Introduction to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

July 21, 2023 By Himalayan Hero Adventure
Introduction to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The ascent to Mount Annapurna's base camp, at 4130 meters, is one of the most well-known treks on the continent. The summit of the mountain’s base rises to an altitude of 8091 meters and is ranked as the tenth-tallest mountain in the world. It brings you to the base of some of the world's tallest mountains and is one of the most well-known short treks in Nepal. You'll spend the night in two renowned base camps along the route, with close-up views of Machapuchare and Annapurna I, along with Mount Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Annapurna III, which can also be seen from the Annapurna Base Camp.
It offers an almost vertical perspective of the south face of the Annapurna as well as a 360-degree panoramic view. Additionally, the trekking trails pass through rhododendron forests, glacial rivers, and waterfalls and offer stunning views of towering cliffs with rivers cascading down them. The route may travel through areas where Gurung culture, traditional practices, and religious beliefs are present. Our twelve-day trip to Annapurna Base Camp will begin with a drive from Pokhara to Siwai. Also, this route is accessible almost all year and fits most travelers' schedules. There is a limited chance of experiencing complications associated with being at high altitude because the highest point is at Annapurna Base Camp, which is only at 4,130 meters.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ABC TREK

Concurrent exploration of Machhapucchre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
Hot tub at Jhinu Danda.
360-degree panoramic view of Machhapucchre Himal, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, and South Annapurna
You'll be able to see the total magnificence of the various Himalayan scenery as you go through lonesome towns, fairy-tale forests, immense moorlands with rivers pouring through them, and the blue-hued peaks of base camp that gleam under the stars!
The prominent indigenous Gurung and Sherpa civilizations of Chhomrong and Ghandruk villages are distinguished by their peculiar tails.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
Modi Khola's waves

DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF ABC TREK

The difficulty level of the trek to Annapurna Base Camp ranges from easy to moderate at times. Most of the time, it is a calm stroll through Nepalese villages. However, the terrain does get more difficult as you get closer to Annapurna Base Camp. After ABC, the descent is an arduous, approximately nine-hour hike. Please be aware that due to the nature of outdoor travel, this tour will operate on a reduced schedule when there is a medium-to-high danger of bad weather. The journey is, therefore, of average difficulty. It is a pleasant trip for experienced hikers. We also provide insurance and helicopter services in case of any unanticipated events.

BEST SEASON FOR ABC TREK

Explore whenever you're ready, because every season has something exciting to offer. However, April (spring) and October (fall) are the best months to go. Because of the great mountain vistas and ease of acclimatization, it is thought to be the ideal time of year to trek to Arnapurna Base Camp. In the spring, 20 °C daily highs are to be anticipated. However, at night, it decreases to almost nil levels. In some respects, autumn is similar to winter. It won't be snowing in patches, but it will be colder than July. The nights in autumn get really cold. October's lowest temperature is 0°C.

Accommodation and meals during ABC

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a good 3-star hotel or resort with all the amenities you need. You will stay in decent, immaculate lodges and guesthouses along the route. You will be given the option to choose from dal-bhat, bread, chapati, fried rice, vegetable soup, porridge, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, pasta, vegetable and non-vegetarian noodle soup, spaghetti, hot beverages, etc. for each of your three daily meals.

PERMITS AND REGULATIONS

Similar to other treks in the Annapurna Region, you'll need a TIMS card, which costs $10, and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which costs $20 USD. These must be presented at a checkpoint when you first begin your adventure. This all will be managed by our Himalayan hero guide, but please be sure to bring all the needed paperwork.

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DETAILS ITINERARY

In order to ensure a smooth and comfortable tour, we at Himalayan Hero have carefully created this schedule, taking into account all the necessary details. However, due to unforeseen circumstances like the weather or other requirements, some minor alterations might need to be made. These changes will be carried out with the utmost care for your safety and comfort. The tour operator will use all reasonable means to ensure that the trip is successful and that everyone has a memorable experience.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m):

Namaste! Greetings from Nepal. When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our guide from Himalayan Hero will welcome you. After assisting you with your belongings, our staff members will take you to your hotel room for the night. In addition to giving you a briefing on the trekking itinerary in the evening, we will host a dinner program in a typical Nepali restaurant. It is essential that you attend the welcome meeting because this is when we'll be asking you about your insurance and next of kin. If you think you'll be late, kindly let the front desk at your hotel or travel company know.

Day 02: Full-day sightseeing of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley (1,350 meters) with a tour guide

Kathmandu is a well-liked tourist destination because of its huge past significance and worth from a cultural and religious perspective. The city exhibits a fascinating fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, with holy landmarks including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. On Day 2 of our tour, we will visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, a palace with 55 windows constructed in Bhaktapur around the 15th century, and Swayambhunath Stupa.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (830 m): 7 hours

We will leave Kathmandu early this morning and drive about seven hours in a private vehicle to the enchanting lake city of Pokhara. Pokhara's picturesque setting on a lake beneath the snow-capped highlands of the Annapurna range makes it a fantastic place to unwind. This afternoon, you'll receive a briefing and preparation for your climb, but if you come early enough, you could have time to rent a small boat and take a quick paddle on the lake. Additionally, there are lots of cafes where you can unwind while enjoying cuisine from around the world. Additionally, there are a number of shops and booths around the main street where you can purchase a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan handicrafts. If you need to rent any additional hiking equipment, there are many shops selling everything you could possibly need. Your stay is being handled by the hotel staff.

Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Naya Pool, then trek to Ghandruk (1940 m) for 6 hours.

You travel for an hour to reach Nayapul, where your trip begins. Put on your gear and follow the Bhurungi Khola to Thikhedhunga. Then ascend through fields before climbing steeply to Ulleri. We trek from Birethanti to Ghandruk, a picturesque village primarily populated by the Gurung ethnic group. Today, if there is time, we will also go to the Gurung museum. You'll stroll for three hours today. Half of the track is a road, and half is a pedestrian path. On a clear day, you may have a nice view of Annapurna South, Himchuli, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, etc. You will visit the Gurung Museum and Ghandruk Village in the afternoon before spending the night at a lodge.

Day 05: Ghandruk to Chomrong (2170 m): 6 hours

Our trail now climbs steeply, ascending far above the river while traversing bamboo groves and isolated farms. The teahouses at Jhinu provide a pleasant opportunity to stop for a drink and a break on this long, sweltering ascent. At this point, we start the hour-long ascent to Kimrungdanda. On the approach, there are fantastic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain, and Gangapurna. You can stop at tea shops along the way to fill up your water bottles. On the side of the massive Annapurna Mountain is a lovely town known as Chhomrong, where we shall overnight with a decent hot meal.

Day 6: Chomrong to Bamboo (2310 m): 5 hours

Today we climb the 2500 stone stairs and cross the bridge over Chhomrong Khola. From here, a difficult climb leads to Sinuwa. Following that, we trek to Kuldihar through a magnificent forest before making a short dip to Bamboo. We'll also go to Bamboo, a small community with five lodges or so in the middle of a forest. It is covered in rhododendron and bamboo greenery along the Modi River. We will ultimately reach Dovan after a steady ascent through the cool shadow of the trees. Finally, we will overnight in bamboo, particularly in a hut.

Day 7: Bamboo to Deurali (3230 m) 5 hours

If the weather is fine, you will enjoy a wonderful view in the morning and then have breakfast. From Bamboo, you must hike to Deurali. The majority of the trek is an uphill jungle stroll, which takes almost 6–7 hours. We move through a chilly, damp bamboo grove before making a steady ascent with a few steep stretches. The forest only opens up, and we are once more outside in the sunshine with breathtaking views of the glacier river below once we reach the Himalaya Hotel. To access Hinku Cave, one must hike steeply up through a much drier forest. From here, we can see how the trail descends down the river before ascending once more to Deurali, the day's most picturesque section. A spectacular view of the valley, the river below, and the steep rock cliffs above, with bands of wispy waterfalls, is made possible by the sparser vegetation. Finally, we will overnight in Deurali in a warm and cozy bed.

Day 08: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m): 6 hours

Today we will trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 meters, which will take us around 5 to 6 hours. The whole trail is flat, with only a gentle ascent through the riverbed. The distance from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a somewhat difficult climb. The vegetation begins to disappear on our way to ABC, and the path widens as we get closer to the Annapurna Refuge. We have stunning views of Annapurna's virtually vertical south face from here, which towers over us. The sanctuary enjoys an unhindered panoramic view in all directions. From the base camp, we once again enjoy breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and other peaks.

Day 9: 8-hour trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310 m).

You'll see a beautiful sunrise as you wake up in the morning, along with Annapurna I, Barahi Shikhar, Tent Peak, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Gandharva Chuli. You'll have breakfast after that. The entire journey from ABC to Bamboo takes place via Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, Himalaya, Dovan, and Bamboo. It's situated at 2340 meters. We reversed our route back to Bamboo after leaving the Annapurna base camp. The journey today is downhill, so it shouldn't be too challenging. In addition, we will always have magnificent scenery to cheer us up. The trek takes about 6-7 hours, and you spend the night at a bamboo lodge.

Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1760 meters) 6 hours

After a decent and fulfilling breakfast, you will descend from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda via Sinuwa and Chhomrong Village. Jhinu is at 1690 meters and takes us 4-5 hours to trek. From Bamboo, it is a steep ascent to Kuldighar, followed by a gentle descent to Chhomrong Khola. Then we walk up the stone steps of Chhomrong. The next section of the path descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will spend the night. The hot springs, which are just a 15- to 20-minute downhill stroll from Jhinu Danda, will provide us with the opportunity to unwind today. Take a night's rest in Jhinu Danda.

Day 11: Trek to Naya Pool and then drive to Pokhara (830 m). 7 hours

As we move from Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul, we have the chance to admire the stunning western Nepali hill landscape. On the way, we stop for lunch and board our vehicle for Pokhara. After a once-in-a-lifetime hike, we will finally spend the night in Pokhara as all those memories come flooding back.

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu (1300 m); 8 hrs.

We'll drive you back to Kathmandu and show you to your hotel room after an unforgettable Arnapurna base camp trek. We'll have our last meal of the tour in the evening at a restaurant with a significant Nepali cultural presence. If not, we will bid you farewell as you depart and drop you off at the airport in accordance with your departure time.

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