About the trek

Annapurna Base Camp (south) also known as Annapurna Sanctuary is located in Kaski district of western Nepal. Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin lying 40 km directly north of pokhara. The base camp offers an amazing 360 degree view of Annapurna mountain ranges including the ANNAPURNA I (8091M): 10th highest mountain in the world. The trekking trail follows the traditional route used in 1970’s British expedition group to climb the south face of Annapurna I. On May 27, 1970, Don Whillians and Dougal Haston of the expedition group led by chris Bonington reached the summit of the Annapurna I which is 8091 meters above sea level. 

The Annapurna Base camp is located inside the Annapurna conservation area project. The Annapurna conservation area is the biggest conservation area in Nepal. It covers an area of 7629 sq.km. The conservation area is also home to over 1,266 species of flowering plant, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles and 23 amphibians. The conservation area is also home to over 100,000 residents of different cultures and linguistic groups. 

The trek starts from Nayapul, and it usually takes 7 to 10 days to complete the trek. But with construction of Motorable road, the trek can be easily completed in less than a week.  The trekking trail is approx. 85 kms, making it an average walking distance of 14kms per day (6 hrs per day) over the duration of 7 days. On the first day of the trek, It will be a 2hrs drive to Nayapul from Pokhara, and a 6 hours trek to Ghandruk village. It is a popular village inhabited by the Gurung community. One can observe the traditional houses, gurung culture and tradition and visit the gurung Museum and try the traditional clothes too.

Trek Information:

Region: Annapurna conservation Ara
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Elevation: 4130M: Annapurna Base Camp
Trip Duration: 7 to 8 days
Trip starting point: Kathmandu/Pokhara
Trek starting point: Nayapul
Trek ending point: Matkyu
Trek type: Tea- House

For Trek package: https://altitudetrails.com/itinerary/annapurna-base-camp/

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Outline Itinerary:

For more information about trek package: info@altitudetrails.com

How to reach Annapurna Base Camp

To trek to Annapurna Base camp, first you need to reach Pokhara city. It is located in Kaski district of Gandaki zone in Nepal. At an elevation of only 800 meters above sea level, the Annapurna and manaslu mountain range can be seen closely from the city. Annapurna is only 40kms air distance from the phewa lake side. Pokhara is also called gateway to Annapurna region. From Kathmandu, Pokhara is approximately 200kms, which takes nearly 7 to 8 hrs. because of the road conditions. Via Aeroplane, It takes nearly 25 to 30 minutes. Via Road, There is availability of Tourist bus, Local public bus and Night bus. The tourist bus can be boarded from Samakhusi.

Transportation to Pokhara:

Every morning the bus leaves to Pokhara from 7 am to 9 am. The bus fares range from Nepali rupees 800 to 2500. Pre- booking is recommended. The bus makes 3 stops, 2 for short breaks and 1 for Lunch break. The stops are 1.5 hours apart. The public bus can be boarded from either Bus park at Gausala or from Kalanki. It takes more than 8 hrs. to reach pokhara as the bus makes frequent stops for local public as well. The night bus is available from 6 or 7pm. The night bus has restroom inside the bus and they also provide snacks. The bus dose not makes any stop. The bus reaches pokhara early in the morning at 0500 AM.
The trek starting point is Nayapul. It takes nearly 2hrs drive to reach Nayapul from pokhara. With the construction of road, there is an option to reach ghandruk via jeep/ bus also. It takes another 2 hrs from Nayapul. The total trekking passes through Syaulibazar, Ghandruk, Komrong, Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Dovan, Himalaya, Deurali, Machhapuchre Base camp and finally reach Annapurna Base Camp. The route is approx. 110 Kilometers. Up to Sinuwa villages there are quite big village settlements, Afterwards, other villages there are only tea houses.

Expenses:

Kathmandu to Pokhara Bus Fare:
Tourist Bus: NPR 800 to 2500

Flight Fare:
For Foreigneers: $90 to $110
For Nepalese: NPR 2500 to 5000

Hotels at Pokhara:
Hostels: rs. 500
Hotels: 1000 to 15000+ (according to the service provided)

Pokhara to Nayapul Jeep/ taxi Fare:
Taxi: NPR 2500 to 3000
Jeep: NPR 4000

ACAP Permit: NPR 3000
TIMS Permit: NPR 2000

Tea House Expenses: Rs. 2500 to 4000 (lodging is cheaper but food costs more)

Hiring a Porter: $20/day

Hiring a Guide: $30 to $40 per day

Best Season to Trek:

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is doable throughout the year.  During the spring, the forest on the trail is colorful because of the rhododendron trees. During the Monsoon, the wildflower blossoms around the grasslands nearby Annapurna Sanctuary. In autumn, the skies are clear and the mountains are clearly visible and in the winter there is a lot of snow.  The Best season to trek there easily is spring and autumn.

Spring (March to May): Spring is considered as one of the best times for traveling and trekking in Nepal, including Annapurna Base Camp. During spring, the weather is warm and pleasant. The rhododendron forests along the trail are in full bloom, creating a colorful picturesque atmosphere. The skies are clear with a breath taking Mountain View. This season is also the best time for bird watching as many migratory birds return to Nepal in the spring season.

Autumn (September to November): Likewise Spring, autumn is also considered the best time for traveling and trekking in Nepal. The weather is stable with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. By autumn, the monsoon rainfall has already ended and it has cleared the air, resulting in amazing panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range. The trekking trails are quite dry and well defined. During autumn, the landscape is beautiful and filled with lush vegetation and blooming wildflowers. Additionally autumn is also the festive season as Nepalese biggest festivals Dashain and Tihar are celebrated. The festivities and cultural experience can enhance travelers’ experience.