Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Our 14-day Annapurna Base Camp Package has a complete itinerary to make your time in Nepal as fulfilling as possible. Your journey to 14 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek will begin after you arrive in Pokhara. Your starting point will be Nayapul, where you will start your hike. The drive from Pokhara to Nayapul takes one and a half hours. From here, you will climb up the side of the valley and reach Hile (1,495 meters) near Tikhedhunga.

The next destination is Ghorepani (2,860 meters), where you will stay overnight. Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani requires you to mostly ascend steeply through rhododendron forests. You will have to make a few descends along the way. Ghorepani is a picturesque Magar village that offers gorgeous mountain views and sceneries. The following morning you will take an excursion to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) to watch a gorgeous sunrise and the panorama view of the mountains. After climbing down, you will trek to Tadapani (2,630 meters). Along the journey, you will climb along the ridges of the hills among the pine and rhododendron forests.

The next day, you will trek to Chhomrong (2,170 meters). You will travel through the oak forest, terraced fields, and charming villages. The mountain views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Machhapuchhre will watch over you as you climb uphill to Chhomrong. After leaving Chhomrong, you will descend through stone staircases and climb up through the bamboo forests, oak, and rhododendrons. Then, you will reach the village of Dovan (2,600 meters) and stay overnight.

The next day, you will trek to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700 meters) and spend a night at a lodge there. Stunning mountain panoramas surround the base camp at the foothill of Mount Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters). The following day, you will trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. Reaching the base camp takes under two hours, and you will spend the rest of the day exploring it. The view from the Annapurna Base Camp is breathtakingly beautiful. You can witness gorgeous snow-capped peaks, picturesque landscapes, and glaciers.

After reaching the base camp, it is time to head back, passing through the bamboo forest. You will retrace your step back to the valley towards the Bamboo Village (2,340 meters). The following day, you will trek to Jhinu Danda (1750 m), a small village famous for its Jhinu Danda. It mostly descends downhill through the rhododendron and bamboo forests. The next day, you will head down to Nayapul. You will pass by picturesque villages like Syauli Bazzar and Birethanti and terrace farms. After reaching Nayapul, you will drive to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is popular among trek enthusiasts for its breathtakingly gorgeous mountain panoramas. However, the mountain views are not the only ones that await you during this adventurous journey. You will also observe the spectacular landscapes and picturesque settlements along the way.

You will come across several vantage points during the 14 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Some of the best viewpoints along the routes are:

• Poon Hill Viewpoint
• Machhapuchre Base Camp
• Annapurna Base Camp
• Tadapani
• Chhomrong
• Deurali

During the Annapurna Base Camp, you will get to witness the mountain vistas of Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna II (7,937 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Machhapuchre (6,993 meters), Gangapurna (7,455 meters), and Hiunchuli (6,441 meters). The sunrise and sunset, especially from the Poon Hill Viewpoint, is the best. The hues of orange and pink, during the sunrise and sunset, create an enchanting view straight out of a picture book.

In addition to the mountain panoramas, you can view the stunning Annapurna Glacier and Annapurna Sanctuary. The trekking trails of the base camp lie within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Moreover, the rhododendron forest adorns the forest trails. The entire forest blooms in various shades of red, pink, and white during springtime. The traditional settlements with unique architecture make for a picturesque setting against the hillside terrace farms. These stunning views during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek make the journey more enriching and fulfilling.

The 14 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost can vary drastically depending on various factors. It usually ranges between USD 1050 to USD 1700 per person. The cost can fluctuate depending on the duration, trek season, trekking agencies, and services. For additional services, the price of the trek package also increases. Therefore, before you book the trek package, you must check the included and excluded list.

Himalayan Leaders’ 14 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek cost are as follows:

The package does not include personal expenses during the trek, such as additional charges for hot water/ shower, internet, phone calls, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, souvenir shopping, etc. Trekkers must bear these expenses themselves. Therefore, trekkers must carry sufficient cash for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Certainly yes! The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is suitable for beginners. There is no need for prior experience. You can participate in the trek if you are in good health and reasonably fit. The trails are moderately challenging, with steep and narrow sections. Hence, beginners must prepare physically and mentally for the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp is a high-altitude trek. Hence, beginners must consider the trek’s difficulty and altitude. Due to the high altitude, there is a risk of altitude sickness, which can especially be challenging for beginners. Therefore, they must plan their itinerary carefully. It is crucial to take adequate acclimatization days. Rushing to high altitude can expose one to altitude-related sickness.

Beginners can be part of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek but must thoroughly prepare for it. For physical preparation, it is best to start exercising and training for the journey at least two to three months before the trek. It helps to increase one’s strength and stamina. Likewise, mental preparation is also crucial for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Research about the trek, its route, and its challenges. It helps to build mental resilience for the journey.

Understanding the Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation is crucial for estimating the distance and altitude gain each day. It helps trekkers more efficiently plan and prepare for the journey ahead. It also helps them plan adequate acclimatization days to avoid the risk of altitude-related sickness.

Take a look at our Annapurna Base Camp Trek elevation for a more clear understanding:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the best time to witness the beauty of the Annapurna Base Camp trails. It offers clear and pleasant weather for trekking. Similarly, the flora and fauna are the most active at this time of the year. You can witness the entire rhododendron forest and Himalayan floras in full bloom.

The precipitation level is low during spring. Hence, you can witness stunning mountain vistas without any obstruction. The temperature in the lower regions ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, temperatures in higher areas are between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius.

Autumn (September to November)

The next best time for an Annapurna Base Camp Trek is autumn. It falls right after the monsoon season, so the air is crisp, and the vegetation is vibrant. Up until early September, there can be slight rainfall. As the season progresses, the weather is clear, and the visibility is excellent.

The temperature in the lower region is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature at the higher elevation range drops significantly and can reach up to -5 degrees Celsius at night. Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall in autumn. It is the best time to enjoy trekking in the Himalayas and during the festive season.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderately difficult trekking route. So, any physically fit beginner trekker can take up the challenge. Having said that, Annapurna Base Camp has its own set of challenges that make it a demanding journey. The trails have several steep and narrow sections. Similarly, there are over 3,000 stone staircases along the way. Trekkers must overcome them by trekking for 5 to 6 hours on average daily. Therefore, trekkers must have reasonable fitness and health.

The trekking trail can be physically and mentally demanding for beginners. Additionally, the highest altitude you will reach during the trek is 4,130 meters. Due to the high altitude, trekkers are exposed to the risk of altitude sickness. The lower oxygen level can make it harder for trekkers to breathe. Moreover, they can experience various symptoms of altitude-related sickness. Trekkers must take adequate precautions and acclimatize to minimize the risk. The weather also begins to get unpredictable with rising altitude. All these challenges can mentally weigh on trekkers. Hence, trekkers looking to set off on the 14 Days Annapurna Base Camp must be physically and mentally prepared to overcome its difficulties.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is moderately difficult and physically demanding. Trekkers must be physically fit and have the strength, stamina, and endurance to trek for an average of 5 to 6 hours daily. Therefore, physical preparation is crucial.

• Start your physical preparation two months before the trek.
• Cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, swimming, and jogging increase heart rate and breathing techniques. Similarly, you can take other training like strength building, aerobics, and yoga.
• Practice hiking with a weighted backpack to get used to the physical strain.
• Exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week and gradually intensify the workout as you progress.
• Rest well and eat a healthy diet. These are also essential to prepare your body for the trek.
• Test your equipment before the trek to ensure they are functional and comfortable.

There are plenty of budget-friendly and luxurious hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, you will only find basic accommodations along the ABC Trek route. The standard accommodations along the trails are tea houses, lodges, homestays, and guest houses. Due to a lack of infrastructure, these accommodations only provide basic facilities and amenities. These accommodations have small rooms with limited furniture. The rooms are usually shared, with communal squat-style bathrooms. However, you can also find rooms with attached bathrooms in lower regions. These stays provide their guests with beds, blankets, pillows, and bedsheets.

Our Annapurna Base Camp package covers and arranges all your accommodations. After you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will take you to a hotel. After you begin the trek, your accommodation will be at lodges and guesthouses. You will spend a night at a hotel in Pokhara after the trek.

You will mostly have Nepalese cuisine during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You will also find a few Indian and Western cuisines on the menu. In the higher region, the menu option gets further limited. ABC is a demanding trek, and you must eat high-calorie meals to energize you. The most common meal on the trek is the Nepali staple, Dal Bhat. It comprises rice, lentil soup, vegetables, curry, and pickles. Other food items include momo, chowmein, thukpa, soup, stew, porridge, oatmeal, bread (chapati, Tibetan), sandwiches, roti and curry, eggs, and pasta.

Eating vegetarian meals and drinking plenty of fluids, such as green tea, lemon tea, garlic soup, and ginger tea, is best. It is extremely helpful for high-altitude treks like ABC. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, and hot chocolate.

Note: The trek package covers only standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The expenses for soft drinks, alcohol, cold drinks, etc., are trekker’s personal expenses.

The ABC Trek requires two permits: a TIMS card and an ACAP.

TIMS card

The TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card takes the personal details of trekkers before they embark on the journey. Likewise, trekkers must provide a trek itinerary and emergency contact number while applying for the card. The information is crucial in ensuring your safety during natural disasters and emergencies. The costs of the TIMS card are as follows:

• SAARC national (Solo): NPR 600
• SAARC national (Group): NPR 300
• Non-SAARC national (Solo): NPR 1000
• Non-SAARC national (Group): NPR 2000

ACAP

The trails of Annapurna Base Camp Trek lie within the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is Nepal’s largest conservation area and home to thousands of biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in conserving and preserving the region’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Hence, trekkers must take permits to access the area. The costs of ACAP are:

• SAARC national: NPR 1000
• Non-SAARC national: NPR 3000

Scenic and adventurous trails

Annapurna Base Camp’s trekking trails are among the most scenic ones in the country. The route goes through beautiful settlements, hillside terrace farms, dense subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers. The trails are within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you can see diverse flora and fauna. Similarly, you will pass by forest trails, stone staircases, and suspension bridges. The landscapes shift from forest trails to rugged and rough ones as you move from lower region to higher. It makes for adventurous trails and adds thrill to the journey.

Unpredictable weather

Expect rapidly changing weather during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The weather changes significantly between lower-altitude and high-altitude regions. As you move to the higher areas, the temperature begins to drop gradually. Similarly, the weather also starts to become unpredictable despite the season. High wind is common after noon, and trekkers must prepare adequate clothing and equipment. The days are usually warm, but the nights and mornings are relatively cold.

Vantage Points

You will come across several vantage points during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These viewpoints offer some of the most incredible mountain panoramas and surrounding landscapes. The Poon Hill Viewpoint, at an elevation of 4,130 meters, offers one of the most gorgeous sunrise and sunset views along with grand mountain panoramas. The Annapurna Base Camp itself provides gorgeous mountain views in close range.

Picturesque settlements and cozy teahouses

Expect to come across numerous traditional villages and settlements during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The majority of locals living in these areas belong to Gurung and Magar ethnic groups. They have their own unique culture, traditions, and customs. The locals run the teahouses and lodges along the route. Hence, you will be able to witness their culture and traditional lifestyle. You will have numerous chances to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Annapurna region while on the trek. Likewise, you can experience the warm hospitality in the cozy teahouses and taste authentic local cuisines.

Travel insurance is mandatory for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Since the ABC route lies in the rural area of the Annapurna region, there are unforeseen risks, including high altitude. Therefore, travel insurance is crucial and gives trekkers peace of mind. The travel insurance must cover high altitudes of up to 6000 meters. It should cover medical and emergency expenses such as helicopter rescue and evacuation.

Due to the high altitude nature of the trek, trekkers can succumb to altitude sickness. In the worst-case scenario, they may need immediate rescue. There is a lack of roadways and medical facilities along the ABC trails. Helicopter rescue is the only way to provide immediate assistance. Therefore, travel insurance is crucial.

Other than medical and emergency expenses, travel insurance covers trip delays, cancellations, baggage loss, equipment damages, and more. Before getting insurance, ensure that you understand the terms and policy and that it covers all the above-mentioned essential points.

Altitude sickness is common among trekkers ascending to altitudes above 2500 meters. The higher you go, the oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases, and the air pressure reduces. As a result, the human body begins to experience discomfort and various symptoms of altitude-related sickness. The lack of oxygen increases your body’s metabolism. It can lead to dehydration and your body feeling unwell. The common symptoms of altitude sickness include fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, insomnia, and rapid heart beating. The severe symptoms can even be fatal.

During the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will climb up to an altitude of 4,130 meters. Due to the high altitude, there is a risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, trekkers need to take proper precautions and acclimatize. Some of the ways you can prevent altitude sickness during your Annapurna Base Camp Trek are as follows:

• Ascend to higher elevation gradually. It gives your body adequate time to adapt to the growing altitude.
• Follow the rule of sleeping low and climbing high.
• Take proper rest and do not rush to reach high-altitude areas.
• Hydrate your body throughout the journey.
• During the trek, eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid excessive caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and smoking tobacco.
• You can use medications like acetazolamide or Diamox to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
• If severe symptoms persist, you must descend to a lower altitude and seek medical assistance immediately.

To access the Annapurna Base Camp, you must first travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to the starting point of the trek.

You can travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by roadway or airway. Traveling by flight is faster but more expensive. Meanwhile, traveling by road takes more time but is affordable. You can use either method at your convenience. Then, you must travel via roadway from Pokhara to the trek’s starting point.

Take a look at the transportation options during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in brief:

Transportation via Airway

The 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the best option for those with limited time and seeking a comfortable option. Moreover, it is a scenic flight that offers an aerial view of the landscapes and mountain vistas. The cost of a one-way flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around USD 105 to USD 125. You will travel via roadway from Pokhara to the trek’s start point.

Another way to the Annapurna Base Camp is via Helicopter Tour. These one-day tours are convenient and do not require a physically demanding trek. These make them ideal for those with physical constraints or limited time. A one-day Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour costs around USD 650 to USD 1000. But it can get higher for additional facilities and services.

Transportation via Roadway

On the other hand, it takes 6 to 8 hours to reach Pokhara by car on the Prithvi Highway. The road connecting the two cities is smooth, with a few bumpy sections. You can choose between a local bus, a tourist bus, or hiring a private vehicle. Traveling on a tourist bus or a private vehicle is more convinent than on a local bus.

You can hire a private or shared jeep from Pokhara to travel to the trek’s starting point. A shared jeep is ideal for 2 or 3 people and is a more budget-friendly option. Hiring a private jeep is excellent for convenient traveling and for a larger group. A jeep has seating space for 7 to 8 people.

The costs of roadway transportation are as follows:

• Kathmandu to Pokhara tourist bus: USD 15
• Kathmandu to Pokhara Jeep/ Private car: USD 150 to USD 200
• Pokhara to Nayapul Jeep/ Private car: USD 80 to USD 120

The Annapurna region has facilities for electricity, WIFI, and battery recharge. Most accommodations along the route provide these services, for which you have to pay extra charges. They have a local grid or solar panels for electricity.

These facilities are more widely available in lower regions than in higher-altitude areas. As you ascend to higher elevations, the facilities may be limited. Due to a lack of infrastructure, WIFI connectivity gets poorer or non-existent, making it unsuitable for extensive data work. The accommodation charges around USD 2 for the services.

We advise trekkers to carry power banks, universal adapters, and spare batteries. The electrical outlet may be different from your country. The electric outlets in Nepal have Type C, D, and M plug standards. Likewise, the voltage is typically 220 to 240 volts at 50 hertz.

The temperature from the lower to higher altitude regions changes significantly despite the season. Hence, trekkers must prepare for all weather conditions. Proper gear and equipment also aid in making the trek journey more comfortable. Take a look at the equipment list to trek to the base camp of the world’s tenth-highest mountain:

Clothing and footwear

• Thermal base layer
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Windproof/ waterproof jacket
• Trekking pants
• Thermal tights
• Hats and cap
• Scarves
• Gloves
• Gaiter
• Sturdy and comfortable trekking shoes
• Sandals
• Trekking socks and thermal socks

Equipment and gear

• Backpack (30 to 40 liters)
• Daypack
• Trekking pole
• Sleeping bag
• Water bottle

Miscellaneous

• Toiletries
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Power bank
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Adaptors and plugs
• Extra batteries
• Personal items
• Medications