The Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trekking Nepal’s Annapurna Base Camp trek, (also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek) is arguably the most intensely scenic trek in Nepal. From the Annapurna Base Camp the towering peaks of Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7273m), Annapurna Fang (7647m), and Machhapuchhare (6997m) bathed in snow set the scene as one of the most spectacular mountain settings in the Himalayas. En route to the base camp we visit Poon Hill for its world famous mountain panorama which includes three of the worlds highest mountain ranges: Manaslu, the Annapurnas and Dhauligiri. Whatever you forget – don’t forget the camera!
This is a tea house trek, basic but the best hospitality you will find anywhere!
Outline Itinerary – Annapurna Base Camp trek
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Day |
Activity |
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1 |
Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfers to our hotel. |
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2 |
Bus to Pokhara and final pre-trek preparation. |
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3 |
Commence our trek. |
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On trek. Leaving Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, we trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill. Initially our route leads us through rhododendron forests which then give way to bamboo groves before emerging into fantastic alpine tundra overlooked by the world’s highest mountains. Passing through the Machhapuchare and Annapurna Base Camp directly below the dramatic Fishtail peak, our destination is the vast natural amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary where we are ringed by glistening peaks towering above us ready for a dusk and dawn photo-call. Heading back down we make sure we pay a visit to the natural hot springs at Jinudanda on our final night together of the trek. |
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11 |
Finish trek, bus ride to Pokhara. |
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12 |
Day resting in the beautiful lake-side town of Pokhara. |
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13 |
Return bus to Kathmandu. |
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14 |
A chance to have a final look around old Thamel before flying home. |
Note: one or two extra nights in Kathmandu can easily be arranged upon request and are well recommended!
Timing
Spring and autumn are the best times of year for a walking holiday in Nepal and certainly for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. In turn visibility should be great with some excellent sunrise views in particular. In spring, at the higher altitudes you can expect to walk within the snowline but in turn it can rain in the afternoons. Also you should note that spring is the season for the Rhododendrons – wonderful for all the senses! Autumn is typically dryer but without the snow and Rhododendrons: though there will be plenty of Marigolds.
Equipment
The kit list specifically required for the Annapurna Base Camp trek will be sent to you once booking is received. But in the meantime consider buying some good walking boots and start wearing them in . . . now. No technical kit is required, though a good 3 season plus sleeping bag will be much appreciated at the higher altitudes.
Level of Fitness
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a nine day trek taking us to 4130m. It does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience and neither does it require any technical skills. Experienced walkers and trekkers will manage this easily within their stride. Days will on average involve six hours walking time including a lot of height gain, though some may be shorter or longer according to weather conditions. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy yourself on the trek. If you don’t normally get out much it is never too soon to start. Exercise regularly each week to develop your cardiovascular system and stamina. At weekends, go and explore some countryside, maybe take a pack and do some camping. As a rule of thumb, if you can comfortably walk 10 miles (16km) in hilly countryside then you should be fine on this trip. Finally, take some tips from here to get trek fit!
Roughing It
All trips to mountainous regions in developing world countries involve a degree of ‘roughing it’. On trek, showers are available for example – but they won’t necessarily be hot. However, the facilities are generally good, and in our experience hygiene is of a high order in the tea houses in which we visit. Back in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the hotels we use are friendly, clean and comfortable and great places to relax, though not ostentatious.
Travel Insurance
There are many travel insurers out there, and you are free to choose who you use for this trip. You must ensure that you are covered for trekking to 4700m and that your cover includes full repatriation. Two options that you might consider are:
- The BMC travel insurance
- Any standard travel insurance plus annual membership of the Austrian Alpine Club (which includes free rescue insurance)
Booking
Please note Will4Adventure no longer lead these treks. We recommend contacting our friend and local guide Padam Adhikari for further information and any queries. Padam will take great care of you, and will happily organise your whole trip from the moment you arrive at the airport (should you wish). Email Padam at gpadhikari92@yahoo.com.
Please note that often he is on trek and so may take a few days to reply.