Trekkers who are short on time, want to reach the base of the 10th tallest peak of the planet - Mt. Annapurna chooses this package. This is a shortened itinerary that escapes the sightseeing of Kathmandu valley (World Heritage Sites) and Poon Hill (a popular viewpoint inside Annapurna Conservation Area especially for sunrise and sunset) and directly catches the route of Annapurna Base Camp to save your time.
May your first curiosity be when you hear the word Annapurna. It is indeed normal to have such inquisitiveness in your mind before kickstarting on any expedition.
In simple words, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek presents a variety of surprises throughout the trek. From the heavenly glimpse of the far-rising pinnacles to the massive overhanging rocks on top of the cliffs, the Annapurna has everything to keep you in awe. While on this trek, you will pass through the quaint villages and lush farm fields that provide you an ample opportunity to mingle with the culture, belief systems (perspectives), and lifestyle of the indigenous inhabitants of Annapurna. Nothing can be as stunning as living in a traditional way with the villagers.
Nevertheless, it is obvious that the words are incapable of defining the true beauty and real inspiration that can be gained from this trek. But when we hear the testimonial of Sir Edmund Hillary (a mountain explorer), it becomes clear that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best long-distance treks in the world.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin surrounded by a ring of high mountains. This sanctuary remained hidden for several centuries until 1956 when a group of outsiders discovered this hidden gem.
As the route to Annapurna Base Camp Trek blends with the path to the Annapurna Sanctuary, people began to call Annapurna Base Camp Trek as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
Among all (four seasons in Nepal), spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for the ABC tour. The base of Annapurna offers the best views, unobstructed sceneries, favorable weather and climatic conditions, beautiful seasonal flowers during their Annapurna Base Camp trekking. During spring (the months from March to May) offers colorful rhododendrons throughout the hills making your trek spectacular. During autumn (September to November), the weather is favorable, monsoon sweeps all the dust particles from the environment making the entire lands crystal. The festivals such as Dashain, Tihar (Deepawali), and Chhath create festive environments all around. What a wonderful time for the Annapurna trek!
During winter (the period between December and February), the Annapurna Base Camp walk is possible but not highly recommended. The Himalayas are full of snow, the views are the most beautiful of all time of the year. However, occasional snowfall and cold atmosphere can add some challenges during your expedition. Be well prepared for the cold before embarking on the trek.
Summer can be a wonderful time to be on the mountain. However, in Nepal, the summer combines with the monsoon and because of that, the trail becomes slippery with rainwater. Therefore, it is not recommended to go for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Summer.
All in all, spring and autumn can be the best option for you because the path that leads to the base camp of Annapurna becomes colorful with the aromatic rhododendron and other seasonal flowers. Plus, rainfall is rarely predicted.
Annapurna Base Camp trekking is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. It is moderately difficult / a temperately trekking route that takes you to the river gorges, uneven trekking trails, and beautiful ethnic Gurung and Magar settlements with the beautiful views of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri.
Annapurna Base Camp hike is a considerably easier and shorter trek than other high elevated journeys (Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Everest Base Camp, Everest High Passes, Gokyo Lakes, etc.) of Nepal. Thus any fit hiker can do this trek, even if they do not have any prior trekking experiences.
Popularly known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, the ABC expedition takes you along the protected land of the Annapurna Conservation Area (the largest protected area of Nepal). Rich in astonishing floral and faunal species with the natural environment along with the local culture, the Annapurna Sanctuary hike is considered one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the world. As you walk passing the unsophisticated trails which are adorned with rhododendron backwoods, you can also come across Thakali people who have dainty villages at the foothills of the Annapurna mountain ranges. Elevated at 4130m / 13549 ft above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp is an oval-shaped plateau which is encircled by a ring of Annapurna massifs.
An epic journey to Annapurna Base Camp kick-starts at Nayapul / Birethanti, a town that is a short drive away from the city of Pokhara. Walk passing via rice terraces along the rushing Modi Khola (River), we reach the beautiful village of Ghandruk. We shall spend an overnight there and will get a mesmerizing sunrise view over the Annapurna mountain ranges.
Leaving the way to Ghorepani and Poonhill, we walk towards Sinuwa, Deurali, and finally to Annapurna Base Camp via Machapuchhre Base Camp spending three more days where we see the panoramic sight of glaciers, mountain ranges from Hiunchuli, past Annapurna South to Annapurna I (the 10th tallest peak of the world), Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare (commonly known as Fishtail mountain). After the exploration all around Annapurna Base camp, we trek back to Nayapul (where our trekking ends) via Bamboo and Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is familiar with its natural hot spring where trekkers will relax their tired muscles after a long trekking adventure.
| Day | Highlight | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Fly to Pokhara (910m/2,985ft) 25-min then drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk Duration: 25mins flight, 1 hour drive and 4-5 hours trek | Ghandruk |
| Day 3 | Ghandruk to Sinuwa (2,360m/7,575ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs | Sinuwa |
| Day 4 | Sinuwa to Deurali (3,230m/10,330ft) Duration: 5- 6 hrs | Deurali |
| Day 5 | Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,810ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs | Annapurna Base Camp |
| Day 6 | Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,310m/7,575ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs | Bamboo |
| Day 7 | Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (hot spring) (1,780m/5,840ft) Duration: 6 hrs | Jhinu Danda |
| Day 8 | Jhinu Danda to Kathmandu | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Kathmandu |
| Day 9 | Farewell / Final Departure |
As soon as you land in the airport, complete the visa procedure and proceed towards the exit point of the airport. One of our representatives will be there to welcome you with a warm smile and welcoming ‘Namaste’. He will then accompany you to your hotel, where you may freshen up your jet-lagged body. Your guide will meet you there and explain all the briefings about the trip. In case you felt like strolling around, then ramble around the streets of Thamel. It is so vibrant.
After a short flight from Kathmandu (capital) to Pokhara, we will catch a drive to Nayapul. From there, we will walk for 10 mins until Birethanti, where there is the checkpoint of TIMS, and across the bridge, another check post of ACAP awaits. Birethanti is a relatively prosperous town with several lodges dotted around the center of the town.
From there, the trail goes parallel to the Modi Khola through a series of ups and downs via Syauli Bazaar until we arrive at a junction, which directs Ghandruk to the left. Ghandruk is beautiful settlement of Gurung ethinic people. Himalayan view from Ghandruk is awesome and you can enjoy the culture of Gurung people in Ghandruk. Don't miss to visit the Gurung museum too. Overnight in Ghandruk
Jhinu Danda to Sinuwa doesn’t seem like walking a long distance; however, the frequent switchbacks, on the way, challenge your physical ability time and again. Also, remember to slow down your pace as you climb apparently vertical hills because, at higher altitudes, acclimatization becomes absolutely necessary. Despite all the difficulties, this trek is one of the joyous slogs in the overall Annapurna region of Nepal.
From Jhinu, we will climb a steep trail up to Chhomrong, which is a beautiful village adorned with amazing natives and their evergreen farm fields. Plus, the outstanding mountain views from the hills of Chhomrong is nothing less mesmerizing.
The old village of Chhomrong, a few meters down the hill, is a great place to stay and experience the local life. As you follow the path, the trail rigorously climbs up the stone stairs, making it an intense climb until Sinuwa. Once we arrive at Sinuwa, the stupendous view of the Annapurna awaits us. For the night, we will stay at Sinuwa.
We leave Sinuwa early in the morning because there is a long way to go. For the first few couples of hours, we will intrude through the pleasant forest of Orchids and ferns along the uneven stone trail until Kuldighar. The forest trail continues through the Bamboo until Dovan, a beautiful sunny spot.
The more you climb, the steeper the trail becomes, and the forest grows less dense. On the way, you will notice the lumps of snow by the side of the trail, which are the remains of the old avalanche. Through the open meadows, we extrude out into the Hinku Cave through the Baraha Temple and finally reach Deurali. Just before we arrive there, we could see a stunning overhanging rock that offered shelter to many of the old-days’ porters. Also, you will feel the changes brought by altitude from the Deurali.
Accommodation at a guesthouse at Deurali.
Before climbing up to the Annapurna Base Camp, acclimatization is absolutely necessary. While most of the trekkers rest at the Machhapuchre Base Camp (which indeed is not a base camp), we have already spent one night at high altitude (Deurali). Therefore, it is safe to proceed to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).
The path until Annapurna Base Camp is tucked in the snow on all sides making the trail more slippery and challenging. Within about 2 hours from the Machhapuchre Base Camp, we will be standing on the ABC gazing on the spectacular vistas around. At times, the views are disturbed by the thick hazes; however, it is not quite frequent. We will stay in one of the five lodges at the Annapurna Base Camp.
On this day, we will retrace our steps back to Bamboo from the great Annapurna. It takes approximately 7 hours to get down. Although most part of the way follows a descending trail, it puts pressure more on the knees than on any other parts. Therefore, descending is not an easy task.
However, we will lose the altitude drastically that keeps us out of the threats of altitude sickness. Your guide will manage the accommodation for you.
Again today, we will descend steadily towards Jhinu Danda via Chhomrong. As we reach Jhinu Danda, we will proceed a further step up to Jhinu Hot Spring to take a short dive. It really feels good to stay there. For the night, we will stay at one of the lodges there.
From Jhinu Hot Spring, it takes just a few hours to reach Nayapul via Birethanti. It is physically less demanding and the trail rewards you with the amazing views of the mountains. Probably, this may be the reason why people often admire this trek as the most relaxing one among others. As we reach Nayapul, we will catch a drive to Pokhara and then, return to Kathmandu via the latest flight available.
Once we arrive at Kathmandu, we will check-in to our hotel and spend our overnight.
Throughout every episode of trekking in the Himalayan Quarters of Nepal (Annapurna, Everest, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Langtang, etc.), Holy Mountain Treks (HMT) has valued their guests. Even after this trek, we wanted to give you an awesome farewell, where we will enjoy the food and talk about many other things like family and friends, your passion and hobbies, etc. to keep up the personal connection between you and us. This has been the trend of HMT ever since it was officially launched.
You will be escorted to the airport by one of us before about 3 hours of your scheduled flight.
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