Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara by Adventure Mountain Explore Treks and Expedition takes trekkers to the high glacial basin, infamous as the Annapurna Sanctuary, located 40 kilometers directly north of Pokhara via Ghorepani Poon Hill.
Starting with a drive from Pokhara to Ulleri, the trekking trail goes through Ghorepani-Poon Hill (the best viewpoint in the entire Annapurna region to behold the mountains that form the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range), Tadapnai, Siuwa, Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp, allowing trekkers to relish the views of some of the most prominent peaks in the Annapurna region (Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, Gandarwa Chuli, Machhapuchhre, Mardi, Gangapurna, Singu Chuli, Tharpu Chuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Barah Shikhar Chuli, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Thapa Peak as well as Nilgiri-north, central and south) and get insight into the culture and lifestyle of the inhabitants, mostly Gurung (ethnic group in Nepal) people in Nepal. As the trail passes through pristine villages, rejuvenating lush green Rhododendron, Bamboo and Oak forest and the rugged mountain landscape, the trekkers are rewarded with a variety in landscape, and vegetation. While returning you will retrace your steps all the way down to Chhomrong and then hike down to Jhinu Danda to end the trek and drive to Pokhara.
It’s a 8-day trek, out of which, the first 5 days will be used to hike up to the Annapurna base camp and the remaining 3 days to return from the trek. The highest you will go on this trek is 4130m, the base camp of Annapurna. You will spend only one night above the treeline. Each section of this trek has its own charm: Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani and the Annapurna Sanctuary are the best places to capture the mountain views, Sinuwa to Deurali is the best section to enjoy the tranquility of lush green forest, Ghorepani to Tadapani is the best section to enjoy the variety of birds. Jhinu, at the end of the trek, has a natural hot spring, where trekkers can take a dip into the hot spring to relax
their tired muscles.
This is a moderate trek and is perfect for beginners, adventurous children as well as physically fit senior citizens. To enjoy this trek more, plan this trek sometime between March-May and late- September to early December.
This 8 days full Annapurna base camp with Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek is designed for time-bound trekkers, who are here only for pure trekking experience. This package is also perfect for overland trekkers, who instead of flying to Kathmandu, prefer to enter Nepal from other borders of Nepal. The package also makes a perfect choice
for trekkers who want to book their own accommodation, meals and transportation in cities especially Kathmandu and Pokhara.
But, if you are looking for all-inclusive package from arrival to departure, our 13 days Full Annapurna Base Camp Trek will be the best option for you.
Nevertheless, if you want us to take care of all the arrangements from your arrival in Nepal to departure, or customize the package, help us understand your requirements by emailing us at info@ametreks.com and one of the correspondence officers will get back to you with the most suitable plan for you.
Trip Highlights
- The majestic 3600 vista of Annapurna mountains from the base camp of the Annapurna South
- Beautiful sunrise view and the breathtaking panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range (Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri) from Poon Hill
- Housing style, lifestyle, culture, tradition and people residing in the classic mountain villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and Landruk
- A walk through lush green Rhododendron, Oak, Pine and Bamboo forest
- The hospitality of the major Gurung and Magar people
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)
- Beautiful Modi Valley
- Natural Hot Spring in Jhinu Danda
Trip Includes
â— Shared jeep transportation from Pokhara to Ulleri (private can be arranged at extra cost)
â— Shared jeep transportation from Jhinu to Pokhara (private can be arranged at extra cost)
â— All required trekking permits
â— Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
â— 3 cups tea/coffee (served in cups only) during the trek
â— Seasonal fruits served after dinner every day during the trek
â— Unlimited purified drinking water (purified using purification tablets/drops)
â— All accommodation (standard lodges) on twin-sharing basis (except at Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp)
â— Quad-sharing accommodation (standard lodges) at Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp
â— Government-licensed, English-speaking, knowledgeable and experienced guide and his entire expenses (Guest-Guide ratio 6:1)
â— Porter and his entire expenses (Guest-Porter ratio 2:1)
â— Duffle bag and trekking route map (souvenir)
â— Down jacket and sleeping bag (if required on rental basis)
â— Basic First Aid Kit with Oximeter
â— Adventure certificate on completion of the trek
Trip Excludes
â— Nepal arrival visa
â— Personal expenses such as mineral water, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, extra meals, chocolates, energy bars, laundry service, hot-shower service, hot water for drinking or any other purpose, any other hot drinks except tea/coffee etc.
â— WiFi and battery charging services
â— Accommodation, meals and transportation service in Kathmandu and Pokhara
â— Accommodation and meals in Pokhara in case of early return from the the trek
â— Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation over 4000 meters, trip cancellation and medical treatment cost
â— Tips (as an appreciation) to the service providers
Useful Information
Travel season:
There are two ideal seasons to trek in the Annapurna region. We suggest that you come at the right time of the year if possible. The best times for trekking are spring and autumn.
Spring: (March, April, May) - Best and warmest time to trek. The rhododendron flowers, Nepal's national flower, are in bloom, and excellent trails are complimented by clear skies, providing great visibility. Good temperatures, warmest weather of the year.
Autumn: (Mid September, October and November) - Excellent trails are open, clear blue skies, great visibility.
Winter: (December, January and February) these months are also good, but it’s obviously colder this time of year. You must come prepared for this.
Summer: Monsoon season, meaning rain and visibility can be a big issue (from Mid June, July and August). We do not suggest you choose this time to visit Nepal, although ultimately the choice is yours. Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
Note:We recommend you consider the above information when selecting your date of travel, but we are more than happy to provide you with guidance on your adventures during any time of the year. We will get you wherever you want to go within the Himalayas whenever you want- the choice is up to you.
Travel Insurance:
You should have travel insurance to ensure adequate protection in case of emergencies. A travel insurance policy covering cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure your insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors' fees and repatriation costs are the client's responsibility. If you are injured and unable to travel, you can ask for a rescue helicopter from a remote area only if you have definite proof that you can pay for it. A cash deposit is paid to the helicopter operator while the rest of the money is collected once you have been rescued. Be sure your policy specifically covers emergency helicopter transportation.
Health and Fitness:
We strongly recommend you consult the doctor before planning your holiday. You should obtain professional advice from a travel clinic or your local GP about which vaccinations to obtain before you arrive in Nepal. Your doctor will advise you on current inoculation requirements. If a doctor has recommended against travel or that the indicated travel may be inconvenient, then kindly inform us of these details. On all trekking and exploratory trips, technical experience is not required, hiking/camping experience is an advantage, but by far the most important thing is a positive attitude and a generous amount of determination. We run regular first aid courses for all of our trekking guides and Sherpa helpers.
Foods and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu we use a tourist-standard hotel to ensure a comfortable stay and relaxed environment before and after your adventure. All breakfasts are included at the hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are generally shared with twin beds– depending on your group size and room availability, a room with three beds may be provided upon your request. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost for accommodation. The required expenses for the trek provide good quality food and services. For breakfast you can expect to have freshly prepared porridge, toast or chapattis, omelets and local bread with organic butter and jellies. We will provide all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner along with tea & coffee) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period. Whilst trekking on Annapurna, the accommodation is in guesthouses or lodges which are basic and may have shared facilities. Some lodges offer showers and most also offer buckets of hot water up on request. During the trip, you can expect to have a hot shower on 2 occasions.
Our effort while you are on a trek:
While you are on a trek, there are not many communication facilities, so we would be happy to pass messages to your family and friends if required. Our guide will have a cell phone, and we remain in constant contact with them. Our every effort will be made to keep to the proposed itinerary, however as this is an adventure in a remote Himalayan region, the health of member, weather conditions, and other external factors can all contribute to changes the itinerary. The trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. If you are delayed longer than the itinerary date, we can help reschedule your international flights, but prepare to pay some extra charge if required.
Why you should trek with us!
We are passionate about delivering real adventurous experiences that allow you to visit places often unseen and cultures and traditions that are far removed from the outside world. Trip itineraries are optimized to the best of our knowledge, covering the most famous travel routes while addressing the interests of the discerning traveler. We have put our heart, soul and over 15 years of experience into formulating outstanding adventure trips. We are committed to a high level of service so that all of our customers' expectations are met. Our local Sherpas, leaders and guides are very dedicated to their services and are eager to share their insights if you so desire. It is our highest priority to provide you with the best services available through our company. We are more than willing to tailor trips to your liking. We know how to cater to the needs of our valuable clients. Our specially trained staff understand the best destinations for people of varying interests, physical abilities, budgets, and ages. Customer care is our priority. We will pass a day to day trip update to your family if required. Our guide and Sherpas will have a cell phone which works in most places on this route. Hence, you can tell us what to write to your family about your trip so that they should not worry about you while you enjoy your adventure.
Our legal documents:
We are a government authorized and certified company. We have special authorization from the government of Nepal to operate trekking tours, expeditions, Tibetan tours, Bhutan tours and many other tourist-related services. Besides being registered with the government, we are proud to be members of different professional organizations such as the following:
Ministry of Finance, Department of Taxation PAN No. 304585539
Company Registration Office, Pvt. Ltd. No. 79438/067/068
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism Industry License No. 1288/067
Central Bank of Nepal, Nepal Rasta Bank Foreign Exchange Department License No. 1159/1/068
Nepal Tourism Board
Trekking Agent Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Kathmandu Environment Education Project (KEEP)
What to bring:
Packing list: It is essential to have warm clothing and equipment in preparation for this trip. Here below are some suggestions for planning your journey. Please kindly take it as reference and carefully prepare yourself.
Equipment:
Head: Sunglasses with UV protection, Sun Hat, Lip balm
Upper body: T- Shirts (2), Light and expedition weight thermal tops, Fleece jacket or pullover, Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional), Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, Down vest and/ or jacket (Included)
Hands: Lightweight gloves, Heavyweight gloves/ mittens with a waterproof outer shell
Lower body: Underwear (4), Hiking shorts (2), Lightweight cotton long pants, Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms, Fleece or wool pants, Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet: Thin, lightweight inner socks (4), Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4), Hiking boots with spare laces, Camp shoes (sneakers and/ or sandals), Gaiters (only for winter)
Accessories: Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F (Included), Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries, Small padlock or combination lock
Basic First Aid Kit
Large plastic bags- for keeping items dry inside your trekking bag
Day pack (you will carry your own small daypack)
Water bottles (2)
Hiking poles/ walking sticks
Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc., Ear plugs, Small wash towel
Extras: Camera with extra batteries and cards/ film, Binoculars, Scarf, Light balaclava or warm fleece hat, Reading book, Trip Map (Included), Journal & Pen, IPod & Travel games (i.e. cards, chess, and backgammon) etc.
Passport & Visa Information
Nepal visa is the easiest visa to obtain; you may buy your Nepal visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad or buy this upon on arrival to Kathmandu international airport as per your convenient. You have to have 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US cash & valid passport at least for 6 months valid at the starting of the trip. Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa. Transit visa is provided for foreign nationality for 3 days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Currently, foreign national can obtain Nepalese visa from the following border.
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
Tourist Visa Fees
3 days transit visa - Free of cost
Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency
(For further information, please, contact Department of Immigration, Kalikastha, Dillibazar, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1 4433934 / 4429660 / 4438862 / 4438868, Download visa form-: www.immi.gov.np