· Mesmerizing Dawn at Poon Hill:
· World's Loftiest Guardians:
· Serene Nights at Annapurna Base Camp:
· Wilderness Walk Among Verdant Riches:
· Stunning Glacier & Mountain Vistas:
· Natural Hot Springs at Jhinu:
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is an iconic odyssey that draws adventurers from across the globe. Perched at an impressive altitude of 4,130 meters, the base camp acts as a gateway to the magnificent Mount Annapurna, the 10th highest peak on the planet, soaring to 8,091 meters. This journey offers an unforgettable adventure, and mesmerizing trekkers as they venture into the heart of the Himalayas.
The Annapurna Sanctuary is a realm of unparalleled beauty, enveloped by towering giants like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machapuchhre (6,993 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). It’s renowned for its striking variations in altitude and a rich, diverse ecosystem, making this trek a truly unique expedition into the wild.
The trek leads through lush forests adorned with vibrant rhododendrons, serene rice terraces, and traditional farmlands, all against a backdrop of unrivaled mountain vistas. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in the grandeur of immense peaks while gaining insights into the intricate tapestry of Nepalese life and culture, making the ABC trek an experience unlike any other.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek isn't just about stunning scenery; it’s a journey into the soul of the region. As you tread along the trail, you’ll have the privilege to engage with the vibrant local cultures of the Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis, and Lobas—ethnic communities that have called these mountains home for generations.
These colorful villages, dotted along the foothills, welcome trekkers into their world, with small Buddhist shrines, Gumbas, and a serene way of life that feels timeless and untouched by the hurried pace of the modern world. It’s as if you've stepped back into a simpler, more tranquil time, where traditions have been passed down through centuries.
To embark on the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Poonhill, your journey begins from Kathmandu to the serene lakeside city of Pokhara. From there, the trekking path unfolds, starting at Hile and winding along the banks of the Modi River, through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo.
As you ascend higher, the lush vegetation gradually gives way to more rugged landscapes, and the gorge narrows to a few hundred meters when reaching the mystical Hinku Cave. The trek then leads you to the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering, snow-clad peaks.
Within the Sanctuary, the sheer beauty of steep, glacial ridges cascading down from Hiunchuli on the left and Machapuchhare on the right envelops you. Passing through the “gateway” into this sacred space feels like entering a magnificent, hidden world, cocooned by a wall of imposing, snow-covered summits.
Typically, the ABC Trek begins and ends in Pokhara, although many opt to extend their adventure by merging it with the Annapurna Circuit, offering a more extended and all-encompassing Himalayan experience.
Embarking on this trek is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a chance to surround yourself with nature's splendor and delve into the diverse cultural fabric of this extraordinary region. With its majestic peaks, distinctive ecosystems, and rich cultural encounters, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek promises a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Venture into the heart of the Annapurna region and craft unforgettable memories amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft)
Touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in the city.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (900 m/2,953 ft)
Embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara aboard a tourist bus, a journey spanning 7 to 9 hours. Overnight at a lakeside hotel.
Day 03: Pokhara to Birethanti (1,039 m/3,409 ft) and Trek to Ulleri (2,020 m/6,627 ft)
A short 1-hour drive takes you to Birethanti, the starting point for a 4 to 5-hour trek to Ulleri. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m/9,286 ft)
Venture onwards with a 5 to 6-hour trek to the quaint village of Ghorepani.Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 05: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft) & Trek to Tadapani (2,610 m/8,563 ft)
Rise early for a short hike to Poon Hill to witness a mesmerizing sunrise. Return to Ghorepani, then trek to Tadapani, a 6 to 7-hour journey. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek to Sinuwa (2,360 m/7,740 ft)
Continue trekking from Tadapani to Sinuwa, lasting 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 07: Trek to Deurali (3,230 m/10,597 ft)
Journey to Deurali with a 6 to 7-hour trek. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 08: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,550 ft)
Ascend further to reach Annapurna Base Camp, a 5 to 6-hour trek into the heart of the mountains. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 09: Return Trek to Bamboo (2,345 m/7,694 ft)
Begin your descent with a 6 to 7-hour trek to Bamboo. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek to Jhinu (1,780 m/5,839 ft)
A shorter, 4 to 5-hour trek to Jhinu, where you can relax in natural hot springs. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Trek to Syauli Bazaar (1,170 m/3,839 ft) & Drive Back to Pokhara
Trek 2 to 3 hours to Syauli Bazaar, followed by a 2 to 4-hour drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at a lakeside hotel.
Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft)
Return to Kathmandu via a 7 to 9-hour bus journey. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 13: Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure, bidding farewell to Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Package Inclusions
· Airport Transfers: All airport transfers (international and domestic) via a tourist vehicle.
· Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara: Twin-sharing or double rooms in 3-star hotels for 2 nights each in Kathmandu and Pokhara, including breakfast. Private room arrangements are available at an extra cost.
· Accommodation During Trek: Twin-sharing or dormitory-style guesthouses for 8 nights throughout the trek in the Annapurna region.
· Meals During Trek: All standard meals provided during the trek—Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, complemented with seasonal fruits.
· Purified Drinking Water: Safe drinking water is ensured throughout the trek, purified via water filters or tablets.
· Experienced Trekking Guide: Services of an experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed trekking guide from Ace the Himalaya, proficient in English.
· Permits: Necessary permits including the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
· Porter Services: Reliable porters to carry luggage, with 1 porter allocated for every 2 trekkers.
· Staff Provisions: Inclusive of wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all trekking staff.
· Transportation: Tourist bus service between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Private tourist vehicle transfers from Pokhara to Birethanti and from Syauli Bazaar back to Pokhara.
· Trekking Gear & Accessories: Complimentary Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (neck gaiter), and a trip completion certificate.
· Farewell Dinner: Special farewell dinner on your final night in Nepal.
· Administrative Fees: All administrative expenses and applicable government taxes.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Price Exclusions
· Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara: Lunch and dinner while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
· International Flights and Departure Tax: Cost of international airfare and airport departure tax.
· Beverages: Any beverages, including bottled and boiled water.
· Travel Insurance: Insurance coverage is mandatory, including high-altitude emergency evacuation.
· Gratuities: Tips for trekking staff and the driver are not included.
· Nepal Entry Visa: Visa fees are excluded; visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for USD 50 (30 days) or USD 125 (90 days).
· Personal Trekking Gear: Trekkers are responsible for their gear and equipment.
· Expenses Outside Package Inclusions: Any additional expenses not mentioned in the "Price Includes" section.
Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Spend the evening settling in and exploring the bustling city at your own pace. Overnight at a hotel.
Embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara via a tourist bus, which takes about 7 to 9 hours. The journey offers stunning views of rivers, valleys, terraced fields, and small settlements along the highway. Once in Pokhara, you'll check into your lakeside hotel, where you can unwind and take in the serene views of Phewa Lake. Overnight at a hotel in Lakeside.
After breakfast, you'll take a short 1-hour drive to Birethanti, the starting point of your trek. From there, you'll begin a 4 to 5-hour trek uphill through picturesque villages and lush green forests to reach Ulleri. The trail can be steep at times, but it offers beautiful landscapes and views of terraced fields. Overnight at a guesthouse in Ulleri.
Today’s trek takes you from Ulleri to Ghorepani, a popular village for trekkers. The 5 to 6-hour hike passes through rhododendron forests and charming villages, giving you a chance to observe local life and stunning mountain scenery. Once you reach Ghorepani, you can relax and prepare for the early morning hike to Poon Hill. Overnight at a guesthouse.
An early morning wake-up call will have you ascending to Poon Hill, where you'll be rewarded with one of the best sunrise views in the Himalayas. Watch as the sun illuminates peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre. After soaking in the views, you'll return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue your trek to Tadapani, which takes about 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
From Tadapani, you will descend through lush forests and small streams before beginning a gradual climb to Sinuwa. The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours, passing through dense forests and offering glimpses of towering peaks. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Today's journey takes you further up the trail as you make your way to Deurali. This 6 to 7-hour trek features a mix of steep climbs and more level sections, with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Overnight at a guesthouse.
The highlight of your trek begins as you make your way to Annapurna Base Camp. It is a 5 to 6-hour trek through narrow gorges, bamboo forests, and rocky trails. Once at the base camp, you'll be surrounded by the towering peaks of the Annapurna Massif, creating a stunning natural amphitheater. Overnight at a guesthouse at ABC.
After enjoying a beautiful morning at Annapurna Base Camp, you'll begin your descent, retracing your steps to Bamboo. The trek back takes about 6 to 7 hours, passing through the same forests and landscapes you crossed earlier. Overnight at a guesthouse in Bamboo.
A shorter day of trekking today as you make your way to Jhinu. The 4 to 5-hour trek descends through forests and small villages. Upon reaching Jhinu, you can relax and soak in the natural hot springs, a perfect way to rejuvenate after days of trekking. Overnight at a guesthouse.
From Jhinu, it’s a relatively easy trek of 2 to 3 hours to Syauli Bazaar. Once there, you'll take a private vehicle for a 2 to 4-hour drive back to Pokhara. Spend the rest of the day exploring Pokhara's lakeside area, indulging in some last-minute shopping, or simply relaxing by the lake. Overnight at a hotel in Lakeside.
Bid farewell to Pokhara as you embark on a 7 to 9-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you can check into your hotel and spend your final evening enjoying the vibrant streets of Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel.
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. With unforgettable memories and an accomplished trek, you'll leave Nepal with a sense of achievement and adventure.
Note: This itinerary can be adjusted depending on the pace of the trek and other factors such as weather conditions.
We have prepared the trip departure dates in small groups departure for group fun and enjoyment trekking. Our group size start from 2 peoples (Even for solo travelers, we organize single trip on supplement cost of US$- 200 additional) and maximum group size will be 8-10 travelers. But in general, our every date will have small groups of 4- 6 peoples, which is good group size for safe and flexible & comfortable trekking. We have listed our group departure dates based on every season as below.
| Start Date | Availability | Trip Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-12-05 | Guaranteed | USD 950 | Book Now |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Packing List
When preparing for the Annapurna Base Camp trek, consider the following items as a guideline. During winter, layers of warm clothing are essential. We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for your trek, which will be handed to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu and is yours to keep. Additionally, sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented from us in Kathmandu for USD 35 each.
General Gear and Equipment
Upper Body Gear
Torso Gear
Lower Body Gear
Hand Gear
Foot Gear
Undergarments
First Aid Kits and Medications
Other Essentials
Optional Gear
Important Information
Bella from China
2020-01-01
Amazing Expericence of Annapurna Base camp
Eric is a very considerate and professional guide. The trip to ABC with him was much easier with his help. He tried his best to meet the customers’ demands, and sometimes he was really the life saver considering I was always the ‘careless’ person. Besides, the trip with him was a lot of fun because he also liked to make jokes and shared his life stories with us. You can really treat him as a good friend and a reliable trekking teammate, as well. Many thanks to you, Eric. I would like to recommend him to any of my friends who is interested in Nepal trekking to go with Joyful Trekking and Tours.
Trip At Glance
| Activities | Trekking and Sight Seeing |
| Destination | Nepal |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Max Elevation | Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) |
| Transport | Private Van or Tourist Bus |
| Group Size | +6 |
| Trip Start | Kathmandu |
| Trip End | Kathmandu |
