Annapurna Base Camp Trek (12 days)

Annapurna Base Camp trek  begins north of the central city of Pokhara which is reached by a 6-7 hour bus ride of a 20 minute flight from Kathmandu. It begins at the village of Nayapul at just 1090m (1½ hours drive from Pokhara) and climbs gradually up the Modi Khola Valley through natural forests of oak, rhododendron, pine and bamboo. Villages are sited on ridges high above the river where slopes are gentle enough for terraced farming. 

The climax of the 12 days Annapurna Base Camp trek is reached in the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheatrewhere you will first pass the Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail) Annapurna Base Camp (3700m/12 139ft) en route to ABC (4130m/13 550ft). Here you are surrounded by an immense and breathtaking wall of rock and ice reaching heights from 6 500 – 8 091m and dramatised by closer rocky outcrops rising above the U-shaped valley gouged out by the glacier. Cloud frequently forms in the late morning making for enticing glimpses of an ever changing landscape: at sunrise it is frequently still and clear offering viewers, photographers a surfeit of possibilities. 

The downward journey only requires two or three nights with one spent at Jhinu Danda for a visit to the hot springs. The last morning requires a short trek to Phedi and a half hour drive back to your hotel in Pokhara.

Our Annapurna Base Camp trek cost includes permits transport to and from Kathmandu, full accommodation whilst on trek, all meals and safe drinking water. Your guide will brief you each evening about the following day’s trek and variations to the itinerary will be made to suit the needs of your group.

Outline Itinerary 

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1 300m/4 264ft)       

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1 300m/4 264ft)

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2 986ft), 5-6 hrs drive

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ghandruk (1 950m/6 398ft) 1½ hrs drive, 5-6 hrs trek

Day 05: Ghandruk – Chhomrong (2 210m/7 249ft), 5-6 hrs 

Day 06: Chhomrong – Himalaya Hotel (2 920m/9 578 ft), 6-7 hrs 

Day 07: Himalaya Hotel – Annapurna Base Camp (4 130m/13 546ft), 6-7 hrs. 

Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp - Sinuwa (2 360m/7 740 ft), 6-7 hrs.

Day 09: Sinuwa - Jhinu Danda (1 780m/5 859 ft) – Landruk (1 565m/5 133ft), 6-7 hrs

Day 10: Landruk – Phedi and drive to Pokhara (910m/2 986ft), 5-6 hrs trek, ½ hr drive. 

Day 11: Pokhara – Kathmandu, 5-6 hrs drive. 

Flights Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu can also be offered 

Day 12: Departure

Transfer to international airport and fly onward destination. 

           "OR"

Extend your holiday with a visit to Chitwan National Park – on an elephant, or a tour of Tibet or Bhutan.    

Cost Inclusive :

• All airport/Hotel transfers
• 2 star Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights on BB Plan
• City tour by private transport
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
• Hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
• Safe Drinking water
• 2 star Hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights on BB plan
• All mountain accommodation
• Domestic flight (Kathmandu/ Pokhara / Kathmandu) or tourist bus on choice
• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (Govt. registered trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food and lodging
• All necessary paper work and permits (Conservation Permit & TIMS )
•  A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes
• Trekking equipment such as four season down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking boots, rain coat, walking stick and many more as per necessity

Cost Exclusive

• Bottle drinks
• City monument fees
• Personal expenses
• Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
• Travel insurance & evacuation

Annapurna base camp trekking details itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Our MMT (Mountain Mart Trek) Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements). He will be displaying our company named play card with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon free.  Evening: a welcome dinner, hosted by Mountain Mart Trek, introduce you to your guide, brief you on the trek and check on necessities. 

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

After breakfast, the day will start with city trip to cultural World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley such as pilgrimage sites of Hindus temples at Pashupatinath, the world’s biggest Stupa Bouddhanath, visit Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple. After exploring the surrounding areas, visit the historical Patan Durbar Square & Kathmandu’s Durbar Square (Freak Street) with temples, unique ancient art, architectures, museum and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip counseling and ensure once again trekking gears, medical kid and trek legalization needs. (Evening pre-trip discussion: a trekking gear and medical kit check)

                         “OR”

Leisure and rest day for your own interests.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft), 5-6 hrs drive

Early morning 07:00 AM drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful countryside and following down steam of Trishuli River. (famous river rafting for traveling with family & beginners) Arrive Pokhara about 02:00 PM and transfer to your Hotel in Lake Side.

Day 04: Drive to Naya Pul and Trek to Ghandruk (1,950m/6,398ft) 5-6 hrs.

Breakfast in Lakeside (Pokhara) and 1 ½ hour drive Naya Pul (Trail foot) and commence our trek to Birethanti, a large and prosperous riverside village beside the Modi River. Follow the upstream of river through terraced paddy field to countryside hamlet Syauli Bazar. Trail cross the suspension bridge and ascends with the breathtaking view of Fishtail, Hiuchuli and Annapurna South. The long stone staircases pass the huge landslide and encounters with the large beautiful typical village to Ghandruk with the perfect view of the valley gorge, where our trail leads next day. Overnight stay in Ghandruk.

Day 05: Ghandruk – Chomorong (2,210m/ 7,249ft) 5-6 hrs.

Trail leads north of the village to a ridge following a grazing land along the exposed trail. Descend down to the green valley and cross suspension bridge above Kimrong Khola. It’s a nice Lunch spot and collect energy before steep hill. Trail ascents as soon as leaves the valley, looking at the front descent before the Lunch which makes easy guess to ascend after Lunch. The sunny trail goes in and out of rhododendron forest around the hillside to our destination Chomorong with closer view of Annapurna South, Hiuchuli and Machhapuchhre. Overnight stay in Chomorong.

Day 06: Chomorong - Himalaya Hotel (2,920m/9,578 ft) 6-7 hrs.

After breakfast our trail descent to the Chhomrong Khola and then the trail leads us to a small place of Sinuwa hill. There after the trek enters the upper Modi Khola valley through dense forest of cane, rhododendron and drop off again to Bamboo(2310m) on the bank of Chomorong Khola a prefect Lunch spot for today. After lunch we continue our trek through an uninhabited forest area to Dovan. Trail stretch of the rhododendron and bamboo forest, passes several avalanches chutes to Himalaya Hotel . Overnight stay in Himalaya Hotel.

Day 07: Himalaya Hotel – Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/13546ft) 6-7 hrs.

Today,s trail follows uphill of deep valley to explore the Hinku cave, where from the trail crosses a ravine and major avalanche track just further till Deurali (3,000m/9,840 ft)Trail continues ascending to Machhapuchre Base Camp at 3700m/12136ft for Lunch with the closest view of the Machhapuchre (fishtail) along Annapurna I and Gangapurna. After Lunch, trail leads you in the heart of the Sanctuary at the Annapurna Base Camp for overnight stay. The trail follows uphill, passing a few roofless shepherds huts along the side of a moraine. Overnight stay in Annapurna Base Camp.

Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp - Sinuwa (2,360m/7,740 ft) 6-7 hrs.

Morning wake up with the glimpse of sunrise over Mt Annapurna I and extensive range, after a great time retrace the journey back to Sinuwa for the overnight. As you know that here is few guest houses settled for the purposes of Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. You can rest and relax at the evening with warmer climate and hot shower. Overnight stay in Sinuwa.

Day 09: Sinuwa - Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,859 ft) – Landruk (1,565m/5,133ft) 6-7 hrs

After breakfast, our trail leads to Chomoring descending down to Chomorong river and climbing stone staircases to Chomorong. Trail steeply descends to Hot Spring Jhinu Danda for Lunch. Visit the hot spring by the river bank. Our trail crosses a suspension bridge above Modi River. Trek leads through shadow side down stream of upper Modi River and ascend immortally to Landruk village, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli and Machapuchhre (Fishtail) are clearly visible along the route. Overnight stay in Landruk.

Day 10: Landruk – Phedi & short drive to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft) 5-6 hrs trek & 40 minutes drive.

Today's trail continues through scattered trees, bushes and village to Tolkha. Hereafter start to ascend steady to Deurali, will take approximately two hours. This place has breathtaking view of Pokhara valley including Fewa Lake and present with another spectacular Himalayan scenery of Annapurna south, right flank of Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri mountain, the highest mountain in the westerner Nepal. (8167m) Then the trail descends gradually through forested slippery red mud trail (during monsoon only) to Pothana. We keep descend through the ridge about an hour with the fantastic view of right flank Annapurna range to another large village Dhampus. Again descend down through scattered village and paddy field. Trail continually drop to Phedi (Pokhara, Baglung, Highway) Finish the trek before lunch an short drive to Pokhara (22KM, 40 minutes) and transfer to your Hote in Lakeside.

Day 11: Kathmandu - Pokhara (1,300m /4,264ft)

Morning at 0730 drive back to Kathmandu 5- 6 hrs through the countryside beautiful landscape. Arrive Kathmandu about 1430 and transfer to your Hotel. Free afternoon.

All flights Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu also offered.

Day 12:  Final departure

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination

                      "OR'

Extend your holiday with a visit to Chitwan National Park – on an elephant, or a tour of Tibet or Bhutan.    

Departure Dates for Annapurna Base Camp Trek (12 days)

Body wear :

T-shirt, long sleeve, half pant, long trouser, warm Jacket, fleece Jacket, Gore-tax windproof Jacket & trouser, warm trouser, rain Jacket, sleeping bag, down jacket

Head wear :

Sun hat, woolen hat/fleece hat, sunglass & scat

Hand wear :

Gloves

Foot wear :

Warm woolen socks, trekking boots & sandal

Accessories :

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip guard, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knives, flash light, camera & film, towel, water bottle, music & books.

What you carry for the trek :

Please, bring the equipment listed above and pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks, and small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porter to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jacket, hat gloves, camera money etc. The weather in mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage :

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets, in our safety box, and the rest of the things you could store it in our store room. What is a tea house trek? Accommodation and food facilities! Tea house trek mean staying and eating in the local lodges. We stay in double room; rooms are basic but comfortable mattress, normally just a bed and pillow. Most of them have electric light and all have and all have specious dining room –lounge. Mostly in tea houses there are common bathroom. Hot shower also available on the tea- houses but the hot water depend on weather conditions and to pay to get the shower.  We eat at tea- house, though food is usually potential and delicious, menu is not extensive. They offer variety of potato rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup. You could choose food from the menu what you could choose the food from the menu what you would like to have. You would be able to eat the food as much as you like but you would not able to order more than enough and left the food.

Health :

It’s very important not to get sick while you are going on the trek and you need to be careful about what you eat and drink.  You need to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in order to have a successful trek.

Some tip for staying healthy:

Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled or proper boiled water or use water purification tablets. During the trek avoid the temptation to test your fitness through fast walking at altitude.

Medical Kit:

Your guide will bring normal medical kits with him while on the trek. It is recommended that you also bring a small personal medical kit including pain killers, sore throat, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular mediation you need to bring those medicine with you and do not forget to bring extra supply if somehow one pack is lost.

The trails :

The trekking trail of Nepal varies from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be final. One most pay attention at all the time to where you are placing your fact. Be especially careful not move while looking through the view finder of your camera.

The weather :

Nepal has the wildest altitude range of any country of the earth. Each altitude will have its’ own weather problem, from typical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking season in the spring and fall, the weather is often stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Those trekkers who encountered an easy at altitude nasty spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. That sudden storm can occur at any time, dumping one or two meter of snow on the passes. At that point, any one with simple running shoes will not be able to process and may even be stranded for a number of days. Frostbite is a constant risk if one walks in snow at high altitude. If you trek in the winter, you most be prepared for cold and snow. If you trek in the monsoon you might be face with slippery trails and difficult rivers crossing. You are heading into the world highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.

Altitude and preventing altitude :

Being in a hurry in the mountain of Nepal can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends. Ascend slowly and drinking lots of water is one of the best ways not to get high altitude. You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have know heart disease, difficulty to breathing at sea level or are pregnant. For other chronic medical conditions its better to consult your doctor. Sleeping pills, alcohol, and smoking should not be used at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to Acute Mountain Sickness. It comes that during 3-4 liters of fluids (Water, Soup, etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.

Tipping and cash requirement

On the trekking route do not forget to bring Nepalese rupees for drinks bottled water drinks/alcohol that might purchase on the way. The sum of amount to carry on the trekking route depends on the day and area you are going to trek in. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no certain rules how much should be tips and it’s not the must to tip.

Photographing people :

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and amazing society. You could use tens of films taking amazing natural scenery but talking the picture of people it’s a good idea to ask before taking. Some people do not like you to take the picture of them. So always ask before taking the pictures.

Considering Environment :

While trekking you have to consider on the environment not to destroy the environment. There are so many ways you could help not to polluted the environment of the area such as pick up papers, film wrappers, burn all your toilet paper and bury your farce, do not make camp fire.

Insurance :

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to personal effects.