Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The horseshoe-shaped Annapurna circuit dips down into the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki, and weaves through a choppy ocean of 20,000-foot peaks that stretch from horizon to horizon. With no road access, this remote valley trek locked deep in the heart of the Annapurna trekking range provides encounters with a tremendous diversity of landscapes and cultures maintained through stark isolation – the very quality that keeps the Annapurna circuit one of the world’s most lauded since it was first opened to foreigners in the early 1980s.
An amazing highlight here is the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial basin above 12,000 feet in elevation, surrounded by 20,000-foot peaks. Trekking into the Sanctuary means walking amongst the Himalayan giant peaks, receiving the many rewards of village trekking in one of the most astounding atmospheres Nepal has to offer.
Trip Highlights
- Walk amongst the Himalayan giant peaks
- View the daily lives of the Nepalese people by visiting ancient city-states, remote hilltop villages, Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries – all among the spectacular scenery of the world’s highest mountains.
- Explore some of the quiet villages of the famous Annapurna region, staying in local tea-houses for in-depth interactions with locals.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival in Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our Nepalese representatives, who will transport you to your hotel. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Kathmandu.
Day 2
This will be a full day of sightseeing with a tour of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa. For 2,000 years, Kathmandu has been a center of trade, culture and religious life in Nepal. We will visit several of the city’s best-known sites, starting with the Pashupatinath temple, a World Heritage Site, which is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu and one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world. We will also visit the 5th Century Boudhanath stupa, the largest in the valley, known for its all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The more than 50 Buddhist monasteries nearby have earned Boudhanath the nickname “Little Tibet.” The ancient stupa is one of
the largest in the world. Hundreds of Buddhists spend their days praying at the various temples in the area.
Day 3
Morning flight to Pokhara, transfer to hotel and rest of the day free for exploring on your own.
Day 4
After breakfast, we drive to Nayapul and start our trek to Ulleri. We start out on a dirt road, which then narrows to a stone pathway, winding through the forest. We will cross the river at Birethanti and head left along the gentle slope to Tikhedhunga where we cross the Bhurungdi Khola to start the long steep climb (and lots of steps) to Ulleri. You've got a final ascent of over 1,600ft and 3,500 stone steps until you get to your final destination.
Day 5
Today we have more elevation to gain but the incline is not as steep so it is considered a lighter day than yesterday. Occasional views of the peaks give way to a narrower valley. We are then enveloped in beautiful scenery as we pass through a rhododendron forest and eventually reach Ghorepani. From here we will enjoy
the most panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.
Day 6
Rest!
Day 7
Early this morning, we will climb the long stairs to Poon Hill - one of the most popular vantage points of this trek. From this point we can see the tremendous views of giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. After taking pause to admire these views, we descend to Ghorepani village for breakfast before proceeding to Tadapani.
From Ghorepani the trail climbs south following a path through deep forest. It emerges on a grassy knoll which offers good mountain views, including sights of Machhapuchhare (not visible from Ghorepani) and a panorama all the way south to the plains of India. As we continue climbing along the ridge through pine and rhododendron forests we reach a crest at almost 10,000ft. From here we descend to a second pass, called Deurail, at 9700ft.
We continue a more steep descent to a stream before the climbing resumes, taking us through a forest to our final destination: Tadapani.
Day 8
Tadapani is a small village where the trail splits. The south trail goes to Ghandrung, but we will take the eastern one to Chhomrong. From here, the path descends through dense forest to Gurajon village, just past the suspension bridge; after which you'll breath a sigh of relief: no more ups & downs until Chhomrong village.
Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of giant Annapurna massive.
Day 9
We will start our morning descending to Chomrong stream, crossing the suspension bridge then climbing up to Sinuwa Danda. Sinuwa is a beautiful village perched atop on a high outcropping. From Sinuwa, the trail runs through thick & dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. From here we descend over a rocky cliff continuing on until we reach Doban where we will take shelter and celebrate the evening.
Day 10
Today will be a bit different as we have a silent jungle walk from Doban to Himalaya. There is a temple in the jungle and loud noises are not allowed. You can also see many waterfalls during the journey from Doban to Himalaya. From Himalaya we have a steep climb to reach Hinku cave and even though Deurali seems close to Doban, it takes 40 minutes to get from Hinku cave to Doban.
Day 11
The trail from here follows the right bank of the stream, through the rugged path along the rocky cliff and can be slippery. In winter, this part is the most dangerous part of the trek for avalanches. From here the trails evens out and at the bottom of the cliff we see many moraines. After a while, the path continues gently uphill until
Machhapuchare Base Camp where there are a few tourist lodges. From here we continue up through grassy landscape for two hours before arriving at Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 12
From Annapurna Base Camp the route rapidly descends past the Machhapuchhre Base camp, Deurali, and Do-
ban, ending at Bamboo; where we rest for the night and remember the amazing journey we've just had.
Day 13
The route passes through beautiful fields of rhododendron flowers, oaks and bamboo. We trek through Sinuwa, cross the Chhumrung Khola and continue on to Chhumrung Village. From here it is downhill to Jhinu Danda. Jhuiu Danda is small local commercial village where we stay tonight. For those with enough energy there is a 20 min walk to a nearby hot spring to relieve our sore muscles
Day 14
The trek starts with a downhill section of about 20 minutes to the Kimrungkhola river where we cross a suspension bridge before reaching a small village. We continue to the Modi Khola river and up to the Langdruk village where we stay the night.
Day 15
Today you will be stunned again by spectacular views of Annapurna South. Once we reach Dhampus, the largest village on the trek, we will see cars again, even a local school- all signs that we are almost back to civilization.
Day 16
The last day of your trek is a quite steep downhill hike into Phedi. From here we will drive back into Pokhara where we will overnight.
Day 17
Free day
Day 18
After your respit in the mountains, you're re-entry into reality is sure to be memorable, to say the least! Enjoy the comforts of being back and perhaps do some final shopping or sightseeing on your own.
Day 19
Goodbye!
Above Costs Include:
- 3 nights at hotels in Kathmandu
- 3 nights at hotels in Pokhara
- A guided city tour of Kathmandu
- Private ground transport to/from trailheads
- Domestic flight to/from Pokhara
- 12 nights in lodges in the mountains in twin sharing basis
- Guide & Porter service for the 13 nights 12 days in the mountain
- All permits and staff insurance
- 3 daily meals on the trek
Cost Does Not Include:
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Tea outside of meal time
- International airfare
- Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
- Liability for expenses against sickness, flight can- cellation, road blockage, accidents and other occur- rence beyond our control
- Fee for emergency evacuation/rescue