Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a Chingu Treks and Tours representative. After a brief introduction, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the bustling Thamel area. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the vibrant streets, trying local delicacies, or preparing for your trek. In the evening, there will be a pre-trek briefing at the hotel, where you'll meet your guide and the rest of the trekking team.
After breakfast, you'll depart Kathmandu for a scenic drive to Pokhara, which will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. The drive will take you through picturesque villages, lush green hills, and riverside landscapes. Along the way, you'll get stunning views of the Himalayan foothills, with glimpses of the Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll check into your hotel and have some free time to explore the lakeside area or relax by Phewa Lake. Pokhara is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
After breakfast, you'll begin the drive to Nayapul (about 1.5 hours), where your trek officially begins. From Nayapul, you'll start the walk to Tikhedhunga, a small village situated at an elevation of 1,540 meters. The trek will take around 4 to 5 hours, following the Modi River through lush subtropical forests, crossing suspension bridges, and passing through traditional villages. Tikhedhunga is a quiet and peaceful spot to relax for the night, with the stunning views of the surrounding mountains setting the perfect atmosphere for your trek ahead.
Today’s trek will take you from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani, a well-known viewpoint village perched at an altitude of 2,850 meters. The trail ascends through dense rhododendron forests, with a steady climb leading to the village. The trek will take about 6 hours, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Annapurna range as you approach Ghorepani. Once in Ghorepani, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. This charming village is a popular stop for trekkers, and you'll have time to rest and explore before the next day's hike.
An early start today for a sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), which takes about 45 minutes from Ghorepani. Poon Hill offers one of the most stunning sunrise views in the region, with a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare mountain ranges. After soaking in the views, you'll return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue your trek toward Tadapani. The trek today takes around 5 to 6 hours through dense forests, passing by small settlements along the way. Tadapani, at 2,610 meters, offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. You'll stay in a teahouse here, surrounded by nature's serenity.
Today, you'll begin your trek towards Chhomrong, a beautiful Gurung village located at 2,170 meters. The trail drops down into the valley before gradually ascending, passing through more forested areas and across rivers. The trek takes about 5 hours and offers a variety of scenic views, including terraced fields and spectacular glimpses of the surrounding peaks. Chhomrong is a vibrant village with a unique mix of traditional stone houses and stunning mountain views, making it a great place to rest and prepare for the more challenging days ahead.
From Chhomrong, you'll continue your ascent towards Himalaya, a village located at 2,920 meters. The trek takes about 6 hours and is characterized by steep uphill sections and beautiful, serene landscapes. As you gain altitude, the scenery changes, with the lush forests gradually transitioning into alpine terrain. The trail passes through bamboo forests, and you'll cross several streams and suspension bridges along the way. Once you arrive at Himalaya, you'll have the chance to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading to Annapurna Base Camp in the coming days.
Today is the day you reach your ultimate destination – Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). After breakfast at Himalaya, you’ll trek for about 7 hours, passing through Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) before finally arriving at Annapurna Base Camp. The trail is a steady ascent, and as you approach base camp, the towering Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other peaks come into full view. The sight of Annapurna I, standing tall at 8,091 meters, is a breathtaking highlight of the trek. At base camp, you’ll have time to take in the majestic surroundings and celebrate the culmination of your hard work.
After an unforgettable night at Annapurna Base Camp, you'll begin your descent back toward lower altitudes. The trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo takes around 6 to 7 hours, mostly downhill. As you leave the high-altitude terrain behind, you’ll pass through rhododendron and bamboo forests, with the trail leading you back through familiar villages and landscapes. Bamboo is a quiet spot to rest for the night after a long day of trekking.
Today's trek takes you from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, a village known for its natural hot springs. The trek will take around 5 to 6 hours, descending through forests and terraced fields, with occasional river crossings. Once in Jhinu Danda, you'll have the chance to relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs, which are the perfect way to soothe your muscles after days of trekking. Jhinu Danda also offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains, and it’s a peaceful place to reflect on your trek.
On your final day of trekking, you’ll descend to Nayapul, which will take about 4 to 5 hours. From Nayapul, you'll take a drive back to Pokhara. The drive will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll have time to relax and unwind. You can explore more of the lakeside area or simply rest in your hotel, enjoying the scenic beauty of the region. In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your guide and fellow trekkers.
After breakfast, you'll board a comfortable vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. The drive will take around 6 to 7 hours, offering you one last chance to appreciate the scenic landscapes of Nepal. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day free to do any last-minute shopping, visit the local markets, or explore some of the cultural landmarks in the city.
Today marks the end of your incredible Annapurna Base Camp adventure. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to do some final sightseeing or shopping. A Chingu Treks and Tours representative will transfer you to the airport for your international departure. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again on another trekking adventure in Nepal!
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek was absolutely stunning! The route offered incredible views of the Annapurna range, and the experience was made even better by the excellent service from Chingu Treks and Tours. The team was professional, friendly, and ensured everything went smoothly. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an amazing trek in Nepal!
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a popular and breathtaking trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to the base camp of Annapurna I, the 10th highest peak in the world, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains like Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. The trek also takes you through beautiful villages, terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and diverse landscapes, providing trekkers with a mix of nature, culture, and adventure. It is often considered a more accessible trek compared to Everest Base Camp, with moderate difficulty and relatively shorter duration.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is rated as a moderate trek. It doesn’t require prior mountaineering experience, but it does demand a good level of physical fitness. The trek involves several days of hiking with some challenging ascents, especially on the final stretch towards base camp. The highest point on the trek is at 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) at Annapurna Base Camp, so altitude sickness is a consideration, but it is generally not as high-risk as other treks. Chingu Treks and Tours provides acclimatization days and guides to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek typically takes about 7 to 12 days to complete, depending on the chosen itinerary and pace. Most trekkers follow a route that begins in Pokhara, then heads to Nayapul, where the trek officially begins. The trail then ascends through various villages, such as Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill, before reaching Annapurna Base Camp. On the return journey, trekkers often follow the same route, although some may opt for a slightly different descent path. Chingu Treks and Tours offers flexible itineraries based on your preferences and time constraints.
The best times to trek to Annapurna Base Camp are during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These months offer the most stable weather conditions, clear skies, and optimal visibility of the mountain peaks. The spring season (March to May) also brings vibrant rhododendron blooms, adding to the trek’s beauty. The autumn season (September to November) is generally cooler, with crystal-clear views of the Annapurna massif. The winter months can be cold and challenging due to snow, while the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains and leeches, making it less ideal for trekking.
While it is technically possible to trek independently, we highly recommend hiring a guide and porter for your safety, comfort, and a better overall experience. A guide is familiar with the terrain, provides valuable insights into local culture and the mountains, and ensures that you follow the best path. A porter will carry your heavy gear, making your trek more enjoyable. The Annapurna region’s high-altitude terrain can be challenging, and having the support of experienced professionals from Chingu Treks and Tours ensures that your trek is both safe and enjoyable.
Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is generally safe when proper precautions are taken. Chingu Treks and Tours prioritizes your safety by organizing well-planned itineraries with acclimatization days to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and are prepared to handle any emergencies. We also advise trekkers to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, as well as emergency evacuation in case of unforeseen circumstances. By trekking with Chingu Treks, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
Yes, trekkers are required to have two permits to trek in the Annapurna region:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit is required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card: This helps keep track of trekkers and ensures safety in the region. Chingu Treks and Tours takes care of all necessary permits on your behalf, ensuring that your trek is hassle-free.
Mobile phone coverage is available along most parts of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, especially in larger villages like Ghorepani and Chomrong. However, the signal may be weaker or nonexistent in more remote sections of the trek, especially closer to base camp. Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses, though it can be slow and costly. We recommend that you disconnect and immerse yourself fully in the beauty of the Annapurna region during your trek, but you can stay in touch with loved ones during stops at larger villages.
Accommodation during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is mostly in traditional teahouses, which provide basic but comfortable facilities. Rooms are typically shared and include simple bedding, but they offer a cozy place to rest after a long day of trekking. Higher up the trail, accommodations become more basic, but the warm hospitality of the locals makes up for the simplicity. Chingu Treks and Tours ensures that you stay in the best available teahouses, offering comfort and warmth during your journey.
Teahouses along the Annapurna Base Camp trail offer a wide range of food options, from traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) to international dishes such as pasta, noodles, and pizza. The food is nutritious, offering plenty of carbohydrates to fuel your trek. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the food choices may become more limited, but you will still find hearty meals like soup, porridge, and fried rice. Chingu Treks and Tours encourages trekkers to stay hydrated and eat well to maintain energy levels throughout the trek.
Booking the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Chingu Treks and Tours is simple. You can contact us via email or through our website to discuss your preferred dates and itinerary. Our team will provide you with all the details about the trek, including costs, packing lists, and more. Once you’re ready, we’ll handle all logistics, including permits, accommodation bookings, and guide/porter arrangements. We offer flexible packages tailored to your needs, whether you prefer a group trek or a private experience.
The cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek varies depending on the itinerary, duration, and services included. We offer competitive pricing and customizable packages to suit different budgets. Our all-inclusive packages typically cover permits, accommodation, meals, guide and porter fees, and transportation. For a personalized quote and more information on pricing, please contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to assist you.