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Trip Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary, where scenic beauty and cultural experiences await. Experience the transition from lush green mid-hills to the icy realms of glaciers, a journey that will captivate your senses.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting woodlands adorned with towering rhododendrons, pines, and oak trees, creating a picturesque backdrop for your trek. Every step offers mesmerizing views of the majestic Annapurna Himalayas, a constant reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds you.

Stand in awe beneath the towering peak of Mt. Annapurna-I, the world’s tenth highest mountain, at the serene base camp, a truly unforgettable moment in the heart of the Himalayas

BEST SEASONS FOR ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP

The optimal seasons for Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary trekking are spring and autumn (fall). Spring, from March to May, offers pleasant walks and stunning views amidst clear, sunny days, though occasional overcast afternoons and light precipitation may occur. The days are longer but mornings and late afternoons can be chilly, depending on altitude. Spring showcases vibrant wildflowers, particularly rhododendrons, making it ideal for nature lovers.

Autumn, spanning from September to November, features bright, sunny days with clear blue skies, perfect for trekking. However, daylight hours are limited, and temperatures drop in the mornings and late afternoons, with possible light snowfall above 2,500 meters. These seasons provide the best conditions for experiencing the beauty of the Annapurna region.

Winter, encompassing the Christmas and New Year holidays, presents another opportunity for trekkers to experience the Annapurna Base Camp. Despite shorter daylight hours, typically from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., most days are characterized by clear blue skies, offering excellent visibility and stunning vistas. This season provides a unique and tranquil trekking experience amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

THE ROUTES AND TRAILS TO ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP

Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp or exploring other adventures in the Nepal Himalayas demands awareness of the varied terrains. Nepal boasts diverse landscapes, from mid-hills to towering mountains. The trails consist of both ascents and descents, with occasional gradual sections. The only flat terrain is found in the low sub-tropical Terai belt in southern Nepal.

In route to the Annapurna Base Camp, expect steep climbs followed by short descents, especially from Deurali (3,200 m) to Machhapuchare Base Camp (3,720 m). Upon entering the sanctuary, the path becomes more pleasant, winding gradually. The return journey from Annapurna Base Camp to Jhinu involves downhill sections, interspersed with short climbs and long descents via stone-paved steps through villages.

CULTURE AND RELIGION EN ROUTE TO ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP

Nepal is renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. In the Annapurna Himalayas and Mid-West Nepal, the predominant hill tribes are the Magar and Gurung people. The Gurung community, inhabiting the southern hills of the Annapurna region, follow Buddhist and Bon sect traditions, worshipping nature and mountain spirits.

Villages like Ghandruk and Chomrong offer glimpses into Gurung culture, adorned with Buddhist prayer flags symbolizing the five earthly elements. Alongside Buddhism, Gurung also practice Shamanism, honoring an unseen world of deities and ancestral spirits.

They celebrate Hindu festivals and observe Tamu Losar, their unique New Year based on animal and bird cycles, falling around December or January, akin to Tibetan and Chinese New Year celebrations. Currently (2023), it’s the Year of the Rabbit in their calendar.

FOODS, ACCOMMODATION AND LODGES FACILITIES

In addition to choosing the optimal trekking season for the Annapurna Base Camp, consideration of food and accommodation is vital. Beginning from comfortable tourist-standard hotels in Pokhara, trekkers will find well-appointed lodges and diverse culinary options in villages along the route.

Villages like Ghandruk, Chomrong, and Jhinu offer cozy accommodations with extensive menus featuring Nepali Dal Bhat, a staple dish of rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetables. Meals range from breakfast staples like oats porridge to hearty lunch and dinner options including Continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan cuisines.

Lodges in these villages boast basic yet comfortable amenities, though accommodations become more rustic beyond Chomrong. Shared rooms with common bathrooms are common due to harsh terrain, with hot showers available at an additional cost from Deurali onwards.

Lodges are equipped with electricity, often sourced from local hydro or solar power, and offer charging facilities for electronic devices, albeit at an extra fee. While internet and Wi-Fi are available, connectivity may be intermittent due to weather conditions.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel.
Day 02: Optional sightseeing tour and trek preparations in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Travel to Pokhara (860 m) by flight or drive (6 hours).
Day 04: Drive to Ghandruk village (1,951 m) (4 hours).
Day 05: Trek to Chomrong village (1,940 m) (6 hours).
Day 06: Trek to Dovan (2,130 m) via Bamboo (2,050 m) (6 hours).
Day 07: Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp (3,720 m) (6 hours).
Day 08: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) (3 hours).
Day 09: Trek to Bamboo (2,050 m) (7 hours).
Day 10: Trek to Jhinu-Danda, known for its hot spring (1,700 m) (6 hours).
Day 11: Short trek and drive to Pokhara (860 m) (4 hours).
Day 12: Return to Kathmandu by flight or drive (6 hours).

Details Itinerary

Day 01: Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport:- our friendly team welcomes you and assists with NST (Nepal Standard Time) adjustment, which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. After a short drive to Thamel, check into your hotel. Later, join the Annapurna Base Camp briefing, followed by a delightful Nepali dinner with cultural entertainment.

Day 02: Depart for Pokhara by air or road: – enjoying breakfast before transferring to a spacious vehicle. The scenic journey offers glimpses of rural life along Trisuli River, culminating in a picturesque stay by Phewa Lake.

Day 04: Journey to Ghandruk village (1,951 m):- 4 hours covering 54.8 km/34 miles. Marvel at morning views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks before departing from Pokhara. Enjoy a scenic drive through rural landscapes to reach Ghandruk, a charming village and gateway to Annapurna Base Camp. Explore the village and its cultural attractions, including a Gurung museum, before settling into a cozy mountain lodge for the night.

Day 05: Trek 6 hours from Ghandruk to Chomrong village (1,940 m). After a short uphill climb to Kimrong ridge, descend through dense forests to Kimrong valley. Enjoy lunch before ascending steeply to Chomrong, the last permanent village before Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 06: Trek for 6 hours from Chomrong to Dovan (2,130 m) via Bamboo (2,610 m):- Cross a river and ascend to Sinuwa Danda for a possible lunch stop. Descend through lush woods to Bamboo before walking along the Modi River gorge to reach Dovan.

Day 07: Trek 6 hours from Dovan to Machhapuchare Base Camp (3,720 m):- Follow the Modi River upstream through dense vegetation to Himalaya Hotel, then traverse rocky moraine debris to Deurali for lunch. Continue climbing to MBC, nestled beneath towering peaks.

Day 08: Trek 3 hours from Machhapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), one of the shortest walks. Enjoy morning mountain views before a brief climb onto a grassy slope, entering the picturesque Sanctuary. Relax and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow peaks.

Day 09: Trek for 7 hours from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,050 m), the longest day of the journey. Descend from ABC through Deurali, passing MBC and Himalaya Hotel, before reaching Bamboo for overnight stay

Day 10: Trek for 6 hours from Bamboo to Jhinu-Danda (1,700 m):- known for its hot spring. Ascend from Bamboo to Khuldi Ghar, then descend to Sinuwa Danda before reaching Chomrong for lunch. Finally, downhill to Jhinu for an overnight stay.

Day 11: After a pleasant stay in Jhinu village:- Embark on a short walk to the road-head after breakfast. Drive back to Pokhara, enjoying the scenic journey along the highway. Arrive in Pokhara by lunchtime for overnight stay

Day 12: After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6-hour drive back to Kathmandu:- Enjoy the journey along the same exciting highway, arriving in the bustling city by afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure

Cost Details

Trip Departure

Reviews

Name: Mattleshia

February 8, 2019

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Thanks to Suman and everyone at Buna treks for helping us to get to Annapurna Base Camp! They planned all the right taxis and tickets to get us trekking as smoothly as possible, and it was so nice that they dealt with all of the payments at the tea houses. I would gladly use Buna Treks again for our next hike in Nepal.

Source by: TripAdvisor

Name: Chris R

February 8, 2019

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

I am writing this review 2 1/2 years after my trek and less than a week after the earthquake because my friend and guide, Suman Adhikari, has asked me to, and frankly I would have done it sooner if I’d known they were on this site. Notice that I put friend first in my description of Suman, my guide from Buna Treking. In the just 5 days we spent together on the Annapurna short circuit I came to think of Suman as my brother from another mother. We laughed and joked and challenged each other with languages. Once on the trek you can really put your mind on cruise control because everything is in good hands. Worries about where to stay, how to get there, checkpoints and authorities, food are all gone. Just put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the views and make conversation or not. It’s up to you. He even let me set my own pace which being from Colorado was considerably faster than some of the groups he has dealt with I believe.

Since leaving, Suman and I have kept in touch via Facebook and although I haven’t made it back to Nepal I still hear from him wishing me a happy new year or just wondering how things are going. We had fun together and I know you will too.

I want to support him and the company now in this trying time, and this is all he has asked me to do. If you’re planning a trek in Nepal, go with Suman! Ps. I put October 2014 because that was the closest option given, but it was 2012.

Source by: TripAdvisor