A Complete Guide For Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Mt. Annapurna base camp, probably the most attractive destination in all the Himalaya region. Where one completes the trek within a week or a little more from the beautiful city Pokhara, a city of charm and natural beauty. Situated Mid-West Nepal in the Kaski district of Gandaki Zone and State-04.

Pokhara is known as a scenic valley full of charm, enclosed green rolling hills within massive Annapurna Himalaya Mountains, facing views of Manaslu Himal.  Where majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous ‘the Fish Tail’ towers high above the skyline that dominated the whole of Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. A picturesque city Pokhara, as well as a renowned tourist destination where Annapurna Himalaya reflects on calm lakes of Phewa and Begnas.

Pokhara, the main city where all famous and popular treks and adventure around the Annapurna region, starts and completes that includes Dhaulagiri and Upper Mustang trekking area. Pokhara offers various adventure destinations like the renowned Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. Where one can choose the options from a short walk of a week or extend to few more days visiting more charming places around the southern region of Annapurna Himalaya. 

 To begin Annapurna Base Camp trekking starts with a few hours of exciting drive past Pokhara valley to reach the foothills of Annapurna Himalaya.

Annapurna Legendary History:

Mt. Annapurna listed the world’s 10th highest peaks at the height of 8,091 m and 26, 545 feet high. Annapurna Himalaya with a group of adjoining peaks from main Annapurna-I and A-II, A-III to A-IV with Annapurna South, Huin-Chuli, Annapurna Fang / Vara Shikar, include the famous Machhapuchare Himal Fish Tail a peak with twin summits.

Annapurna-I the first 8, 000 meters mountains ever conquered in 1950 by French Expedition. Lead by the famous legendary Maurice Herzog and L. Lachenal. Mt. Annapurna, also regarded as the most challenging and Technical mountain to climb in all Himalayas. The name Annapurna comes from ancient Sanskrit means “Food / Crop-Enough” Anna for crops and Purna for enough. Annapurna Himalaya glaciers the source of many river networks, which support the crop fields to yield sufficient harvest.The other fact of Annapurna Region and the Sanctuary which was first explored and pioneered by late Col. Jimmy Edward in the early 1960s and named this amazing country as the sanctuary of gods, and mountain spirits. Truly a classic and wonderful trek to Annapurna base camp, located within a magnificent sanctuary, which is worth a visit for once in a lifetime experience. 

Trip Facts

Alternate Routes:

Annapurna Base Camp where one can choose various options taking alternative routes to reach the sanctuary and base camp. It all depends upon one interest as per holiday duration. Another best way to enjoy a walk to Annapurna base camp is trekking to Ghorepani and Poon Hill or Ghandruk village.

Trekkers with limited time can head straight to Chomrong the gateway to Annapurna base camp. The last permanent village as well a turning point of Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary. 

Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary via Ghorepani and Poon Hill. 

People with more time can enjoy the scenic areas of southern Annapurna exploring impressive mountain villages. Combining Ghorepani and Poon Hill with Annapurna Base Camp will be a perfect choice and option and a great move. 

 It will add more exercise walking ups and downhill and getting familiar with dramatic landscapes, before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. A chance to experience more of the beautiful country, and visiting lovely hill villages, and soak into the local immense culture.

Annapurna Base Camp with Ghorepani and Poon Hill starts after a few hours’ drive from Pokhara to reach the chosen starting points of the trekking. Either from Nayapul or further ahead at Hille or Tirkhedhunga, a village with lovely waterfalls.

Where walk leads to climbing on long stone steps to Ulleri village, from here onwards on nice winding ups. The walk takes you into enchanting rhododendron and pine woods to reach scenic Ghorepani village at 2, 885 m high. 

Ghorepani village with many nice lodges and small hotels, situated amidst a beautiful forest of rhododendron tree lines.

Ghorepani village and its surroundings are regarded as the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden. Located on the main route of Old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade of Nepal and Tibet, where trail extends beyond Mustang area. 

 From Ghorepani, the next early morning hike to Poon Hill which at 3,210 m offers grandeur sunrise views over unparalleled snow-mountain range. Overlooking 360-degree wide-angle views of the world’s three highest peaks 

 Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna Himalayas. Includes an array of other snow-mountains with ever-present Machhapuchare Himal, after glorious scenic moments carry on trekking towards Annapurna base camp. 

The walk takes you ups and downhill through enchanting woodland of firs, rhododendron, and pine tree lines facing views of high mountains. Then reaching Tadapani, a small settlement with many simple good lodges amid forest surroundings. From Tadapani downhill to Kimrong River valley with climb and then reach Chomrong village on route to Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary via Ghandruk / Ghandrung village: 

Whichever alternative route that one chooses the long or short way to Annapurna Base and the Sanctuary. But all walks leads first to Chomrong, a large village populated by Gurung people, the famous hill tribes of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal region. Where most trekkers spend a day here and for overnight stop offers good accommodation with many best lodges around.

The other route from lovely Pokhara and its beautiful Phewa / Fewa Lake, depart from the hotel. Taking a short scenic drive to Nayapul town or beyond to start the trek, and then walk follows on a gradual winding path. 

Walking through the nice village of Bhirethati to Syauli Bazaar. Where climb leads on stone steps past several farm villages to Ghandruk, a large prominent village.

Ghandruk is also called Ghandrung, the main inhabitants are Gurung, famously known as the ‘Gorkha’. Deployed as brave soldiers in the British and Indian Army, the Gurung tribe are traditionally farmers, as well raising livestock. 

Practice Buddhism religion and ancestral worship of Bon, a pre-Buddhism sect which you can witness exploring this nice traditional hill village. 

Ghandruk also leads to several trekking destinations around the Annapurna region. Herewith time here to visit the small museum, provides comprehensive information on Gurung tribe tradition, culture, and custom.  

Spend overnight in a nice lodge, where the next morning starts with a climb on top of Ghandruk village. After leaving the village, then on a quiet winding easy trail for a short while, and then uphill to Kimrong Danda / Ridge. A nice pleasant top with few houses serving as lodge, restaurants, and shops, from here down to lovely Kimrong River Valley. Where climb reaches you on a nice level path towards Chomrong village, the main entrance to Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary.  

Routes to Annapurna Base Camp and Beautiful Scenic Sanctuary:

Places for overnight and lunch stop on route Annapurna Base Camp after Chomrong village Sinuwa Danda, Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya Hotel and Deurali with Machhapuchare Base Camp to enter Annapurna Sanctuary, then to Annapurna Base Camp. Return journey the same way back to Chomrong and then with various options to reach Pokhara.

Whichever route you started from, where all trails meet at Chomrong village the door to beautiful Annapurna Base Camp and scenic Sanctuary. 

From Chomrong walk downhill on long stone steps through farm terraces to Chomrong River. Which flows from the glaciers of Annapurna South and Huin-Chulu peaks, and then uphill to Sinuwa Danda / Ridge. A place with few simple lodges and shops with nice gardens, as the trek continues heading into dense tree lines of rhododendron and pines. A short descend to a nice settlement called Bamboo, due to its location within bamboo grooves that surrounds this place. 

Bamboo with some simple lodges serving good foods for trekkers, where the route leads to Dovan / Doban, after walking from Bamboo. Heading with gradual ups into tree lines Dovan a small settlement with few lodges, situated on the Modi River gorge. From Bamboo onwards into a gorge covered in the thick forest till Deurali is reached walking past Dovan and Himalaya Hotel. 

The path leads on few steep ups with a short descend before Deurali, the last settlement before Machhapuchare Base Camp. After Deurali following the raging Modi River as the climb gets steeper till you reach a high ridge. As tree lines fade for short bush, shrubs, and grassland, in the early days this high area was a grazing field for local villagers. On reaching Machhapuchare Base Camp, placed beneath North West Face of Fish-Tail peak or Mt. Machhapuchare, commonly referred to as MBC for short. MBC at the height of 3,760 m high, the final entrance of Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp a scenic spot. A great scenic place with several nice lodges facing views of Annapurna-I, A- III with Annapurna South and Huin-Chuli. Walks lead to short climb then step into scenic Annapurna Sanctuary then continue to walk to Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Sanctuary, a high moderate size plateau enclosed by an amphitheater of high snow-peaks, then walk on gradual trail to Annapurna Base Camp. 

The only 8,000 m mountain base camp, in the whole Himalaya range that offers a good accommodation in a nice cozy lodge, with a long list of food menu. 

 Where every room and dining faces views of high towering snow peaks, truly a dream and heaven on earth.

Enjoy a spectacular close distance panorama of a giant snow mountain range that surrounds the sanctuary and base camp at 4, 130 m, and 13, 550 feet high.

The highest point of the adventure, and then head down back into lush green vegetation and tree lines to Chomrong.

From Chomrong village head direct for Pokhara or take an alternative longer route of few days more. As well enjoy relaxing time at Jhinu village a place with natural hot springs on the way to Pokhara.

Annapurna Base Camp Necessary Permits: 

Like in all Nepal Himalaya destinations for trekking, where visitors requires to obtain entry permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.

TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems) permit: cost NPR 1,000 

about the US $10.00 for each person. Similarly, trekkers need an ACAP entry permit fee of NPR 3,000 (Approx. US $30) per person. For Annapurna Conservation Area Project. ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC (South Asia Area Regional Cooperation) nationals NPR 200. 

TIMS cards can be obtained in the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu, as well as in Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board Service Center near Phewa Lake Damside. TIMS permits can also be obtained from the TAAN Trekking Agent Association of Nepal, near the Lakeside office in Santi Patan, Pokhara.

The easiest and smooth way is to book your trip with local agents in Kathmandu, where the company will do all the paperwork and getting all the necessary permits for you. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost:

The trek cost for Annapurna Base Camp entirely depends upon group size, and as well with nature of itinerary days, with what includes and excludes on the trip packages. Normally from Pokhara to Pokhara for a minimum of 2-3 person cost from an average of US$ 500 to US$ 600 per person inclusive B-L-D with necessary permits and drive both ways before and after the treks. This is for only a straight route to Annapurna Base Camp and back to Pokhara. If one chooses long walks to Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp it add slightly more. Where you will be accompanied by a licensed guide and porters.

Trek with Guide and Porter:

It is important that in all treks around Nepal Himalaya, and for Annapurna base camp trek, that one should be accompanied by Government Regisrated guide for your safety and to enjoy the adventure. As well as using a strong porter to carry your heavier bags of not more than 24 kgs. Using guides and porters you are employing and helping the country’s economy also.

Cost of doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Independently:

ABC trek can be done by FIT (Free Independent Travelers), also which can be of less cost rather than joining with main trekking companies, where you will be spending a minimum of US$ 20 to 25 daily on food, accommodation, besides trekking and Annapurna Conservation permits which will be extra.  

ATM Facilities on Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

Only in Pokhara where one can find ATM facilities, might start in Chomrong village in near future.

Cost Saving Tips for Budget Travelers:

This involves trekking at minimum budgets that is using local public transport to and from the trek, and using simple lodge sleeping in a dormitory of room sharing basis. As well as having simple meals of Nepalese Dal Bhat and noodle varieties and not using guide and porters.

Trekking Gears, Required Trekking Equipment List:

Trekking gears, depends upon the season of trekkingbut normally one should have good trekking boots, runners, with enough warm clothing like Down Jacket and also having a good sleeping bags, these are the most important things to carry besides your belonging.

Accommodation, Foods on ABC Trek:

After Pokhara and Chomrong village, the lodge accommodations are simple and basic, sharing twin/double or more sharing rooms. Where lodges are limited but with clean room and beds, using common bath and toilets. But the foods are nice and hygienic served warm as per one order from a long list of the menu of various dishes from Continental, Chinese and Indian to Nepalese meals. Foods are served in a large warm dining room with a friendly cozy environment.

Travel Insurance:

One must have medical and travel insurance, in all Himalayan destinations in Nepal including trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Where weather can be unfavorable sometimes even in a good time of the year, travel insurance comes in handy in case of roadblocks from landslides, avalanches, or political strikes to reach your destination mainly in cities, towns, and major villages. 

Medical Insurance in case of severe sickness besides high altitude symptoms where sometimes one needs immediate evacuation using helicopter service which later to be claimed from your medical insurance.

When To Trek Annapurna Base Camp:

Spring-time from March to May will be the best, when days with much sunlight hours, and clear for views and pleasant trekking. This is the time when wild-flowers are in blooming seasons with rhododendron of various species.

The next best season is autumn/fall during mid-September to November much clear day, but short sun-light hours, colder morning and night time with chances of snowfall sometimes. One can trek during winter very cold but days are clear, and most lodges will be closed for winter.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on ABC Trek:

Slight chance of getting AMS symptoms on this trek to Annapurna base camp, as altitude gains slowly and gradually by the time you reach the highest spot at base camp, which is only 4,310 m high you will be well acclimatized. Spending on high altitude just for day and then you lose elevation on return journey.

Things to know before ABC Trek:

Choose the right time of the season, read and understand the itinerary well as it leads to much steep climb and downhill, but safe from altitude sickness.

Stay fit and in good health, and booked only with Government registered company with a proper licensed guide.

Daily Walking Hours and Distance:

Annapurna base camp about 38 km as the crow fly from Pokhara, but walking takes much longer with winding ups and downs. Daily walks of more than 5 to 6 hours, especially from Dovan to reach MBC and back from ABC to Bamboo place.

Walking at a distance of a minimum of 10 km and a maximum of 15 km that is on downhill from Annapurna base camp towards Bamboo or further.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty:

Altitude is not much of a problem as it rises slowly, and not much higher than 4,130 m / 13,550 feet high. The only difficulty one can face is a steep climb and long downhill, but taking it slowly with much short rest will overcome the difficulty on a steep uphill.

Getting to Pokhara from Kathmandu:

Distance of 220 km from Kathmandu to Pokhara, takes a minimum of 5 and maximum of 6-hour drive, one can fly to Pokhara takes only half-hour of scenic flight.

Internet Facility on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking:

From Chomrong village onward, no internet facilities as you will walk in a deep river gorge, and at ABC surrounded by a high mountain range, that blocks all signal of Wifi and for internets. 

In comparison for Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley trek:

All Himalayan landscapes are nearly the same with much steep climb and descend, covered in the green forest around mid-hills up to 3,000 m, with a close backdrop of high snow peaks. Compared to the Everest base camp trek, Annapurna is much safe altitude-wise and can stop overnight in a nice lodge. Where Everest base camp does not have lodge facility except at near distance of 3-4 hours walk to Gorakshep. Much warmer and green than Everest base camp, as for Langtang valley trek, quite similar walks in a gorge and the reaching an open valley of Langtang, likewise in Annapurna base camp reaching the sanctuary which is a valley and a plateau, quite similar. Where’s in ABC trek you will be very close within snow-mountain range than in Langtang valley.

Conclusion:

Annapurna base camp one of the most accessible base camps of 8, 000 m in the whole Himalaya, where you can find the comfort of a warm cozy lodge right in the heart of Annapurna Himalaya. One of the few treks in the Himalayas where you follow the river upstream right up to its glacial source. Where temperatures change daily from low warm to cooler hills and towards arctic cold zone at base camp.

Annapurna base camp can trek with various options and alternatives from short week-long or more and can extend to other southern scenic areas of Annapurna Himalaya range. Probably one of the best scenic trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in the whole Himalaya range.

As Annapurna base camp trekking offers varied landscapes, temperatures with constant scenery of beautiful mountains, from the start to the end of the trek. An adventure for all types of people and age-group, where one can enjoy for a week or more days all in the comfort of a nice lodge, with great hospitality of Nepalese hill people.

Besides, Annapurna Base Camp one can extend and plan for another great adventure, like ‘around or Annapurna Circuit trek involves high Thorang-la pass, as well combine Annapurna Base Camp and the Sanctuary with Ghorepani and Poon Hill, famous for stunning Sunrise. 

Apart from mainstream trekking trails, one can enjoy choosing the off-beaten tracks to Khopra and Khair Lake Trek or Mardi Himal Trek, which takes you right on the foot of Fish-Tail peak. Annapurna Base Camp the only trek that offers various options for interested trekkers and adventurers.