Overview
This medium-length trek is suitable for most people and older children and is practically a year-round route. Although Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not too strenuous, a reasonable level of general fitness is required to walk an average of 5-7 hours per day. Although this is pretty much an all-year-round trek, the best times to come are spring and autumn. For those who want to go in the winter or monsoon months, it will prove a little more challenging, but the rewards are fewer other trekkers on the trails. Several routes lead to the Annapurna Base Camp. Especially the one via Poon Hill is the most visited and scenic route of all.
But regardless as to when you come, Annapurna Sanctuary trek has it all! The views, the culture, not too strenuous, and comfortable accommodation along the trail. What’s more, immediately, you are in the heart of the Himalayas! The mountain vistas are awe-inspiring, with the backdrop of Machhapuchhre (commonly known as Fish Tail), Mount Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Annapurna III, and more!
We will be passing through exciting villages and terraced fields, where there is the opportunity to see how people live in this region. The trail passed through rhododendron forests, along glacier rivers, with sheer cliffs carved out of the mountainside. Annapurna Base Camp lies at 4,130m, and on the way, we will also visit Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), from where we get a close look of the west face of the mountain. By now, we are in the Annapurna Sanctuary, and on reaching Annapurna Base Camp, we have a 360 degree, uninterrupted view of those spectacular mountains!
Facts
- Trip Duration: 12 days
- Level: Moderate
- Group size: 1-15
- Altitude: 4130 meters
- Permit: ACAP
- Accommodation: tea houses/guesthouses/tented camp
- Best Time: February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp
- Learn about the culture of the Gurung people
- Pass through rhododendron forests, the national flower of Nepal
- Enjoy the changing scenery from cultivated fields and forests to landscapes with little vegetation
- Wonder at the spectacular 360o mountain views
- Enjoy the hot springs at Jhinu
- Reaching the Base of Annapurna mountain
- Rural Nepali Lifestyle
- View of Fishtail peak
- Many rivers and suspension bridges.
Food and Accommodation
You will eat in the place where you stay in the mountains. Most of the food menus are available in the tea house and lodge of the Annapurna region. Also, you can have both veg and non-veg items while on trek ABC. The non-vegetarian menu may offer chicken, pork, and even a Yak stake. As you need protein while hiking, you should consult with your guide to make sure they are hygienic.
Lunch and Dinner
"Dal Bhat Pawer, 24 Hour" It is a famous saying in Nepal. Varieties of rice menus such as Dal Bhat set, Veg fried rice, Mix fried rice, Pasta, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Spring roll, Sandwich, Momo are excellent availability for lunch and dinner.
Breakfast
Chapati, Pancake, Tibetan bread, Porridge, varieties of soup, and eggs made omelets are well known for Breakfast.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Route Map
Best Time
The weather condition is important while planning a trek in Nepal. February, March, April, May and September, October, November, December is considered as the best time for ABC Trek.
Difficulty
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is rated as moderate Trek. Difficulty ratings measure from the various part such as hours of hike, distance, altitude gain, etc. However, the primary concern is altitude sickness and acclimatization. As it is a moderate trek, the chance of being sick in Annapurna is less compared to Everest Base Camp. The hike starts from 1960m at (Ulleri) and gradually increases up to 4130m to Annapurna Base Camp in 12 days.
Itinerary
When designing the itinerary, you should always keep extra days for acclimatization. Based on research, you should hike not more than 6-7 hours of hiking and 400-500m of altitude gain each day in below 3,000m. It should be buffer day in 3,000m and below 5,000m. And no more than 4,00m between 3,000 - 5,000m. If you keep this ration even for the first time, high altitude hikers will survive with no symptoms of sickness.
Drinking water
You might see a local guide drinking tap water, but is it safe for tourists? It all depends on your immune power. Locals are used to drinking tap water doesn't mean you have to the same. "Prevention is better than cure" I wouldn't suggest drinking tap water; instead, you can purify and drink. There are several water purification tablets available in the market. Bottled water also available for purchase. But definitely not good for the environment after use as they don't have proper recycling in the mountain.
Permit
You are required to have two different permits to complete Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You need a Tims card which costs USD 10 per person if you are trekking in a group and USD 20 if you are independent trekkers. With Tims, you need an ACAP permit worth USD 30.
Transportation to the trailhead
For Annapurna Base Camp Trek first, you need to drive to Pokhara (4 hours) and to Nayapol (2 hours) from Kathmandu in a local bus or private jeep. You can also take a 1 hour 15 mins flight to Pokhara. At the end of your journey, the trek finish at the Annapurna Base Camp. To get back to Kathmandu, you have to drive back from Motkyu to Pokhara and drive on a local jeep or private jeep or take a flight.
Communication and Wifi Facilities
There is wifi available in the Annapurna region. If you want to have your own cell phone data carriers, "Ncell" has better internet speed and coverage.
What to pack?
Important Gears
- First Aid Kit
- Oximeter
- Water Bottles
- Sleeping Bag
- Down Jacket
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms
- Day Pack
- Duffel Bag
- Fleece Pants
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Pants
- Hiking Socks
- Insulated Jacket
- Long Sleeve Shirts
- Rain Jacket
- Rain Pants
- Sport Sunglasses
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Regularly using Medicines
Other Gears
- Camera
- Batteries
- Charger
- Portable solar charger or backup charger
- Water purifier
- Reading and writing materials if you have book craze
- Headphones
- Travel Games
Travel Documents
- Airline Tickets
- Copy of Passport (2 Copies)
- Nepal Visa
- Travel insurance
- Passport Photos (4)
- Valid Passport
- Required permits
Altitude sickness and its prevention
Altitude sickness is the effect of high elevation on the health of people which is caused by the low amount of oxygen in high altitudes. It mainly occurs after you reach above 2500 meters.
Causes
- Dehydration
- Increase in elevation
- Low level of oxygen
- Use of alcohol
Symptoms are temporary but in some cases, it can be dangerous so you need to prevent yourself.
Symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Swelling of hands, feet, and face
- Nose bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid pulse
- Dry cough
- Fever
Preventions
- Altitude acclimatization
- Pre-acclimatization
- Medication
- Oxygen enrichment
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Do not use alcoholic substances
The Cost Includes
- A professional and informative guide during the trek including his salary, food, accommodation, and single trip mountain insurance
- Porter service during the trek (One porter for Two clients)
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu drive by private jeep
- Two night 4-star hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing basis (Kuti Resort and Spa)
- All necessary Trekking permits and TIMS card
- Pokhara to Nayapul drive by private jeep
- Three times meal in a day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Accommodation during the trek in basic tea house
- Nayapul to Pokhara by private jeep
- Water purification tablet and NEST branded water bottle
- A pulse oximeter
The Cost Excludes
- Food and accommodation in Kathmandu
- Any kinds of drinks in the mountain
- Hot spring entrance fee in Jhinu danda $3 per person
- Wifi, hot bucket shower and other personal expenses
Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to Pokhara. You will be dropped at your inn in Pokhara as well. After taking some rest, we will explore around the lakeside at night and spend overnight in Pokhara lakeside.
Depending upon group size, either car or jeep or coaster will be arranged for the short drive to Naya Pool. It is around 55 km from Pokhara, the beginning point of Poon Hill Trek. After the course of action of essential permits, we will trek up to Hile from where we will climb up further ahead, and reach Tikhedunga, which is our lunch place. From there we will walk to Ulleri. The last hour of the trek up to Ulleri is a bit difficult as we have to trek completely uphill. Ulleri is small village mostly occupied by tea houses and lodges. There is no difficulty in picking a room cause we can not see the view of any scenario from there.
Walking up from Ulleri may be extremely troublesome although trails are paved with ladders before arriving at the gentle flat trail. You need to walk a lot which may be tiring. Pathways appear bit occupied as you have to stroll on one of the busiest and well-known trekking trail in Nepal. Poon Hill Trek can be done throughout the year regardless of climate. There is no such enormous impact of winter even though the Poon Hill will be covered by snow. When we reach Ghorepani, we will climb up a little to arrive at Upper Ghorepani, which is progressively picturesque in contrast with Lower Ghorepani.
On this day we will mostly walk through the way of forests and villages. It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Ghorepani from Ulleri. The people in living here have mixed ethnicity. Crossing through small
waterfalls, following the suspension bridges we will reach Ghorepani.
Ghorepani is a big town where many hotels and facilities are found. The occupation of people here is mostly related to the Tourism sector. Early morning (4 am or 4:30 am) we will begin walking up to the top of Poon Hill (3193m) for about 1 hour. We will view one of the delightful sunrises over Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range alongside other few auxiliary pinnacles/peaks from there. It is up, and kind of steep uphill trail, however, will get increasingly incredible. View tower over Poon Hill offers an extraordinary perspective. The view from Ghorepani and Poon Hill look same as nearly and ranges are comparative. The picture can be changed slightly with a short walk to Poon Hill. Fishtail, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna south, 12 peaks, Nilgiri Dhaulagiri, are some of the mountains seen from Poonhill.
Moreover, the people in this place seem to be more hospitable and kind. After Poonhill trek we will return to Ghorepani and trek up to Tadapani which is 4 to 5 hours walking through the Banthanti village which is our lunch place. From Tadapani to Banthanti the trail is up and down. Passing through the forests of rhododendron and crossing a suspension bridge we will reach to Tadapani.
Today we will trek for 4 to 5 hours to Chhomring from Tadhapani. We will take an easy route down to Kimrung Khola for Lunch and rise to Chhomrong village. Chhomrong village lies at the base of Himchuli at an elevation of 6441m which likewise gives the closer perspective of Annapurna and Macchhapucchare. The place is neat and clean. Along with Annapurna range and fishtail mountain we can view Himchuli, Gangapurna and so forth. The area is multicultural, and people are kind-hearted.
Today we will head towards Bamboo from Chomrong. Getting to Chhomrong, we need to pass via Sinwa which is divided into two part Lower Sinwa and Upper Sinwa. To reach lower, we will descend downhill trail for 1 hour from Chhomrong. Soon we will cross one small suspension bridge and begin climbing up for 1 and a half hour to Upper Sinwa through forests. From there the local location on Annapurna Trek Route is over as from that point only some of the lodges and hotels are active with reason business. Sinwa has just three hotels. Ahead from Sinwa, the trail is delicate with the gradual flat way till Bamboo. The name of the place is Bamboo because there are lots of Bamboo tree. On the trail, we may experience a common white face monkey.
Next up is a trek to Deurali from Bamboo as it is high zone, so we have to drop down with speed. The height around Deurali is around 3500m from ocean level. When we continue trekking, the scene begins to change into the high snow-capped eco framework. Passing through Dovan and Himalayan where just two hotels are found, we will climb up to Deurali via big Hinku cave. Small micro-hydropower is on an operation near Deurali where only six lodges are situated. The trek to Deurali via Dovan and Himalaya is mostly uphill. We will walk through dense forest with the only view of Fishtail mountain in some part on the way.
Today from Deurali, we will begin to climb towards Annapurna Base Camp. As one may feel the less measure of oxygen because of the high snow-capped zone with the no tree and shrubs, one needs to walk delicately. Gradually, viewing all the beautiful scenario and getting a charge out of every single minute, we will trek up to Fishtail Base Camp. We will stop there for lunch break. Throughout the break, we can climb up a little towards the edge and icy mass to the close of Fishtail and have a close look at the west part of Mt Fishtail. The last destination of our trek currently appears to be more real and intimate than that of previously as we got closer and closer. Walking for a few hours slowly and continuously as the dusk/sunset from the hotels near Annapurna looks like gold painting over Fishtail ranges.
Today we will make a beeline for Dovan from Annapurna Base Camp. As we walk downwards, there are no more odds of high altitude sickness. We will cover very nearly two camping in one day on the way down. Directly after the dawn over Annapurna South and Annapurna I, we will have most heavenly breakfast before plummeting down from Annapurna Sanctuary. Right down we will effortlessly make up to Dovan.
On this day we will begin our walk moving towards Jhinu Danda which is one of where one can unwind on natural on hot spring after the ten days of the trek. The path from Dovan to Jhinu danda is somewhat down until lower Sinuwa. After having our Lunch at lower Sinuwa, we will cross the suspension bridge and uphill to chhomrong. At that point, the way is sharp down to Jhinu Danda after Chhomrong. On arriving at the Jhinu Danda, we will go through the day getting a charge out of the natural hot spring water and meandering around. We will spend overnight there.
Although a few people trek up to NayaPool, we won't do the equivalent since we are extra. Not just that, being extra is tied in with strolling on the dusty street where the vast majority of the individuals are utilizing jeep. So better we also use the vehicle and spare time, spare vitality to get rid of dust and different factors as well. It would be 1-hour trek from Jhinu and 4-5 hour drive from Motkyu to Pokhara.
Today is the farewell day when we will say goodbye to the beautiful place and fly back to Pokhara. From Pokhara we will be driving back to Kathmandu.
Frequently asked Question
Expand/CloseThe best time to trek Annapurna is March, April, September, October, and November.
On the way to Annapurna, the accommodation is normal tea house and lodges. Similarly, you can also find luxurious hotels if you can afford.
We need to have a conservational area project (ACAP) permit to enter the Annapurna region. The cost of the permit is Rs 3000 for foreigner and Rs 300 for the SAARC countries including vat.
Annapurna region is Trek can be categorized from easy to difficult trek. It depends on the trek you chose.
The trails are mixed. You have to go straight up as well as descend down through the steep and rocky trail.
Yes, you can trek solo to Annapurna region because Annapurna region has many easy and moderate treks which can be done by people with normal fitness level. Also, the trek is easily accessible from Pokhara. You can find accommodation facilities easily in this region.
Basic hiking gears are enough for the Annapurna trek. You can read the equipment checklist on our website.
Every kind of facilities like water, electricity, wifi, charging, hot shower, etc are found in Annapurna. Just you need to pay some extra money to enjoy those facilities.
The trek to Annapurna region takes 7 to 16 days to finish depending upon the trek you are going for.
As per the airline's rules and regulation you can take 10 kilos of luggage and 5-kilos hand carries so that would be a total of 15 kilos baggage allowance. If you want to take more than 15 kilos, you have to pay an extra USD 1 per kilo. But you can also trek by bus and private jeep which means you can carry more if you want.
Normal to high-quality food is served according to the will of trekkers in the Annapurna region.
A person with normal fitness can also trek to the Annapurna region as it consists of easy and moderate treks too.