Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking trails among the solo and adventure trekkers. This trip can fulfill their dream to see the 8,000 meters mountains and glaciers in less than 10 days city escape. It is also popular as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. Alternatively, Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour- 1 Day or Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek – 5 Days are available for short time vacationers.
The trek offers an extraordinary variety of ecosystems due to its unique combination of heights, depths and cultures. This oval-shaped high glacial basin lies at an altitude of over 4,000 meters and surrounded by a ring of mountains-the Annapurna Himalayan range. The stunning views of the great peaks are truly mesmerizing.
The Annapurna (8,091m/26,546ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,796ft) massif are the center of attractions of this trek. Annapurna Sanctuary is like a natural amphitheater and has been sacred to the local people for centuries. The entire sanctuary is a holy land to the Gurung tribe of Annapurna region.
The Annapurna Base Camp trekking starts at Nayapul, about an hour scenic drive from Pokhara. We continue our trek towards the west trail from Birethanti which follows to Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani. The next early morning, our guide will wake you up to hike to Poonhill.
Poonhill is the stunning view point that offers the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna Himalayan range. The views at sunrise from Poonhill are simply outstanding and impressive. We then trek towards Chhomrong and commence our journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary and further to Annapurna Base Camp.
Therefore, Annapurna Base Camp trek is a good introduction to higher altitude without being too strenuous so that we have categorized this trek as medium-hard trek. Another positive side of the trip is it won’t require any internal flights like in the Everest region.
Highlights
- No internal flights required
- The shortest trek to the Himalayan glaciers
- Stunning Sunrise views from Poonhill
- Typical Magar and Gurung settlements along the trail
- Spectacular mountain views along the route
- Massive views from Annapurna Base Camp
- Natural hot spring pond at Jhinu
- The great countrysides, terrace farming and alpine forest
Today we have a 200km (124 miles) drive (6-7 hours by bus or car) from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We take a tourist bus that leaves at 7am from Kantipath, near Thamel. This is a scenic drive along the bank of the Trishuli River with great country side. Alternatively one can also fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
We take a drive for one hour from Pokhara to Nayapul. From the road at Nayapul (New Bridge) we go down the slope, cross a tributary by a suspension bridge and follow a broad track to the village of Birethanti (1,040m/3,412ft). This is a busy, attractive important bazaar with a number of shops, a post office, hotels and teahouses. The ACAP check post is located at the end of the suspension bridge where you must show your entry permit. Leaving Birethanti we keep to the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. Passing through bamboo forest you go through three other villages, Matathanti, Sudame and Hille before reaching Tikhedhunga where some of the lodges are run by ex-Gurkha soldiers, the village is near the confluence of the Tirkhedhunga and Bhurungdi Khola (River). Trekking time 4-5 hours.
Out of Tikhedhunga or Tirkhedunga we start to tackle the long staircase of stone steps over 3,000 of them that lead to Ulleri (1,960m/6,430ft). This will take us around 2 hours. We continue to trek to Banthanti (2,210m/7,251ft) and then to Nayathanti or Nanggethanti (2,430m/7,972ft) where keen bird watchers should keep a look out for the grey Langur as it inhabit the rhododendron forests at either side of Ghorepani. We stay overnight at Ghorepani/Ghodepani. This is a bustling village with shops, lodges and camp grounds and because of the attraction of nearby Poonhill the route is the most heavily traversed in Nepal. Trekking time 5-6 hours.
We have an early morning start to catch the sunrise at the summit of Poonhill or Pun hill a unique trekking experience. We start out on a path from the centre of Ghorepani village and climb for about one hour before sunrise and climb through rhododendrons to the top. There is a lookout tower on the highest point and below it is a very welcome teahouse. We will take in the stunning view of the sun rising above the whole Annapurna range and the Dhaulagiri massif, a truly spectacular event. After taking many photo’s we then set off for Tadapani “far water” not to be confused with the village of Tatopani “hot water”. The “far water” title dates back to times before a piped supply came to this remote lodge settlement and water had to be carried here from afar by locals and porters. The seven fairly large lodges provide spectacular views across the Kimrong Khola (River) valley to Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. Trekking time 6-7 hours.
We start our trek from Tadapani and go through the village of Kimrong (1,880m/6,168ft), continuing onto Taulung (2,180m/7,152ft) and then we enter our overnight stop at Chhomrong. Trekking time 5-6 hours.
Today we start off by navigating down the steep stairway which consists of over 2,000 stone steps to reach the valley bottom an altitude difference of more than 300 meters before a steep climb up the other side of the valley. Trekking time 5-6 hours.
Our trek winds up through bamboo forest to Hinku where we descend to cross a ravine and climb over the other side. This is a classic avalanche trap and on occasions the gorge is virtually blocked here and is often necessary to climb over the debris. We continue to the village of Deurali (3,230m/10,597ft) and continue up to Machhapuchhare Base Camp for the overnight halt. Trekking time 5-6 hours.
Today we start the steady climb to ABC, never very steep yet the altitude is likely to make you feel tired. Take a slow pace and enjoy the expanding panorama before you. It will take us about 1-2 hours to reach the base camp where we can take a well earned rest and enjoy a cup of hot tea before we explore the surrounding area and view the glacier at the heart of the Sanctuary. We will then commence our descent back to Bamboo. Trekking time 5-6 hours.
Return trek continues through the same trail until Chomrong. The trail goes through the rhododendron and bamboo fields. The trail then steeply descends to Jhinu Hot Spring. Trekking time 5-6 hours.
Today we continue our trek along the side of Modi Khola River to Birethanti. We continue the trail to the road that ascends to a taxi stand at Nayapul. We catch a taxi or bus from Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara. Trekking time 4-5 hours.
We are more relaxed in Pokhara with the beautiful morning and later we drive back to Kathmandu. Regular tourist buses leave at 7am.
Option available for extending your trip with Jungle Safari adventure, white water rafting or a trip of your choice.
Cost Includes:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Three times meals (B/L/D) everyday while on trekking from teahouse/lodge
- Accommodations at local teahouse/lodge in the mountains
- An experienced and English speaking Trekking Guide
- Staff insurance, salary, food, accommodation and their transportation
- Land transportation before and after the trek in Pokhara by private vehicle
- Tourist bus transportation for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- First aid kit box
- A farewell Nepali dinner with live culture program
Cost Excludes:
- Bar and beverages bills, bottled water
- Nature of personal expenses
- Personal cloths and equipment such as sleeping bag, jacket, boots etc.
- Insurance for accidental, medical and evacuation
- Tips to the staff
- International Airfare and Taxes
More Information
There are two major seasons for trekking in Nepal such as spring and autumn. So, the best times for Annapurna Base Camp trek are from March to May and September to November. However, trekking in winter and summer is also possible in selected months and under favourable weather conditions. The summers are damp while the winter can be very cold at higher elevations. Summer trek could be more interesting to the naturalists though.
Autumn is generally a dry season that offers blue sky cleared by the summer rainfall and has moderate temperature. Spring is also an ideal season for a trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The trail is cherished with the red and white rhododendrons blooming over the hills in the spring. You need to stay cautious during late winter and early spring with the possible avalanche from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Both Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp treks have their own standard. However, they can’t be compared in terms of beauty, civilization, biodiversity and other natural phenomena. Of course, the mountains seen from ABC and EBC are different.
The maximum elevation of Annapurna Base Camp is 4,130 meters while the Everest Base Camp lies at an elevation of 5,364 meters. Kalapatthar is yet higher at 5,545 meters, a popular spot for the mesmerizing view of Mt. Everest (8,848m).
Here we are trying to compare some facts so that travellers can choose the best trip suitable for them.
Transportation:
No internal flights are necessary for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The ideal starting point of this trek is Pokhara, reached by a comfortable tourist coach everyday from Kathmandu. But Everest Base Camp trek starts with the weather-permitted thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Trekkers are advisable to manage some spare days for Everest Base Camp trek so that they won’t miss their connecting flights back home.
Permits:
Annapurna Base Camp comes within Annapurna Conservation Area and the Everest Base Camp comes within Sagarmatha National Park. Both are the protected areas and trekkers will need entry permits in order to trek in the regions. It costs Rs 3,000 or US $24 per person for either one. Additionally, all trekkers require getting TIMS permit as well and costs Rs 1,000 or US $8 per person.
Difficulty:
Since the Everest Base Camp is situated higher than the Annapurna Base Camp, it may be experienced more difficult. But some advance preparation such as physical training, exercising or jogging can help a lot to achieve the success. It may be true that there are chances of catching high altitude sickness in the Everest region. So, drink water and fluids more than the normal and build up confidence.
People:
Annapurna Base Camp has a mixed type of settlements including Gurung, Thakali, Magar, Chhetri and Brahmins but the dwellers in the Everest region are the Sherpas. They are also known as the people born for the mountains. Sherpas believe in Buddhism while the people in the Annapurna region have faiths on Buddhism and Hinduism as well. Annapurna region offers more mixed settlements altogether.
Cost/Price:
The cost for the ABC (Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost) can be cheaper than the EBC (Cost of Everest Base Camp Trek) due to numerous factors such as trip duration, remoteness, mode of transportation, etc. ABC trek usually requires about 9-11 days while EBC trek needs 12-14 days depending on the itinerary. The cost of food and drinks are more expensive in the Everest region as they have to be transported either by flight or from Jiri.
The major factor to increase the cost on Everest trekking is Kathmandu-Lukla return flight. It costs US $180 per person for one way flight while Annapurna Base Camp trek begins at Nayapul. Nayapul is well connected by a nice motorable road reachable in an hour from Pokhara. The same is for the return. There are several modes available to reach Pokhara such as flight, car or tourist buses.
Conclusion:-
If you have a short duration of holiday, have a limited budget, worried for the flights due to bad weather and really concerned for the altitude and hardness, then choosing Annapurna Base Camp trek is the right decision. However, there are no reasons to limit your spirit for the Everest Base Camp trek too. Your passion is the major key for a successful trip.
Annapurna Circuit trek is the best alternative for those who are looking at more challenging adventures for longer duration.
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