Highlights- What to expect?
- Tour duration: 13 days
- Trek duration: 8 days
- Tour location: Annapurna region
- Destination: Annapurna Base Camp
- Beginning altitude: Nayapul at 1070 m
- Highest Elevation: Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m
- Experience the cultures and tradition of the Chettris, Tamang, Magars, and Gurungs
- Panoramic views of Mt Annapurna III, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt.Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Fishtail
- Explore the villages of Deurali, Dovan, and Chhomrong.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna base camp trek difficulty is moderate. No prior experience of long treks is required for Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary. Apart from that, it is necessary that you train yourself physically prior to the trek. You can indulge in physical activities like swimming, hiking, and running a week before the trek if possible since you will have to walk to the Annapurna Base Camp at a high elevation with snow under your feet. You will have to walk for around 4 to 6 hours per day and will have to climb a lot of rocky stairs on the way up. Since the highest elevation is 4130 m so a fit person is least likely to suffer from altitude sickness. The Annapurna base camp altitude sickness can be an issue when going above 3500m of altitude. So you should be aware of the symptoms and take appropriate medication. If you ask who the Annapurna base camp trek is for? The answer would be that except for sick people, small children, and the elderly, it is for everyone and anyone interested.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1350m
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m/2700ft), 6-7 hrs
Day 03: Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Chhomrong (1552 m)-4 hrs
Day 04: Chhomrong to Dovan( 2580m/8460ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 05: Dovan to Deurali( 3230m/10595ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 06: Deurali to Annapurna base camp ( 4130m/13545ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 07: Annapurna base camp to Bamboo ( 2310m/7575ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 08: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda( 1760m/5770ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 09: Jhinu Danada to Tolka- 5 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Kande and drive to Pokhara
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 12: International Departure to sweet home
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit
Since Annapurna base camp trek falls in the Annapurna region, there are certain permits that Non-Nepali tourists will have to pay to trek. The Annapurna base camp trek permits are:
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) permit: US$ 10 per person
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit) permit: US$ 20 for an individual, US$ 10 for a group
Note that you will be asked to show these permits in the different areas inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. To avoid the hassle of getting the permits, you might as well coordinate with our team members who will provide it to you in the package.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Map
The map below shows the popular Annapurna base camp Nepal trekking route including the one we have described in the itinerary.
Also consider that this map is not to be used as the only trekking map since there are alternative routes to Annapurna base camp trek depending on the duration, season, and side trails. You can also view Google map for Annapurna base camp trek by clicking on the link below:
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
Annapurna Base Camp trek location expands in the Annapurna region. Since there are alternative routes, one might choose any among them.
Annapurna base camp trek via Poon hill Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1350m
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 860m (220 km) - 06 hours.
Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri village(1960 m)-05 hours
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani 2,840 m - 05 hours.
Day 05: Morning hike to Poon-Hill and trek to Tadapani 2,520m - 05 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Sinuwa 2340 m-5 hours
Day 07: Trek to Deurali 3230 m - 5 hours
Day 08: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4, 130m - 04 hours.
Day 09: Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hours.
Day 10: Trek to Jhinu-Danda 1,700m via Chomrong - 06 hours.
Day 11: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara -6 hours
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 13: Final departure day
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
Annapurna Base Camp trek cost differs as per the duration of your stay, requirements, starting point, destination, and more. Annapurna Base Camp trek cost for Nepali travelers is lesser than those coming from abroad due to the additional cost of international flights.
Considering everything, the Annapurna Base Camp trek budget lands up to $ 780 per person. This cost includes domestic transportation, accommodation for 7 nights at a teahouse lodge, 2-night accommodation at a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, cost for hiring guide and porters, equipment, food, trek permit, and other basic necessities. You are required to carry a little extra for cases of uncertainty and for your personal expenses.
Mode of transportation
The Annapurna base camp trek transportation mode can range from flights to drives as per your requirement. If you are a foreigner then you will have to estimate the travel cost for the flights you take to come to Nepal and depart from Nepal.
In Kathmandu, you will travel by taxi which will cost a few dollars. It is adviced that you do not take the local bus in Kathmandu if you are a foreigner who is not adapt to traveling with a crowd. Apart from that, you will have to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by Delux tourist bus. From Pokhara to Nayapul and Phedi to Pokhara you will travel by car. You can also choose to travel by flight from and to Pokhara in an additional charge. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative you might as well take the tourist bus. If you do not want the hassle of taking long rides then you might take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu during the trip. It is only a 25 minutes flight. However, there can be flight delays due to the weather condition but on a clear day, you will see the panoramic views of the Annapurna massif and Mt. Machhapuchrey. Under the unfavorable condition, you can request for ABC by helicopter if you have a physical condition.
Accommodation
The Annapurna Base Camp trek accommodation generally takes to a tea house or lodges in the Annapurna Region. It is also famously termed as a teahouse trek. The teahouses are very traditional and beautiful and reflect the authentic Nepali vibe. The teahouses provide you with decent food and drinks. It will cost you $2 to $6 to stay at a teahouse. The teahouses and lodges in the peak season are fully packed since the Annapurna region is a very famous trekking region so it is best that you take a guide or porter along with you for some negotiation. You might not find all the luxury at these lodges and homestays. They only provide basic necessity like food drinks and beds and a blanket. You might also get a hot shower in some lodges with additional charge. You will be facilitated with wi-fi in most of the lodges at an extra charge of $1 or $2. In Kathmandu, however, you will get to stay at a 3-star hotel with all the facilities you require.
Food and Drinks
Food and Drinks are very modest in the ABC trekking trail. It is essential to understand that as the altitude increases, the prices of the meals also increase and the availability of delicacies decreases. In Kathmandu, you will receive all the cuisines and drinks that you desire. You will be facilitated with eggs, basic Dal, Bhat, tarkari. The staple meal will cost anywhere from US$2 to US$ 6. For breakfast, you will be facilitated with Tibetian Bread or Toast, Hash brown potato, and eggs. During Lunch and Dinner, you can choose to eat Nepali staple meal (Dal Bhat and Tarkari), Chowmein, Mo: Mo (Dumpling), Thukpa, Fried potato and more.
You will get to taste the local delicacy made from local produce in the Annapurna region. Drinks that you get in the higher altitudes are mostly hot drinks like tea and coffee. Your drink options are limited to those areas. You can bring your refillable bottles along with you since a one-liter bottle of mineral water costs $1. Buying bottled water each time will cost you a lot so it is adviced that you carry your bottle and fill it up wherever you find a clean spring and use a small water purifying equipment to avoid the risk of contamination.
Checklist- What to take?
The Annapurna Base Camp trek requires a few special clothing due to the cold temperatures and the varied terrain in the higher altitude. You must keep in mind not to bring any unnecessary equipment with you while traveling to Nepal. The necessary equipment can be hired here in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The following equipment and clothing are necessary for your trek:
- Travel documents and passport size photos
- Boots and or trekking shoes
- Woolen/cotton socks (4-6 pairs)
- Gloves ( 1 pair)
- T-shirts/ shirts (4 pcs)
- Trousers (2 sets)
- Shorts/tracksuit
- Fleece jacket
- Cap (for the day), Woolen hat (for evenings and mornings)
- Large towels
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat
- Walking poles
- First Aid kit
- Torch/flashlights
- Penknife/ Swiss Army knife
- Scarf/mask
- Duffle bags (carried by porters or animals)
- Rucksack/ backpack
- Personal hygiene products and toiletries ( female hygiene products are not found easily on the trails)
- Wide brimmed hat (great for protecting your head, face from the sun)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance and Duration
The Annapurna Base Camp trek distance from Pokhara is a long walking distance which will take a duration of over 8 days. Including the travel from Kathmandu, the entire Annapurna base camp trek duration lands at 13 days to a minimum. It is generally a short trek in the Annapurna region. The duration of the trek depends very much on your walking pace, the valleys, villages, and places you want to explore, and your starting point of the trek. Thus it is up to you to decide the duration of the trek. Also, it is safe to set a day or two for any unforeseen inconvenience that might occur due to political or natural causes.
As the trek route falls on the Annapurna region, travel enthusiasts might want to trek other places of the region and extend their ABC trek duration. In this case, our agency will draft the best extended ABC trek itinerary suited for you.
Annapurna Base Camp trek guide and porter
Annapurna Base Camp trek is generally regarded as a moderate trek so you might not really need a porter or guide if you are a Nepali citizen or if you are a fit person. However, it proves to be very beneficial to have porters and guides along with you if you are a foreigner who is not proficient in Nepali culture, tradition, history, and language. The guides can be very helpful in showing the easier path and negotiating with the locals. The porters can easily carry your bags if you are not in the condition to do so.
Our porters are similarly well known about the trek and are at all times fully equipped with gears. The porters are well looked after, and as per the company policy, a single porter will carry a maximum weight of 25 kg. A professional guide usually costs around $25 per day which includes their fee, accommodation, food, and insurance. Also, taking porters and guide will give you the satisfaction of providing employment opportunity to at least a few people while you are here in Nepali.
Safety and Security
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the safest trek destinations. Although there has been occasional news of political instability in Nepal, it does not affect the security of the trekkers in Nepal. The tourism board along with our agency makes sure that all the tourists, all year round have the utmost safety during their stay in Nepal.
Our team members including the guides and porters will help you in any case of uncertainty whether it is natural disasters or political instability. We advise you to prepare yourself with all the necessary equipment and hire a guide and porter if possible.
The locals on the trail towards the Annapurna base camp are also very friendly and helpful. It is also advised that you travel through a taxi or a tourist bus since they are safer alternatives to traveling here in Nepal. This also helps if you cannot stand traffic jam and chaotic and overcrowded vehicles. It is suggested that you avoid political rallies and that you keep a day or two in case of inconvenience. However, it is safe to say that our agency will keep your safety and security in mind. You will only have to prepare yourself with all the necessary equipment and documents and follow the rules set by the tourism board and you are good to go.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Altitude
You will begin your trek from Nayapul which is at an elevation of 1100 m. The highest altitude of the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at an elevation of 4130 m or 13545 ft. There isn’t a rapid change in the altitude. Thus there are fewer cases of altitude sickness. You might suffer from altitude sickness as the elevation rises above 3000 m. The itinerary set by our agency is best suited to avoid such sicknesses as far as possible. However, if you are prone to Acute Mountain Sickness then you might as well take some medication as soon as you feel the symptoms kicking in. You should note that the symptoms of AMS include dizziness to the least and nose bleeding, severe headache, vomiting, to the most.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Best Season
The best Annapurna Base Camp Trek season is known to be from spring to autumn. In this season the weather is generally clear with best views. During this season there won't be heavy rainfall or too cold so it is known to be the best season.
During the winter season, the trail might be covered in snow in the higher altitude. This might cause a problem since the trail might be lost and slippery. Also, you will have to pack a lot of warm clothes which will add to your bag pack. During the summer season, there might be chances of heavy rainfall which might make the trail muddy and slippery. Also in case of a hot day, it will be difficult to walk.
March to May and September to November are considered to have the best Annapurna Base Camp trek weather. So if you want to trek in a nice weather with open skies and a fresh breeze for the best scenes then spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to trek.
Conclusion
Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna region thanks to the enthusiasm of trekkers, the vistas and the facilities offered by the Annapurna region. From the panoramic views of the soaring Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri and Mt. Macchapuchrey (fishtail), to the serene forests along the way, the trek is a way to explore all the wonders that Nepal has to offer in its lap.
Among the popular treks in the Annapurna trekking region, you might also be interested in similar treks like Annapurna Circuit trekking, Ghorepani PoonHill trek, Mardi Himal trekking, Ghale Gaon Cultural Trekking, and more which are equally as stimulating and exquisite as ABC Nepal trekking. Our customizable excellent packages can best suit your requirements.
Join Nepal Adventure Team Pvt. Ltd. for Annapurna Base Camp trek which will take you to the beautiful Annapurna region. Our team of experts will provide safe and fully guided services so that your trek will be one of a kind with all the fun and adventure that you expect. For detailed inquiry on the ABC trek package please contact our team through our live chat, telephone, and email ready to provide you service 24/7.
