Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is among the most popular treks in Nepal an amazing walk that incorporates diverse landscape, culture, and wildlife. This is probably the best trek that literally brings you face to face with some of the highest mountain peaks over 8000m from the very start of the trek. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a perfect trekking for those looking for moderate-difficult trek that offers the most spectacular and close up view of Mt. Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. Beautiful local villages, locals, their culture, the exotic flora and fauna, rivers, high cascading beautiful waterfalls are the other major highlights of this beautiful trek. There are also some hot springs where you can relax and heal your body and aching muscles while trekking.

Mount Annapurna (8091m) of Nepal is the 10th highest mountain in the world and trek to its base camp at 4130m/13549ft height offers the 360-degree view of Annapurna 1 (8091m), Annapurna South (7273m), the Glacier Dome, Gangapurna (7454m), the unclimbed Fang (7647m), and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare (6997m). Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a classic tea house trek and trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is a great opportunity to experience more of Annapurna Conservation Area which is the home to 1,226 species of flowering plants, 102 mammals, 474 birds, 33 reptiles and 22 amphibians.

We organise Annapurna base camp trek all around the year but again Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) are the best times to trek to Annapurna Base camp as it is warm and sunny during this period and you can enjoy with outstanding mountain views.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and diverse natural beauty. Here are some of the highlights you can expect while trekking to Annapurna Base Camp:

Spectacular Mountain Views: The trek offers stunning panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. The sight of these majestic mountains against the clear blue sky is a highlight of the trek.

Varied Landscapes: The trek takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from terraced fields and lush forests to alpine meadows and glacial moraines. You’ll witness the changing scenery as you ascend in altitude, making each day’s walk a unique experience.

Cultural Encounters: The trail passes through charming villages inhabited by various ethnic groups, including Gurungs and Magars. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about their traditional lifestyles, customs, and architecture. Many trekkers also visit local monasteries and shrines along the way.

Hot Springs: The natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda provide a relaxing and soothing experience after days of trekking. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the warm water while surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings.

Base Camp itself: Reaching Annapurna Base Camp is a significant achievement. The campsite is located amidst the towering peaks and surrounded by an amphitheater of mountains. The feeling of being surrounded by these immense peaks is awe-inspiring.

Machapuchare Base Camp: Also known as the “Fishtail Base Camp,” this stop on the trek offers stunning views of Machapuchare, a sacred mountain with a distinctive fishtail-like shape. It’s a great place to acclimatize and enjoy the scenery.

Sunrise at Poon Hill (Optional): If you choose to include a detour to Poon Hill at the start or end of your trek, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunrise views in the Himalayas. The sight of the sun rising over a sea of mountains is truly breathtaking.

Local Cuisine: You’ll have the opportunity to try local Nepali and mountain cuisine, including dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and various other local dishes. These meals are not only delicious but also provide the necessary energy for trekking.

Bamboo and Rhododendron Forests: Trekking through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests adds a magical touch to the journey, especially during the spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Cultural Insights: The trek also offers a chance to learn about the local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts in the region. You might encounter local wildlife, such as Himalayan thar or various bird species.

Overall, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty, cultural encounters, and personal accomplishment. It’s a journey that allows you to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Himalayas while experiencing the warmth of the local culture.

The Best time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The best time to undertake the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek in Nepal is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. These seasons offer the most favorable weather conditions and clear views of the stunning landscapes along the trek. Here are more details about each season:

Spring (Pre-Monsoon) – March to May:

Spring is widely considered the best time for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The weather is mild and stable, with warm days and cool nights. The trekking trails are adorned with blooming rhododendron and other colorful flowers, creating a picturesque landscape. The views of the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail), are generally clear during this season.

Autumn (Post-Monsoon) – September to November:

Autumn is another excellent time to do the ABC Trek. After the monsoon season, the skies become clear, offering panoramic views of the mountains and landscapes. The weather is also stable, with pleasant daytime temperatures and chilly nights. The trekking trails are usually dry, making for better walking conditions.

Both of these seasons offer relatively stable weather, good visibility, and comfortable temperatures for trekking. However, it’s important to note that these are also the peak trekking seasons in Nepal, so the trails and accommodations can get crowded. If you prefer quieter trails, you might consider trekking during the shoulder seasons—late February to early March or late November to early December—although weather conditions can be less predictable during these times.

During the winter months (December to February), the Annapurna region experiences cold temperatures and snowfall, making trekking more challenging, especially at higher altitudes. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain and increased risk of landslides, so it’s generally not recommended for trekking.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal.:

On your arrival at the Kathmandu airport one of our airport representatives will receive you and transfer you to the chosen hotel. After hotel check-in, you will be free for your own activities such as a taking shower or relaxation at the hotel. After that there will be short pre-trip meeting where we introduce you with your guide , porter and brief about the trip.

Day 2: Travel to Pokhara.:

Meet you at the hotel at 6:15 am and we walk to tourist bus station. The bus for Pokhara departs at 7:00 am. It is a beautiful 7 hours drive. Afternoon arrival in Pokhara, hotel check-in and you will be free for relaxation after the long drive. Evening short walk around Phewa Lake.

Day 3: Drive to Phedi and hike to Tolka (1750m), 5-6 hrs walk.:

Today, the journey begins with combination of witnessing the local culture and tradition and great mountain panorama. Our guide will pick you from your hotel at Pokhara and drive to Phedi car/cab, then trek through beautiful village Dhampus – Pothana and trek to Tolka for overnight stay.

Day 4: Trek to Sinuwa (Altitude 2100m) – 5-7 hours walk:

Trekking from Tolka to Sinuwa (2310m) is today’s plan that takes some 7 hours hike. It is a pleasing trail for the beginning and then gradual down to Modi Khola after Landruk then cross impressive and big suspension bridge at Jhinu Danda then steep climb up to Chhomrong, Chhomring is another grand Gurung village. From this village, you will trek down to the river and will climb again to Sinuwa. If the weather is pleasant, you will enjoy nice stunning Mountain vista, overnight at Lodge.

Day 5: Trek to Deurali (Altitude 3230m) 6-7 hrs walk.:

We have a silence jungle walk today to Himalaya from Dovan. It is believed that mountains are sacred and holy. As it is already believed that Annapurna means “full of food” (feminine form), but is normally translated as Goddess of the Harvests. In Hinduism, Annapurna is “… the universal and timeless kitchen-goddess … the mother who feeds. Without her there is starvation and a universal fear. Her most popular shrine is located in Kashi, on the banks of the river Ganga.” Her association with the giving of food (wealth) led her in time to be transformed into Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth so from the religious view it is important to respect the Mother Nature, create peaceful and calm surroundings. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6: Trek to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) Elevation 4130m, walk 5-6 hrs.:

Above Deurali the valley widens and becomes less steep. After walking some stone staircase we reach at the place where some people were killed by avalanche a decade ago. We should not stop in this possible dangerous place for long time. This place is warned of avalanche so continue trek ahead with aware until you get to safe place. As you walk further, more beautiful White Mountains are seen and close. The trail turns to the left in the valley after Machhapuchhre Base Camp and it is pleasant walk up ABC though the air is thinner now. You may feel at the high altitude now. It is reccomended not rush and walk gently. Now you can see the one of best 360˙degree Mountain View in world from Base Camp. There are tremendous views of giant Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) 6997m and several other wonderful peaks. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7: Trek down to Dovan – Bamboo (2310m). 6-7 hrs walk.:

After enjoying Brilliant Mountain view and taking hot cup of tea or coffee we take hot breakfast and trek down to Dovan or Bamboo via MBC, Deurali and Himalaya. We take tea and lunch break on the way. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 8: Trek to Ghandruk (1940m), 7-8 hours walk.:

From Bamboo we walk up during 30 minute and it is pleasant jungle walk to Sinuwa then head down to Chhumrung Khola and walk up long stone staircase up upper Chhomrung then walk toward komrong khola and up to a small pass called Komrong Danda and then some 30 minutes walk to Ghandruk. Overnight in lodge.

Day 9: Trek to Naya Pul and drive to Pokhara (2.345m) – 6 hours:

We trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul, while enjoying the amazing hilly landscape of western Nepal. From Nayapul, we drive to Pokhara. From here we will drive back to Pokhara.

Day 10: Travel back to Kathmandu.:

Breakfast and we travel back to Kathmandu.

Day 11: Departure from Nepal.:

Today we will take you to the airport to catch your flight out of Nepal. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay longer, we may make additional travel arrangements to assist you continue your cycling experience.

What's included

• All necessary ground transfers.
• All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
• Tea House accommodations during the trek.
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
• All necessary paper works.
• All necessary trekking permits.
• Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
• Strong, helpful porters.
• Comprehensive medical supplies.
• Trekking map.
• Insurance of all local team.
• Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
• Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
• Trekking certificate issued by us.
• Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

What's excluded

• Nepal Visa fee.
• International flights.
• All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
• Personal expenses not stipulated.
• Optional add-ons.
• Gratuities.

Customer Reviews

Aussie Couple

"Best travel company you can use"

Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.

Lisa G

"Amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience"

My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal – starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn’t been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).

This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.