Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Duration: | 11 Days |
|---|---|
| Route: | Kathmandu - Pokhara - ABC Trek - Pokhara - Kathmandu |
| Season: |
|
| Tour Type: | Private Tour |
Overview
Annapurna Base Camp(ABC in short) trek is ranked first in the world's top ten hiking trails and this is also the only snow mountain hiking route in the world with an altitude of 8,000 meters. On the ABC route, in addition to Annapurna, the world’s tenth-highest peak at an altitude of 8,091m, you can also have a far view or get close to the other two of the world's top ten peaks - the eighth peak Manaslu (8,156m) and the seventh-highest peak Dhaulagiri (8,172m), and nearly ten 7000m-level peaks, accompanied by Machhapuchhare (Fishtail, 6,993m) all the way, the sacred mountain of Nepal.
ABC trek is one of the most famous and popular trekking routes in the Himalayas. Besides appreciating spectacular snow peaks at an altitude of 7,000-8,000 meters, you can experience the customs of ancient Nepalese villages on the way. The undulating altitude difference along the trek allows you to experience the different geographical scenery and the magnificent snow mountains from different angles. Compared with those high-altitude trekking routes, this route is less difficult and the trekking time is shorter, but the experience is very rich. It is a trekking route suitable for all outdoor enthusiasts. The best time to visit is from September to November.
| Day | Route | Attractions & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Pick up and transfer to the hotel |
| 2 | Kathmandu - Pokhara (900m), 210km, Approx. 7hrs | Pokhara, Phewa Lake |
| 3 | Pokhara- Kimche (640m)- Ghandruk (1,970m), Drive 30km | Trek to Ghandruk |
| 4 | Ghandruk - Komrong (2,255m) - Chhomrong (2,178m) | Trek to Chhomrong |
| 5 | Chhomrong (2,170m) - Dovan (2,670m) | Trek to Dovan |
| 6 | Dovan- Deurali (3,200m)- MBC (3,700m)- ABC (4,130m) | Trek to ABC |
| 7 | ABC - MBC - Deurali - Dovan - Bamboo | Trek to Bamboo |
| 8 | Bamboo – Chhomrong – Jhinu Danda(1,780m) | Trek to Jhinu Danda |
| 9 | Jhinu Danda - Siwai - Pokhara, Trek 4.3km, Drive 50km | Drive back to Pokhara |
| 10 | Pokhara - Kathmandu, 206km, Approx. 7hrs; | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu |
| 11 | Departure | Send off to Tribhuvan International Airport |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseUpon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transferred to the hotel. It’s only 6km from the airport to the downtown area. After a little bit of rest, you can wander around this old city by yourself. The colorful houses, a dazzling array of shops, and the bustling crowds will make you feel the enthusiasm of Kathmandu for the first time. In the evening, you can try the local cuisines.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu
Today you will head to Pokhara, where is the starting point of your ABC trek. After having a luxuriant buffet breakfast, you will depart from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the early morning. Along the way, you will have a delicious lunch with many tourists from different countries. At the same time, you can fully rest in the bus to recharge your energy for tomorrow's trekking.
At about 4 pm, you will arrive in Pokhara, which is a lovely and pleasant lake city, considered as the tourism capital of Nepal. After checking into the hotel, and then you can take a stroll through the city and relax by the lakeside of Phewa Lake, or find a nice restaurant to have supper.
Stay overnight in Pokhara
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Trek 3km, 2hrs I Ascend: 300m
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will start the first day of trekking. In order to better adapt to changes in altitude, you will drive from Pokhara directly to the end of the road under Ghandruk village, and then hike from here to today's destination Ghandruk, which only takes about 2 hours. There is no need to hurry, and there is plenty of time to appreciate the scenery on the road, which is very relaxing and comfortable.
Along the way, you will lift from 1,025m (Pokhara) to 1,970m (Ghandruk), passing through many peaceful Nepalese villages. You will see colorful houses standing on the hillside, surrounded by flowers, which are very dreamy. As the altitude rises, you will have a wider and clearer vision of the snow mountains, and look at the magnificence of Annapurna up close for the first time. After your arrival, you will have supper, and wait for the starry sky. In Ghandruk you can see five peaks: Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Machhapuchhare (6,997m).
Stay overnight in Ghandruk
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Trek 10km, 5~6hrs I Ascend: 200m
Today is the second day of your trek as well as the day of ups and downs. After breakfast, you will leave Ghandruk for Chhomrong. The trail descends along terraced slopes & forest down to the river. After crossing the river at New Bridge, the trail ascends steeply 500m to join with the trail from Ghandruk. The excursion today takes about 6 hours.
The ups and downs of mountain trails make your adrenaline rush as you will be exhausted because of continuous climbing, but later you will be in a high-view place, facing the snow-capped mountains, enjoying your lunch, and starting to look forward to the next trip. It is also the charm of ABC Trek that every hardship of climbing will always be smoothed by the high-altitude scenery.
Stay overnight in Chhomrong
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Trek 11.2km, 7hrs I Ascend: 500m
Today is a pre-launch for hiking in high-altitude areas in the next two days, and the highest point will reach more than 2,600 meters. But don't worry, there is no great elevation change between the uphill and downhill slopes. For many people, it's easier than yesterday. The trek takes about 6 hours at a normal speed.
After breakfast, you will walk in the mountains and valleys and enjoy the scenery along the way. At noon, you will be in a shady forest surrounded by bamboo, rhododendron and oak. It's bamboo and here's only an hour away from your destination Dovan. Since there is plenty of time, you can have a leisurely lunch and a good rest. You will reach Dovan around 3 p.m. Here, you can order a cup of hot coffee, sit in the sun, and enjoy this stage of victory.
Stay overnight in Dovan
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Trek 15.9km, 7~8hrs I Ascend: 1,500m
Today is the last day of trekking uphill, and it is also the day with the largest altitude difference. You will rise from Dovan at 2,600m to ABC at 4,100m. The scenery on the road has gradually changed from shady trees to cliffs. This section of the road is slowly ascending, so you don't feel hard. It takes about 5 hours to get MBC. Here you will have plenty of time to have lunch and enjoy the surroundings of Machhapuchhre Peak, which is 6,900m above sea level and named because it resembles a fishtail.
Starting from MBC, your final destination ABC is within striking distance, about two hours. So everyone can set off to ABC without any rush. Along the way, you can clearly feel the approach of the snow-capped mountains and the continuous drop in temperature. After four consecutive days of hard walking, you will finally arrive at ABC, and everything has meaning.
After arriving at ABC, you can admire the Annapurna snow mountains in the evening, sunset, night, and sunrise. You will not miss any angle or beauty. At this moment, Annapurna belongs to you only.
Stay overnight at ABC
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Trek 13.5km, 6hrs I Descend: 1,785m
Get up at about 6:30 and take a photo of Annapurna at sunrise, which is called Golden Peak. The golden sun shines on the top of the white snow mountain, like a blazing flame, and cannot be missed.
However, precious things are always short-lived. After watching the beautiful sunrise, we have to say goodbye to ABC and begin to return.
Going down the mountain is pretty much easy, but you still need to protect your knees. It is recommended to wear knee pads. In about 6 hours, we can reach bamboo, where we are staying today.
Stay overnight in Bamboo
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Trek 11.7km, 7hrs I Descend: 565m
In order to let you experience more different scenery by taking the same time, we especially changed the itinerary for the return trip. The most worth mentioning is that our destination today, Jhinu Danda, is a hot spring sacred place. Here you can soak in a comfortable natural hot spring and enjoy your relaxing time.
Stay overnight in Jhinu Danda
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Trek 4.3km, 2hrs I Ascend: 560m
Today is your final day of trekking and you will trek about 2 hours to the Siwai, where you can take a jeep back to your hotel in Pokhara. This is one of the most relaxing and shortest walks of the entire trip.
You will arrive at your hotel around 4:00 p.m. Here you can have a hot bath, take a good rest and have a luxurious Nepalese supper.
Stay overnight in Pokhara
- Meals:
- Breakfast
You can choose to go back to Kathmandu today. Or if you want to stay in Pokhara for a few days to experience paragliding and a ride around Phewa Lake, we can also arrange it.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Meals:
- Breakfast
I am well thankyou. It turned out to be a great trip. I have two excellent guides and the driver. Especially as Lakdun (not sure how to spell her name) was there to help me at the airport when my flight got cancelled. You might also be interested to know that I run spiritual retreats and pilgrimag ....
Read more testimonials...
Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Asked by Alex***
Hello,
We are two friends – and work colleagues – looking for a new adventure! After completing the GR20 last summer, we wanted to challenge ourselves again with a more international trek. While researching, we fell in love with the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, which can be completed in about 9 days.
Our potential travel dates would be:
• Arrival in Kathmandu: Wednesday, April 29
• Departure from Nepal: Friday, May 8
We will carry our own equipment and are therefore looking for a French- or English-speaking guide to accompany us on the ABC trek during this period.
Could you please provide information regarding:
• the availability of a guide for April 30 from Phokora to May 8 Phokhora. We will manage to join katmandou by ourselves.
• the cost of hiring a guide for 9 days,
• the booking process,
• and any logistical advice (permits, preparation, transportation)?
We would be happy to discuss this project with you and see what is possible to organize together. We are really excited about this adventure!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Dear Alex***,
I will answer your questions one by one.
1. We can arrange the 9D tour as per your request. May I know if you just need a tour guide or also include the accommodation along the trek trails? April is the peak tourist season for ABC trek. Here is the itinerary. After your confirmation, I can quote you accordingly. If not, I will tweak until you are satisfied.
Day 01 (April 30): Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Today, we will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We use a tourist standard bus for the ride. The highway is beautiful. It offers superb views of terraced fields, lush hills, rivers, and waterfalls. As we get close to Pokhara, snow-capped mountains also come into our perspective. Enjoy the evening in Pokhara, unwinding at the shore of Phewa Lake.
Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 201 km/125 miles
Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazar (1,170 m/3,838 ft) and trek to Chomrong via Jhinu Danda (1,780 m/5,840 ft)
The day begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazar. From Syaulibazar, we will follow a zigzag trail along the Modi River and ascend to Nayapul. From here, the trail goes through lush forest to Jhinu Danda. We can take a short break in Jhinu Danda to enjoy the natural hot spring. Further, keep walking through the forested route to Chomrong.
Max Altitude: 2,150 m/7,054 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Duration: 6/7 hours
Distance: 11.6 km/7.2 miles
Day 03: Trek from Chomrong to Himalaya Hotel
Leaving Chomrong, we will descend to Chomrong Khola and cross it using a suspension bridge. The trail then gradually ascends to Sinuwa Danda, from where we will see fantastic scenery. We will then continue trekking through forests of rhododendron, oak, pine, etc.
Further, trekking past a settlement called Bamboo, we will reach Dovan and continue to the Himalaya Hotel. On the way, we can see stunning views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Annapurna, etc.
Max Altitude: 2,920 m/9,580 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Lodge Duration: 6/7 hours
Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles
Day 04: Trek from Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp via Machapuchare Base Camp
The trail continues from the Himalaya Hotel to Deurali. From here, we will enter the Annapurna Sanctuary, passing by Hinku Cave. Following a narrow, steep track, we will trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Further, the trail ascends to Annapurna Base Camp.
On this day, we will witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchulu, Gangapurna, and many others. Unlike the Everest Base Camp, you will spend the night at the Annapurna Base Camp.
Max Altitude: 4,130 m/13,550 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Lodge Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 2.5 km/7.7 miles
Day 05: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Sinuwa via Bamboo (2,310 m/7,578 ft)
Today, we will wake up early to witness a jaw-dropping sunrise and an excellent mountain view. After a warm breakfast, we will descend, following the same trail to Bamboo. The trail comes out of the Annapurna Sanctuary and descends through bamboo and rhododendron forests. From Bamboo, we will ascend to Khuldi Post and follow a zigzag route to Sinuwa.
Max Altitude: 2,340 m/7,677 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles
Day 06: Trek from Sinuwa to Tolka via Landruk (1,565 m/5,134 ft)
The trail descends from Sinuwa to Tolka. It is a long trekking day via small villages and dense forests. We will retrace the trail for the first few hours. Cross the Chomrong Khola and trek past the Chomrong village. From here, descend through lush forest to Landruk and further drop down to Tolka for the night stay.
ax Altitude: 1,750 m/5,741 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Lodge Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 11 km/6.8 miles
Day 07: Trek from Tolka to Dhampus Phedi (1,050 m/3,445 ft) and drive to Pokhara
Today is our last day of the trek. Leaving Tolka, we will follow a scenic route and ascend for an hour to reach Deurali ridge. The mountain views are excellent from here. The trail then descends and passes by Pothana. The view of the Annapurna range and the Manaslu range is superb from Pothana.
Further, the trail ascends and passes by the shadows of trees to Dhampus Phedi. It is a lovely village with a wonderful landscape. From Dhampus, we will use a local jeep and drive back to Pokhara. Enjoy the evening, exploring the Lakeside Market and the tranquility of the Phewa Lake.
Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 13.7 km/8.5 miles
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu in a comfortable tourist bus.
We will drive back to Kathmandu on this day. It will be a scenic ride like the last time. We use a very comfortable, tourist-standard bus. The guide will drop you at the hotel upon reaching Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.
Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Duration: 7 hours drive
Distance: 201 km/125 miles
Day 09: Final departure from Kathmandu
2. We can only arrange an English-speaking guide to accompany you along the trek.
3. If you want to end the trip in Phokhora, we can also arrange it by slowing the pace of this trip. Or we can end this tour on D8, in Phokhora.
4. Regarding the permit, transportation, accommodations, etc., if you book with a travel agency, we can handle all the stuff for you.
Please let me know without hesitation if you have any further questions or doubts. It is my pleasure to work with you at any time.