Annapurna Base Camp - Most Popular Trekking in Nepal
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 10 days breathtaking adventure in the heart of Nepali Himalayas, organized by Himalaya Arirang Trek, a renowned trekking agency in Nepal. This 10 days journey to Annapurna Base Camp is a perfect mix of alpine landscapes, traditional Himalayan villages, and cultural immersion into trekking in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary begins as you touch down at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and introduce you to Nepal’s capital along with culture. In the evening, spend your quality time in Backpackers Alley in the vibrant Thamel where a pre briefing about your ABC trek will be given.
You’ll drive to Pokhara by tourist bus or private car, the city of lakes surrounded by Annapurna Range where your real journey of 10 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts. As an option, you can try a 25 minutes flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu which saves your time as well. Upon reaching Pokhara, you’ll drive to Kimje or Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village from where the Annapurna Base Camp trek starts. The trekking trail of Annapurna from Ghandruk takes you towards Chhomrong, a popular stop of Annapurna Base Camp Trek at an elevation of 2,170 meters, Dovan, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp as well from where you can appreciate a closer view of the towering Machhapuchhre.
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) is the moment of celebration of this ABC trek. ABC offers thrilling views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m). No matter if you're an experienced trekker or planning for your first Annapurna Base Camp trek are most popular trekking in Nepal, standing in ABC is a crowning moment for real.
While returning, you’ll pass through Jhinu Danda, a natural hot spring which helps your body recover before heading back to Pokhara. From beautiful landscapes, local culture, trek to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal offers everything you expect of.
Whether you’re seeking a budget Annapurna Base Camp short trek, a solo ABC trek, or a guided Annapurna Base Camp trekking package, this journey has it all. But you’re not recommended to trek by yourself alone, make sure to hire an experienced trekking guide and if you want your Annapurna budget trek, hire a porter guide instead who will cost you less than a trekking guide and porter two person cost. With comfortable teahouse lodging and fooding, and guidance of experts, ABC trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced. Himalaya Arirang Trek offering Annapurna Base Camp trekking permit and guide porter service also for budget trekkers. Annapurna Base Camp trek is doable throughout the year as each season reveals a new face of Himalayas but the best time for Annapurna Base Camp trek is in spring and autumn because weather in spring and autumn is comfortable offering clear views of mountains, clear skies, and best view for photographs .During winter and monsoon seasons, Annapurna trek is cheap because of less numbers of trekkers trekking in Nepal and is physically demanding as well as there are possibilities of snowfall, rain, landslides, slippery trails, leeches, and so on.
Annapurna Base Camp Family Trek is doable for both beginners and experienced trekkers as it is moderate level trek. Because of moderate difficulty, Annapurna trek can be done with kids and senior-citizens with proper planning, preparation, and acclimatization days. The maximum altitude is 4,130 meters comparatively lower than Everest Base Camp trek making the possibility of altitude sickness lower but not completely absent because of forests covering Annapurna Base Camp trekking route.
Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara will cost you less than starting from Kathmandu and the days in itinerary minimizes as well. It’ll reduce the tour cost of transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara making Annapurna Base Camp budget trek in Nepal. Similarly, if you lack time but ABC is in your bucket list, Annapurna Base Camp Trek 8 days Itinerary through Ghandruk or even a 5 days itinerary is possible as well, which includes Heli-return.If you have sufficent time and trekking budget best option for you 14 days Ghorepani Poonhill to Annapurna Base Camp Trek . You can also trek through the historical trekking trail for 12 days in Annapurna Base Camp through Phedi, Dhampus, Landruk, and Jhinu Danda. You can also customize Annapurna Base Camp trek 8 days itinerary cost usd 525 00 per person only. 8 Days Itinerary as Bellow.
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara flight and PKR to Kimje ( Ghandruk) by jeep 3 Hours, hike up to Chhomrong
Day 03: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo
Day 04: Bamboo to Deurali
Day 05: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Day 06: ABC to Bamboo
Day 07: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
Day 08: Fly back to Kathmandu and onward departure
Trip highlights
- Explore the cultural scenes of Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Trek through lush jungles and rhododendron forest
- See an unforgettable sunrise view from Poon Hill
- Overnight at local Himalayan villages
- Interact with local Gurung and Tamang communities
- Visit and overnight at the world famous Annapurna Base Camp
- View incredible views of the Himalayas including the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty is generally ranked as moderate, which as a result makes ABC trek one of the most accessible and popular high altitude trekking adventures in Nepal. During your journey to the base camp of the breathtaking peak of the Annapurna massif, you cover around 110 kilometers in a round trip. Trekking in Annapurna to the base camp requires you to hike 6 to 7 hours daily through a very diverse landscape of lush Rhodondendron forests, terraced farmlands in the lower villages and steep and tough terrains with narrow ridge trails to deep river valleys. ABC trek duration typically is of 8 to 10 days depending on your itinerary and walking pace which is a short trekking duration compared to other popular routes’ like the Everest Base Camp trek duration. In comparison to Everest Base Camp trek and its occasional glacier terrain, the ABC trek doesn’t require technical climbing skills, however the continuous ascents and descents through rugged and varied terrains of stone steps, rocky paths, and uneven surfaces can definitely be physically exhausting.
The highest point during your Annapurna base camp trek is at an elevation of 4,130 meters from sea level at the base camp itself. You gradually gain altitude from the lower regions to the high alpine region which transforms the air to be thinner and colder. As the air becomes thinner the oxygen levels also drop from what your body is used to which keeps you at the risk of altitude sickness. Unlike Everest base camp trek and its highest altitude at 5,545 meters ABC trek carries lower risks of altitude sickness which makes this trek beginner friendly. Practising proper physical preparation, gradual ascends, acclimatization with enough rest and hydration can significantly help make the ABC trek physically less demanding and suitable even for first time trekkers.
When Is The Best Time For Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The best season for Annapurna base camp trek is during the spring and autumn seasons as these seasons provide trekkers with excellent favourable conditions along with best natural beauty for trekking to the base camp with stable weather, vibrant and colorful landscapes with bright days and stunning views of the mountains.
In the spring season from March to May, the lower village regions are filled with Rhododendrons blooming and dense lush forests. The springtime brings greenery covering the terraced farmlands with green and warm colors which adds vibrance to the landscapes. The weather is warm and clear with unique flora and fauna blooming out in nature which adds scenic beauty to the whole trail.The temperature in lower regions normally ranges from 15°C to 22°C whereas the higher altitude experiences temperature of 0°C to 10°C in areas near the base camp.
In the autumn season from September to November, the weather in Annapurna trekking region becomes the most ideal and stable as the monsoon rain clears all the dust and debris out of the atmosphere and environment. You can experience bright and warm days with crystal-clear visibility of the towering peaks of snowcapped mountains like Annapurna I, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre and other surrounding peaks. The lower region temperature ranges from around 10°C to 22°C while the higher region gets chillier with temperature around 5°C to 10°C.
ABC Trekking Package Cost
The cost of Annapurna base camp trek is a lot cheaper compared to another popular trek like Everest base camp trek. Mostly because ABC trek removes the need of domestic flight as you can travel easily by road to Pokhara to begin your trek. Though you can also travel to Pokhara by flight if you would like to save time and avoid travelling by road. Also the cost of this trek is strikingly lower than other treks like Kanchenjunga circuit trek because of its accessibility and developed logistics. Unlike remote and wilderness area treks like Upper Dolpo trek, ABC trekking region is fairly developed as it is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The duration is also comparatively shorter and pricing of logistics and facilities is lower since it is easily accessible from Pokhara. Additionally, ABC trek permits are also cheaper than other special restricted area permits which adds to the total of fairly inexpensive cost.
What Are The Permits Required During Annapurna Base Camp Trekking?
Annapurna Base Camp trek lies within the protected area of the Annapurna Conservation Area due to which you will require permits for entry in the region. ABC trek permits that you require are as follows:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
This permit provides you entry into the protected region of the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will be checked for this permit at Chhomrong without which you will be denied entry. This permit directly supports the preservation of biodiversity and local development in the trails of Annapurna. The ACAP will cost you NPR 3,000 per person.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
The TIMS ( Trekker’s Information Management System ) card is another permit required in the ABC trek. You can get the TIMS card in Kathmandu or Pokhara which costs you NPR 2,000 per person and is used for safety tracking.
We at Attentive Holiday Tours will manage all the permits that you require in your ABC trekking so you can experience hiking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas hassle free.
ABC Trek Accommodation Facility
Accommodation facility in the Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most developed and standard among several others trekking routes in Nepal. As the trekking region of Annapurna is popular and much more developed than remote and treks with harder accessibility like Lower Dolpo trek. ABC trek accommodation features basic teahouses run by the welcoming and extremely hospitable local Gurung people, standard homestays / lodges to luxury hotels up to some points. Along with the facilities of Wi-Fi, hot water and shower, charging available in almost all the accommodation throughout hiking in Annapurna. At higher elevations these facilities may come with an extra charge but many lodges provide it for free of cost in the lower regions.
The food is also a highlight of your Annapurna trekking experience as you get to enjoy fantastic variety including hearty breakfasts (eggs, pancakes, flatbread), and dinner menus that rotate deliciously between stuffing Dal Bhat, pasta, momos, and local Thakali specialties as supplies is much easier to bring in from Pokhara rather than in Everest where everything needs to be brought from the Lukla flight.
ABC Trekking Guide And Porter Service
Despite being under a protected region of the Annapurna conservation area you can choose to solo trek to the ABC without trekking guides or porter on your own as the route is well marked, largely trodden by other trekkers with abundant development which makes it generally safe for solo trekking if you are well prepared. However you are recommended that you hire a licensed trekking guide through us, a government registered trekking company here in Nepal for your safety and overall experience. A licensed trekking guide and porter will enhance your experience during the trek as they break the language barrier, instill knowledge in you about the culture and history of the local people as well as navigate you safely throughout the entire hike. Porters will make your life easy during your hike through the diverse and rugged terrain with deep ascents and descents as they carry your heavy baggage of gears, equipment and clothing ensuring you have a smooth and memorable experience. The cost of hiring a licensed guide is around USD 25 to 30 and for porters is USD 20 to 25 per day.
At Attentive Holiday Tours, a registered trekking company in Nepal with 15 + years of experience, we will provide you with a team of licensed, experienced and reliable licensed guides and porters who are local to the area so your experience can be authentic and which also gives back to the community for your Annapurna Base Camp trek.
What Is The Risk Of Altitude Sickness In Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The risk of altitude sickness in Annapurna Base Camp trekking is high as the altitude you gain reaches 4,130 meters at the maximum at the base camp. The risk of high altitude and related sickness begins from around 3,000 meters as a result in most of your trekking days you need to be extremely careful. Annapurna Base Camp trek altitude sickness symptoms including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue which must not be ignored. You must immediately communicate it with your guide so he can make sure you are treated on time and necessary medical actions are taken for your safety and wellbeing. The keys to minimizing altitude sickness are adequate rest and proper acclimatization. You need to be hydrated and ascend gradually with lots of rest which are key to fighting against altitude sickness while trekking in Annapurna.
Why Choose The Annapurna Base Camp Trek With Attentive Holiday Tours?
Trekking with Attentive Holiday Tours ensures that your safety, comfort and cultural connection is all prioritized with local licensed trekking guides and experienced porters. We handle permits, accommodation and logistics so you can focus on the diverse landscape, rich culture of Gurung villages and your journey of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, staring at snowcapped peaks like the Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre with every step of yours. We make sure that in this unforgettable experience of walking in the foots of the Himalayas even in this beginner friendly trekking route of Annapurna base camp, we prioritize your preference and manage custom itineraries according to your availability and necessity.
