Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a classic teahouse trek that takes you to foothills of the Annapurna Massifs. Trudging along the rugged trails of Annapurna, adorned with a diverse landscape, unique culture, high Himalayas, and rich biodiversity is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Annapurna in Sanskrit means “goddess of the harvest,” which is quite appropriate considering the rich biodiversity of the region. The adventure of Annapurna Base Camp extends for 13 days. You’ll get to marvel at the majestic mountains, including Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and Tent Peak. In addition to that, this trek integrates the unique cultures of Gurungs, their rustic lifestyle, and their royal hospitality.
The journey to Annapurna Base Camp begins with a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu to the beautiful valley of Pokhara. You’ll further drive to Phedi and begin the trek on the most popular trail across the world. You’ll walk past several famous villages, including Dhampus, Jhinu Danda, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Himalaya, and Deurali, before reaching the foot of the Annapurna Massifs.
On this trail, you will also be traversing through the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to 105 mammals, 518 species of birds, 23 amphibians, 40 reptiles, and 1,226 species of flowering plants.
Moreover, this trek will take to the Annapurna Base Camp at the elevation of 4,130 meters above sea level. Here, you will be surrounded by a giant massif of Annapurna, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III. On the way to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll also be walking past the iconic Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Not only that, but you’ll get to explore the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk and visit the ancient cultural museum. You’ll also get the opportunity to relax at the natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda.
This popular trek in the Annapurna region hosts plenty of comfortable teahouses, lodges, and eateries with all the necessary services, such as cozy rooms, meals, WiFi, charging facilities, and hot showers.
The 13-day Annapurna Base Camp itinerary is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers looking for an authentic trekking experience.
Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek Right For You?
- Although it is considered moderately difficult, trekking in Annapurna Base Camp is no walk in the park. On this trek, you will be spending a night at an elevation of 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. Therefore, it demands both physical as well as mental preparedness. However, if you have prior hiking experience to the mountains or hills, you will be able to complete it.
- On average, you will have to walk five to six hours each day on Annapurna’s rugged trail. If you think you have the endurance to take on this challenge, you’ll be able to pull this through. You will require proper training and preparation before you pack your bags and head to the Himalayas. We suggest you engage in cardio-oriented activities and go for short hikes around your city a month prior to the trek.
- On this trek, you’ll be gaining approximately 300 to 700 meters altitude every single day. You’ll be starting your adventure from 827 meters at Pokhara and trekking up to 4,130 meters at Annapurna Base Camp. Therefore, the potential threat of altitude sickness is considerably high on this trek.
Make sure your body and mind can handle the altitude gain. If you do not have prior trekking experience, go for a less strenuous lower altitude trek before taking on this challenge. - In the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you’ll be staying in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara only. The rest of the days in the mountains won’t be as comfortable as your days in the city. During the trek, you will be spending the night at the local teahouses. Usually, the tea houses are small lodging facilities with basic amenities.
They have rooms on a twin-share basis, a warm blanket, delicious food, WiFi, hot shower, and charging facilities. Therefore, if you’re one of those travelers who can adjust with the basic services, and are not fancy for luxury, this trek is ideal for you.
- Do not forget, the weather in the Himalayas are often unpredictable, especially in the upper reaches of the trek. In the higher altitude of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you may potentially have to bear extreme cold weather, rainfalls, and even snowy conditions in the worse case.
Make sure that you’re well aware of such unforeseeable situations beforehand and can cope with such circumstances. Additionally, we highly recommend you to pack enough layers and weather protection gear to tackle such situations, even if you’re trekking during the summer.
Required Permit for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
To trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll need two trekking permits. They are:
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
- TAAN Lakeside Office in Shanti Patan, Pokhara
How much does it cost:
- US$20 for individual trekkers
- US$10 for group trekkers
- For SAARC, US$6 individual trekkers
- For SAARC, US$3 group trekkers
Things required to obtain TIMS Card
- Permit fees
- Photocopy of your passport
- Passport size photographs
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
How much does it cost:
- US$30 for international travelers
- US$2 for SAARC travelers
Outline Itinerary – Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Trekking Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet at Airport and Transfer to Hotel | 1350 | - |
| 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 827 | 6 hours |
| 3 | Drive from Pokhara to Phedi (1,700m) and Trek to Tolka | 1947 | 4 hours |
| 4 | Trek from Tolka to Jhinu Danda | 1780 | 6 hours |
| 5 | Trek fro Jhinu Danda to Bamboo via Chhomrong (2,170m) | 2380 | 7 hours |
| 6 | Trek from Bamboo to Deurali | 3230 | 6 hours |
| 7 | Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) | 4130 | 5 hours |
| 8 | Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan | 2600 | 6 hours |
| 9 | Trek from Dovan to Chhomrong | 2170 | 5 hours |
| 10 | Trek from Chhomrong to Ghandruk | 1940 | 4 hours |
| 11 | Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul (1,070m) and Drive to Pokhara | 827 | 6 hours |
| 12 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1350 | 6 hours |
| 13 | International Departure | - | - |
Important Notes
- Note that your trekking guide is liable to alter the itinerary or plans of the trek depending upon the circumstances. S/he will make the necessary delays or changes on the itinerary to ensure a successful trek if the guide notices any health issues or any unforeseeable situations on the road.
- Before you head to the mountains, we advise you to carry adequate cash for your personal expenses in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can find tons of ATM lounges and credit card services around Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, once you start trekking in Annapurna’s trails, you aren’t likely to find any ATMs or credit card services along the way.
Therefore, we highly recommend you to dispense the necessary cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you have foreign currency, it is best to exchange them for local cash since most tea houses on the trek do not accept foreign currency. - Remember, not every teahouse in the Annapurna region has access to hydroelectricity. Most teahouses in the upper reaches of Annapurna Base Camp use solar as the only source of electricity. Therefore, electricity may not be reliable all the time in these areas. As an alternative, we recommend you carry a portable charger to charge your electronic devices, where the power supply is not sufficient.
- Note that the charging sockets in all the teahouses of Annapurna may not match with your charger. In such a case, you may have to bear the consequences by not being able to charge your mobile phone or camera. Therefore, to avoid such unfortunate situations, always carry a universal travel adapter to charge your cell phone or camera.
- Even though Annapurna Base Camp is considered a moderately difficult trek, it is not plain sailing. For the success of the trek, you will require both physical as well as mental preparedness. To stay fit for the trek, we highly advise you to engage in cardio-oriented exercises, such as swimming, hiking, running, biking, and jogging, at least a month prior to the trek.
Why You’ll Love This Trek!
- Take a walk around the vibrant city of Pokhara.
- Explore the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters and surround yourself with the mountains, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III
- Meander through the varied landscape of the Annapurna region and cherish its biodiversity
- Marvel at the stunning sight of the iconic Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, and Tent Peak
- Visit the Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Relax at the hot spring of Jhinu Danda
- Explore the traditional Gurung village at Ghandruk
- Get a glimpse of the rustic lifestyle of the Himalayas and their famed hospitality.
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