Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long - 17 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 17 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 4,130m/13,545ft. Walking Per Day: 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: N/A grade Grade: Strenuous
Best Season: Autumn and Spring Group Size: 1-12
Mode: Tea House/Lodge Culture: Gurung , Brahmin , Kshetri , Magar

Annapurna isn't just a grand massif on the Himalayan skyline - it also has a prominent place in climbing history, having been the first 8,000m peak to be scaled successfully. Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal can claim that particular accolade, but even if you don't plan a climbing expedition to the top of Annapurna, it is still well worth doing the Annapurna base camp trek; also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary route. In this article, we tell you why.

Geography

There are few better ways to take in the stunning Annapurna panorama than trekking through the high glacial basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, on your way to the Annapurna base camp. Located 40km north of Pokhara in central Nepal, this an amazing opportunity to take in the might of the surrounding Annapurna range, including the Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre, which rise up around you. 

Nature, Culture and Adventure 

You can actually encounter several different ecosystems in the Annapurna Sanctuary itself, from the jungle of the south slopes to the colder and drier climate of the north. You could see wildlife such as tigers and leopards on safaris in lower-lying sections, and yeti, wild goats and musk deer up higher. Nepal's native people have their own religious systems and gods which co-exist with major religions, and it is known as a land of religious harmony. You can encounter many of the friendly Nepalese people as you travel through villages along the trek route.

Activities to do and major attractions

The trekking itself, and the socialising with people from all over the world you could meet along the way are two of the reasons why the Annapurna base camp trek is treasured. Along the route, there are a series of 'tea houses' which offer a chance to enjoy refreshments, rest and relaxation. Once you get to Annapurna base camp itself, you can bask in your achievement, and savour the amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Health and safety

The Annapurna base camp trek is known as a relatively moderate trek which does not typically present problems such as high altitude sickness, which can be suffered on the higher peaks. Mountain sickness is considered unlikely, and there are many flat sections. 

Weather and best season

Annapurna is in an area known as a rain shadow, meaning it typically receives less rain than most other areas in Nepal. In the post-monsoon season of October to November, day time temperatures can reach 15°C, while at night time the temperature doesn't drop below freezing. From December to February, temperatures drop much colder in the day time, and well below freezing at night. From March to May, temperatures rise considerably, but at night time it is still around freezing. The monsoon season from June to September can pose the problem of torrential rain throughout the region and is not recommended as a wise time for trekking.

The best seasons for the Annapurna base camp trek are considered to be the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December) in Nepal.
 

Benefits of this trek

Benefits include:

- the convenience of relatively close proximity to the capital of Nepal and its major transport hub, Kathmandu

- the chance to take in the wonderful Himalayas with a trek which isn't as demanding as more intense climbs

- access to a protected area, in the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the opportunity to see multiple ecosystems and rare species

- the possibility of meeting people from all over the world who can come to trek - you could make friends for life!

Lifestyle and people

The Nepalese cannot easily be pigeonholed! They are ethnically diverse, due to migrations down the years from North Burma, Tibet, India, and Yunnan. Pahari and Gurung people make up the main population of the region in which Annapurna lies. Typical professions in this rural region are based around agriculture and tourism. Nepalese people in rural areas live a simple lifestyle, and their local cuisine can be compared to Indian food, with a typical delicacy named Dal Bhat - a lentil soup served with rice and vegetables.

Are you enticed by the prospect of completing the Annapurna base camp trek? What are you waiting for? Start planning now for your 2021 adventure.


Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

     

  • Day 2 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
    • Duration :Half Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath

      » Pashupatinath

    • Highlights :

      » Sightseeing at Kathmandu

      » UNESCO World Heritage Sites

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Equipment checking and briefing about the trek

     

  • Day 3 Kathmandu to Pokhara(830m /2,700ft)
    • Duration :200km (5-6hrs Drive)
    • Meals :Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Dhading

      » Muglin

      » Damauli

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Walk to Lakeside

      » Preparation for trek

     

  • Day 4 Pokhara – Nayapul - Tikhedhunga (1,540 m/ 5,052 ft)
    • Duration :44km (One and half hrs drive) and 8km (4-5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :440m/1,443ft
    • Location :

      » Pokhara

      » Nayapul

      » Sudhame

      » Hiley

      » Tikhedhunga

    • Highlights :

      » Landscape

      » Lifestyle

      » Culture

      » Nature

     

  • Day 5 Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani(2,840m/9,318ft)
    • Duration :11km (7-8hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :1,300m/4,265ft
    • Location :

      » Tikhedhunga

      » Ulleri

      » Banthanti

      » Nange Thanti

      » Ghorepani

    • Highlights :

      » Bushes

      » Rhododendron Forests

      » Mountain Sceneries

      » Hiking

      » Lifestyle

      » Jungle Walk

      » Sunset View

     

  • Day 6 Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani(2,700m/8,860ft)
    • Duration :14km (6-7hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/ Hotel
    • Ascend :400m/1,312ft
    • Descend :500m/1,640ft
    • Location :

      » Poon Hill

      » Deurali

      » Banthanti

      » Tadapani

    • Highlights :

      » Sunrise View from Poon Hill

      » Panoramic View of Annapurna Range

      » Rhododendron Forest

      » Pine Forest

      » Flora and Fauna

      » Adventure

      » Prayer Flag

      » Jungle Walk

     

  • Day 7 Tadapani to Chhomrong(2,170m/7,119ft)
    • Duration :16km (6-7hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :900m/2,952ft
    • Ascend :380m/1,246ft
    • Location :

      » Tadapani

      » Chuile

      » Gurjung

      » Chhomrong

    • Highlights :

      » Jungle Walk

      » Stunning Views of Himalayas

      » Best View of Machhapuchhre(Fishtail Mountain)

      » Gurung Culture

      » Landscapes

      » Suspension Bridge

     

  • Day 8 Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m/7,578ft)
    • Duration :12Km (5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Descend :300m/984ft
    • Ascend :: 520m/1,706ft
    • Location :

      » Chhomrong

      » Sinuwa

      » Bamboo

    • Highlights :

      » Close View of Annapurna South

      » Himchuli and Machhapuchhre(Fish-Tail Mountain)

      » Bushes Walk

      » Flora and Fauna

      » Incredible Nature

     

  • Day 9 Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m/10,595ft)
    • Duration :12Km (5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :910m/2,985ft
    • Location :

      » Bamboo

      » Dovan

      » Himalaya

      » Hinku Cave

      » Deurali

    • Highlights :

      » Hidden Valley Side

      » Rocky Mountains

      » Flora and Fauna

     

  • Day 10 Deurali to Annapurana Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,135ft)
    • Duration :12Km (5-6hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :900m/2,952ft
    • Location :

      » Deurali

      » Bagar

      » Machhapuchhre Base Camp

      » Annapurna Base Camp

    • Highlights :

      » High Altitude Walk

      » Avalanche Area

      » Wild animals like Mountain Goats

      » Marine Glacier

      » Annapurna - I View

      » Machhapuchhre View

      » Snow Bowl

      » Waterfall

      » Landscape

      » Sunset View

     

  • Day 11 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
    • Duration :22Km (7-8hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/ Hotel
    • Descend :1,820m/5,971ft
    • Location :

      » Annapurna Base Camp

      » Machhapuchhre Base Camp

      » Deurali

      » Himalaya

      » Dovan

      » Bamboo

    • Highlights :

      » Sunrise View

      » Annapurna-I View

      » Annapurna Glacier

      » Tent Peak

      » Machhapuchhre

      » Annapurna South Ice falling area

      » Flowers

      » Achievement of a lifetime

     

  • Day 12 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,760m/5,770ft)
    • Duration :16m (5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :200m/656ft
    • Descend :530m/1,738ft
    • Location :

      » Bamboo

      » Jhinu Danda

    • Highlights :

      » Himchuli View

      » Panoramic View of Annapurna South

      » Fishtail - one of the famous holy mountain

      » Bamboo Forest/Bushes

      » Flora and Fauna

      » Culture

      » Diverse Ethnicity

      » Natural Hot Spring (Pond)

     

  • Day 13 Jhinu Danda – Tolka(1,700m/5,577ft)
    • Duration :9Km (5hrs walk)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Descend :440m/1,443ft
    • Ascend :360m/1,181ft
    • Location :

      » Jhinu Danda

      » New Bridge

      » Landruk

      » Tolka

    • Highlights :

      » Natural Hot Spring (Pond)

      » Landscape

      » Suspension Bridges

      » Honey Hunting

      » Village View

     

  • Day 14 Tolka – Dhampus(1,650m/5,413ft)
    • Duration :9Km (5hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :400m/1,312ft
    • Descend :450m/1,476ft
    • Location :

      » Tolka

      » Bhaise Kharka

      » Pothana Deurali

      » Dhampus

    • Highlights :

      » Jungle Walk

      » Monkey and Langur

      » Scenic Walk

      » Incredible Nature

     

  • Day 15 Dhampus – Pokhara
    • Duration :3Km (2hrs walk) and 19Km (45mins drive)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :520m/1,706ft
    • Location :

      » Dhampus

      » Phedi

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Pokhara City View

      » Lifestyle

      » Last viewpoint of Annapurna Range

      » Scenic Drive

      » Incredible Nature 

     

  • Day 16 Pokhara to Kathmandu
    • Duration :200Km (5-6hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :710m/2,329ft
    • Location :

      » Pokhara

      » Malekhu

      » Dhading

      » Kathmandu

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Farewell Dinner in the evening

     

  • Day 17 Departure Day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 4 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon) with breakfast
  • 1-night Hotel in Pokhara
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you to not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation costs: One-way Domestic Flight(KTM-Pokhara) and Drive from Pokhara to KTM With other driving fares such as drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade in working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kind of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belongs to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 4 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon) with breakfast
  • 1-night Hotel in Pokhara
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • Breakfast during the trek
  • Transportation costs: One-way Domestic Flight(KTM-Pokhara) and Drive from Pokhara to KTM With other driving fares such as drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade in working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kind of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belongs to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • Foods in Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • All meals during the trek except for breakfast
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long Map

map of Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 17 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long Review

Annapurna Circuit + Tilichio Lake

Alina M
Alina M
Source:Trip Advisor

We had a really good trekking trip (Annapurna Circuit + Tilichio Lake + Poon Hill) with Nepal Mountain Trekkers. Accommodation, organization and support was always good and fast. The trek is beautiful.

Unfortunately my boyfriend got sick on the way but with the help of our guide Pralad we could still manage to do Tilichio Lake and Thorong La Pass (but had sadly to skip Poon Hill). Thus, Nepal Mountain Trekkers reorganized our final days in Pokhara. Thank you for that! We had lovely holidays in this wonderful country and would book again with Nepal Mountain Trekkers!

Nepal Mountain Trekkers eine Tolle erfahrung

Bastian M
Bastian M
Source:Trip Advisor

Ich war mit den Nepal Mountain Trekkers Anfang April 2018 im Annapurna gebiet unterwegs.
Unser Guide Suman Gurung und Träger Pralad Simkhada waren sehr nett und zu vorkommend, haben alles möglich gemacht und sich hervorragen um uns gekümmert, so dass wir einen sorgenfreien Urlaub genießen konnten.
Selbst als ich durch eine Magenverstimmung aussetzen musste, wurde alles in die Wege geleitet das es mir wieder besser geht und ich den Treck beenden konnte.
Großes Lob an die beiden.
Wenn ich das nächste mal nach Nepal komme werde ich wieder mit Nepal Mountain Trekkers meine Reise / Treck planen.
Die Guides kennen sich Hervorragend in der Gegend aus und haben viele persönliche Kontakte Stätten und Dörfern was sehr hilfreich sein kann.

Von mir gibt es da einen fetten Daumen nach oben!
Google

Nepal Mountain Trekkers is the perfekt agency

Katharina
Katharina
Source:Trip Advisor

I did a trip to Kathmandu and some trekking to the Annapunda area. Even that I traveld allone, because a friend of mine got ill was no problem. I felt really save and good informed. Our guid Suman and our Potter Pralad made a perfect job. They fulfilled all my wishes and made a dream come true. It was an amazing trip and I would go by them anytime again!
Thank you!
Katharina
 

Annapurna trekking

Navsoa
Navsoa
Source:Trip Advisor

Geweldige trekking met een goede gids. De trekking was goed verzorgd. De gids, genaamd Dal, hield rekening met onervaren trekkers en was ook niet te beroerd om onze backpack te dragen.

The best two trips of my life, thanks to Nepal Mountain Trekkers

Diegonavea
Diegonavea
Source:Trip Advisor

 

My first trip to Nepal was in 2010, I contacted with Mr Ramesh Dhakal in Thamel and had a great impression; I asked about the activities I wanted to do (Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna trek, cultural visits to the cities in Kathmandu Valley, sports...). Ramesh explained to me very kindly about all these activities, very deeply, with all the recomendations about the gear, the food, the guide, and made feel very safe, so I felt convinced about doing the activities with the company and no soloing. He told me a very important thing to me: "Here in Nepal we are happy if you are happy, because if you are happy you´ll come back. We are not interested in cheating people in any means". We discussed the prices and never felt cheated. After that I met my guide Min Nepali, who was with me almost the entire tiem I spent in Nepal, and we became best friends. Ramesh and Min are really wonderful people, taught me a lot and more about Nepal, the nature, the people, the cities, and moreover with their attitude I learned the beatiful people that are Nepali peoples. Also Mr Devaraj Dhakal, the manager of the hotel the company runs, and all the staff made my journey an experience to remember. From temples to jungle to mountain passes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Region, Chitwan, Helambu route, Kathmandu, Bakthapur, Patan, bungee jumping, elefant riding...). And after that... From that trip I fell in love with Nepal, so in March 2015 I came back to Nepal with my wife, and of course we contacted Ramesh again. We did the Everest Base Camp route with Min Nepali again, this time more than a guide, he was a brother to us. Never felt treated so well. This time my wife also fell in love with Nepal. From my experience, if you go to Nepal don´t doubt to contact Nepal Mountain Trekkers. Ramesh Dhakal and his staff will make the very best to make your trip a wonderful experience.

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek - Long - 17 days

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