Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the choicest treks in Nepal inside Annapurna Conservation Area, Gandaki Province, central Nepal. It is a short and easier trek in comparison to other high elevated treks in Nepal. Along with the astonishing mountain sceneries, trekkers will pass diverse terrains, cultivated lands, cultural villages, lustrous backwoods, and exotic Himalayan wildlife. Among all, the most spectacular and close-up views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Machhapure, and Hiunchili mountain massifs make your journey even fruitful.
The journey to Annapurna Base Camp begins after a short drive to Nayapul from Pokhara. Pokhara is a heavenly site that showcases many touristic sites. Seven picturesque lakes, David’s fall, three most popular natural caves (Gupteshower, Mahendra, and Bat’s), some religious shrines make this city gorgeous. It is one most visited tourist core in Nepal. Reaching Pokhara is possible either of ways: from land or air. It takes 6-7 hours through land and just 25 minutes via air.
Bire Thanti, Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Dovan, Deurali, and Machhapuchhre Base Camp are some of the important landmarks before stepping into Annapurna Base Camp- the foot of the world’s 10th tallest peak-Mt. Annapurna. On their way back, will follow the same route mostly. Otherwise, pick any of the side trips making the journey more scenic and adventurous. Poon Hill trek, Mohare Danda Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek are the perfect side trips for the Annapurna Base Camp journey.
Also, visit the Ghandruk museum and get an insight into the indigenous Gurung people and their culture, tradition, and way of living.
Best Time to Trek
Nepal has four seasons; autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) spring (March to May), and summer/monsoon (June to August). Among all, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. During these seasons, you have clear skies, unobstructed views, flowers everywhere, and stable weather and temperatures.
In spring, the hills around Chhomrong, Dovan and Durali, the species of rhododendrons blossom and entire hills looks as if it is painted. The valleys are green, the hills are colorful and the peaks just above the hills are snow-covered ones. These all look mesmerizing.
In autumn, nature just looks refreshed as monsoon rainfall sweeps all the dust particles from nature that look just awe. The mountains show their faces after the long monsoon periods. The birds and animals seem to enjoy the beautiful nature making the entire surroundings quite photogenic.
Rest two seasons are also doable with the right preparation but not highly recommended. In winter, the uppermost part of the trekking routes might receive heavy snowfalls and sometimes it gets blocked. The freezing temperature might be another challenge in winter. In summer/ monsoon, trekkers might get suffered from heavy rainfall that may cause landslide and flood in the rivers. Leeches may create problems somewhere.
Distance and Duration
Annapurna Base camp trek distance usually covers roughly 110km where you will need to walk for 6 hours on usual and cover a distance of 10km on average every day. A moderately difficult route will take you to pass some of the remote settings of Nepal on the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range.
Authentic Gurung villages, distinct wildlife, and vegetation are common to see during this trek. Thus the distance to Annapurna base camp bids you so much to see in about 110km on average. You will never regret it as you enjoy each moment.
The average duration to complete this trek is two weeks long as you will be walking six hours on average. The itinerary is imperiled to change according to your plan or the places you wish to cover. In case you wished to explore more and took side treks and tours need to spend a couple of more days. However, be prepared yourself with light hikes before attempting the actual trek.
Permits
Trekkers must purchase Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Both of them are available in the offices of Nepal Tourism Board Kathmandu and Pokhara. You need to pay NPR 3000 for ACAP and NPR 2000 for the TIMS card. Without them, you won’t be able to enter Annapurna Conservation Area.
Accommodation and Food
During the trek to Annapurna, meals will be served as per the lodges and guesthouses menu. Almost all the area, you will have the varieties of local foods, continental and international taste. Both non-veg and veg foods are available throughout the trip. Normally you will have three meals a day- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
In breakfast, usually, you will get eggs items, toast items, pancakes, oats, porridge, muesli, and tea/coffee. Lunch is available on the way where you can choose amid noodle items, dumplings, traditional Nepal meal set, pasta, pizza, sandwich, spaghetti, Thukpa soup, and a couple of other items. The choices of Dal Bhat, Chapati, Momo, soup items, vegetable items, salad, and hot items are available for dinner mostly.
You will be accommodated in normal guesthouses or lodges during the trek. Remember! In the peak seasons, if you are trekking solo, sometimes it might be harder to get the rooms as most of the rooms are sold on twin sharing basis.
Being the conservation area, only limited teahouses/lodges are built. The rooms have limited facilities and furniture as compared to the room of the hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Some of the teahouses have attached bathrooms while many of others will have sharing bathrooms during the intact trekking.
Trekking Routes
Numerous routes are available for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Choose any of them according to your time interest and budget.
Route I
Kathmandu > Pokhara > Kimche > Ghandruk > Chhomrong > Bamboo > Deurali > Machhapuchhre Base Camp > Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp > Machhapuchhre Base Camp > Bamboo > Jhinu Danda > New Bridge > Pokhara > Kathmandu
Route II
Kathmandu > Pokhara > Birethanti > Ulleri > Ghorepani >Tadapani > Chhomrong > Bamboo > Deurali > Machhapuchhre Base Camp > Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp > Machhapuchhre Base Camp > Bamboo > Jhinu Danda > New Bridge > Pokhara > Kathmandu
