Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a world-renowned trek that leads to the lap of the world’s tenth-highest mountain, Mt. Annapurna. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure, which begins from a lush lowland and heads to the tempting Annapurna Himalayas.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts at Nayapul and is half an hour’s drive north of the Pokhara metropolitan. This wonderful trek explores diverse ethnic groups and their interesting cultures, the local communities found here are Gurung, Magar, and Thakali and we are warmly welcomed by these local tribes; blended with this is a glimpse of beautiful flora and fauna found in this area.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary presented here takes 12 days, starting from Nayapul one drive from Pokhara) and going north up to Ghorepani and the famous viewpoint at Poon Hill. From Ghorepani, you go eastward to Chomrong and then north again entering the Modi Kola Valley which leads up to the Base Camp.
Many people trek the circuit Nayapul-Ghorepani-Ghandruk-Nayapul, which is very rewarding in itself. This trek can easily be done with children as well. Annapurna Base Camp Trek route passes through spectacular and tranquil landscapes, charming Gurung and Magar villages, lush green Rhododendron, bamboo and alpine forests to the trip’s last and final destination, Annapurna Base Camp at the height of 4130m (13546ft.).
After the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we revert back to Pokhara via Jhinu Danda and Pothana, on the way we haul up at Jhinu Danda to soak off the sweat of our bodies in the healthy hot springs found there & then head back to Pokhara to chill out by the serene lake. On this trek, we bunk out in cosy teahouse lodges and enjoy the sumptuous apple pies found here. This is a ‘must-do’ trek at least once in a lifetime.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights:
- Splendid views of Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Mt Fishtail and Annapurna and glacier and other mountain views from Annapurna Base Camp
- Sightseeing tour around the historical UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley and also in Pokhara.
- Experience ancient Gurung and Magar villages, culture and lifestyle
- Poon Hill is the greatest sunrise viewpoint on the top of the Himalayas.
- Nature hot springs in Jhinu Danda
- Annapurna base camp (4130M) and Machhapuchare Base Camp.
Program day to day detail itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Volunteer World Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Volunteer World Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara:
At the beginning of the journey today we head to Pokhara. The journey to the city of lakes begins from the valley heading out of its twisty roads reaching Prithvi Highway and the thrashing Trishuli River. The tranquil journey gives us a peek at the majestic Himalayas right as we enter the mesmerizing Pokhara valley. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 04: Pokhara – Nayapul – Ghandruk Trek:
We drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. From Birethanti, we trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. If time permits, we also visit the Gurung Museum today. Overnight in Ghandruk. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Ghandruk to Chhomrong Trek:
The path heads north of the village on an exposed trail past pastures to a ridge, before descending into a green valley and a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. After lunch, the trail climbs out of the valley through stands of rhododendron and oak forest, winding around the hillsides to Chhomrong: with closer views of the giant peaks above. Overnight at Lodge in Chhomrong. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 06: Chhomrong to Himalay Trek:
The trail drops to cross the Chhomrong Khola and then ascends to the charming village of Sinuwa. Thereafter the trail enters the upper Modi Khola Valley through dense forests of cane, rhododendron and oak. It rises then drops to the village of Bamboo (2,310m/7,580ft) on the banks of the river: a prefect lunch spot. After lunch, continue up through the uninhabited forest to Dobhan, later crossing several avalanche chutes before reaching the small village of Himalaya Hotel. Overnight at Lodge in Himalaya Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Himalaya – Annapurna Base Camp:
Climb gently through a river bed then over a steep trail over to the mountainside. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous. From Machhapuchhre base camp we get excellent views of the majestic Machhapuchhre along with Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna which is certainly a rewarding experience. The vegetation disappears on our way to ABC and the path widens as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above us. The sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. From the base camp, we again get to savour mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo:
From the Annapurna Base Camp, we repeat our steps to Bamboo. Today’s trek is downhill, so it shouldn’t be very difficult. Besides, we will always have the company of the extraordinary landscape to cheer us up. Overnight in Bamboo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda:
From Bamboo, it is an uphill trek to Kuldighar followed by a downhill walk to Chhomrong Khola. Then we climb the stone steps to Chhomrong. The trail then descends to Jhinu Danda, where we will be resting for the night. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs which is just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from Jhinu Danda to soothe our aching body. Overnight in Jhinu Danda. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara:
On our way to Naya Pul from Jhinu Danda, we get to enjoy the wonderful hill scenery of western Nepal. We have lunch on the way. Our trek will end at Naya Pul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:
After breakfast, transfer to the Tourist bus station and at 07:30 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Dinner
Day 12: Farewell Friend and Departure/Fly back to Home:
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Volunteer World Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal
