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A popular journey through lush rhododendron forests to the foothill of the majestic Annapurna.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the finest and most popular trekking route in the Annapurna region. The difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp trail is moderate with challenges in some steep uphill sections. The maximum altitude ascended during the trek is 4,130m which is not very high when compared to other trekking routes. It comes as a respite for trekkers who are wary of high-altitude sickness. The view and the cultural experience, however, are unparalleled and delightfully surpass the expectations of trekkers. From Annapurna Base Camp, you stand witness to mountains like Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna (8,091m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Machhapuchhare (6,993m), and others.
Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a short, 11-day itinerary that starts from Siwai which is almost a three-hour drive from Pokhara. We trek through beautiful Gurung villages, traditional houses, terraced farms, lush green forests, and wildlife on a well-marked trail leading to the Machhapuchhre Base camp and then the Annapurna base camp. Beautiful stops like Ghandruk and Chhomrong add allure to life on the trek which offers a reasonable level of modern amenities. The trek concludes on a soothing note in the natural hot springs of Jhinu. All in all, it is a moderately long trek that offers serenity, cultural experience, floral and faunal diversity, and amazing views, to say the least. If you feel, however, that the serenity and diversity of the Annapurna region warrant deeper exploration, be sure to check out other packages in the alluring Annapurna.
Welcome to the land of the Himalayas! A member of our team meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. We leave you to relax and freshen up at your hotel. Next, we have a debriefing meeting regarding the trek at your hotel and answer any queries you may have. Finally, rest and overnight in Kathmandu.
Included: Airport pick-up, Accommodation with breakfast
We set off after breakfast at the hotel. The road trip of 200 km (124 miles) west from Kathmandu to Pokhara is in a tourist bus. The drive is along the Prithivi Highway which is one of the oldest in the country. The drive is rather enjoyable as it cuts through hills and sub-urban settlements alongside rivers to reach Pokhara. Markedly, Pokhara is a city blessed by nature. The city is also the starting and/or ending point for most treks in the Annapurna Region. Upon our arrival at Pokhara, we drive to our hotel, check in, and relax for a while. Later in the evening, we may head out to explore the sights and sounds of Pokhara. Lastly, dinner and overnight at Pokhara.
Included: Tourist bus to Pokhara, Accommodation in a 3-star standard hotel with breakfast
We drive to Siwai after breakfast, which takes almost three hours. After crossing the bridge adorned with colorful prayer flags at Nayapul, we drive uphill along the graveled road toward Siwai. Afterwards, the Annapurna Base Camp trek kicks off with a brief hike to Ghandruk. The ascent on stone-paved stairs, passing along terraced farms, small villages, and streams, continues to arrive at Ghandruk. Undoubtedly, Ghandruk is a beautiful village, inhabited mainly by the Gurung community. Here, we may enjoy a traditional song and dance at the local lodge. Furthermore, visiting the local Gurung museum acquaints you with the fascinating culture. The village is also a great place to witness Mt. Annapurna South (7219m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6441m), and Mt. Macchapuchhare (6993m).
Included: Trek start point drop, Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
We resume after breakfast to climb up for an hour to get to the highest point of Ghandruk – Ghandrukkot (Komrong Danda). We then chase a steep descending trail that drops to the Kimrong River. On the other side of the river, a steep uphill awaits us passing alongside the Kimrong village. Delightfully, the climb is through a serene forested section. Eventually, we arrive at a point where the trail from Tadapani converges which requires about two hours. Then, we head north along an easy trail to reach Chhomrong, the mandatory entryway to the Annapurna Base Camp. Magnificent views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) tower across the valley. Indeed, an exploration trip around the beautiful village is a must after some rest. We end the day with dinner and rest at Chhomrong.
Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
The initial section of today’s trek starts with a careful descent along stone-paved steps to the Chhomrong River. Next off, we cross the suspension bridge to climb uphill through the lush forest for two hours to get to Sinuwa. The trail beyond Sinuwa cuts through dense bamboo forests for a maximum of ninety minutes before we arrive at Kuldhighar. After almost 30 minutes of downhill walking, we arrive at Bamboo, named because of the abundance of bamboo harvested by locals. Dovan is almost an hour’s uphill walk along a forested trail. Upon reaching there, we rest and explore the place followed by dinner.
Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
A two-and-a-half hours trek along the Modi River bank starts the day’s trek arriving at Himalaya. Next off, an uphill climb for forty minutes leads to Hinku Cave, an opening underneath a huge rock lurking above. Deurali is almost half an hour, where we have lunch. Afterward, the trail ascends into more alpine terrain. After another two hours of steady climbing, while dodging some avalanche-prone sections, we arrive at the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m). At this altitude, mountain sickness can become an issue. Thus, we spend the night here to get well-acclimatized before climbing higher to the Annapurna base camp. Additionally, the view which includes the vista of mountains: Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchchhre is scintillating! As Machhapuchchhre is not open to climbing expeditions, the base camp is only a name given to the stopover place. The day ends with dinner and overnight at MBC.
Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
We are in for the highlight of the Annapurna Base Camp trek today. Therefore, we set off early to make a gradual climb along the glacial moraine which lasts almost two hours. Following this, a signboard and some memorials with prayer flags a bit further mark the Annapurna Base camp. The morning view is the best with the sunrise offering a golden touch to the majestic Annapurna I (8091m/26544ft). You find yourself in an amphitheater of mountains like Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Tilicho (7,135m), Nilgiri North (7,061m), Machhapuchchhre (also popular as Fishtail) (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,411m). After spending some time marveling at the beauty, we start our return trek back to Dovan. The trek back should take about four and a half hours. The day ends with an overnight at Dovan.
Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
After breakfast, we start our descent to Jhinu Danda where a natural hot spring awaits us. Initially, the trail drops down to Bamboo and climbs up to Khuldighar. Subsequently, it drops again to Chhomrong Khola. From here, the Chhomrong village is a short climb. Thereafter, a final downward walk to Jhinu Danda follows, making for a perfect trek along the beautiful hills. The Jhinu hot spring is a 25-minute walk down along the bank of the Modi River. A series of three pools have been maintained just by the roaring Modi River. What better way to relax and rejuvenate? Overnight at Jhinu Danda.
Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
After breakfast, we have an easy trek towards Siwai. Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek ends here and we are picked up from Siwai to drive until Pokhara. The following evening can be spent exploring more of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
We make the return road trip on a tourist bus to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. On arrival at Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel. In the evening, a farewell dinner is organized for you at a restaurant in Thamel. We recap pleasant memories from the Annapurna Base Camp trek and end the day.
Included: Farewell Dinner, Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
It is your last day in Kathmandu. A representative drops you off at the airport on time. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight!
Included: Airport drop-off and Breakfast at the hotel
All visitors to Nepal (except Indian nationals) require an entry visa. Please make sure you have a visa to cover the entire length of your trip, including buffer days. A 30-day visa adequately covers the trip duration for most of our packages. Visa can be acquired at your local Nepalese Embassy or consulate or on arrival in Kathmandu. However, some Asian and African nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance. It is better to obtain the visa prior to your arrival to avoid delays at the airport. The visa is valid for 6 months.
On-Arrival Visa Fee:
Multiple entries 15 Days – 30 USD
Multiple entries 30 Days – 50 USD
Multiple entries 90 Days – 125 USD
Note: It is advisable to carry some cash (in US$ or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.
Click here to stay updated on any changes in rules and regulations.
Click here to download the online visa application.
Please make sure the validity of your passport is 6 months post your arrival in Nepal. We recommend that you keep with you a photocopy of your passport separate from the original to help you in case you lose your passport. It is mandatory to carry your passport with you on the trek as it is your official identification document. Also, it is required for internal flights.
32 would obtain all required permits for trekking on your behalf. Also, the costs of permits are already included in your package cost. No extra payment is required to obtain them. The following information has been compiled for your understanding.
Trekking in the Annapurna region such as the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you need to secure two permits. An Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and a TIMS permit are required. In the case of restricted regions, a restricted area permit would be required instead of the TIMS permit in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area permit.
The charge is NPR 2000 for international trekkers and NPR 200 for SAARC nationals. The charges are per person per entry.
The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest in Nepal spanning 7,629 sq. km. It offers a safe haven to 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians. It is also home to people from several cultures and ethnic groups.
The charge is NPR 2000 for international trekkers and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals. The charges are per person per entry.
Accommodation during the trek will be mountain lodges run by local entrepreneurs. The rooms on offer generally include two single beds with a mattress, warm blanket, and pillow each, accommodating two persons. The rooms are reasonably decent and clean given the remoteness of the trekking regions. At most of the camps especially in lower regions along the Annapurna Base Camp, an attached bath with a hot shower is offered. The rest of the camps have common bathrooms. At higher camps (like Deurali, Himalaya, MBC, and ABC), although we would do our best to avail a separate room, you might have to accommodate in rooms fit for 4 to 5 people, in case separate rooms are not available, especially during busy seasons.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek package includes one course each of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea/coffee. Most of the teahouses on the trail offer some variety of Nepali, Oriental, and Western cuisine. Breakfast options include cereals (oat porridge, muesli, cornflakes, roasted barley or wheat flour), bread (toast, sandwiches), pancakes, eggs, and chapatti (Indian-styled wheat bread). As for lunch and dinner: dal-bhat (staple Nepali food comprising a set of steamed rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup), hashbrowns, mashed potato, noodles, dumplings, spaghetti, soup, and pizza among others. Breakfast and dinner would be served at the lodge/teahouse that we overnight in. We would stop for lunch at one of the teahouses in between the day’s trek. After dinner, some fruits will be provided.
Your guide can advise you on the best diet to maintain sound health and fitness level. If you have a special dietary requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.), please communicate it to your guide so that necessary arrangements can be made. Additional orders would attract extra costs payable directly to the respective lodge.
It is worth noting that some of the places on the trek are deprived of regular electricity and they do not have proper refrigeration facilities. Therefore, it is recommended that you maintain a vegetarian diet during your trek as the meat available may not be fresh.
As transport of supplies to the mountain lodges and teahouses involve considerable manual labor and costs, trekkers are expected to be extra careful to keep wastage of food to a minimum.
While on trek, please drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration while on a trek can lead to fatigue and other unpleasant experiences that can take the fun out of trekking. It is advisable to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day, mostly during the daytime. Please carry a water bottle along and some water purification pills which can be bought at the shops in Thamel. You may refill your bottles at the lodge or at natural water sources. Please, only fill in places that your guide recommends as safe. Also, please make sure you purify it before drinking. If available, you can also buy bottled water at the lodges where you stay. Please note that the cost of bottled water increases as you reach higher. It may cost from USD 1 to around USD 4 per 1-liter bottle.
How often to drink water?
Drink half a liter of water as you wake up on an empty stomach. You can have another half-liter within an hour of waking up. When you start trekking, have regular sips of water in brief intervals before you experience dryness in your mouth. Your water intake while trekking should be 1.5 to 2 liters. When you feel tired, take a break and hydrate. When you reach your campsite, have a liter of water in small breaks.
It is advisable for you to carry extra cash for your personal expenses during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. As far as possible, please carry the cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu itself, so that you get a fair exchange rate. The amount of money to carry with you depends on your personal spending habits. However, we suggest you carry cash in Nepalese rupees equivalent to USD 15 to 20 per person, per day.
When it comes to offering a fulfilling trek or a safe one, we tip a little in favor of safety. As you ascend higher, chances are, you may be affected by altitude sickness (also, Acute Mountain Sickness). We strictly follow certain safety guidelines that ensure a gratifying, but more importantly, safe trek for our guests.
Although the Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary itself has been designed to allow your body enough rest and acclimatization in appropriate intervals and the average walking hours have been set at a comfortable 5-7 hours a day, we do take extra precautions to avert any health issues during and after the trek. Daily monitoring of oxygen saturation levels with the pulse oximeter and suggestions for daily diet intake is part of our guide’s job. Our experienced trekking guides are also trained in ‘Mountain sickness and first aid’ and know how to prevent mountain sicknesses and also act in case of emergencies.
We urge you to get yourself medically examined before taking on the trekking challenge. Please make sure you are cleared by your doctor to make this trip, which involves flying, hiking, and trekking. If you are given a conditional clearance or have a special medical condition (asthma and others) or allergy that may be induced in specific conditions, be sure to let us know in full detail so that we can plan accordingly.
Although the Annapurna Base Camp trek is not technically challenging, a prior experience of altitude hike/trek is preferred. A good level of mental and physical fitness needs to be developed and maintained. It is advisable to train your body at least two months prior to the trek with cardiovascular workouts. Practice hikes with a pack of weight roughly equivalent to your actual pack would be really helpful. Being physically well-prepared means you would be able to better enjoy the trek. While on the trek, do not let your determination wither, and maintain a positive attitude at all times.
The highest that you reach during the Annapurna Base Camp trek is 4130m at the Annapurna Base Camp. Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness can be triggered in high altitudes (generally higher than 2400m/7874ft) where there is less oxygen than in lower altitudes. It happens when you ascend much height in a short time before your body can adjust to the change. Symptoms that take anywhere between 6 hours to a few days to develop include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and others. The illness may cause a medical emergency, especially when the condition worsens to High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
The Annapurna Mountain range is a significant part of the great Himalayan range, consisting of one peak over 8,000 meters high – Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), 16 peaks above 7,000 m, and 13 peaks over 6,000m. The glaciers feed numerous springs, streams, and rivers which in turn instills life in the hills and basins down below. The varied geographical terrain ranging from the deepest gorge to the high Himalayas, high altitude freshwater lakes to the hilly hot springs, and mountain deserts to the largest rhododendron forests make for a wide possibility of hiking terrains. The Annapurna Base Camp trek includes the best of that the region offers. The biological diversity of the area is protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Trekkers are urged to abide by the rules and regulations and play a part in the preservation of the pristineness of the region for future generations.
Blessed with perennial rivers, majestic mountain scenery, and fertile earth, people identifying with diverse ethnicity and culture have thrived here for centuries. As diverse as the landscape, the cultural experience is no exception. The Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakali, Manangi, and Tibetan ethnic groups dwell here and have their own unique sets of language, culture, lifestyle, festivals, and dances. Major national festivals are also celebrated here–Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Lhosar, and Maghe Sankranti, to name a few. The lifestyle here is as diverse as the culture and landscape. While agriculture, livestock, and trade are major occupations of the inhabitants, the population engaged in businesses and services assisting tourism activities also makes up a significant stratum. Being a mountainous region, lodge operators, expedition leaders, trek leaders, porters, and camping cooks are some of the roles that you would find the population here engaged in.
The communities here cherish and maintain a close affinity to nature. They approach the natural environment with a sense of reverence. Some communities have a deity and maintain a shrine in their locality. The locals are friendly and welcoming and love to have guests come over. However, while embarking on an Annapurna Base Camp trek, visitors are expected to be respectful of cultural sensitivities.
Local mobile network operators like Ncell and NTC offer limited coverage along the ABC trail. You can avail of a local sim for as low as NRs. 100 (less than 1 USD) with limited validity and internet data volume. On average NRs. 100 to 500 would take care of your internet usage for the duration of the trip.
A good quality sleeping bag and down jacket would be required to withstand the drop in temperature in the high altitude on the trek. A minimum rating of -15 C (5 F) would be advisable for the gears. 32 offers the option of free borrowings of a decent quality sleeping bag and down jacket. These are rated up to -20 C (68 F). The gears are checked thoroughly for quality and cleaned after each usage. Please, let us know in advance once you have booked your trip with us to enable us to arrange one for you. Also, please remember to return them once you are back from your trek.
Always walk in a group. The guide will try to stick around with everyone. However, there is a possibility that some people walk faster than others. If that is the case, he shall be walking in turns with the participants. The rest of the group will be accompanied by the porter/s or an assistant guide in a bigger group.
To ensure a safe and secure trekking experience in the Himalayas, it is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance. As you embark on your journey, you may face various challenges like altitude sickness, harsh weather, accidents, and flight cancellations. By purchasing travel insurance, you will have coverage in case of any unforeseen events and enjoy a worry-free trekking adventure. Specialist travel insurance would be required to guarantee you are adequately insured. In addition to covering medical expenses and trip cancellation, please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. Coverage in the event of emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and hospitalization in case of injury, or death is mandatory.
At 32, we recommend that you do your own research to select the insurance company. A valid proof of your insurance certificate should be brought along during the trek. While we don’t have any affiliations with insurance providers, we’re happy to offer advice and assistance if you need help in understanding your insurance policies or selecting an insurer. Please note that the insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company and we cannot be held responsible for any dispute between you and your insurance company. Failure to provide proof of insurance may prevent you from joining your program and you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund.
In an event of a rescue/evacuation situation, your guide will be handling your rescue situation in coordination with the base office. In case an evacuation situation arises, the helicopter companies are contacted immediately. However, due to recent changes in regulations, rescue helicopters can only respond to a rescue call once the Guarantee of Payment (GOP) is received from the client’s insurance company. It is therefore mandatory to carry with you a summary of your insurance policy containing the policy number and details along with the Specialty Assistance (24X7) helpline number. Please, make sure you share the insurance policy information with us before you depart for the trek.
We do our best to ensure the above itinerary is adhered to, but cannot fully assure you of the same. The conditions in the remote Himalayan regions can be volatile, and susceptible to unforeseen weather changes and natural disasters, rendering the existing trails unsafe and may also affect the health of the trekkers. In case of any emergencies due to the afore-mentioned reasons or any other, you are requested to respect any decision that your team leader (guide) makes which is in the best interest of your safety. We humbly request for your full co-operation should such a situation arise.
32 arranges for your transportation to the trek start and end points as part of the package services. A private car with a professional driver is generally arranged for the transfers. However, for transfers along the trekking trail and depending upon the circumstances a shared vehicle would be utilized due to ease of availability. The transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice-versa would be in a deluxe tourist bus with an option of private car or flight transfers subject to additional costs.
While it is feasible to do a trek in the Annapurna region at any time, the most favorable times to undertake it are from March to May and September-end to November, when the weather is expected to be at its best. The weather during these months is generally clear with bright sunny days making for an ideal trekking condition. The temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20°C, while at night, they can drop to as low as -15°C. However, the climate at higher elevations is highly unpredictable, and it can get quite cold and windy. It is best to avoid the monsoon season from June to August, as the trails along the Annapurna Base Camp can be slippery and hazardous, and the views are often obscured by clouds and mist.