The Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary is a well–known trekking trip that is located in the Northern western part of Nepal in the Annapurna province. The base camp lies in the nucleus of the Annapurna Conservation Area, the western territory of Pokhara. The adventure journey to ABC (4130m/13547ft) contributes to the breathtaking views of the world’s tenth highest mountain view of Mt. Annapurna (8091m), also the first mountain climbed over 8000 m by Maurice Herzog, a famous French mountaineer.

Moreover, decorated with a Himalayan gem, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is quite cheap, accessible, and shorter and fit for beginners, and advanced trekkers as well as for the family trip too. The trail is an example of the combination of awesome flora and fauna as the legacy of the climbing history made more charm to visit this beautiful trekking trip in Nepal.

The trail allows everyone to feel peaceful meditation inside the dense forest of rhododendrons and alpine woods, somewhere bamboo plants mixed with magnolia flowers. The journey passes through the ethnic group of Gurung and Magar settlement rising up to the hill and finally in the base of Mt. Annapurna experiencing different cultural and natural phenomena of the Annapurna region.

Trip Facts
Distance – 70 km
Trip Days – 11 Days
Hiking Days – 8 Days
Level of Difficulty – Moderate
Best Season – March, April, May and September, October and November
Maximum Altitude – 4130m/13547ft (Annapurna Base Camp)

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Ghandruk – Chhomrong – Bamboo – Deurali – Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC) – Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

ABC – MBC – Bamboo – Jhinu Danda – Pokhara – Kathmandu
The trek is one of the ancient hiking trails and the most familiar trekking trails in Nepal positioned in the heart of the Annapurna suburb. The 11-day Annapurna Trekking trip to the base camp of Annapurna affords astounding views of the magnificent Annapurna massif including Mt. Annapurna.

The trek begins from the typical village of Gurung settlement, Ghandruk, and then descends to Ghurjung Khola then uphill to Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Deurali, and Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchre Base Camp, and ended up at Jhinu Danda. Behind the scene of the spectacular panorama of Annapurna massif and neighboring peaks highlighting the beautiful ancient villages on the way. The Epic journey will be the fun of adventure navigating through the rhododendrons, clad woods – different waterfalls – boulders – and hot springs.

Cultural Significance

The Annapurna Region is home to diverse communities mostly under the domination of Gurung and Magar ethnic groups. As the trekkers pass through these villages they get an opportunity to experience a glimpse of the local way of life, customs, and traditions. People are impressed by the friendly and warm hospitality and visitors are often tempted to observe their unique culture, cuisine, and festivals.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, 8 days of trekking mastery in the standard trekking trail commencing from Ghandruk. From here, the trail leads trekkers to Annapurna Base Camp passing through the Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). After conquering the ABC adventure then descends to Jhinu and ends at Pokhara. People who have limited time to stay in Nepal would be suited for this trek and it will fulfill their aim to reach the base camp of a higher mountain of Annapurna base in a short time.

Outline Itinerary
Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/4592ft)
Day 02. Fly to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft), drive to Ghandruk – 25 minutes flight, 3 hrs drive.
Day 03. Trek to Chhomrong (2,170m/7,118ft) from Ghandruk – 6 hours – 10 km hiking
Day 04. Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m/7,577ft) – 6 hours – 7 km hiking
Day 05. Bamboo to Deurali (3,210m/10,595ft) – 5 hours – 8.5 km hiking
Day 06. Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,547ft) – 4 hours – 6 km hiking
Day 07. Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo – 7 hours – 16 km hiking
Day 08. Trek to Jhinu Danda – 5 hours – 8 km – hiking
Day 09. Drive to Pokhara – 3 hours driving
Day 10. Fly to Kathmandu – 25 minutes flight
Day 11. Departure Day

Alternative Trekking Trail via Poon Hill

However, above mentioned itinerary is the perfect shorter schedule for experiencing the Annapurna Base Camp, Himalayan Vista Trekking (HVT) has organized the popular trekking package the itinerary including via Poon Hill Trek. The itinerary can be customized as per our customer’s choice or reduced.

It depends upon the trekkers and their health conditions, our company expert will consult about all the conditions and interests of our clients about their physical condition and interest for operating the trip to Annapurna Base Camp but the key factor is our valuable guests’ wish interests are in the priority for everything that trip should be customized or reduced.

Similarly, trekkers have the choice of a circumvention along the standard ABC trek obtaining from Poon Hill that offers the stunning views of diverse mountain series of Annapurna massif like, Dhaulagiri (80,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Fishtail (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiun Chuli (6,441m) and surrounding peaks. Then trekking goes through descending and ascending geography to Annapurna Base Camp. But it all depends on our worthy clients’ choice whether they follow the trekking trail from Poon Hill or by the Ghandruk.

Challenges and Preparations

Although the Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered moderate trekking it supplies a few challenges that travelers have to prepare for. The routes include numbers of ascents and descents which is physically demanding. One should prepare with physical fitness including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, running, and trekking before starting the trek.

In addition, there might be the problem of altitude-related issues occurring for some trekkers mostly in higher altitudes like ABC. Acclimatization is the best way to reduce the probability of altitude sickness. We advised our all guests to ascend slow pace, get hydrated, and pay attention to their body’s signals and symptoms.

Taking the right trekking gear is necessary for a successful trip. A well-fitted backpack with required warm clothes, sleeping bag, trekking shoes, first aid kit, and water bottles with purification leaser lights and tablets is essential. It is also a wise decision to pack some snacks for the food options on the way because while hiking you may get hungry and the food available place might be far.

The Experience

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek provides a breathtaking and diverse episode that leaves a memorable impression on trekkers. From the lush green dense forest of rhododendron and alpine woods in the lower regions and bamboo in the higher region to snowcapped mountains of the taller mountains, every step discloses the unique dimension of the courageous journey.

The excitement of an achievement upon reaching ABC is unforgettable. Same as. Trekkers standing on the cliff of the Annapurna glacier beholding the towering mountains on the horizon and become enveloped by a sense of awe and humbleness. The camaraderie established with another companion that shared laughter around the lure nature of base camp, and barter of stories combined creation that transcends cultural and geographical diversification of various communities.

Trekking Permits (ACAP and TIMS) Needed for ABC. Annapurna Base Camp is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area established in 1992 expanding its area to about 7629 sq. km. is the biggest conservation of Nepal. That is why it requires the ACAP entry permit. On the other hand, the Trekkers Information System (TIMS) card is another permit required for various trekking routes in Nepal, and the same as for this trek. Below mentioned are the essential permits including their cost.
• ACAP Permit fees for foreigners: NPR 3000 (Approx. USD 25), and for SAARC nationals: NPR 200
• TIMS CARD: NPR 2000 (Approx. USD 17)

Annapurna Conservation Project Permit needs to be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board Office in Prdarsani Marga, Kathmandu about 1 km far from Thamel, and TIMS Card is managed by all trekking agencies who are affiliated under the membership of TAAN from 2023. All for that you need to bring your authentic documents with the attachment of your insurance policy number information about your daily schedule and targeted destination with a copy of your passport and, 2 passport sized pictures and your tour operator company will manage all things with the documents that you have provided them.

The permits are just for one-time validation and ensure that you carry both permits at all times during your trekking trip and show them at the checkpoint office of ACAP.

How much is the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The ABC trek cost is different from the services that you have taken from the agencies. Several factors measure the trek cost for ABC for example, several days, the season of trekking, hired guide and porter, mode of transportation, accommodation and choices of foods, individual or group trekking, and which route you are using.
There two types of trekking packages are available now for Annapurna Base Camp.

All-inclusive Trekking Package

In the all-inclusive package offered by the travel company may charge you USD 800 to USD 1500. But the cost depends upon the services that you have taken with them. This also differs from the choice of accommodation, food, mode of transportation group or individual travel, and the number of trekking days. If you want a luxurious trek added extra money then your travel company will expand your service such as providing air transportation instead of a road trip, and they will provide 5-star hotel accommodations instead of 3-star hotels.

Indeed, if you want to be satisfied with the basic service then you can ask your agency to cancel out extra services that have been provided by them. We would recommend you choose a local company for your trip rather than an international travel company because local Nepali companies provide you with the entire knowledge and preparation for your well-planned trip as an international company also joined with the local company and they share profits each other so cost might be less joining with a local company.

The mentioned package includes a road trip, 3 times meals like breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea house accommodation during the trek, guide, porter, permits, etc. For all that, the cost excluded international flights, your travel insurance, personnel expenses, tipping for guide, porter, and driver as well as snacks, food and travel in cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu, phone service, internet, boiled water, souvenirs, hot showers, electronic device charging, and extra porter etc. You may need to separate extra USD 10 to 20 per day for extra expenses which is not included in your package. In addition, tipping is an encouragement for your guide and porter but it is not mandatory.

Trek with Guide and Porter

If you want to arrange your trip without using a travel agency package, you need to hire a guide or porter, because the Nepal government already announced a solo trekking band in Nepal. So, for trekking in Nepal, you must join a legal travel company. Accompany of the trekking guide and porter make your trip more interesting and you can trek without any stress like losing the way, finding out about the accommodations, etc. Additionally, you need to pay for their accommodations, food, insurance, and bus fare throughout the trek.

All the guides have taken the guide training and only passing after the guide examination they will get the guide license so, they are knowledgeable and are already friendly in such areas so that, they can manage everything very well negotiating with the local people. Even though, you need to make sure that the guide has prior knowledge and experience of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route and mastery over the English language if not able to speak your native language.

The limitation of a porter carrying load is about 15 kg. Let them handle your extra luggage which is not used frequently and keep your day pack with you so, it will be easy to use the things that are needed on the way of your hiking. Porters may walk faster so that, you may only meet them at the tea house.

Availability of ATM facilities on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

ATM and POS facilities are only facilitated in Kathmandu and Pokhara as after leaving Pokhara there are not any options for ATM or POS, you need to negotiate with the local tea house owner, but they will give you a low rate. Likewise, foreign currency is not accepted in the trekking areas so we suggest you manage Nepali rupees. The exchange center for foreign currency can be found in Thamel, Kathmandu, and Lakeside City, Pokhara, we advise you to exchange in Kathmandu rather than in Pokhara because the rate might be different in Pokhara from Kathmandu.

How to Save Cost in Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
• Bring your snacks like biscuits, mars, chocolate bars, etc. to avoid expensive snacks in the elevated area.
• Carry a water bottle and purification tablets or leaser lights for safe drinking water from the local water tap
• Carry a metal water bottle pour the water on it and put it near the oven placed in the center of the dining hall so that you can avoid buying hot water from the tea house.
• It is better to carry a power bank to avoid the cost of charging electronic devices
• Hire a guide to make your trip convenient and they will negotiate for low-cost accommodations
• Avoid using the internet until for your emergency connection because you will be charged extra money but the network gets interrupted
• Use vegetable items rather than meat items because meat items are more expensive than vegetable items
• It is the best option to use local foods (Dal Bhat), you can add more until you get an appetite and give full energy to keep you active for a long period, and easier to afford than other Western cuisine items.

Packing Lists of Trekking Equipment

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a marvelous trekking adventure in Nepal, the trek will make more joyful and memorable with the right choice of trekking gear because the way is wilderness, and the temperature at the base camp is nasty colder sometimes gets minus degrees and the route is tricky at the times.

The prior gears for this trek are warm clothing, trekking shoes, and basic equipment. For the choice of the right gear, first of all, analyze when you are traveling, the maximum altitude, and temperatures at your trekking time, for example, if you are trekking in the winter season, it might be too cold and you need to prepare more warm cloths and if it is in summer you need to prepare just warm clothes and raincoats and for other two seasons like autumn and spring as per your weather study, you can make the right choice of gears.

Below we have mentioned the basic trekking gear and equipment lists:
– Light-weight T-shirt and hiking pants in the day
– Warm clothes (hands, heads, lower body, upper body, other necessary clothes for higher altitude)
– Down Jacket
– Headlight
– Toiletries and personal hygiene (toothbrush, paste, hand sanitizer, tissues, feminine product items, sun protection cream)
– First Aid Kit
– Small Day Pack
– Duffle Bag
– Electronic devices
– Trekking poles
In sum most of the trekking in Nepal requires similar types of gear and equipment though this is a tea house trek so, you don’t need to bring camping gear and equipment.

Backpacking

While you are using an all-inclusive trekking package, you need to carry only your day pack and the rest of the other stuff left to carry the porter. But if you only hire a guide and decide to carry the backpack yourself then manage the things wisely so that, it will be easy for your trekking and make sure that the quick needed things are well packed on quickly accessible on your side. For 8 days hiking and backpacking should be around 40L to 50 L to manage your necessary things well. You may also have an option to buy gear in Nepal instead of carrying it from your home country which might be more convenient for you.

Management Ideas of things
– Frequently needed or used things such as snacks, phones, suntan lotion, and a first aid kit should be placed on top part of the backpack.
– In the middle part of the backpack, you can put your clothes, towel, flip-flops, and frequently used things and the rest of the space can be filled with other items that you need in your trek.
– In the bottom of the bag, you can put your warm jackets and other necessary things.
While other unnecessary things for your trek you can leave at your hotel store or trekking agency and if you hire a porter then the porter will carry your big luggage otherwise you need to manage by yourself.

Accommodation and Foods on ABC Trek

During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, all the accommodations are tea house-based. Everything is just basic with a small cozy room with 2 beds and unavailable extra furniture. AC and heating facilities are just too far but there will be a communal dining hall and in the center a heating fire oven in most of the tea houses. Facilities are well available in the lower part but in the altitude area due to the difficulty of accessibility of roadway.

Until Chomrong the rooms are standard with attached bathrooms, but in other places, they provide small two-bedrooms with common bathrooms with western-type toilets. Keep in mind that tea house owners make extra money with accommodation not the amount attached to the food and extras like hot water, hot shower, internet, and WIFI need extra money.

There are verities of cuisines you can choose from as per the interest from the menu and there is also the availability of local foods ‘DAL BHAT’ which is the combo with lentil soup, rice, curry, and pickle. Many tourists love this item because you can add rice and curry as per your needs without paying extra money.

Besides these foods, there are many food items available like porridge, boiled eggs, omelets, pasta, pizza, fried rice, spaghetti, fried noodles, and different soup varieties, dumplings (MOMO), etc. Cuisine at the higher altitude is quite expensive in comparison to the town because the supplements have to be carried by the porters and mules up the difficult track. In the Gurung habitation, you can taste the local Gurung bread and potatoes. They will provide safe drinking water instead of mineral water because they consider plastic bottles are out of environmentally friendly.

Travel Insurance
While obtaining your journey in a higher place there would always be a risk of unforeseen events like altitude sickness and other invisible incidents so, travel insurance is your treatment friends in such unknown events. Mostly, Acute Mountain Sickness is a common risk at higher altitudes, sometimes it gets severe and at the time you need helicopter evacuation. In such events you need to pay a huge amount of money and insurance will be the best option in that situation.

Considering all the possible fatal hazards in the mountains, it is nice to get insured for the trek, otherwise, a trekking trip might be bitter, and need to pay lots of money which will be a bitter experience in your life. Indeed, make sure that your travel insurance agency knows about the trekking schedule of your destination and the policy must cover up to 5000 m.

Best Time to Trek ABC Trek

The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are spring (March, April, and May), and autumn (September, October, and November)
Spring – The Annapurna region is best for traveling any time of the year except for some specific sites like Annapurna Circuit Trek. The temperature in the base camp is neither cold nor hot, it is bearable but you must prepare warm clothing. This is the best time to observe the best view of a combination of colorful rhododendron flowers with the white snowcapped mountain and crystal clear blue sky.

On the other hand autumn season is the best time to observe the greenery with white glistering mountains including an apparent clear sky. This is the best time not just to visit Annapurna region but all over Nepal. The climate is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius and also opportunities to observe the celebration of different Hindu festivals like Dashain and Dipawali.

In the winter season, there will be heavy snowfall and the trail can be full of ice so, it is not convenient to walk on the trail using sufficient trekking gear can do this trek but this is not the suited time because it will be too cold.
In summer it is the main rainy season so. It will rain the whole day and night. The trail will be wet and there might be chances of landslides and might be risky for trekking.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Altitude sickness is a common risk in the higher mountains in the world. The chances of altitude sickness start from 3000 meters as when you gain the higher elevation, the atmospheric pressure and oxygen level get reduced and cannot be adjusted by your body then symptoms of altitude sickness. If you get altitude sickness you may have such symptoms like headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and discomfort to serious signals such as dizziness, vomiting, insomnia, and rapid heart palpitation. Before things become worse, it is wise to be aware of to manage precautions.
Altitude also matters with your behaviors like less drinking, faster walking, less eating or spending more time to lose stamina, and finally higher altitude.

For Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the ultimate highest point is 4,130 meters so, you need to take precautions accordingly in coordination with your guide. It is better to involve some trekking, hiking, and physical training before joining the ABC trek so that it will be easy for your trekking and can make your trip successful.

During the trekking, you need to follow the proper itinerary crafted by your agency to reduce the risk of AMS. In the same way, follow the smooth pace and do not rush from lower to higher elevation, take rest and acclimatize. Further, you can take medicine related to AMS like Diamox consult with your doctor, keep hydration, and drink garlic soup and ginger tea as these are taken as the natural antibiotic for altitude sickness. If you get symptoms of AMS, immediately descend in coordination with your guide and if it is severe then take helicopter evacuation as soon as possible in coordinating with your insurance company.

Fact to Know before Annapurna Base Camp Trek

It is always perfect and convenient if you are fully prepared and aware of what to expect and manage before starting a long trek in the mountains of Nepal. Following are the things that is better to know before obtaining Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
– Keep enough Nepalese rupees as there is no ATM service on the trail and all the tea houses accept Nepal rupees, foreign currency is not accepted.
– Remember to take trekking gears
– Drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated
– Carry a map so that you can navigate the trail and mountains by yourself
– Respect culture and the people
– Start early in the morning hike to observe the spectacular sunrise
– Keep away from animals like Yak, mules, and donkeys that are carrying heavy loads
– Altitude sickness is a common risk in higher mountains above 3000 m, so follow your guide’s directions properly
– Carry light snacks so, you can eat on the way and keep yourself appetite like cookies, mars, chocolate bars, etc.
– Practice responsible traveling joining a legal company keeping yourself environment-friendly, and respecting nature.

Daily Hiking Hours and Distance
ABC trek starting from Ghandruk and ending at Jhinu is about 70 km. The trek duration is 8 days with average walking per day around 5 – 7 hours per day. But it depends on the itinerary as some days you may need to walk longer but some days will just walk for around 3-4 hours and this is good for those who have enough time constraints. Normally, trekking starts around 7 to 8 am and ends around afternoon.

ABC Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is leveled up as a moderate trek. The trekking difficulty depends upon different factors like several trekking days, maximum elevation, trek season, and geography. However, it is not physically demanding relatively compared with other treks in Annapurna territory but you need to be fit before starting the trek.
The trek is also fit for vigorous children and senior people. There is no particular age bar for this trek. The trek passes through the uphill and downhill terrain that makes you tired. In the higher place of the trekking trail, you need to walk over the icy trail as Annapurna Base Camp is at an altitude of 4130m/13547ft and if you get AMS then it will be more difficult.

Involving in some exercise like running, trekking, short hiking, swimming, and cardiovascular exercise a few months before then it will be more convenient for walking in an altitude place. To avoid walking over the heavy snow, then avoid your trip in the winter season. If you have a porter then he will lift your all heavy items and it will be easy for you to trek. So, well preparation and management will give you the best rewards in your ABC Trek.
Getting Pokhara from Kathmandu

Pokhara is 204 km/126 miles far from Kathmandu. You can choose two types of mode of transportation either by flight or by road.

If you use flight then it will only take 25 – 30 minutes. Several flights are operating from Kathmandu to Pokhara and for the foreigner flight ticket will be 125 USD for one way. If you wish to travel by road then you need to take a private vehicle or tourist bus which is cheaper.

Conclusion
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best trekking trips in Nepal that is perfectly suited for all age groups. If you wish for a diverse experience in the Annapurna region then we strongly recommend opting for either ABC or Act.