The 12 Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek combines two well-known and popular treks into one - the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC). There is a load to see on this trek that makes it a continual feast for your eyes!
This is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and can be completed by anyone with an average level of fitness. The magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges appear right before your eyes! The unmistakable and prominent Dhaulagiri (world’s 7th highest at 8167m), Annapurna 1 (world’s 10th highest at 8091m), Annapurna South, Machapuchare (6993m), Tharpu Chuli (5663m), Singu Chuli (6501m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and South Annapurna (7219m) will stop you in your tracks! Their sheer size and rugged beauty is unbelievable..
The 12 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also called the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
A vivid array of pinks in the rhododendron forests, swift-flowing rivers, suspension bridges, enchanting Buddhist temples, and amazing culturally rich villages perched on the sides of hills, wildlife, and sub-tropical valleys wedged between the monoliths of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (fishtail) ranges offer ever-changing views.
“Early to bed – early to rise” will allow you to capture the ever-changing reflection of light on the mountains. Likewise, sunset offers a similar display of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (6,993m) from Poon Hill (3210m) above the town of Ghorepani.
On the trail, you will see numerous chortens (Buddhist stone monuments), prayer flags, yaks grazing, bamboo and rhododendron forests, and the unique Tibetan style architecture of this region.
One of the main features of this trek is being exposed to the unique cultures of various villages and their enduring lifestyles high in the mountains, such as the Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa, Magar, and Thakali people. Many of these villages have age-old Buddhist and Hindu temples.
This jam-packed adventure starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and on to Nayapul where we begin our trek with the Modi Khola River below and terraced rice fields above. Our next stop is Tikhedhunga (1570m) and views of snow-clad mountains. The next day we follow the trail along the banks of the Modi Khola to Birethanti and on to Ghorepani where you will have time to explore this mountainous town and admire their culture.
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking staff will be there to greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel, followed by a briefing covering information, do’s, and don’ts of your trek. Your safety and comfort are paramount.
Our journey begins with a 6-7 hour drive toward the Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal (lake) and then checking in to your hotel close to Phewa Tal. There is plenty to see and do along Lakeside with its many shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from.
Today we travel by private vehicle from Pokhara to Nayapul and then trek to Ulleri. The trail follows a steep path for 2 to 3 hours before leveling off. We pass through a forested area and will then have amazing views of Mt. Annapurna South and Mt.Hiunchuli.
Our trek today starts with a 2 hour fairly steep climb up to Ulleri (2070m) and then to the Magar village of Banthanti from where we are blessed with magical views of Mt. Machapuchare (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m). After following the trail through a lush pink flowering rhododendron forest we cross a small bridge before reaching the village of Ghorepani where enormous peaks, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna loom in the background. This is a fantastic place to sit and take in the exquisite views.
Poon Hill is justifiable well known for offering unheralded views of the Annapurna Ranges – especially at sunrise and sunset. An early start will see us reach the Poon Hill viewpoint where we can watch the changing colors reflecting off the mountains, such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7855m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (729m), Nilgiri (6940m), Tukuche (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m) & Lamjung Himal (6931m). After sending your camera into overdrive we will return to a well-deserved breakfast at Ghorepani, after which we head to Tadapani Village via the scenic trail passing through Deurali (meaning a ridge in Nepali) and teahouses until we reach Tadapani. Overnight stay at the teahouse.
The trek from Tadapani descends through unspoiled oak and rhododendron forests with views of the Annapurnas along the way. We stop for lunch at Kimrong Khola (river), a tributary of the Modi Khola River. From here the trail ascends for 1-2 hours before reaching the ridge where it becomes easier before reaching Chomrong Village – the last village on the trail until ABC. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today the trail drops down to the Chomrong Khola and again we continue climbing to Khuldighar- 2,380m, where ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check post used to be. As you go higher, you will notice the decreasing of the forest, from where the route travels steeply down to a rocky bank and then running through thickets of bamboo at the bottom of the gorge, keeping always on the west side of the river. We walk through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to the Himalayan Hotel (2920m). Overnight at a guest house.
Today’s trek takes us to the Sanctuary (ABC) along a trail that is often covered in snow – depending on the season. We follow the trail that takes us by Hinku Cave and Deurali. From ABC you are blessed with mind-boggling views of Annapurna I (8091m) an enormous mountain right before your eyes! ABC has several teahouses where we can stop for a break and take in the magnificent views. We will stay here tonight.
Leaving ABC we trek back through lush vegetation until we reach Bamboo Village where we stay for the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner Included.
Leaving Bamboo in the morning we have a short climb to Sinuwa Village (2320m) and then on to Chomrong. After a short break at Chomrong, we head uphill and then descend to Jhinu Danda. This is an excellent opportunity to relax your tired muscles in the hot spring just below the Modi River. We will stay here tonight. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
This is our final day on the trail and after leaving Jhinu Danda we follow an easily traversed trail alongside the Modi Khola River for about 4 to 5 hours before reaching Birethanti Village. We then continue to Nayapul before driving back to Pokhara. Today’s trek and drive is about 6 to 7 hours.
Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
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Yes, you can. No matter who you are, as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 5-6 hours a day and trek/hike a few uphill, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking team will support you to the fullest to transform your dream of standing at Annapurna Base Camp into reality.
The pre-monsoon (February, March, April and May) and post monsoon (late September, October, November and December) are considered the best for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek as the weather conditions become favorable during this time, providing you with good visibility and a suitable atmosphere for Annapurna Base Camp trekking.
No, there is no age limit for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp but, you need to be in good physical shape and have a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the excursion though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the excursion.
During trekking, you will be served meals in the teahouses. Typical meals are noodles, rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetables and egg/chicken/meat dishes. Other items mostly served as breakfasts include egg, pancake, bread, porridge, muesli, and toasts with peanut butter and honey.
A teahouse trekking accommodation will be made for you for the Annapurna Base Camp trekking whereby you will be able to stay at tea house (Local lodge) and have wholesome food and neat and clean comfortable bed throughout your trekking journey. This form of arrangement also allows you to carry less baggage; you can trek at your own pace and enjoy the Annapurna panorama on your own schedule. It is also an eco-friendly way of trekking whereby trekkers can have more contact with the local people.
Most of the teahouses on the Annapurna Base camp trail have squat toilet facilities but recently built lodges have western-style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with number of increasing foreign mountaineers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries. Hot shower facilities are available. The most common type is a bucket shower, usual buckets with tap filled with hot water and placed in a shower room. Hot shower costs from US$ 2 to 5 per use and the price increases along with the elevation. Attached bathrooms and toilets are not available unless you book for a luxury lodge during the ABC trek.
What you want to wear depends on you but we suggest you wear warm clothes during the Annapurna Base Camp trekking. A down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves might be useful. There are numerous trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get all of these items in both local and branded stores alike. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking may also accompany and assist you if required.
During the Annapurna Base Camp trekking, you will be on a long journey for which you will need two bags to keep your belongings. A rucksack/duffle bag and a day bag for personal items. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide you with a duffle bag (which is need to refund after the trek) that you can use throughout your entire journey and even afterward. These bags are durable and hence perfect for any kind of trekking journey. While the duffle bag will be carried by the potters, you will have to carry a day bag on your own. A day bag is a small backpack that has enough room for everything you will need on a day hike such as lunch, water, extra clothing and perhaps a few personnel items like camera, battery chargers, etc.
If possible, we suggest you bring your own equipment. However, sleeping bags and down jackets will be provided to you by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking. With regards to trekking poles, if you are used to walking with it then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference. If you prefer to take the trekking poles with you on the trekking then you can either bring your own pole or buy it from numerous options available in Kathmandu itself.
Yes, if you have a bag of extra clothing for when you return from the trekking, you will be able to store it safely in Kathmandu Sherpa Expedition and Trekking office. The storage facility is provided by most hotels and lodges in Kathmandu or you can also store it in our office for the duration of the trekking.
Our itinerary has been specially tailored to prevent any kind of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while moving up to higher altitudes. Normally, altitude sickness starts from 3,600 meters and above. You will be trekking at a relatively slow and gradual pace as part of the acclimatization process. Cut off caffeinated, alcoholic and smoking items. Drink at least 4 liters of water a day. Trek slow. Don't skip the acclimatization days. Better to continue with Diamox (if any symptoms show up). Drink Garlic Soup. In the higher elevation, there is less oxygen in the air and this is more so while crossing high passes. Our expert guides will advise you on how to avoid AMS and treat it when/ if required.
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Annapurna Base Camp trekking. You should be careful in choosing a policy while traveling to a Himalayan country like Nepal as some insurance companies may make special exceptions for adventure travel. If you are confused about the insurance, please inform us and we will help you. It is usually better to arrange your insurance in your country before travel.
The trekking will be 5-7 hours a day depending upon the landscape and destination.
It takes 4 to 11 days to reach Base Camp depending upon the mode of transportation and packages of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offers.
We at Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team always have the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our valued customers as our foremost priority at all times, and we assure you a wonderful and unforgettable time with us in our beautiful country. Sherpa team members of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will be carrying all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits and they have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick on high altitude, the leader will decide whether to continue the trek. In case of emergency, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking have a rescue helicopter to bring you back from the higher elevation. Moreover, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also provides oximeter to monitor the oxygen level at high altitude and offers regular health check-up facilities.
You can either trek on foot or by a helicopter. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offer exciting and reasonable Helicopter trek to Annapurna Base Camp for 5 days and 10 days. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking can also customize your tour as per your necessity.
The flights are usually regular between September and May. But due to high altitude, bad weather and unforeseen technical issues, you may experience a delay or cancellation of the flight. On the occurrence of such events, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking tourist bus will be arranged.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry 20 kgs of luggage (maximum 10 kg for each trekker). Please be sure your porters are not overloaded because they do not carry only your equipment but also lift your spirit to reach new heights, and your love, affection, and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination. However, the weight limit on flights to the Annapurna region, basically to Pokhara is a total of 20 kgs including hand bag and you need to pay an extra amount per kg for the excess baggage. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking pays up to 5 kgs of extra baggage making your total to 20 kgs with your hand bag.
Garlic soup is a must while trekking. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking recommend trekkers to drink green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon ginger tea and drink at least 2-4 liters of water a day. However, it is better to avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages, caffeinated items, and hot-chocolates at high altitude.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking won’t recommend non-veg items because the meat in such places may not hygienic and healthy. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also encourage to avoid dairy and cheesy items and strongly suggest not to consume them during the trek. So, our packages are suitable for both vegan and vegetarians.
Your guide and porters are a big reason why you got a chance to feel something very few can have. Apart from guiding and carrying your necessities and being mindful of your safety, they want to see you happily succeeded more than anyone like family and help you successfully complete the trek safely. So, your tips reflect gratitude towards them. So, tipping is a recommended culture for porters and guide in Nepal as a gesture of thankfulness.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will introduce dozens of shops selling knock-off gear in Kathmandu. You can also barter those gears at the knock-off places but be sure you keep the receipt safely. Moreover, you can rent the needed gears if you do not want to buy them.
Yes, most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, for a small charge. it cost USD$5 per day.
ATM services are available only in Pokhaa. However, the services might not work or run out of cash. Therefore, we suggest you carry a small amount of money to buy snacks, etc during the trekking.
Most of the tea houses/ lodges have electricity whereby you will be able to charge your iPod or camera batteries. Please note that lodges/tea houses will charge you some extra money for the services. The fee may vary from 1 USD to 5 USD per hour.
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Based On 67 Reviews
I have recently done the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking with my friend, it has been organized very professionally. The whole trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the trek, and the return were perfectly organized. I had the best experience with our guides and porter. They were all extremely friendly and accommodating throughout the duration of our trek. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team give me good services. Thanks
Thank you, Ram, for giving me this lifetime experience. Everything is very safe and enjoy very much in Nepal. Annapurna Base Camp trekking was a perfect trip for me. Our guide Wangchu was very friendly and always listen to us. If you are looking for the Annapurna Base Camp trip in Nepal I recommend Sherpa Expedition and Trekking for you
Director of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is the of the best person I have ever met in my life... He provided us the best guide and porter for entire trip... I was provided all facilities and good hotels in Kathmandu... Pls visit sherpaexpeditiontrekking.com ... One of the best trekking agencies in Nepal.
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Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is one of the pioneers of Trekking, tour and expedition in Nepal which was established on January 07, 1977, with a motto: ‘Enhancing Tourism possibilities across the Globe’. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is proud to be recognized as the fifth Trekking and Adventure company authorized by the Tourism Board of Nepal.
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