Trekking

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek brings you into the heart of the Himalayas from the off.  This trek is very popular with both experienced hikers and those who are new to trekking and/or travelling with older children. This is partly because the walking is not too hard, the accommodation on this trek is reasonably comfortable, and the scenery changes from farmlands and villages to forests and glacier rivers. And partly because of the stunning views of the mountains, particularly at Annapurna Base Camp. This is a year round trek at lower altitude (for the Himalayas), the highest point being 4,130m. At this altitude there is less likelihood of altitude sickness problems. 

Enjoy the short plane ride between Kathmandu and Pokhara where you will be able to see the Himalayas below and beside you as you fly! There is also time to do some shopping for gifts to take home in either Lakeside, Pokhara, or Thamel, Kathmandu. 

• DURATION: 11 Days
• DIFFICULTY: Moderate
• DESTINATION: Annapurna Base Camp
• MAX ALTITUDE: 4,130 m / 13,549 ft m
• ACCOMODATION: Teahouses/ Lodges
• GROUP SIZE: Any number
• TRIP STARTS AT: Pokhara
• TRIP ENDS AT: Pokhara
• BEST SEASONS: March | April | May | September | October | November

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about this trip, or any other trip in Nepal, please do not hesitate to contact Sherpa and Swiss Adventures. Basically, the itineraries on our websites are for the most popular destinations. You can contact us and let us know your requirements. For example, your intended length of stay, your preferences of hotels, your choice of route for trek, the places you would like to visit, or any kind of customization. We would love to hear your unique choices and travel ideas; based on which we can curate a blend of our ideas and come up with the most suitable trip itinerary for you as an individual or a group.

TOUR MAP AND ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

It all starts here. But first, the formalities…

Our airport representative will be there to meet you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will recognise her/him from the Sherpa and Swiss Adventures signboard they will be holding. You will then be transferred to your hotel by our private tourist vehicle.

Later that day there will be a pre-trip meeting in our office. If your flight arrives after 4pm you will be briefed when you reach your hotel. Please ensure to ask any questions you may still have about the trip regardless as to when or where your briefing meeting takes place. 

Please bring to the meeting: your original passport, three passport-sized photos and your travel insurance policy (hard copy please). During the meeting we request you to clear any outstanding monies and sign the legally binding trip form and a non-liability disclaimer.  Thank you for your cooperation.

• 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
• Hotel
• Dinner

Day 2 : Fly to Pokhara (827m/ 2,713ft) Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,364ft): 30 minutes flight, 1.5 hours drive, 5-6 hours trek

After breakfast set off to the airport to fly to Pokhara. We will let you know your flight and pick up times the day before. On this short flight you will already witness many mountains peeking through the clouds. On arrival in Pokhara, transfer to a private vehicle to drive approximately 1.5 hours to Nayapul where the trek begins. From Nayapul it’s a 5 to 6 hour trek to Ghandruk. On the way to Ghandruk we will stop for lunch, perhaps in the small village of  Birethani. This area is mainly inhabited by Gurung people and there will be an opportunity tonight or tomorrow morning to find out more at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the perfect spot to start your real adventure in the Annapurnas – the views from here are just a taste of what you will see in the days to come!

• 827 m / 2,713 ft
• Lodge
• 5-6 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 : Trek Ghandruk to Chomrong

After breakfast – including a hot cup of tea while gazing at the mountains at sunrise - descend out of the village to Kimrong River. Here the trail then ascends to Chomrong. From Chomrong, Machapuchhre (6,996m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) are the two mountains that stand out the most against the clear sky.  

• 2,170 m / 7,119 ft
• Lodge
• 5-6 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 : Trek Chomrong to Bamboo

The day starts by descending down to Chomrong River. But remember that for every descent in the Himalayas there is an ascent! Climbing up the stone steps, take in the sight of terraced farmland and children making their way to school.  By now icy rivers and long suspension bridges will have become part of your daily routine.  But today you will also hike through a bamboo forest. Which of course gives the village of Bamboo its name.

• Lodge
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 : Trek Bamboo to Deurali

Setting off this morning the trail continues through the bamboo forest.  This is damp and cold but when you come out of the forest into the sun, the views open up to that of a glacial river below. Still in forest, although not damp like the bamboo one, the trail takes you to Hinku Cave before climbing to Deurali. On the final part of the trail the scenery is of sheer cliffs, waterfalls and the valley below. Tonight we get a good sleep in Deurali in anticipation of pushing on to Annapurna Base Camp!

• 3,230 m / 10,597 ft
• Lodge
• 3-4 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 : Trek Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/ 13,549ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/ 12,139ft): 5-6 hours

The morning starts off with a gentle climb through a river bed. But then the trek up from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp reminds you are in the Himalayas. The views will make you forget your aching legs as you gaze on the likes of Machhapuchhre, Hinchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Annapurna III. Finally reaching your goal of the Annapurna Base Camp, you pass through the Annapurna Sanctuary where the 360 degree panorama of the majestic mountains and the near vertical view of the South Face of Annapurna take your breath away. Tonight we stay in one of the lodges at Annapurna Base Camp. This is the highest point of the trek; but by keeping well hydrated there is little chance of altitude related sickness. 

• 4,130 m / 13,549 ft
• Lodge
• 5-6 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 : Trek Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Today retrace your steps back to Bamboo. This is long walking day; mainly downhill.

• 2,310 m / 7,579 ft
• Lodge
• 7-8 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 : Trek Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

Yesterday the trail was mainly downhill, so you have guessed it: today the trail starts with an uphill trek to Kuldighar before descending down to Chomrong River. Stone steps have to be negotiated to bring you back to Chomrong village before descending to Jhinu Danda where you stay on your final night on the trek. To celebrate your successful trek, why not take your weary body just another 20 minutes further to the hot springs where you can enjoy the soothing hot waters before dinner. 

• 1,760 / 5,774 ft
• Lodge
• 5-6 Hours
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 : Trek Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara: 6 hours trek, 1.5 hours drive

Today is your final day of walking and it takes you through a landscape of cliffs and rivers until your reach Nayapul where it’s a short drive to Pokhara. Once in Pokhara you can relax in one of the many restaurants and visit local shops to hunt for souvenirs.

• Hotel
• 6 Hours
• Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 : Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today perhaps you would like to take your breakfast overlooking Fewa Lake, or simply sleep longer in a very comfortable bed before heading to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.  Join us for a farewell dinner! But we hope to see you again!

• Hotel
• Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 : Final Departure

Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• All ground transfers according to the itinerary which includes: airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
• Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicle (if you have sightseeing in the itinerary).
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
• Welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a culture dance to introduce you to the Nepali culture.
• Farewell dinner in a continental restaurant. (To satisfy your cravings after eating all that Nepali food! But Nepali food is also available if you want more!)
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu).
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide and assistant guide (if needed).
• Porter service (one porter for two trekkers).
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation.
• Complimentary Sherpa and Swiss Adventures trekking bag/duffel bag, cap and a surprise souvenir from us.
• All necessary paperwork ie trekking permits.
• Medical kit (carried by your guide).
• All government and local taxes.

WHAT'S Not INCLUDED

• Nepalese entry visa fee (for your convenience please bring exact USD cash and two passport photographs).
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu and airport departure tax.
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
• Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or earlier return (for any reason) than on the scheduled itinerary.
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen.
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of earlier return from the trek than in the scheduled itinerary).
• Travel insurance which must cover emergency rescue and evacuation.
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, alcoholic drinks).
• Optional trips and sightseeing, if extended.
• Optional trips and sightseeing, if extended.
• Services not mentioned in the ‘Included in the Cost’ section.