Overview
Classic Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is one of the best trekking trails so far unaffected by modernization and if compared to other trekking destinations of Nepal, it is yet to be disturbed by road construction. So, trek into the Annapurna Base Camp is the best alternative for real hiking in the Himalayas. Along it’s western trial is located the trading village of Ghorepani at an elevation of 2800 meters where a popular Himalayan vantage point known as ‘Poon Hill’ is located. Poon hill commands spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan ranges. The trail towards the base camp follows the valley between the huge walls of Himalchuli and Machhapuchhre where mighty mountains and Annapurna I almost towers above us. The peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna III & Machhapuchhare, are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center.
Generally, Annapurna Base Camp trek takes 11 days to complete starting/end at Pokhara. The trek starts with drive to Nayapul from Pokhara and beginning hike to Birethanti at the confluence of Modi and Bhurung rivers. At this point the route divides in which the western trail leading to Ghorepani then follows to Tadapani, Chhomrong from where the hike is towards the Annapurna Base Camp. After base camp, return following different routes after following the same route to Jhinu Danda then to Dhampus and back to Pokhara.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min flight/5 hrs Drive)
Day 04 : Drive to Nayapul (1 hr) & trek to Ulleri (1940m) 4-5 hrs
Day 05 : Ulleri to Ghorepani (2800m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06 : Morning Excursion to Poon hill (3210m) & trek to Tadapani (2590m) 6-7 hrs
Day 07 : Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m) 5 hrs
Day 08 : Chhomrong to Dovan (2580m) 5-6 hrs
Day 09 : Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) 7 hrs
Day 10 : MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) 2-3 hrs
Day 11 : Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m) 7 hrs
Day 12 : Bamboo to Jhinu (1760) 5-6 hrs
Day 13 : Jhinu to Landruk (1565m) 3 hrs
Day 14 : Landruk to Dhampus (1650 m) 5 hrs
Day 15 : Dhampus to Phedi (1 hr) & drive to Pokhara (30 min)
Day 16 : Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 17 : Departure
Trip Highlights
- Witness spectacular panorama of the world’s highest mountains while flying toward Kathmandu
- Enjoy sightseeing at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu city
- Explore Annapurna Base Camp with most majestic view of Mt. Annapurna
- Enjoy panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna range along with other peaks in Annapurna region
- Hike through gushing rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers
- Explore Annapurna Conservation Area Project with varied floras and faunas
- Discover local culture & tradition with ethnic people
Itinerary
Today is the day that you will be entering the country. So a representative from Breakfree Adventures, will be waiting at the International Airport to welcome you to the country and will have you driven to your three star hotel booked specially for your stay in the city. If you have any time left in the day, you can either use it to rest or take a stroll around the area of your hotel to get used to the sounds and tastes of the capital city.
To get an understanding of the people and their culture, seeing historical sights and religious places, gives you a prospective of it. We take you sightseeing to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old palace and its surround areas, from where the kings used to reign in the past. Then to Pashupatinath Temple, a historically temple devoted to Lord Shiva and a UNESCO heritage site and then it’s onto two important historically sites, a Buddhist Temple and a Stupa after lunch. They are where, Buddhist Pilgrims visit, Syambhunath, which also goes by the name Money Temple by tourist and Boudhanath. In the evening you will attend a seminar for your forth coming trek. You stay for the night at the same hotel.
After breakfast, you will either fly or drive to Pokhara. Onboard flight, you will witness some spectacular views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscapes of Nepal. If by an overland drive, the road passes thru beautiful terrains, alongside rivers, green forests, hills and good Himalayan views. The drive is about 5 hours from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, check-in hotel. O/N at Hotel.
Early in the morning, drive from Pokhara to Nayapul for about an hour then begin the trek to Ulleri. The trail down the hill from the road and follows the river to Birethanti (1025m). You will then walk gently uphill for a couple of hours to reach Hille (1475m). After crossing a suspension bridge you will arrive at Tikhedunga and after walking uphill for about 40 minutes will reach Ulleri. Today, the trial passes thru streams, waterfalls, tropical vegetation and green terraces. O/N at Lodge.
Today’s walk is bit long and uphill walk till Ghorepani. You will first follow the river for half an hour and climb thru stone staircases passing by several homes & tea house en-route. The first view of Annapurna South also appears here. Go higher up still and enter a wooded area of oft-blooming trees and large bamboo plants. The trail reaches the village of Banthanti (2300m) after crossing a stream; beyond the village is a thick jungle with mossy trees. You will then follow a stream up a narrow valley with more stairs to climb to the jungle of Nangathanti (2520m). From this point, Ghorepani is reached upon another hour’s climb. O/N at Lodge.
Early morning at dawn, we shall visit one of the celebrated Himalayan vantage-point ‘Poon Hill’ located at 3210 meters. The hill top commands some breathtaking views of gaint Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. After Poon hill, get back to Ghorepani for breakfast and begin our trek to Tadapani. The trial then climbs south thru deep forests and finally emerges on a grassy knoll from where good views of Machhapuchhre and great panorama all the way south to the Indian plains can be seen. This point is quite similar to Poon hill. The trial then climbs along the ridge thru pine & rhododendron forests then descends to two inns, a second pass- also called Deurali (2960m). You will have to descend now steeply to a stream passing along forests to Tadapani. O/N at Lodge.
Tadapani is a small village from where you can go either to Chhomrong or Ghandruk; the south leading to Ghandruk so you have to take the eastern one for Chhomrong. From the here, the trial descends thru dense forests to Gurajon village after crossing a suspension bridge. Afterwards, no more ups or downs till the Chhomrong. The beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong is located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. O/N at Lodge.
The trail goes down to Chhomrong stream and crosses a suspension bridge the trek up to Sinuwa Danda. Sinwa is a beautiful village on the hill top and from here the trail becomes flat. And it runs thru thick & dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then you will step down to Bamboo thru a rocky cliff and continue walking to reach Dovan.
The trail steeply climbs to reach the fire-blackened overhang of Hinko Cave. From here hike to Deurali. After Deurali, the valley narrows even more as the trail enters the gateway to the sanctuary. You will then climb up to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, a level and grassy moraine platform with several lodges. Afternoon: You can go up the ridge to look down on to the glacier and also spot the distance views of Annapurna I & III, Gangapurna and even Fishtail. O/N at Lodge.
After breakfast, you will head uphill towards Annapurna Base Camp which takes about 3 hours, and it’s better to start early before the clouds roll in. If there’s a snow the trail will be difficult to follow. The frozen dawn is best observed from the glacier moraine from your lodge. Overnight at Lodge.
The trail follows the same trail downwards and it drops by 1700 meters to the Modi Khola river banks towards Bamboo. Bamboo has few teahouses and lodges available to stay. O/N at Lodge.
Follow the same trail until Chhomrong and once again you shall pass Khuldighar. The trail then continues thru rhododendron & bamboo forests. After Chhomrong, you will descend very steeply to Jhinu hot springs where a bath in the natural hot springs is very welcoming. O/N at Lodge.
The trail goes downhill in the first section for about 20 minutes to Kimrung River then you will have to cross a suspension bridge before reaching a small village. Then continue to Modi Khola and up to the village of Landruk for the overnight stay. O/N at Lodge.
Once again get mesmerized by some great views of Annapurna South then hike towards Dhampus. Dhampus is the largest village encountered during the entire trek. You can see transportations like cars again and even a local school – back to the city area. O/N at Lodge.
The last day of your trek and the trail today is quite steep downhill hike into Phedi, from where you drive back to Pokhara which is about 30 minutes drive. O/N at Hotel.
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu tracing the same scenic route with great views of beautiful rivers, traditional villages, small towns, teashops one again. Upon reaching Kathmandu check-in hotel. Evening is all set for a Farewell dinner and we shall take you to one of the Nepali authentic restaurant. O/N at Hotel.
As per your flight timings, you will be escorted by one of the representatives of Breakfree Adventures to the international terminal at the Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your flight schedule from your hotel in Kathmandu. A day to bid farewell to the glorious country situated in the South Asia. While waiting for your flight, you can make plans to venture other destinations of the majestic country in near future.
We hope you had a lovely time with us. Breakfree Adventures would be obliged to be your travel partner during your next adventure in Nepal. Have a safe flight back home!
Cost
What is Included
- Airport pick up / drop off by private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight.
- Accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Pokhara/Nayapul & Phedi/Pokhara by private vehicle.
- Accommodation during the trek at guest houses/lodges.
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- Experienced English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) during the trek including their transportation, food, accommodation, salary, equipments and insurance.
- Annapurna Conservation area entrance Permit and fees.
- Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 2 passport size photos for TIMS & Permit)
- First Aid medical kit.
- Duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and walking pole.
- Breakfree Adventures T-shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate.
- Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant.
- All government taxes, VAT and office service charge.
What is Not Included
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Monuments entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed.
- Nepal entry visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs for faster service)
- International airfare and travel insurance.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
- Any kind of drinks (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottle water, cola, beer etc.)
- Tips for guide and porters.
We will provide you with comprehensive information on the every trek and tour we arrange. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information or have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you in anyway.
When to go:
Spring (mid-February, March, April, May) and Autumn (October, November) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. Trekking in summer/monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. Though Himalayan rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang and Kailash can be good during monsoon.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is in fact compulsory should you be going trekking, rafting, paragliding etc. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, loss of luggage, etc. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please check with your insurance company that adventure activities and trekking above 3000m are covered in your policy, as some companies do not cover such things. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.
Meals and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, we normally use 3 stars hotel with breakfast but can upgrade upon request. During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we provide the best available guest house which is called Tea house (lodge). Tea Houses are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). Some guesthouses are basic with shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a room with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. Keep in mind that there are several places which do not allow single accommodations during peak season, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences if possible. In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route. Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.
We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from guesthouses chosen from a menu. While Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.
Fitness and Experience Required:
Our 17 days Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 4-5 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish the 17 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.
The Trekking Group:
For the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Annapurna Base Camp trek for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as weve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if youd like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.
Trekking Guides and Staff:
The most significant thing that makes your Annapurna Base Camp Trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable is the expert, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and Guide and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional Guide. All of our Trekking Guides are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, Guiding skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Breakfree Adventures employs staffs who have plenty of knowledgeable about culture, flora and fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trekking Guide of Breakfree Adventures are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:
• Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
• Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Governments Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
• English Language – KEEP(Kathmandu environment education project)
• Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
• Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association
Our Trekking Guides obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.
Climate and Weather:
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.
Himalayan weather can be unpredictable where nights are generally cooler and days warmer. It’s a bit colder during the winter season (Jan to Feb) but days can be quite warm and lovely if the sun is shining. You can expect a bit of snow in the months of January/February and December. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.
Safety and Security:
Security and safety are a high priority of our company however there are risks associated with adventure travel, that you should consider before booking. Our trip operators constantly monitor their areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to travel to a particular country or region is a personnel one.
Responsible Travel:
Breakfree Adventures is a leading trekking and travel agency with dedicated travel Professionals who are well trained to give you the best of what Nepal has to offer. Our professional team follows a social philosophy that accepts responsibility for the local people and the environment in which we work. We respect the natural environment and the culture of our country, and we help travellers from around the world discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Nepal. We know that responsible travel tries to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and maximize employment and income-generating opportunities for local communities. The whole of Nepal, including those living in remote rural areas that have very few other opportunities for development, benefits from sustainable tourism.
Breakfree Adventures is passionate about preserving the environment. As responsible tour guides in Nepal, we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the local communities through which we travel. While trekking to different destinations, we choose environmentally- friendly lodges that respect the needs of their staff members. We take care of our staff as well as our valued clients. During our treks and other trips, we follow a zero garbage policy (“pack in, pack out”) and leave nothing behind in the campsites. We always welcome your feedback and comments regarding responsible travel, so please send an e-mail to let us know what you think.
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