Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC)
USD 997
8 days
Easy/Moderate
4130m
Tea House, Hotel
Car, Flight, Jeep
1-10
All around the year Except Monsoon(June-September)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) Introduction
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is an iconic trekking destination that offers a captivating trek blending natural beauty and cultural significance. Traversing lush forests and traditional villages, trekkers encounter the warm hospitality of Gurung and Magar communities.
Majestic peaks like Annapurna I and Machapuchare dominate the skyline, creating awe-inspiring moments. Diverse flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests and Himalayan thars, add vibrancy to the journey. Reaching the base camp is a triumph, providing a profound sense of achievement amid breathtaking surroundings. Despite challenges like steep ascents and unpredictable weather, the trek promotes sustainable tourism, fostering cultural exchange and environmental conservation.
One of the best parts of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is that you can encounter diverse flora and fauna along the trail. The Annapurna region is home of wide variety of plant species, including rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and alpine meadows. As you trek through the conservation area, you may also spot wildlife such as Himalayan thars, langurs, and various species of birds & insects, adding an element of adventure and thrill to the journey.
This 8-day Annapurna Base Camp trek starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. Then, a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara the next day. After arrival, we will drive to Nayapul and continue the trail to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a charming village that offers stunning mountain views like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre Peak. The next day, we cross Chhamrong Khola and trek to Dovan, passing through Bamboo Village and a dense forest. We then hike to Machhapuchhre Base Camp for an overnight stay with mountain views.
Highlights
- Trekking to the Base Camp of one of Annapurna Itself
- Experiencing Gurung Hospitality & culture
- Beautiful Landscape, Nature & Rivers
- Natural Hot Spring Bath
- From Base camp see the sunrise over Annapurna Himalayas
- Visit & sightseeing in Pokhara
- See the World Heritage sights of Kathmandu
Gallery
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1:- Arrival Day in Kathmandu
- Day 2:- Pokhara - New Bridge - Chhomrong
- Day 3:- Chhomrong - Dovan
- Day 4:- Dovan - Machhapuchre Base Camp
- Day 5: MBC - Annapurna Base Camp - Dovan.
- Day 6:- Dovan - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara
- Day 7:- Day sightseeing in Pokhara - Kathmandu
- Day 8:- Day Tour & Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:- Arrival Day in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1250m
Welcome! Our representative will pick you up from Tribhuvan Airport and take you to your hotel. You can rest and relax your body. You could also explore the nearby cities including the UNESCO site near your hotel.
Day 2:- Pokhara - New Bridge - Chhomrong
Altitude: 2050m
Time Duration:35 min flight, 2.5 Hours Drive & 2.5 hours trek (approx.)
We will start our day early with a scenic flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu to start your Annapurna base Camp trek. Upon arrival, you will be taken to Nayapul Then New Bridge with a scenic drive. After reaching New Bridge Jeep stand we can start our trek to Jhinudanda starting our official trek to Chhomrong village passing through the bridge, charming towns, and hot springs. We will stay overnight in Chhomrong village.
Day 3:- Chhomrong - Dovan
Altitude: 2600m
Trek Duration: 5.5 Hours
Today, our trail continues by crossing the Chhomrong Khola. We will ascend to the village of Sinuwa. After a while, we will reach the upper Modi Khola valley where you can see dense oak, cane and rhododendron forests. We gradually descend to the village and then continue through the forest to reach Dovan. We will stay the night at a local lodge in Dovan.
Day 4:- Dovan - Machhapuchre Base Camp
Altitude: 3750m
Trek Duration: 5 Hours
Going through the dense forest and valley with glimpses of snow-capped mountains. We will continue our trail passing through the Himalayan Hotel to Deurali. Then, we will hike to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. We will stay the night at MBC with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Day 5: MBC - Annapurna Base Camp - Dovan.
Altitude: 4130m
Walking Duration: 8-9 Hours
Today, we will gradually ascend to enter the alpine region. We will trek through an amazing glacier to arrive at Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks. You can also witness stunning panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and other high peaks. We will head down to MBC then to Dovan where we stay the night.
Day 6:- Dovan - Jhinu Danda - Pokhara
Altitude: 1780m
Walking Duration: 4-5 Hours
We will trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests, returning to the Chhomrong Khola. Then, we cross the bridge and ascend to Chhomrong village. After that, we will descend to Jhinu Danda. You can take a relaxing bath in the natural hot spring to refresh and rejuvenate. Then, we will hike down to Nayapul to catch a local jeep to Pokhara. We will stay the night at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 7:- Day sightseeing in Pokhara - Kathmandu
Altitude: 1250m
After breakfast, we will explore Pokhara, the “City of Lakes”. We will visit many beautiful places like Phewa Lake, Devi’s Fall, World Peace Pagoda, Chamero Cave, etc. After exploring these spots, we will head back to Kathmandu through a scenic flight and stay at Thamel.
Day 8:- Day Tour & Departure
After early breakfast, we will spend our day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites including Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath Stupa, etc. Then, we will bid our farewell for your final departure. Our representative will take you to the airport before your departure time.
Includes
- Four-night Simple tea houses in trekking on twin sharing basis with 3 times of meals. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner), 2 nights in Kathmandu & one Night in Pokhara in a 3-star category Hotel on a BB basis.
- All ground transportation like pick up & drops
- Full days Guided tour in Kathmandu with a City Guide
- Guided Pokhara sightseeing
- Transportation to & from the trek starting point
- A professional trekking guide, the necessary number of porters (2:1) &1 assistant guide for a group of every 12 trekkers with their salary, meal, accommodation, transportation & insurance.
- Necessary trekking permits, Annapurna Conservation area Permit, TIMS card & Rural Municipality fees
- Both ways flights from Kathmandu- Pokhara-Kathmandu,
- A group medical kit with an oximeter
Excludes
- All kinds of beverages.
- All extra expenses such as shopping and trekking gear.
- International flights.
- Early arrival / late departure.
- Travel insurance ( must purchase one before starting the trek)
- Rescue evacuation if needed (it can be helped to arrange)
- Tips for driver, guide & porter (expected).
- If the plan changed to any other problem such as a landslide, political disturbance, changing plan, or cancellation of flight or the things not mentioned above.
Trip Map
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Gear List
Clothing
- Trekking Trousers
- Trekking shirts
- Inner Thermals(Top/bottom)
- Breathable Underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Dawn jacket
- Trekking Towel
Head Gears
- Sun Hat
- Head Band
- Buff (snood)
Hand Gear
- Inner Gloves
- Outer Gloves
Foot Gears
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking shocks
- Thermal shocks
- Gaiters
Bags
- Duffle Bag*
- Backpack (rucksack for day pack)
- A few Ziploc/waterproof bags
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping bag liner (if you rent)
- Trekking Pole
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle or Hydration Bladder
- Headlamps
- Camera/video camera
- Water purification tablets*/ filters/ UV light
- Diamox/Dzolamode
- Sunscreens
- Toiletries
- If you take any Specific medicine
Annapurna Base Camp Permits
Trekkers will need mainly two permits for Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS). These permits are essential for both trekker’s safety and environmental conservation.
- The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
This permit is compulsory for you to enter the Annapurna region. This permit is for conservation efforts in the Annapurna region. You can obtain this permit in the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can also purchase it online beforehand from the website.
Cost:
For individuals: USD 30 (approx)
- The Trekkers information Management System (TIMS):
The TIMS permit is a mandatory permit for you. The TIMS permit is for tracking the trekkers and ensuring their safety. You can obtain your TIMS card by visiting the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) office in Kathmandu.
Cost:
For individual trekkers: USD 20 (approx)
If you obtained it through a registered agency, you have to pay USD 10 (approx)
Note: To obtain permits and TIMS, specific requirements and procedures may change so trekkers need to check for updates and current regulations with the trekking agency before embarking on their journey.
Is Annapurna Base Camp for Beginners?
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek can be suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness and preparation. Here’s why:
Moderate Difficulty
While the ABC trek involves ascending to higher altitudes, the overall trekking difficulty is considered moderate. The trail is well-established, and there are teahouses along the route providing accommodation and meals, which makes it accessible for beginners.
Gradual Altitude Gain
The trek allows for gradual acclimatization as you ascend, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization is essential, and the ABC route typically allows for adequate time for your body to adjust to higher altitudes.
Stunning Scenery
The trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Machapuchare (6,993m), and other peaks. The stunning landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and alpine meadows, make the journey enjoyable and rewarding.
Cultural Experience
Along the trek, you’ll pass through traditional villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities, providing an opportunity to experience local culture and hospitality. This cultural aspect adds richness to the trekking experience.
Support Infrastructure
The ABC trek has well-established infrastructure, including teahouses offering accommodation, meals, and basic amenities. This means you don’t need to carry heavy camping gear or food supplies, making it more manageable for beginners.
Guided Options
For beginners, opting for a guided trek with experienced local guides can enhance safety and provide valuable support and knowledge about the route, culture, and environment.
While the ABC trek is generally suitable for beginners, it’s essential to prepare adequately by improving your fitness level, acclimatizing properly, and being aware of potential challenges such as altitude sickness and variable weather conditions. Additionally, having the right gear and clothing for trekking in mountainous terrain is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Comprehensive Guide to ABC
Trekking Day
While you are Trekking to ABC you will stay in Tea Houses (Basic Lodges that provide accommodation & Food), You will have a nice descent Tea House During the Trek to ABC, before your departure to Trekking you will need to pack your trekking bag your breakfast in Tea House, as porters will set off early. After breakfast we need to walk approximately 3-4 hours for lunchtime, some time in some places it takes even longer,
After a relaxing lunch, you typically spend around 2-3 hours or more sometimes on the trail before reaching your Tea House (Overnight Stay Place). Throughout the day, you will take frequent rest breaks and take time to admire the fascinating mountain views. You take plenty of pictures of yourself with the incredibly panoramic mountains of the Everest Region, Farmlands, Terraces, locals, Rivers, landscapes, Buddhist prayer flags, temples, shrines, cairns, monasteries, Stone Mani walls & many different heard of Mules & Yaks. Etc.
Once you arrive at your tea house, you check in at your hotel & order your dinner around 5 pm so they will have some time to prepare your dinner as the tea houses are very busy during the peak seasons. You take some rest and Dinner is generally around 6- 7 pm. After your dinner, your Trip Leader will give you a briefing for tomorrow’s trip like what time you are starting, what time you are waking, breakfast, stops, temperatures & general insight into the day so you are prepared for the day after the commentary season your crew will take your breakfast order for tomorrow. Now your bedtime!
Day Pack
You need to carry your day pack for your essential items like a water bottle, wallet, medicine (if you have any), camera, sunscreen, etc. Your guide will let you know every evening after dinner about any extra items you will need for the following day. If you have a comfortable day pack your load will only be a few kilograms and hardly noticeable. You are carrying it because you may not see your porter during the trekking hours. After all, he is carrying the big loads & his pace might be different than the rest of the group.
Food/Meal
During your stay In Kathmandu descent Breakfast will be provided in the Hotel you are staying but during the trek, you will have three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), Every Tea House has its menu so you can order menu food items but if you are traveling in a group we request you to select from few different options as it is difficult sometimes when 20 people order 20 different verity of food in the mountain as they are basic.
Accommodations
Your Accommodation in Kathmandu will be provided deluxe room with private facilities on Breakfast basic. During the Trekking you will have Basic Descent Tea House which is a basic (normal) standard. Normally they have Clean Comfortable Twin sharing Rooms & can be arranged single supplement room for an additional cost. Hot Showers are available in some places but they will charge directly to clients when they ask for a hot shower.
Bathrooms in the Annapurna region are pretty good most of the places & tea houses have clean western toilets. All the Toilets/bathrooms are built inside the same building but only very few are inside the room (Attached). To book the Attached ones we need prior bookings & also availability. Happy Mountain Nepal is always here to book the best accommodations in your Everest Base Camp Trekking.
Transportation
Transportation in Kathmandu Valley will be with private transportation like Cars, vans, or buses depending upon the group size. In the trekking region, transportation means hiking and in some cases, Yaks/horses and donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major means of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters.
On your journey to Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, you can also fly or drive to Pokhara and then take a Jeep or Car to the trek starting point, Annapurna Area has multiple places that have access road & off-road transportation on the need of someone.
Trekking Staff
The Trip Leader/ Guide is in overall in charge of the trek and looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns, and questions. All our guides are well-trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, high-altitude medicine, and first-aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its people. We are hiring a local porter from Lukla as we empower the local community. Your field staff is extremely powerful to carry your bags & assist you on your journey to Annapurna Base Camp.
Grading of ABC
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an Adventure Trekking in Nepal you must have well fitness level and be well prepared, before you come to Annapurna Base Camp Trekking it’s much better to go Swimming, Cycling, or walking every day 4 km or take the stairs instead of an elevator. Remember that no trek in the Himalayas is a stroll as all treks involve going up and down at altitude and that altitude affects everyone differently.
Money
It is better to bring the USD to Nepal because you can change it everywhere easily. You can exchange enough money for Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek before leaving Kathmandu. You can find the money exchange counters near your hotel and also get on trekking trails but they will take more commission. You have an option for withdrawing your cash on the ATMs in Kathmandu but they have limited transactions only & sometimes it may not work that easy as you have to get permission from your bank to use your card in a foreign land.
Tipping
Tipping is a personal and voluntary matter and tips are not included in the trip price, but those who will be working on this lifetime journey of ABC are expecting some tips as a measure of happiness/success to their Clint. You can directly reward them for their big support for your journey. Tipping has no limitation on specific rates so you can give tips as much as you like if they make you happy with your trip.
Insurance
It is an important part of the trip. Your Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. Your travel insurance must provide coverage against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation), and personal liability. It includes trekking crews and also against personal accidents the company will have field staff Insurance for emergencies.
Health
There are no specific health-related requirements for travel to Nepal. However, for the trekking in the Himalayas, you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can accomplish this trek but you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal.
Some parts of trekking have a small health post for emergency treatment with limited equipment, limited health workers, and medication. (Himalayan Rescue Associations) Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.
Be aware that you will be in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip. We strongly recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Happy Mountain Nepal Field crew will also have a comprehensive first-aid kit through the ABC trek.
High Altitude Sickness
AMS (acute mountain sickness) is a serious issue. It is the result of the failure of the body to adapt to high altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. It usually occurs above 2,500 meters and the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. The way to reduce the effects of altitude is to ascend slowly, 300-500 meters per day above 3,000 meters until you have acclimatized.
Poor acclimatization results in headache, nausea, sleeplessness, difficulty breathing, and swelling of fingers and glands. The only cure for AMS is to descend to a lower altitude and your guide’s decision on this matter is final. When you are planning to trek above 3,000 meters we recommend not walking faster. Walking slowly, drinking plenty of fluids, proper acclimatization is crucial. If you get altitude sickness or any health-related symptoms please consult with your guide/trip leader to go down at least 500 meters to recover.
Why ABC trek with Happy Mountain
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal Pvt Ltd offers several benefits for adventurers seeking memorable experiences in the Himalayas:
Expert Guidance
Happy Mountain Nepal employs experienced guides who are familiar with the local terrain, culture, and safety protocols. They can enhance your trekking experience by providing insights into the surroundings and ensuring your safety throughout the journey.
Tailored Itineraries
The Company offers a variety of trekking routes and customizable itineraries to suit different preferences and fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, Happy Mountain Nepal can design a trekking package that meets your specific needs and interests
Cultural Immersion
Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal provides opportunities to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. You can interact with local communities, visit traditional villages, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Himalayan people along the way.
Stunning Scenery
Nepal is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and picturesque valleys. Trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal allows you to experience these stunning vistas up close and capture unforgettable moments in nature.
Responsible Tourism
Happy Mountain Nepal is committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment and support local communities. By choosing to trek with them, you can contribute to sustainable development initiatives and conservation efforts in the region.
Overall, trekking with Happy Mountain Nepal offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of the Himalayas while enjoying personalized service, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews
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After nine months of preparation, we met Reysham from Happy Mountain at Kathmandu airport to be transferred to our hotel. We were a group of 9 and had swapped and... read more 
Richie S
March 1, 2024
