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Annapurna Base Camp / Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Trip Facts: Activities : 12 day Trekking, 2 nights in Kathmandu.

Start/End: Kathmandu

Destination : Annapurna Base Camp

Trip Duration : 14 days

Max. Altitude : 4130 meters

Group Size : Min. 1 / Max.20

Best Season : February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December.

Trip Grade :

Daily walking Hour: Approx. 4-6
The Name “Annapurna” came after the Mount. Annapurna, which is the 10th highest mountain in the world. The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads to a natural amphitheater that is used as the base camp from which climbers start on their way to conquer the Annapurna Mountaintop. The mountain reaches 8091 meters above sea level, and the base camp's altitude is 4130 meters above sea level. If you really want to know what it feels like to be in the wonderland, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is certainly your thing.  It would not be unbelievable to state that you get to experience an exotic place that is beautiful and at the same time that gives you the joy of a life time. It all begins at one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Pokhara. Annapurna has derived its name from the popular cultural belief that she provides the food for all. In Sanskrit, Annapurna means copious of food. As its very name suggests, the trek guarantees you nothing short of fun, pleasure and a deep insight about the natural and cultural heritages of the tiny Himalayan country, Nepal.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is accompanied by the Modi River alongside and luxuriant rhododendron forests and bamboo bushes. As soon as we head out from Nayapul, which is the starting point of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you feel saturated by the nature and an unidentifiable calm in your heart and soul. Not only do you get to know nature in person, you are going to have the opportunity of talking to the native residents along the way who are known for their hospitality and warmth. The Gurung, Thakali and Magar communities have one of the most special and unique cultures in the country. It is one-of-a-kind experience to be one of them for a while and rejoice their hospitality. Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with the river bank of the Modi River and keeps changing the settings as you ascend uphill, it transforms its natural landscapes from the river bank to the thick forests and from lush green grazing lands to the paddy field.  Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins to raise the adrenaline level when these natural settings bid farewell and the giants themselves get down on the floor to check on you. Within few hours of trek, which is nothing less than fun and pleasure, you arrive at Birethanti. You can stop by at one of the restaurants and spend some time sipping at your cups of local tea and coffee before you move ahead.  By the time you call it a day, you will already have been captivated by the nature and the unprecedented moments you have earned yourself on the very first day of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.  That is not even the best part. There is more to come and more than you have expected. On your way up, you can find the mountains like Annapurna watching you stepping 3000 stairs of Ulleri. Beautiful mountains all around and serene nature everywhere, it does not get any better than this.  It can be almost unbelievable to get back home without a scratch and not even feeling fatigue after you have spent some days of your life at the most beautiful trail in the world. It feels unreal and you feel like there is nothing more you could bargain for when you see the colorful rhododendron blossoming along the trek, nine species of rhododendron, to be specific. If that is not enough, this region is shelter to 100 species of mammals, 60 reptiles and amphibians and more than 450 species of different birds.

• Trekking permit
  There is no need to issue a trekking permit to go on treks in the Annapurna area as it was in the past.
• Food and water
  There is no need to take food and water to the trek. Everything can be bought in the restaurants and guest houses along the way. As the trail goes up, so does the water prices increase. Therefore, as long as you are at the beginning of the trek it is worthwhile buying mineral-water bottles. Later on the way it is possible to use water purification tablets.
• Sleeping equipment
  There are many guest houses along the trek (don't expect too much...). Bring a good and warm sleeping bag with you, that will protect you from the cold (there is no heating).
• Equipment
  Map of the trek, big backpack and a rain cover for it, small backpack, sleeping bag, water purification tablets, toilet paper, toiletries, sandals for the shower, towel, flashlight, spare batteries, reading book, first-aid kit, sunglasses, laundry rope, washing powder, sun-screen, fleece coat, rain coat, water proof nylon bag, travel clothes, warm clothes, laundry bag, camera.
• Toilets and showers
  In the beginning of the trek you may find running water, but as you climb, they will become more and more scarce. If you want to take a shower further on the trek, you will have to take a bucket showers (sometimes with hot water).
• Porters
  It is highly recommended to hire a porter (carrier and guide) that will carry your heavy big bag with the equipment, and leave you with the small bag. The porter will also be your guide (no need for an additional guide). It is recommended to hire a porter through an agency to reduce the chance that the porter will disappear with you bag. You can use one porter for two persons, but avoid overloading him. Try to meet with your porter before leaving for the trek to get to know him.

Itinerary

Day 01: Drive or fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m), drive (6 hours). Overnight stay at hotel.
Depart Kathmandu for Pokhara by bus. In Pokhara, receive a final briefing and prepare for the first leg of your Himalayan trek in the afternoon.

Day 02: Drive to Nayapul and start trek to Tirkhe Dhunga – 4 to 5 hrs hours
Transfer to the starting point of the trek - Naya Pul - and take an easy stroll along the sub-tropical Modi Khola River Valley to Birethanti (a large village on the old Nepal-Tibet trading route). Pass through the Nepal/Tibet checkpoint before continuing through the intricately-terraced rice paddies, before arriving at Tirkhe Dhunga for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Trek Tirkhe Dhunga / Ghorepani (2750 m.) – 5 to 6 hrs hours.
From Tirkhe Dhunga, cross a stream before ascending a steep, stone staircase to the large Magar Village at Ulleri (2070 m). Then trek through rhododendron and oak forests; across streams before making a short, final ascent to Nangethanti. From Nangethanti, continue the trek up to Ghorepani (2850m) for an overnight stay.

Day 04: Morning, excursion to Poon hill (3193 m.) and trek to Tadapani (2590 m.) – 6 to 7 hrs hours.
Rise with the sun and ascend to Poon Hill (3195m) where an awe-inspiring sunrise greets you from over the mountains. Clear climate permitting, experience a magical, panoramic view of the mountains of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna I (8019m), and Manalsu (8156m). Also: views of the 6,000-meter-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the trans-Himalayan ranges are viewable - forming the border of Nepal with Tibetan China - making this one of Nepal 's most sought-after vantage points. After this panoramic treat, descend to the lodge for a late breakfast before continuing onto Ghorepani (2780m) - an important stop-over on the old trading route to Tibet . From Ghorepani, the walk is all downhill through beautiful forests before arriving at the village of Banthanti - finally ending the day's journey at Tadapani for an overnight stay.

Day 05: Trek Tadapani / Chhomrong (2340 m.) – 5 hrs hours
From Tadapani, the trail descends through additional rhododendron and oak forests, arriving at Chhomrung for a midday lunch. Chhomrung is a Gurung Village , and the highest permanent settlement in the valley with a tremendously vast view across to Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. The day closes with an overnight stay in Chhomrung.

Day 06: Trek Chhomrong / Doban (2505 m.) – 5 hrs hours
Here, the trail descends via a stone staircase, eventually crossing the Chhomrung Khola. Climb high above the Modi Khola, traveling its west bank, and pass through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. This portion of the day's trek is followed by yet another ascent to Kuldi before finally descending a long, steep, stone staircase to Dovan for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Trek Doban / Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m.) – 4 hrs hours
From Dovan, climb high above the river, on to the lateral moraine, and down the other side to the glacier. This leg of the journey takes you up the bed of the glacier before finally arriving at the Annapurna Base Camp (4237m) for an overnight stay.

Day 08: Trek Annapurna Base Camp / Bamboo (2335 m.) – 5 hrs hours
Beginning with an early morning ascent for a stunning sunrise and breakfast, the journey returns to Bamboo for an overnight stay.

Day 09: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Beginning with an early morning ascent for a stunning sunrise and breakfast, the journey returns to Bamboo for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Bamboo to Chhomrung
Descend a long, stone staircase through bamboo and rhododendrons forests to Kuldi. Continue trekking through beautiful rhododendron forests and down to Sinuwa. From Sinuwa, the trail leads downhill to the Modi Khola, closing the day with a steep climb to Chhomrung where you will remain overnight.

Day 11: Chhomrung to Ghandrung
From Chhomrung, heads back to Taglung - descending gently through forests to Kummu. Once again, pass Ghandrung - offering, yet another, picturesque, panoramic view of Annapurna South - before ending the day's voyage with an overnight stay in Ghandrung.

Day 12: Ghandrung to Pokhara
Trek downhill through villages and terraced fields to Syauli Bazaar, then onto Nayapul before being transported back to Pokhara for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Explore Pokhara
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Katmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers, which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya
Visiting various sacred places throughout Pokhara as well as Fewa Lake and take part in an extensive city tour of Pokhara.

Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Drive or fly Pokhara to Kathmandu, drive (6 hours). Overnight stay at hotel..

Note: It is possible to combine with some other activities such as white water rafting and wildlife safari. The itinerary can be customized according to your duration of holiday.

Service Includes

• All meals (B/L/D) during the trekking period
• Accommodation (Lodge) during the trekking period
• National park permit
  
• Domestic airfare (if necessary)
• Domestic airport tax (if necessary)
• English speaking guide
• Highly experienced staffs
• Staffs food, clothing & salary
• Staffs insurance
• All necessary grounded transportation
• Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
• Airport picks up & drops
• Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
• TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System)
• All Local / Government Taxes
  

Service Excludes

• Personal nature expenses
• Bar bill and all kind of drinks
• Rescue & Evacuation
• Gratitude (tip) for staff

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