The Annapurna Himal is a vast massif of several peaks above 7,000m forming part of the range that forms a natural amphitheatre known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you into this spectacular setting where you will be surrounded by giants such as Annapurna I (8091m), Glacier Dome, Gangapurna (7455m), Fang (7647m) and the sacred Machhapuchhare (6998m), popularly known as Fish Tail.
You will visit the stunning viewpoint of Poon Hill offering up Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna 1 (8091m), Machhapuchhre / Fishtail (6998m), Nilgiri (7041m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna II (7939m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal (6988m) and more, before descending to the Modi Khola valley and through the gates of the Sanctuary.
Passing directly below Machhapuchhare, we will visit both the base camps of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna and explore the Annapurna Sanctuary amphitheatre before returning to Pokhara via a different route. This is a fairly strenuous alpine trek that gives the fitter walker close-up and unbeatable mountain views.
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Destination
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Departure
Thamel, Kathmandu -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket.
March to May is one of the best times to trek with lots of flowers in bloom, especially rhododendrons in the mountains. While the sky may not be crystal clear as during the autumn months, it is the second busiest season for trekking and mountaineering.
June to August are wet but the mountains and hills are covered with lush, full green forests and vegetation. The daily cloud coverage means that mountain views are not guaranteed but as very few people travel during this time it can present the perfect opportunity for people to explore the trails and nature in quiet.
September to November are the busiest trekking months due to predictable weather and mostly clear skies. The mountain views are spectacular but the most popular trails can become quite busy.
The winter months of December to February are good to trek due to the clean skies and the reduced number of trekkers. However, you should be prepared for cold temperatures.
Our guides are trained in First Aid and have significant experience in trekking this and many other routes throughout Nepal. Safety is our foremost priority and our staff will be available for any issues, and alert to any symptoms of illness,v that may come up.
Altitude problems, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can be life threatening and can occur at any point above 3000m. Our trip itinerary has been designed specifically to allow you to have enough time to acclimatise to the altitude as our height increases. Our guides are very experienced and will act in accordance with the seriousness of any mountain sickness suffered. The easiest and best remedy for AMS is to descend quickly, so never ignore the symptoms and please talk to your guide or leader if you feel unwell. They are trained to manage the logistics and assess the situation continually to make sure that you have a safe trip and enjoy yourself.
It is strongly advised that you arrive in Nepal at least 1 full day before the intended start date of your trek. This will give you the opportunity to allow for any jetlag and to obtain any additional items you may require in the numerous trekking and climbing supply shops in Kathmandu.
An airport pick up and hotel on arrival can be arranged easily for you if you wish and we will be on hand to assist you in picking up any items you need or want and to arrange tours of Kathmandu’s numerous cultural sites.
Guest Lodges, sometimes called Teahouses, along the way provide good accommodation and a considerable choice of well-prepared meals. However, it is advisable to bring your own sleeping bag, as during the high season, bedding can be in short supply and it can get very cold at the higher altitudes.
The highest point on this trek is 4095m and while it ultimately depends on the participant’s level of fitness and determination, the trekking can become strenuous at some points as we gain elevation. However, anybody with some reasonable level of physical and mental fitness can enjoy this trek.
To start your trek, you can choose to take the 8-hour tourist bus drive to the city of Pokhara from Kathmandu or a 25-minute flight. Whilst the bus is the more common means of transport, by choosing to fly you can, for an additional cost, shave half a day off your intended itinerary.
The Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal’s largest protected area reaching across the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi and Lamjung districts. The area is home to some of the world’s highest mountains including Annapurna 1 (8091m), Niligiri (7061) and Machhapuchchhre (6993m), Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge and a diverse set of local flora and fauna.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara - 910m
Day 2: Pokhara to Tirkhe Dhunga – 1525m
Day 3: Tirkhe Dhunge to Ghorepani – 2855m
Day 4: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m) and then Tadapani – 2520m
Day 5: Tadapani to Chhomrung – 2040m
Day 6: Chhomrung to Dovan – 2580m
Day 7: Dovan to Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Base Camp and then Annapurna Base Camp – 4095m
Day 8: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo Lodge – 2310m
Day 9: Bamboo Lodge to Jhinu Dada – 1760m
Day 10: Jhinu Dada to Nayapul and then Pokhara
Umbrella Trekking Nepal
Umbrella Trekking Nepal is a social enterprise initiative by Nature Treks Himalaya, established to support The Umbrella Foundation, a registered children’s charity in Nepal.We offer a wide range of stunning treks and adventure activities throughout the country where you can have the time of your life while knowing that you are helping give underprivileged children of Nepal a brighter future.
The treks, operated by Nature Treks Himalaya, provide internship opportunities to disadvantaged youths so that they can learn more about the industry as assistant guides, and all profits go towards the work of The Umbrella Foundation charity.
Their Social Focus
The treks provide internship opportunities to disadvantaged youths so that they can learn more about the industry as assistant guides, and all profits go towards the work of The Umbrella Foundation charity.
Jack Hogan
An amazing trek to Annapurna Base Camp I took an amazing 8-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp – one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas. The 5-day ascent to the Annapurna Sanctuary is challenging with many steep climbs and sharp descents but provides incredible views of the entire Annapurna range and the chance to explore many different terrains – rollings hills, deep jungles, and wide valleys.
On the way, trekkers are very well catered for with tea houses, lodges and shops dotted along the route. While the accommodation is modest, trekkers are always welcomed by the locals. The trek also gives you the chance to learn about the Nepali culture and explore beautiful Gurung villages such as Chomrong and Ghandruk. Because some stages of the trek connect to the Annapurna Circuit, there are good opportunities to explore new routes on the 3-day descent back towards Pokhara.
At 4100m, some might experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness but this is entirely avoidable by following the recommended procedures (go slow!). The Annapurna Base Camp trek is physically demanding but you are rewarded again and again with stunning views of Gangapurna, Machapuchere, and the Annapurnas. I can’t recommend this trekking route highly enough!