Annapurna Base Camp
One of the most beautiful hikes in Nepal
- 13 nights
-
Up to 14 hikers (on average 8)
- Mountain huts and a hotel in Kathmandu
-
Nepal
-
April - May / Oct - Dec
- Moderate
From £1850
Join us on one of the most astonishingly beautiful Himalayan trekking routes.
The journey involves trekking deep into the inner sanctum of the Annapurnas. During the trek, there are endless views of the snowcapped mountain peaks including Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and many more!
The trek also features a visit to Ghorepani and a hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint. Upon the arrival of Annapurna Base Camp you will be blown away by the breathtaking view of the Annapurna summit.
This trek begins with a short 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a lakeside city with plenty of activities and opportunities to relax.
The next day you will embark on a short drive to Hille where you will meet the trekking staff and begin the trek. From here we hike through many villages and settlements including; Ulleri, Ghorepani, Chuile, Lower Sinuwa and Himalaya. Each settlement features mountain lodges where we stay and eat local or western food. As well as villages, you will also trek through exotic forests, terraced rice fields, astonishing ridges and a brief encounter with snow.
Before arriving at Annapurna Base Camp we spend one night at Macchapuchere base camp. This is a grassy moraine area which also has phenomena views. The 7th day of trekking is probably one of the most breathtaking as we reach Annapurna Base Camp. Surrounded by enormous peaks, you cannot help but feel a great sense of achievement.
Included
9 day trek to Annapurna Base Camp
9 nights accommodation in mountain lodges
3 meals per day on trek
3 nights accommodation in Pokhara
2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu
1 porter per 2 guests
Local Guide
AdAstra Guide
National Park Permit and Development Fee
Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Activities/sightseeing
Flights to and from Pokhara
Ground transport in Nepal
Not Included
Flights to Nepal
Lunch & Dinners Kathmandu and Pokhara
Alcohol
Additional Snack / Drinks
Visa into Nepal
Tips for Staff (we recommend $60)
Personal travel and medical insurance
Spending money for shopping in the capital
Any activities not mentioned
Itinerary
What to expect day to day
You will be met at the airport and brought back to the hotel. There will be time to hire kit and relax. In the evening you will have a team briefing about the hike before dinner. Enjoy a good night sleep before the hike begins the next day.
We fly in the morning from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the flight you can experience your first glimpses of the Greater Himalaya peaks.
Upon landing you will be greeted by this beautiful lakeside city. For the rest of the day you are free to do as you please. There are opportunities to explore the the lakeside town, go shopping, take a boat trip over the lake as well as a short trek to a peace temple.
After breakfast we will drive to Hille, the starting point of our trek. Here we will meet our trekking guides and porters and eat some lunch.
After lunch we will begin our first steep part of the trek to our lodge in Ulleri. This hike features many steps. Ulleri is a large Magar village with great views of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Many Gurkha soldiers have been recruited from here in the past.
Today we begin our first full day of hiking to Ghorepani. The name Ghorepani means ‘horse watering place’ in Nepali. We use a well used steep trail with steps to ascend through Banthanti and then through forests of rhododendron, magnolia and oak before arriving at Ghorepani. This settlement is situated in a notch in a ridge which overlooks Kali Gandaki Valley.
We start the day with an early 5 o’clock start to hike (45mins – 1 hour) to the beautiful Poon Hill viewpoint and watch the sunrise. After this we hike back down to Ghorepani for some breakfast. We then set off along the south side of the Annapurna Sanctuary towards Chuile. During this trek there is a mixture of ascending and descending with glimpses of Machhapuchhre through the trees. Keep your eye pealed as this is also the first part in the trek where it is likely that you will see Langur Monkeys. Chuile is only small so once you have arrived it is your chance to relax or do a spot of birdwatching.
Today starts with a descent down towards a river. We cross a suspension bridge and begin to hike uphill before reaching some steps which lead to Chomrong (2170m). We stop for lunch at Chomrong. After lunch we descend down to another river then begin to climb for maximum 1 hour and arrive at Lower Sinuwa. This is a small settlement with a fantastic view of Macchapuchere.
Today we trek towards the sanctuary. This day consists of mostly steps and mixed uphill trail. Again, throughout this trek we should keep our eyes peeled for troops of Langur monkeys. Himalaya is a very small settlement with very few lodges.
Towards the beginning of this trek we pass along the fire-blackened overhang of Hinko Cave, a place regularly used by porters for shelter.
After this the valley becomes narrower, becoming a steep sided gorge as we approach the entrance to the sanctuary. We then trek uphill to Machhapuchhre Basecamp. This is a grassy moraine area with views of many snow-capped peaks.
This is one of the easiest days of trekking but definitely one of the most rewarding. The walk itself from Macchapuchere Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp is only 4km, however the views become increasingly impressive the closer to base camp you get.
Upon arrival to base camp you are able to see the entire south face of Annnapurna, as well as this being the first and only time you are able to see the summit. This really is a spectacular day. After this we trek to the small settlement of Derali where we stay in a lodge for the night.
After a breath-taking previous day, today we begin our trek back down the mountain. This involves mostly downhill mixed trail with a short 45-minute uphill towards the end. We arrive at Jhinu Dada where hot spring can be located 15-minute walk away. This is a chance to relax, grab a beer and unwind in the hot spring. This is a slightly larger settlement so there is also an opportunity to explore.
Today is the final part of the trek. We walk for a short time before catching a minibus back to Pokhara. Here you are able to relax, unwind and reminisce about your trek.
This day is a chance to relax and enjoy this beautiful lakeside city. Activities can include; sight-seeing, paragliding, zipline, bungee, paddle boarding, relax on lake and many more activities. You can also experience many of the amazing restaurants situated here.
Today we will enjoy our final views of these spectacular mountains while flying back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival our representative will be waiting to greet you and drive you back to the hotel. Here you are able to enjoy your final few days in Nepal.
After breakfast you will have transfers back to the airport for your flight home. Or continue your time in Nepal and come and explore the Jungle.
Kathmandu
We stay in the beautiful Nomad hotel in Kathmandu just outside of Thamel. It’s in the quiet streets away from the hustle and bustle but within easy reach for shopping and a few drinks after the hike.
The trek
We stay in tea houses during the trek. You will share a room with another hiker. The tea houses are basic but many have access to hot showers and charging points. All have a common room that is heated with fires where we enjoy dinners and breakfasts
Expedition Kit list
Our comprehensive kit list has been created to ensure you have the right kit for the mountain. This will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. For specific advice please get in touch, or speak to a specialist outdoor retailer. Items marked with * can be hired in country.
General
- Passport plus travel documents and photocopies: These can be stored securely at the hotel during the trek
- Rucksack: 20-30l daypack
- Duffle Bag – For the rest of your hiking kit, carried by our local porters.
- Bag to leave in hotel
- Waterproof Liners: For your day pack and duffle-bag to keep everything dry.
- Sleeping Bag: You will require a -15 sleeping bag *
- Sleeping Bag Liner: Add’s warmth to you sleeping bag and keeps your sleeping bag clean.
- LED Headtorch: For use in the evening. Bring spare batteries.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended *
- Camera: Plus memory & spare batteries
- Personal Entertainment: Music, books, cards, diary, notepad and pen.
Head & hands
- Sunglasses: Cat 3 or 4, 100% UVA/UVB
- Sun Hat: Essential
- Buff – Essential against the dust and sun
- Warm Hat
- Thin Gloves: liner gloves
- Thick Gloves/Mittens: Warm and insulated. Sized to go over the liner gloves for extra warmth.
Upper Body
- Down Jacket: It’s very cold during the evening and mornings so this is essential. *
- Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Baselayers – T-shirts or lightweight long sleeve shirts (not cotton); polypropylene or Merino wool. Lighter colours are better.
- Lightweight Fleece
- Heavyweight Fleece: Softshell or primaloft jacket.
Legs & feet
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable and waterproof with good ankle support.
- Trainers/Sandals: For use in Kathmandu and in the evenings.
- Down Slippers: For the evenings.
- Socks: 3 – 4 pairs of lightweight trekking socks plus a pair of thicker mountaineering socks e.g. smartwool
- Walking Trousers: Comfortable lightweight and quick drying
- Long Thermal Trousers: To sleep in and wear under your trousers when the temperatures drop.
- Waterproof Trousers: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Walking Shorts: Ideal for the first few days of the hike when it’s warmer.
- Swimming Costume: For enjoying the pool after the trek.
Hygiene Food and Toiletries
- Water Bottles: 2 x 1 litre water bottles. Camelbak is highly recommended but cannot hold the boiling water and can freeze on colder days.
- Suncream & Lip Protection: Essential: High SPF (30+)
- Anti-bacterial Hand Gel
- Wash Kit: Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste and travel towel.
- Toilet Paper
- Snacks: To supplement the food provided. 1 – 2 per day is enough. High energy lightweight and tasty.
- First Aid Kit: Your mountain Guide will carry a comprehensive group first aid kit. A small blister/first aid kit of your own is advised. Compeed / Second skin plasters, painkillers (Paracetamol and Ibuprofen), zinc oxide tape, powdered rehydration sachet, antibacterial foot powder plus any personal medication you need.
- Small repair kit: Gaffer tape, needle and thread, zip ties and para-cord are useful for little repairs.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
It is a moderate level hike. There are easy afternoons of rolling flats and difficult steep climbs but overall it is manageable for someone with little or no trekking experience. With proper training you should be able to complete the trek to ABC. However, even with proper training you can get altitude sickness which means you must return to a lower elevation. This is a really good entry level altitude hike.
Unless you live at a high altitude it is impossible to truly train for the altitude. Altitude sickness (AMS) can strike anyone no matter your fitness lever. The key is to take your time and walk slow. This trek has a good acclimatisation profile and compleation success.
Both seasons are a great time to make the ABC trek. Snow or rain can hit during either season. Pre-monsoon in March /April and post-monsoon in October/November are the best seasons to trek. You are most likely to see groups trying to summit in the Spring but we have found the weather in the Autumn to be better.
During the peak seasons the trails can get a little congested in some stretches. Many guided groups are around 10-15 people. You will pass yaks, porters, and locals along the way as well. However, there are plenty of stretches where it will feel like it is just you and the mountains.
All your accommodation and food is included in the hike. So you will only require money for trips, snacks and gifts.
We will boil water for you every evening so you have enough for the next day. Our guides will boil the water so we know it is safe.
The more water you can drink the better. It will not only help with altitude sickness but also help you replenish your salt and keep you hydrated. We recommend 4 -5 liters per day
Yes, most tea houses and bakeries have WiFi on the trek. Some will have free WiFi or free with a purchase of something to eat and drink. The WiFi prices go up with the altitude.
Tea houses have charging stations and they charge by the hour for the most part. This price goes up with the altitude just like the WiFi and everything else on the trail. Battery packs and solar chargers are great for the trek
The bathrooms are basic but useable. Lower down on the trail they are very pleasant and get progressively worse as you reach base camp. Many of the tea houses we stay in will have access to hot showers you will however have to pay for these and they are roughly £3
After the trek take a few days to relax in the Jungle in the South of Nepal. Stay in a luxury lodge in Chitwan National Park. Enjoy daily safaris and lots of time to relax and recover. The weather is delightfully warm here so you can also enjoy time by the pool. Delicious food, drinks and evening entertainment will give you the perfect end to your trip.
During the day we will have different safari options. Walking safaris, canoe safaris and driving safaris. On these we will have the chance to see Rhino’s, monkeys, wild deer and wild boar. Many birds and crocodiles can be seen. We can also visit the crocodile sanctuary.
If we are very lucky we might even spot a tiger.
FIT TO SUMMIT
We have been asked many times over the years how do I get fit for my adventure?
We have answered your calls and teamed up with Anthony Richardson to deliver you a 12 week pre challenge fitness programme aimed at getting you ready for your adventure.
Find out more about the programme and if it will be right for you.
Similar Trips
Why AdAstra
AdAstra has been taking groups to Nepal for many years with 100% summit success. We love this route and we have some of the best guides on the mountain. We also have a fantastic team in Kathmandu coordinating with our mountain team ensuring an extra layer of safety on the mountain.
- Small groups of adventurers
- Team of passionate local guides
- Your AdAstra guide there to look after all your needs.
Is Annapurna for you?
This is a fantastic entry level altitude hike. It is one of the most popular in Nepal due to the beauty of the route. If you have not hiked to Altitude before we would highly recommend this as your first hike.
- ABC is 4130m high
- It takes 6 days to hike to ABC and 2 days to return to Pokhara. 9 days hiking in total
- You will spend 14 days 13 nights in Nepal.