pokhara and it’s Lakeside area – of course, it is also lovely to just relax and take in the surroundings in one of the many lakeside cafes.
Walking time: Approx. 2 hours
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
- Tea house accommodation while on the trek
- Meals as per the itinerary (all meals on trek, with filtered drinking water)
- Transportation as per the detailed itinerary
- Your trekking guide and porter/s, with all their transport, equipment, insurance and including their meals and accommodation
- A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and trek route – if you require or are taking specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
- Trekking permits and registration fees
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin share and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee) and dinner (soup, main and dessert with tea or coffee)
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
Single supplement - Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to unforeseen events (eg caused by natural disasters, adverse road conditions/flight delays, labor strikes, fuel shortages, extreme exchange rate changes, etc)
