Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 15 Days

Duration: 15 Days   |   Based on 1 Review   |  
Photos Trip map
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Transport: Car / Hiace / Bus and Flight
  • Food: Breakfast in Kathmandu & all meals during the trek.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & Guest houses during the trek
  • Group Size: 2-16
  • Max Elevation: 4130 m
  • Supplement Cost: 300

 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as ABC Trek. The Annapurna Trekking route is not only one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal but in fact, it is one of the most famous footpaths in the world. The Annapurna region, in northwest Nepal, houses several of the highest peaks in the world, including Manaslu (8156m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), and the famous Annapurna mountain. After beginning this once-in-a-lifetime trek, you will pass through ethnic villages and dense rhododendron and bamboo forests until you reach the jaw-dropping Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 meters.  At the end of the trek, you will find yourself encompassed by pristine mountains, which form a walled fortress around you.

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp embarks from Nayapul after driving roughly an hour from Pokhara. We take it slowly and travel through Ghorepani. Your body will be able to get adapted and acclimatize to the high altitude if you take your time along the journey.  It is recommended to wake up early to view the sunrise at Poon Hill. A famous viewpoint, Poon Hill offers a panoramic view of the majestic peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. For the first several days, the trail guides you through terraced hillsides and charming villages. Then, dense sub-tropical forests dominate the landscape. Leading up to Annapurna Base Camp, you traverse through alpine meadows and around massive boulders. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive snow leopard. Finally, you will ascend to the base camp, a glacial basin where you find yourself surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks. From this point, we trek back down to Jhinu Hot Spring, a natural skin cleanser and muscle reliever. On the final day of the trek, you descend to Nayapul and eventually to Pokhara. The views throughout this trek are unforgettable. Equally fascinating, the trek will teach you about the rich culture of the Gurung ethnic group.

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are considered to be the best season because of the fine weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, whereas in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer and the mountains are more visible. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek requires basic fitness and acclimatization to avoid Acute mountain sickness.

Shepherd Holidays arranges the trek with complete management. Please, contact us for further detailed information. Other Packages of Annapurna Region are Annapurna Circuit Trek, Luxury Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Tilicho Lake Trekking, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek 

Highlights

  • Unforgettable sunrise view at Poon Hill
  • Awe-inspiring views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and other mountains & Glaciers 
  • Blooming rhododendron, bamboo, and other forests
  • Relaxing your body and mind at Jhinu Hot Springs
  • Remarkable hospitality of Gurung and other ethnic groups

Itinerary

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After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our airport representative will greet you and escort you to the hotel. In the afternoon, you can take rest or explore the streets of Thamel nearby your hotel. In the evening, we will organize a short pre-trip meeting and introduce you with your tour and trekking guides, who will brief you about the preparations to be done for the trip. 

Overnight at Hotel

  • Accommodation: 3-star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1300m

After breakfast at around 9am, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and you will go for sightseeing of famous UNESCO world heritage sites around Kathmandu valley.

You will visit the following sites:

Pashupatinath (World heritage site):

The world famous Hindu temple, Pashupatinath is regarded as one of the holiest and oldest Hindu temple in the world. This temple is located 5km east from the city center at the bank of the holy Bagmati River. Pashupatinath area is widely decorated by various ornaments dedicated to Lord Shiva. As followed by the Hindu Culture, the cremation of the dead is done in Pashupatinath area by the side of the bank of the holy Bagmati River.

Swayambhunath Monkey temple (World heritage site):

Swayambhunath, also named as the monkey temple is surrounded by monkeys all over the area. Famous for people following both Hinduism and Buddhism, this temple not only provides the cultural and religious aspects but also offers various arts, architecture and the magnificent view of Kathmandu valley from the western side of its hillock. Swyambhunath Stupa is imprinted by the eye of Lord Buddha, which stands for peace and knowledge.

Boudhanath (World heritage site):

Boudhanath is the oldest and largest stupa in the valley, which was built during the Licchhavi dynasty in the 5th century around 2500 years ago. Its old name is ‘Khasa’ but later it was changed to Boudhanath by the government. You will find many Buddhist pilgrims and monks from Tibet and various places going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.

Patan Durbar Square (World heritage site):

Patan Durbar Square is situated at the center of the Lalitpur district. The main attraction of Patan Durbar Square is the ancient royal palace, where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. There are many temples and idols in this area. You can also explore the Newari lifestyle, food and culture in the square and visit museums that contain many ancient and antique items that have a lot of historical significance.

Overnight at Hotel

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1300m

We drive about 6-7 hrs from Kathmandu to the gorgeous lakeside city of Pokhara, traveling on the Prithvi Highway alongside the wild Trishuli river. The scenery along with drive, characterized by terraced rice fields and rolling hills builds our anticipation for the trek. Pokhara is a relaxing town, surrounded by nature’s beauty with views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu and the Annapurna. 

Overnight at Hotel. 

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 900m

We'll drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, We then begin our trek through the terraced hillsides starting from Nayapul. The 3-hour trek leads you to Tikhedhunga, enjoying the scenery of the Bhurungdi Khola.

Overnight at Guest House.

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Altitude: 1577m

After the morning breakfast, we ascend the steep trail for a couple of hours to Ulleri. We follow the trail through the rhododendron forest. In the spring, these blooming flowers add a whole different level of beauty to the trail. After having lunch, the path leads gradually to Ghorepani, a Magar dominated village, located in the middle of the rhododendron forest.

Overnight at Guest House 

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We wake up to catch the early morning sunrise view over the snow-capped Himalayas. This is one of the most famous views in the Annapurna region. The breathtaking sight of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and the surrounding will amaze you. Hiking down to Ghorepani, we have breakfast and trek further to Tadapani via Deurali having lunch along the way. 

Overnight at Guest House. 

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trail is steep downhill from Tadapani, taking you through mixed forests and near gushing streams. Crossing the stream, you climb to the next ridge. Chhomrung is a Gurung village, surrounded by wonderful terraced hillsides.

Overnight at Guest House

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We leave Chhomrong, and walk down 2500 stone steps and cross a bridge over the Chhomrong Khola. Following the river bank, with a continual up and down, we trek further to Himalaya, where we can stop for a cup of tea or lunch. On the way, we cross areas where you can see the landslide areas. The stone paved trail is easy to deal with but tiresome. We reach to the juncture of two streams, a village called Dovan and rest there for the night. 

Overnight at Guest House. 

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This is a beautiful day on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trail is somewhat strenuous, but rewards you with amazing views. It begins from Dovan, a village where two streams meet. The trail is winding and reaches to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. We stay here, as we’ll get remarkable views of the Himalaya. 

Overnight at Guest House. 

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Altitude: 3700m

Today is a major highlight of our journey. We take in the spectacular views of the Annapurna chain, seen perfectly from the moment we wake up. Then, we trek to the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), where a wall of mountain peaks create the shape of a natural amphitheater around us. The views here are absolutely breathtaking. 

Overnight at Guest House 

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Altitude: 4130m

Today we begin our descent. The early morning sunrise view over the golden peaks is marvelous. Mt. Annapurna, Machhapucchre and the neighbouring peaks can be seen again from base camp. We then continue down, passing through Machhapucchre Base Camp and through the downhill trail, you reach to Bamboo. 

Overnight at Guest House. 

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

It’s a continual climb down from Bamboo to Jhinu, including a few uphill sections. Jhinu Danda is the place you stay tonight, and Jhinu Hot Springs lie about 25 minutes downhill on the opposite side of the main trail. This natural hot spring helps relax us, and it does wonder for both our minds and bodies. The waters are considered to cure various skin diseases. 

Overnight at Guest House.  

  • Accommodation: Standard Guest House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trek begins from Jhinu Danda, and descends all the way to Nayapul. You need to check out from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project check point. Then, we say goodbye to the mountains and drive back to Pokhara. After checking in the hotel, feel free to walk around the lakeside and spend your day freely. 

Overnight at Hotel

  • Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Pokhara, we drive back to Kathmandu travelling on the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli river and green hills, which takes around 6-7 hrs. We will then transfer you to your hotel. You can take rest and spend your time freely. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner in a cultural Nepali restaurant with typical Nepali cuisine and cultural shows to celebrate the successful completion of our Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Overnight at Hotel

  • Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
  • Altitude: 1300 m

Today is the last day of your trip. If you would like to stay more in Nepal; you have many options which can be shared with us upon request. Else, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure. We thank you for the opportunity of being your travel partner and wish to serve you in your next vacation. Have a nice journey.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1300 m
Customize My Trip

What to Expect

  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  • Three nights in a 3 star or above hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • All transportation for the trek.
  • Local guest house accommodation in mountain.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters.
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.).
  • First Aid Kit.
  • Maps.
  • Service charge and government taxes.
  • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu.
  • International Airfare.
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast).
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek.
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee.
  • Tips for guide and porter.
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.).

Useful Information

The  following package comes with a 3-star hotel accomodation on Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you'd like to suggest a different accomodation, the price can surely be differed.

Similarly, the given Annapurna Base camp trek package follows the trekking route starting from Nayapul leading all the way upto Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp (4130m). However, there are lots of other different trekking trails along the way such as Ghandruk, Landruk. If you'd like to suggest a custom/tailored trekking trail or itinerary, feel free to contact us or check out other different Annapurna Based Packages

 

Testimonials

  • noimage
    Michael Priestley, Canada

    Breathtaking Annapurna

    Annapurna Base Camp trek was the first trek of my life. I didn't have the slightest idea about how my trek would be. However, I had a lot of expectations through the photos and videos that I had surfed through the Internet. Shepherd Holidays and their team were truly very professional from the very start of the trip. From Hotel Arrangements to providing us with an amazing guide, they did an amazing work. The scenery and waterfalls through out the trail was just amazing. After reaching the Base Camp, mighty Annapurna standing tall in front of us, that was just mind blowing. Surprisingly, higher than my expectations, it was 1000 times much better than what I saw in photos. This was the most unforgettable memory of my life. Thank you Shepherd Holidays for bringing such an amazing experience.