Overview
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is an adventure of a week, which allows interested trekkers to enjoy and experience in a short time frame. Especially for foreign visitors with limited holidays in Nepal, with dreams to fulfill, being close to the Himalayas. The perfect adventure for all is a trek to Annapurna Base Camp, covering the whole journey within a week. As well as without the hassle of catching HAS (High Altitude Sickness). Like it occurs in other high altitude base camp treks, the main obstacles to the adventures around the Himalayas.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is an enjoyable and ever-exciting adventure around the whole Himalayan range. The shortest and most scenic Himalayan adventure of a lifetime experience, walking in the heart of the world's 10th highest peak. Enclosed by the towering snow mountains and staying in the comfort of cozy lodges with rooms facing lovely views.
The walk starts with a short drive to the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas around the low and warm farmland. Then, the trail follows higher towards the lovely traditional Gurung village of Chomrong, the gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp. From Chomrong on an exciting walk with down and ups through an enchanting forest of rhododendrons and pine trees.
The trail follows the Modi River upstream up to its glacial source at the sanctuary and Annapurna base camp. On leaving, the dense tree lines for sheer mountain wilderness to enter a high picturesque plateau at Annapurna Sanctuary.
Then leads towards Annapurna Base Camp, at the main highlight and the highest point of the adventure. At Annapurna Base Camp, enjoy the spectacular panorama of giant staggering that encircles facing views of snow peaks.
As far as your vision can reach from north, south, east, and towards west, surrounded by the majestic Annapurna range of peaks.
The most exciting highlight of this adventure is standing in the heart of the world's 10th-highest Mt. Annapurna-I. Towers high above 8,091 m/26,545 feet, the first ever climbed 8,000-meter peaks in mountaineering history.
Mt. Annapurna was climbed in the 1950s by the French Expedition, three years before Mt. Everest, was conquered by Tenzing and Hillary.
After a most fascinating and wonderful experience, exploring amidst spectacular Annapurna Base Camp and Sanctuary. The return journey then leads back to lush green vegetation, and tree lines reaching Chomrong and Jhinu Dana village.
On completing the great adventurous walks, and then taking a short drive to beautiful Pokhara.
THE BEST SEASONS FOR ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREKKING:
For Annapurna Base Camp treks, can enjoy the walks around all seasons of the year except the wet monsoon and summer times. The right favorable and the best seasons are spring and autumn/fall.
Spring begins in early March and ends in May, where most days are bright with sunshine for longer hours. From early 6:30 am till 5 pm, but can get cloudy afternoon sometimes with chances of light snowfall.
Cold morning, late afternoon, and night times, as well with an extra wind-chill factor above 3,000 meters. The afternoon is bright with strong UV (ultraviolet) and requires sunblock, sunglasses, hats, and long-sleeved tops.
Spring is a lively time with wildflowers in seasonal blooms, especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors.
The next best season is autumn/fall, from September to November, most days are fine and clear for views and walks. But much colder morning, late afternoon, and nighttime, chances of snowfall sometimes. Gets much colder during the late afternoon with a wind chill factor, however a pleasant season of autumn/fall for Annapurna Base Camp treks.
FOODS, AND ACCOMMODATION ON ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREKKING:
Trekkers will be surprised to find various standards of lodge accommodation on Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Especially at Chomrong the last permanent village before entering Annapurna Sanctuary.
From simple tourist standards to moderate lodge accommodations, having attached baths and toilets. But after Chomrong towards Annapurna Sanctuary and Base Camp, exists only temporary settlements to cater to the trekkers only.
All lodges and Tea House from Chomrong onwards are simple and basic, provides common baths and toilets. Extra charge for using hot showers, at MBC and
Annapurna Base Camp due to high altitude. The pipeline and plumbing systems freeze, due to cold temperatures in the morning and nighttime.
Dining rooms are large and cozy with a fireplace to keep the environment warm, while you enjoy the meals. All lodges provide a comprehensive food menu, which includes a wide variety of breakfasts, from oats, porridge, and cornflakes. Bread, Chapatti, Pancakes with choices of eggs from scrambled, boiled, poached, and omelets. Followed by hot refreshing drinks, tea, coffee, and drinking chocolates. Lunch and dinner with a list of continental, Indian, Nepali, Chinese, and Tibetan/ Sherpa foods.
Some lodge restaurants in Chomrong also provide Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Korean foods, including fresh bakery items. All dining rooms are bright with lamps run by local hydroelectricity or from solar power. Most lodges provide free internet and Wi-Fi, which is quite, slow and disturbing. Due to landscapes and weather conditions on designated overnight stops.
For larger groups of more than 4 people, it is best to order a set menu, which saves time and fuel energy. To follow the norms of Eco or Responsible Tourism.
RELIGION AND CULTURES ON ANNAPURNA CAMP TREKS:
Although Nepal is dominated by 75% Hindu religion, the higher mountains around the Himalayan range. On this trek to Annapurna Base Camp, the main inhabitants are Gurung people, the major tribes of Southern Annapurna hills.
The Gurung follow Buddhist religion and culture, as well as their ancestral and ancient Bon sect of pre-Buddhism. As well as practice Shamanism, on this trek coming across villages, where every house is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: From Pokhara drive near Jhinu village 1,700 m and trek to Chomrong 2,050 m (03-hour drives and 3-hour treks) -06 hrs.
Day 02: Trek to Dovan 2, 130 m via Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.
Day 03: Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,720 m -06 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m - 03 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m - 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Jhinu-Danda 1,700 m- 06 hrs.
Day 07: Walk and drive to Pokhara 860 m-03 hrs.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : From Pokhara drive near Jhinu village 1,700 m and trek to Chhomrong 2,050 m (03-hour drives and 3-hour treks) -06 hrs.
On reaching Pokhara from Kathmandu via overland or by air, staying overnight in the beautiful location at Pokhara. Morning our guide picks you and the group for an exciting few hours drive to the starting point of trekking. The drive leads beyond Pokhara city and valley with grand views of the Annapurna Himalayas. Driving on the Pokhara and Baglung-Beni main highway on reaching the small town of Nayapul. The route diverts to follow the Modi River past Bhirethati village to reach Jhinu Village. The walk starts by crossing a long exciting suspension bridge to Jhinu Village, and then climb to a high ridge. Then a short descent to Chomrong for the first overnight in a mountain village, populated by the Gurung. The main hill tribes of the southern Annapurna Himal range, as well as the last permanent village and human settlement. Chomrong provides many good lodges along with views of Annapurna peaks, enjoy the overnight in a nice lodge.
Day 2 : Trek to Dovan 2, 130 m via Bamboo 2,050 m-06 hrs.
After a pleasant overnight in Chomrong, having a good breakfast and getting ready for a long and interesting trek. The walk leads down to the Chomrong River, after the bridge, climb on stone steps for an hour or less. Reaching a high ridge of Sinuwa Danda with few shops and lodges, from here enter a dense wood of Rhododendrons and pines. Then a short descent to a small settlement of Bamboo, located on Modi River gorge. Amidst forest of bamboo groves, possible lunch stops, as well as a place for overnight, after visiting Annapurna Base Camp. Afternoon a slow climb through cool shade of forest to Dovan, a small place above the Modi River. Check into a nice simple lodge for an overnight halt, with the sound of a river flow.
Day 3 : Trek to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3,720 m -06 hrs.
From Dovan, heading higher toward our destination Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp. As walk starts with a slow climb into the dense forest and lush vegetation to reach a huge overhanging cave called Hinko. Then reaching a small settlement of Himali Hotel is located directly south of Annapurna South and Huin-Chuli peaks.
From here a short down reaching by the river, and climb towards a small flat field at Deurali. A place with several lodges and guest houses, perfect lunch stops, and an afternoon walk across the raging Modi River. As the climb leads through smaller bamboo stalks, the climb gets steeper for an hour then reaching Machhapuchare Base Camp. A lovely scenic high ridge with several lodges, located beneath the towering Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish-Tail Peak.
At MBC, check into one of its good lodges for overnight-facing views of Annapurna-I, A-South, and Huin Chuli peaks.
Day 4 : Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 m-03 hrs.
Today is the shortest walk of the adventure to Annapurna Base Camp, morning enjoying the fabulous views of the peaks. Start the morning with a short climb to enter a picturesque plateau at Annapurna Sanctuary. Enclosed by amphitheaters of snow mountains, as the walk proceeds towards the north-west, then reaching Annapurna Base Camp for lunch and overnight. Stand on the highest spot of the adventure beneath the giant staggering Mt. Annapurna-I, Vara Shikar (Annapurna Fang).
At ABC, enjoy the comfort of nice simple lodges with room-facing views of snow-capped mountains. Afternoon explore the scenic location facing tremendous scenery amidst towering mountains, in the heart of Annapurna Himalayas.
Day 5 : Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m-06 hrs.
Morning enjoy the glorious panorama of white peaks as far as your eyes can reach. After breakfast get ready for a long downhill to Bamboo for an overnight stop, the trail follows to MBC. The downhill to Deurali with a short climb to Himali Hotel and then down towards Dovan. Reaching back into the dense forest and at Bamboo for overnight in a nice lodge close to the Modi River.
Day 6 : Trek to Jhinu-Danda 1,700 m- 06 hrs.
Enjoy the last day of walking around the high green hills of Annapurna's southern range. From Bamboo a short steep climb and on a gradual winding path through dense forest to Sinuwa Danda. As walk continues down the steps to cross a river with a steep climb to Chomrong for lunch stop. Afternoon, a short walk of a few hours to Jhinu Village for the last overnight around the high hills of Annapurna. Jhinu Village with a natural hot spring to enjoy a refreshing bath and dip in its pools of hot water. Located about 40 minutes from the lodge by the bank of Modi River.
Day 7 : Walk and drive to Pokhara 860 m-03 hrs.
The last day of trekking a short walk across the long bridge to the roadhead, for an interesting drive. The country's rough road follows back to Bhirethati village and at Nayapul, and then on the main highway to Pokhara. On reaching the hotel at Pokhara by the serene Phewa Lake, our great wonderful adventure to Annapurna Base Camp completes.