Annapurna Base Camp trek is an incredible trek that is rich and copious when it comes to nature with the advantage of being conquered in a shorter time. Annapurna region is second on the list of the most popular and fascinating treks in Nepal after the Everest region. Along your trekking journey to reach ABC, trekkers will be rewarded by the dense bamboo forest, rhododendron, pine woods, spectacular mountain views and so much more.
You will see panoramic views of popular snowcapped peaks like Mt. Annapurna (8091 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Gangapurna (7,454 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters) and, Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993 meters), Singu Chuli (6,501 m) and Hiuchuli (6,441 m). This is a rare trek that will take you to 2 base camps, instance, Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhre Base Camp. You will be taken to Jhinu Danda as a part of your trekking trail. Jhinu Danda is another attraction of this trek with great landscapes and hot springs.
Another thing to look forward to during this trek is the amazing sunrise view you will see from Annapurna Base Camp. The hospitality of the Annapurna Sanctuary natives and other locals throughout the trek will fill your heart with respect and warmth. You can explore the Magar and Gurung settlements along with their culture, customs, and lifestyle far from the influence of the modern world.
As long as you are physically fit, you can go through this trek regardless of the fact that you are a seasoned trekker or just a determined tyro adventurer trying to get into trekking. The highest elevation you will reach through this trek is Annapurna Base Camp at a height of 4130 meters This trek allures people by its magnetic aspects like close up view of pristine Annapurna Sanctuary, multicultural dynamics, the multitude of vegetations, glorious waterfalls, glimmering mountain views etcetera.
Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficult?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek also called ABC trek can be conquered by a fledgling trekker as well. This does not mean that you can get through with the trek pleasantly without and training any preparation or whatsoever. You need to maintain a certain level of physical fitness if you want to decrease the difficulty of this trek otherwise this trek can be pretty taxing for you. Generally speaking, one can say that Annapurna Base Camp is of moderate difficulty.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is neither a difficult nor a super easy trek. It falls in the category of easy to moderate trek. The round-trip distance of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is 115 Km. The highest elevation of this trek is 4130 meters which is not as high as other popular treks in Nepal. The trekkers would be trekking for 12-20 Kilometers a day depending upon the itinerary. The terrain of the trek is uneven but the trekking trails are extremely well buttressed. Also, the ABC trek is shorter hence adaptable.
As this trek is way beyond 3000 meters, the trekkers might suffer from Altitude Sickness. This can soar up the difficulty of this trek if you have no clue about Altitude Sickness. We recommend you to be prepared for this both mentally and physically and stay hydrated. Also, weather at such high altitudes is prone to drastic change. Do research about this well, before heading for the trek. If a trekker lacks the physical strength to walk for about 6-7 hours this trek can get exhausting for you.
What is the weather like on ABC?
Annapurna Base Camp experiences 4 distinct seasons with similar weather situations. During the Winter season, ABC can get bitingly cold with an average diurnal temperature of about 10 degrees. The temperature drops much more during the night going to -10 degrees as well. ABC has a suitable temperature during the spring and Autumn season with cozy and warm days (diurnal temperature around 15 degrees, night temperature around 3 degrees). Summer is comparatively warmer with temperatures around 20 degrees in the lower region during day time.
What is the best season for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The weather, crowdedness, views, trail safety of the Annapurna Base Camp trek depends upon different seasons. Here we are going to explicate the different seasons and the ABC trek overview during those seasons in Nepal.
Spring in Annapurna Base Camp:
Spring season is definitely one of the best times for ABC trek. The vivid panoramas of the Himalayas plus the blooming rhododendron making your trail more attractive are the prime highlights that bring many trekkers here every year. Do make sure to check out the avalanche. Adding the cherry on the top, the weather condition during this season is also appropriate that can be tolerated. This time, however, the trekking trails will be crowded. So, the adventurers who choose to trek in solitude might want to opt for other seasons.
Summer in Annapurna Base Camp:
Just like any other trekking trails in Nepal, this trekking route reaching up to Annapurna Base Camp might be wet, and slippery due to the heavy rainfall during this season. The temperature is moderate but sudden rain might bring it down. The sky won’t be very clear credits to the humid environment.
Autumn in Annapurna Base Camp:
Dry season hence dry trekking trails which are safe. Furthermore, the climatic conditions are suitable with moderate weather. The blue glowing sky adds further beauty to the views. Since this is one of the peak seasons, the trekking trails might be crowded.
Winter in Annapurna Base Camp:
Excessively cold temperatures make trekking during this time quite tough. The views of Annapurna Base Camp Trek are great during this time of the year, however, there’s a good chance that the teas houses, guest houses at Annapurna Base Camp, or other higher destinations are shut
Accommodations and meals during ABC Trek
Greater Himalaya has arranged the best possible accommodations for you so that the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Experience is very pleasurable for you. Your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara during the starting and ending days of your trek will be arranged in a star hotel: a 3-star hotel to be precise. We have accommodated a welcome and farewell dinner for you.
During the trek days, you will stay in the guesthouses or tea houses arranged by the trekking company. If you want to know more about where you will be staying each night, you can read it in the detailed itinerary section. Generally, our clients are provided with twin rooms in the lodges or guest houses during the trek. You will share this room with 1 trekking member.
The meals you will be served while in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be diverse. From Indian to Chinese to Italian to typical Nepali cuisines, you will be served the meals according to your trekking package. During your trek days, we have 3 meals a day provision i.e. breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast might include bread, egg- chana, Paratha, tea, cupcakes, hot veggie soup etcetera. Other available food options are Pasta, Chowmein, roti, thukpa, coffee, noodles, porridge, fried rice etcetera. You can opt for a typical Nepali dish dal-bhat served with Rice, Dal, Curry, Pickle etcetera.
ABC trek preparations
Following are some of the essential gear you might want to carry if you want to turn the Annapurna Base Camp Trek into more of an easy trek. With respect to the time you opt for ABC trekking, the equipment might vary. Nevertheless, they are more or less encompassed by the following list.
1. Trekking boots with fine grip
2. Few pairs of underwear and socks
3. Toiletries (Eclectic from Toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, towels, sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer to perfume, body spray etcetera)
4. Head torchlight
5. Woolen and normal hats
6. Woolen and normal gloves
7. Trekking pole
8. Waterproof jackets and trousers
9. Thermal sets of t-shirts and trousers
10. Flip-flops
11. Sunglasses
12. Sleeping bag
13. Protein bars or carb bars
14. Water purifiers
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in TIA, Kathmandu.
Day 2: Scenic drive to Pokhara (200km/8 hours)
Day3: Pokhara-Phedi and trek to Pothana. (1990 meters)
Day 4: Pothana-Landruk (1620 meters)
Day 5: Landruk- Chomrong (2060 meters)
Day 6: Chomrong- Dovan (2606 meters)
Day 7: Dovan- Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3703 meters).
Day 08: Machhapuchhre Base Camp- Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters)-
Day 09: Macchhapuchhre Base Camp-Dovan (4 hours) You will take an easy walk down to Dovan.
Day 10: Dovan - Chomrong (2060 meters). 5 hours walking down.
Day 11: Chomrong- Tadapani (2540 meters)
Day 12: Tadapani-Ghorepani (2853 meters)
Day 13: Ghorepani-Poonhill- Ulleri (2073 meters)
Day 14: Ulleri- Birethanti (1037m)-Pokhara (890 meters)
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Final Departure.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in TIA, Kathmandu.
One of the representatives of Greater Himalaya will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and escort you to a hotel where a room has been booked for you. Overnight stay at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (200 km 7/8 hours)
7/8 hours of the scenic drive will bring you from one popular city of Nepal to another i.e. Kathmandu to Pokhara. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
Day3: Pokhara-Phedi and trek to Pothana. (1990m): 5 hours of trek
After breakfast, we will drive to Phedi (30 minutes) and start the trekking from here. It is generally a gradual uphill walk through sparse forests and fields to Dhampus Village at 1750m. You will take your lunch in an adjoining café. The mesmerizing views offered by Dhampus gets better along with the trek today. The residents of this region are mainly Brahmins, Chhetris, and Gurung so you will learn about their tradition and culture. We will trek through rhododendron forests that gradually goes up to Pothana (1990m) via a paved path where we will stay overnight. You will have incredible perspectives on Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) from here.
Day 4: Pothana-Landruk (1620m), 6 hours trek.
Leaving Pothana behind, you will take in a stone-paved trekking route and reach Deurali located at 2150 meters. Astounding views of Annapurna South and Deurali can be seen from here. We, then, continue the trek, descending in an orchid and bamboo forest. We will stop at Tokla village for lunch and continue trekking towards a ridge crossing streams, cultivated lands, etc. We will stop in Landruk (Gurung village) for a night's stay.
Day 5: Landruk- Chomrong (2060m)
We will start the morning by heading north on a trail with sparse forest and paddy fields. The trekking track heads towards the village of Samung, and eventually goes forward crossing a small stream at 1430 meters. Crossing this stream, we will reach Jhinu Danda Village (1750). We will stop for lunch here and you can also take a side trip to a hot spring if you want (This is one of the main attractions). After lunch, we will trek uphill to Taglung village situated on top of a barren ridge at 2180 meters. We will continue walking and reach the village of Chomrong for half an hour later. The sunset scenery over the Annapurna mountain range is breathtaking from here!
Day 6: Chomrong- Dovan (2606m)
We will leave the Chomrong Village and cross the suspension bridge over the Chhomrong river before passing a small settlement. We will trek further towards Khurdi Ghar, where we will take a lunch break. Another 3 hours of walk through the bamboo forest and bamboo lodge will bring you to the village of Dovan. Most of the trail today is stone-paved and easy to walk.
Day 7: Dovan- Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3703m).7 hours of Trek
Today, the trail crosses high above the river however the bamboos block the view of the thundering river and waterfall. We will trek for a while before arriving at the Himalayan Hotel (2900m). Another hour of the trek in a stony trail through woods and a steep gorge brings you to Hinko at 3160 meters. After this, the trail crosses a ravine plus a major avalanche track and climbs through large rocks to arrive at Deurali (3230m) where you will have lunch.
From Deurali, you will go to the river bank and follow the edge until Bagal (3300m). We will climb from the riverbank to the terrace, following the path on the edge. Eventually, we will come to the end of the ridge. After crossing the stream, you will hike gently before finally reaching Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3703m) which offers incomparable views of mount Machhapuchhre and other adjoining peaks.
Day 08: Machhapuchhre Base Camp- Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)-
You will onset our day quite early and follow the ablation valley, which resembles a corridor-like hollow developed between the glacier and the mountain edge. The breathtaking views of Mount Annapurna I (8091m) await you here in Annapurna Base Camp (4130m). In addition to the Annapurna massifs, the glittering snow-clad like Kangsar Kang (7485m), Tarke Kang (7193m) extending further to Singuchuli at 6501 meters ( one of the many trekking peaks in Nepal), Mount Machhapuchhre (a triangular rock spire shape), etc. are among some views seen from ABC. After having tea or coffee here, we will return back to Machhapuchhre Base Camp for an overnight stay.
Day 09: Machhapuchhre Base Camp-Dovan (4 hours)
You will take an easy walk down to Dovan via a lush forest. We will descend for most of the part. Looking behind, you will still be able to witness the traces of Mount Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. We will stay overnight in Dovan.
Day 10: Dovan- Chomrong (2060m). 5 hours walking down.
You will trek past a dense forest of Bamboo as we leave behind Dovan. We will continue trekking which will eventually lead us to Chhomrong Khola. We will cross a suspension bridge and trek in a stone staircase to arrive at Chomrong where we will stay overnight.
Day 11: Chomrong- Tadapani (2540m): 6 hours trekking
You will trek back to Khumbu above the Kimrong Khola at 1780m and cross the river on a suspension bridge. We will pass an outdated old bridge and will follow a steeply uphill trail which will bring us to the Melanche Village at 2050m. Above the village the trail becomes less sheer however, we will still have to climb steadily through rhododendron forests to arrive in Tadapani at 2540m. You will stay overnight at a lodge in Tadapani.
Day 12: Tadapani-Ghorepani (2853m)
From Tadapani, our trail descends through the wooded area until Chorom Khola (River). We will climb the edge of the river to Banthanti. We will stop at Deurali for lunch. From Deurali, we will hike through rhododendron forests conquering several uphill and downhills to arrive at Ghorepani which is popular for the mountain and hills views. You will witness Gurung settlement and their way of life in Ghorepani. Ghorepani offers exceptional views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri submerged in red as the sunsets.
Day 13: Ghorepani-Poonhill- Ulleri (2073m): 6 hours of trekking
The sunrise views from Poonhill are a popular attribute and one of the major attractions of Annapurna Base Camp trekking. We will trek to Poonhill pre-dawn to enjoy the sunrise views as the sun rays hit Machhapuchhre (6993m), Hiunchuli, Annapurna South Peak, and Annapurna I. After taking some gorgeous snaps of the snowy summits and the natural décor, you will descend down to Ulleri via Ghorepani.
Day 14: Ulleri- Birethanti (1037m)-Pokhara (890m):3 hours of trekking plus 1-hour drive
We will trek along the trail that passes through Tikhedhunga village and Hile before eventually leading us to Birethanti where you will take lunch. We will take an hour-long drive from Birethanti to arrive at Pokhara.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu.
We will take a scenic 7-hour long drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara. You will be delivered to the hotel where you can stay and take a rest.
Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu.
The sixteenth day is reserved to compensate for the trekking routine if we are lagging behind because of numerous reasons. If we are right on time, you can spend a free day relaxing, exploring the cultural sites of Kathmandu, visiting the UNESCO heritage sites or perhaps wandering around the vivacious street of Thamel, Kathmandu,
Day 17: Final Departure.
We will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport and bid you goodbye.