Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide

Hiking up to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most preferred treks in Nepal. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the oldest trekking routes in Nepal. It is mandatory to reach Pokhara to go on this trek.  Pokhara itself is a beautiful and clean city. The lakes and natural beauty of this city make it appealing to anyone.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route (one way) is about 55 km long. All sections covered by this trail are within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The breathtaking views from the Annapurna Base camp make anyone feel as if they are in paradise. Thousands of indigenous and foreign tourists visit this place every year to enjoy a panoramic view of the Annapurna first 8091m and many other snow-covered peaks.

Located on the eastern side of the trail, Poon Hill is one of the best viewpoints in the world. Beautiful Gurung and Magar settlements like Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Chhomrong etc. have added to the beauty of this trail.

Some facts about Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Annapurna Base Camp trek is not only a hiking trip to the Annapurna base camp but also a trip to the Machhapuchhre base camp.
• Annapurna Base Camp trekking provides visitors a chance to view the Annapurna First 8,091m. The 10th highest mountain in the world.
• The Annapurna Base Camp has a 360* panoramic view of the stunning Annapurna region.  Machhapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna III (7555M), Gangapurna (7454m), Singu Chuli (6501m), Annpurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m) are the major peaks in Annapurna Himalayan range.
• There are several routes to go to Annapurna Base Camp. Trekkers can either directly go to the Annapurna Base Camp or take a detour to Ghorepani- Poon Hill or Ghandrunk or both. Nevertheless, all these trails coincide at Chhomrong and further lead to the base camp. So, trekkers can choose preferred trekking routes as per their time-length, physical fitness and budget.
• The entire area of this trekking route is inhabited by people. Thus, Trekkers have a great opportunity to enjoy unique tea-house trekking.
• During the Spring season, the trail gets covered with a full-bloomed colorful rhododendron forest.

Trip Highlights

• Visit the famous Lake City ‘Pokhara’, which also serves as the gateway of the Annapurna trek.
• Exploring stunning view Annapurna massif along with Manaslu and Dhaulagiri
• Amazing view of the sunrise from Poon Hill
• Exposure to unique Buddhist lifestyles and cultures
• The marvelous site of Annapurna Base Camp
• Hot Spring at Jhinu Danda, a perfect way to relax your tired muscles in the natural hot-water pool.

How to go to Pokhara from Kathmandu?

Travel by road or plane can be used to go to Pokhara from Kathmandu.

1. By Tourist Bus

The cheapest and easiest way to Pokhara from Kathmandu is the Tourist Bus Service. Tourist buses are easily available every morning from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Please read more here ‘How To Find A Tourist Bus From Kathmandu To Pokhara’

2. Flight

If you find the 5-7 hour bus journey to be difficult, you can travel by air. However, this is not the cheapest option. One-way airfare from Kathmandu to Pokhara cost US $125, which will certainly be short and comfortable.

3. Private Car/Jeep

You can also reserve a private car or jeep if you want to travel comfortably to Pokhara by road. Which is, in a sense, comfortable and entertaining. A car with 3 to 4 passengers costs US $120 and a jeep with 5 to 8 passengers costs US $160. (above-mentioned cost is per vehicle basis, not per person)

4. Local/Public Bus

There are several day and night local/public buses and vans (aka Micro-Bus) available in this sector. However, this service is not recommended for you if you are visiting Nepal for the first time. Because this mode of transport is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. You may even be tricked by the bus conductors.

Trekking start points

The journey to the Annapurna base camp can be started from many places near Pokhara. The following are the main places mentioned below:

1. Nayapul

Most of those who trek to Annapurna Base Camp begin their journey from Nayapul. The journey from Pokhara to Nayapul is 45km long and a bus or taxi should be taken. This journey on the Pokhara-Baglung Highway will be one to one and a half hours long.
The trek from Nayapul to Birethanti is one way. When you reach Birethanti, then the path to the left leads to Ghorepani / Poon Hill, Chhomrong via Tadapani and joins the route to the Annapurna base camp. The path to the right is through Ghandruk, Kumrong Khola and crosses the Chhomrong and joins the path of the Annapurna.

2. Dhampus Phedi/Ghattekhola

Located on Baglung Highway, this place is 18 km from Pokhara. Starting from here, the journey leads through Dhampus, Pothana, Deurali, Tolkha, Landruk, Jhinu and finally joins Chhomrong on the main route to Annapurna Base Camp.

3. Kande

Located on Baglung Highway too, this place is around 25 km from Pokhara. Starting from here, the journey leads through Australian Camp, Pothana, Deurali, Tolkha, Landruk, Jhinu and finally joins Chhomrong on the main route to Annapurna Base Camp.

How to go to the trekking starting point from Pokhara?

The easiest way to get from Pokhara to the trekking beginning points is to rent a taxi. Pokhara-Nayapul's one-way taxi fares range from Rs3000 to Rs3500. Similarly, taxi fares from Pokhara to Kande cost Rs2000 to Rs2500 while Pokhara to Dhampus Phedi cost Rs1500 to Rs2000.

If you are a budget traveler and want to use public transportation, whether you have to walk from your hotel to Baglung Buspark or rent a taxi. From there you can reach your destination by taking a local bus that runs on the Pokhara-Baglung or Pokhara-Beni routes. These local buses leave at an interval of half an hour. Doing so will save you some money, but be prepared for an unpleasant journey.

Accommodations and Meals on the trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the oldest trekking routes in Nepal. If you are thinking to hike to Annapurna base camp, you should not worry about accommodations and meals. The entire area of this trekking route is inhabited by people. Thus, Trekkers have a great opportunity to enjoy unique ‘Lodge to Lodge Trekking’ (also known as Tea-House Trekking).

It will cost from Rs500 to Rs1000 a night for room rental and from Rs2000 to Rs3000 for meals. The price of accommodation and meals also depends on the location, as you go higher up everything becomes more expensive. However, the amount quoted above is approximate. Every trekker's daily spending will be determined by their spending habits.

Drinking water

Plastic bottles are prohibited in most villages within the Annapurna Conservation Area. So you are advised to carry 2 empty water bottles. These bottles can be filled in safe drinking water stations. Guesthouses also sell boiled or filtered water. You are strongly advised not to drink water from the stream or tap directly. If you do so, then there is a high risk of getting sick from the drink. Whether buy water from the safe drinking stations and guest houses or use your own purification tablets and sterilizer.

Permit & necessary documents

Since the route to the Annapurna base camp comes within the Annapurna conservation area, all foreign travelers should have specific permits and documents to go trekking. The requirements and fees are as follows.

1. Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) Permit

Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) Permit Cost for foreigner NPR 3000

Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) Permit Cost for SAARC Nationals NPR 1000

Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) Permit Cost for under 10 Years children – Free of cost

** Two passport-size photos are required to have this permit.

2. TIMS Card

TIMS Card Cost for foreigners NPR 2000

TIMS Card Cost for SAARC Nationals NPR 300

TIMS Card Cost for under 10 Years children – Free of cost

** Two passport-size photos are required to have this permit.

     3.  Where to get the permit for Annapurna Base camp trekking?

Kathmandu: You can purchase ACAP permit in Kathmandu from the Office of Nepal Tourism Board in Bhrikuti Mandap, Tel: +977 1 4256909.

Pokhara: You can also purchase ACAP permit in Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside.

    4.  Where to get the TIMS Card for Annapurna Base camp trekking?

Kathmandu: You can purchase TIMS Card in Kathmandu from the Office of Nepal Tourism Board in Bhrikuti Mandap, Tel: +977 1 4256909.

Pokhara: TIMS Card can also be purchased from the TAAN Lakeside office in Santi Patan, Pokhara.

*If you book a trekking with us, we, Amazing Nepal Trek will arrange these documents for you.

How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the routes in Nepal with a moderate difficulty level. If you prepare a simple physical fitness from home, this will be beneficial for this trek. Such as daily morning walks, stair climbing, small hiking on weekends, etc.

You should walk daily 5-6 hours uphill and downhill while trekking to Annapurna base camp. Healthy people of any age group can go on this journey. However, sometimes the trip can be awkward because of bad weather, poor health, or whatever.

Is this trek good for solo trekkers or solo female trekkers?

If you are an experienced trekker then this trekking can be done solo. Not only Annapurna Base Camp, if you are an experienced trekker you can go to any of the common trekking routes in Nepal as a solo trekker. Read our blog ‘How Safe is Nepal for Solo Female Trekkers?’

However, we would recommend going through a reliable trekking agency for your pleasant trip. Because doing so will help the local people on your behalf. Some of the money you pay will not only make you feel comfortable traveling but also create employment locally. Remember that Nepal is an unemployed country.

Packing list for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Below is the checklist of equipment that is required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
 
HEAD

• Buff headwear /neckwear
• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses
• Head Torch

UPPER BODY

• Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof/windproof jacket
• Down-filled jacket  

LOWER BODY

• Lightweight cotton pants (long)
• Waterproof Pants
• Thermal underwear

FEET

• Thin inner socks
• Thick and warm wool hiking socks
• Comfortable Hiking boots
• Sneakers /slippers

HANDS

• Gore-tex gloves

ACCESSORIES

• Sleeping bag rated to - 20°C 
• Trekking bags/duffel bag 
• Large plastic bags (For keeping items dry inside trek bag)
• Trekking poles (Optional, Recommended)
• Water bottle or camel bag
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Sewing Kit
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, and lip balm
• The first-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
• Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
• Wet wipes 
• Reading or writing material

Best seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Mostly, tourists trekking in the high mountain ranges of Nepal choose Spring or Autumn. During these 2 seasons, you find better mountain views with good visibility while the weather is clear. Also, because the temperature is moderate, tourists feel more comfortable.

Even in winter, the weather is usually clear. However, at high altitudes, sometimes there is a possibility of heavy snowfall. Excessive cold and heavy snowfall fears will ease tourist pressure this season.

Monsoon season is mostly cloudy and heavy rains make it difficult to trek. In addition, floodwaters and landslides are also at risk. Often, this season is not considered good for trekking since the clouds cover the mountains. However, the monsoon season is well considered for trekking in the Mustang's rain-shadow area. Read more here about trekking seasons in Nepal.

What happens if you get sick, injured, or caught altitude sickness?

The most common problem for tourists coming to this Himalayan journey is getting sick or getting injured. Sometimes this is the reason for returning from the middle of the trek without being completed. Therefore, it is important to be careful during the travel period. Even if you are careful with your diet, you can avoid many problems. So avoid non-veg foods during the journey and only drink distilled, mineral or boiled water.

Occasionally there is a possibility of slipping, hitting, or falling down. So walk carefully and travel as far as possible with the group or guide/porter.

Traveling on a high mountain is also likely to get high-altitude sickness. Always walk slowly to avoid it. Drink plenty of water, eat hygiene food and sleep well at night. Please click here ‘Things to be Considered while Trekking in Nepal’

If there is a major problem besides all of the above-mentioned preparations, use emergency evacuation, which your insurance company will cover.

What my travel insurance policies should cover?

It is important to have travel insurance coverage while trekking to Annapurna Base Camp for your safety. Thus, you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks within your travel period in Nepal.

Your travel insurance must cover you for all the extra expenditures that might come into account due to various health issues, injuries/accidents, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services, medical expenses, trip cancellation and luggage misplaced/theft.

While traveling, do carry a policy copy of your travel insurance with you always. Here, we have a recommendation list for travel insurance for trekkers from different continents.

At last,

If you too are embarking on a tour of this beautiful trekking region, don't delay. Annapurna, one of the beautiful trekking routes in Nepal, full of amazing natural scenery and cultural diversity, is eager to welcome you.

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