Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a trek to one of the most majestic base camps in the world. Nestled at the altitude of 4,130 meters, this base camp lies inside the Annapurna Sanctuary and serves as the gateway to the 10th highest (8,091m) peak (Annapurna I) in the world. The sanctuary, surrounded by some of the grand peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre as well as Hiunchuli, is the perfect example of nature at its most pure and powerful form and a very beautiful sight to behold. Moreover, apart from the views of the majestic mountains and the altitude it boasts, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is also renowned for its remarkably diverse ecosystem.
The trail meandering through the picturesque rice paddies and terraced farmlands, enters verdant forest adorned with rhododendrons, before opening up into a colossal amphitheater encircled by the unrivaled mountain vistas, thus offering ample opportunity to soak yourself in the freshness and the unparalleled beauty of nature. Additionally, this hike to the base camp of Annapurna also offers a chance to explore the diverse (mostly Gurung and Magar) culture of the region. Moreover, apart from the base camp, Poon Hill makes another major attraction of this trek, as it allows trekkers to view an awe-inspiring panorama of the peaks that make the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Annapurna Base Camp trek via Ghorepani and Poon Hill is a 13 days Annapurna base camp hike itinerary that starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu you will drive to Pokhara, a gateway to most Annapurna treks. The actual hike starts only after a drive to Ulleri. From Ulleri, making your way through Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Himalaya and Deurali, you will hike all the way to the base camp of Annapurna. However, on your return journey, you will retrace the trail down till Chhomrong and then hike down to Jhinu, before taking a vehicle back to Pokhara. From Pokhara you will drive back to Kathmandu before departing from Nepal. In total, on this Annapurna Base Camp trekking trip you will spend 7 nights in the Annapurna region, 2 nights in Pokhara and 3 nights in Kathmandu. The package also includes one full day guided city tour in Kathmandu, where you will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites to understand the ancient history and culture.
To best enjoy the trek, plan your Annapurna base camp trek around October-November. However, if you want to witness the blooming rhododendron, plan it in spring around March-May. If you come from a country that mostly experiences extreme cold weather, this trek can also be done in winter, that is, mid December to late February. The trail will also be less crowded in winter.
Despite the altitude, this hike is suitable for everyone and anyone, who is physically fit and can walk for an average of 6-8 hours a day. Thus, you being a child, senior citizen, novice trekker is not an issue at all, if you are really up for the trek. This trek is also very suitable for student groups interested in trekking trips that include mountain landscape, diverse ecology and multi-ethnic culture.
Trekkers who are already in Pokhara can also choose to join the group or start the trek from Pokhara.
Moreover, for a longer and comprehensive trekking experience, this trek can also be added to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, for those bound by time, we suggest Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek and for those looking for less strenous, short and naturally and culturally rich trek in Nepal, our 6 days Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek will be the best choice.
Trip Highlights
- Stunning close view of Annapurna I (8,091m)- the 10th highest peak in the world, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South
- Panoramic sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range from Poon Hill
- Opportunity to experience diverse landscape and ecology
- Insights into the lifestyle, culture, and the hospitality of Gurung and Magar people
- Lush green Rhododendron, Oak, Pine and Bamboo forest
- Blooming Rhododendron forest in Spring
- The very beautiful Modi Valley
- Natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda
- Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m)
- South Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
- The Lake City ‘Pokhara’
Trip Includes
- Airport transfer service upon arrival and departure (private car/jeep/minivan-depending on the group size)
- 3 Nights twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (3 Star Standard Hotel)
- 2 Nights twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara (3 Star Standard Hotel)
- One full day guided city tour in Kathmandu Valley (private car/jeep/minivan-depending on the group size)
- Luxury tourist bus transportation Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu (Private car/jeep/minivan or flight can be arranged at extra cost)
- Shared jeep transportation from Pokhara to Ulleri
- Shared jeep transportation from Jhinu to Pokhara
- All required trekking permits
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), during the trek
- 3 cups tea/coffee (served in cups only) during the trek
- Seasonal fruits served after dinner everyday during the trek
- Purified drinking water (unlimited) during the trek
- All accommodation on twin-sharing basis (except at Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp) in normal standard lodges during the trek
- One government-licensed, English-speaking, knowledgeable and experienced guide and his entire expenses (Guide-Guest ratio 1:6)
- One porter (for each two trekkers) and his entire expenses
- Insurance of guide and porter
- All required local and government taxes
- Duffle bag and trekking route map (souvenir)
- Down Jacket and sleeping bag (if required)
- Adventure certificate on completion of the trek
- Basic First Aid Kit with oximeter
- Farewell dinner
Trip Excludes
- Nepal arrival visa
- Lunch and dinner (except farewell dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses such as mineral water, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, extra meals, hot water for drinking or any other purposes, laundry service, any other drinks except tea and coffee etc.
- WiFi, battery charging and hot shower services etc.
- Monument entrance fees in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Transportation to explore attractions in Pokhara (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Flight to and from Pokhara (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Any extended trips, accommodation and meals
- Meals and accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu in case of early return from the trek
- Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation over 4000 meters, trip cancellation and the treatment cost caused by unforeseen illness/disease/situation
- Tips (as an appreciation) to the service providers
Useful Information
Travel Insurance
You should have travel insurance to be adequately protected in terms of insurance. A travel insurance policy that should cover cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the 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 you can pay for it. They pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you if you have been rescued. Be sure your policy specifically covers those.
Health and Fitness
We strongly recommend you to consult the doctor before planning your holidays. You should obtain professional advice from a travel clinic or your local GP about which vaccinations to have before you arrive in Nepal. Your doctor will advise current inoculation requirements. If a doctor has recommended against travel or indicated travel may be inconvenient then kindly inform us of the 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 our all trekking guides and Sherpa helpers.
Foods and Accommodation
In Kathmandu we use 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 twin share – depending on group size and room availability, triple share may be offered up on your request. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost for accommodation and required expenses during the trek to provide good quality food and services. For breakfast you expect to have porridge, toast or chapattis, omelet and local bread. We will provide all meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea & coffee) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period. Whilst trekking on Annapurna, the accommodation is in guesthouses or Lodges which are basic with shared facilities. Some lodges offers shower and mostly offers bucket hot water up on request. During the trip you can expect for 2 times hot shower.
Our effort while you are on a trek
while you are on a trek, there are not much communication facilities so that we would pass your message to your family and friends if required. Our guide will have cell phone and we often speak with you so that easy for us to deliver message. Our every effort will be made to keep to the proposed itinerary, however as this is adventure travel in a remote Himalayan region. The health of member, weather conditions can all contribute to changes the itinerary. The leader 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 to Trek with us!
We are passionate to deliver real adventure experience that allows you to visit places that unseen and cultures and traditions that untouched. Trip itineraries are optimized to the best of our knowledge to cover the most famous travel routes and interests of the discerning traveler. We have put our heart, soul and over 15 years of experience into an outstanding adventure trips. We are committed to a high level of service so that all of our customers' expectations are met. Our local Sherpas and Leaders are very much dedicated to their services. It is our highest priority to provide you with the best services available through our company. We are here to fulfill your desire. We can tailor trips to your liking. We know how to cater to the needs of our valuable clients. Our specially trained staff understands the best destinations for people with varying interests, physical abilities, budgets, and ages. Customer care is our priority. We also pass your day to day trip update to your family if required. Our guide and Sherps will have cell phone which works 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 your adventure trip.
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 tourism 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
Pack list: It is essential to have warm clothing and equipment to plan this trip. Here below are some suggestions for planning this trip. Please kindly take it as a reference and prepare yourself.
Equipments:
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 trek bag
Day pack (you will carry your own small daypack)
Water bottles (2)
Hiking poles/ walking sticks
Toiletries:
Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothbrush etc
Ear plugs
Small wash towel
Extras:
Camera with extra batteries and cards/ film
Binoculars
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Reading book
Trail Map/ Guide book
Journal & Pen
IPod & Travel games (i.e. cards, chess, and backgammon)
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, Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu, and
Tel: 00977-1-4433934/4429660/4438862/4438868, Download visa form-: www.immi.gov.np
