ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK

There are few treks that combine so many different landscapes and bring you so close to the base of 7,000 and 8,000 m high peaks in a such a short period of time as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. The trail goes alongside terraced rice paddies, lush rhododendron forests, and high altitude landscapes, with the Annapurna Range in view most of the times.

The setting of the Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m is unique and incredibly spectacular, set amidst the mighty peaks of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441 m).

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes 7 to 11 days, depending on your itinerary and length of walking days. The itinerary presented here takes 11 days, starting from Nayapool at 1 1/2 driving from Pokhara, and going north up till Gorepani and the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill. From Gorepani you go eastwards to Chomrong and then north again, entering the Modi Kola Valley up till the Base Camp.

Many people only trek the circuit Nayapool-Ghorepani-Ghandruk-Nayapool, which is very rewarding in itself. This trek can easily be done with children as well.

You can return via Jhinu Danda, and give your tired muscles a well deserved rest in the delightful hot springs. Upon your return it is worthwhile visiting one of the Gurung villages of Ghandruk or Landruk.

The lodges in the Annapurna Trekking Region are well equipped with in general extensive menus, ranging from the typical Nepali dahl bath (rice with lentils) to pizza’s and spaghetti. Hot showers are readily available as well.

The Annapurna’s are easily accessible, with the starting points of the different treks just an hour or two away from Pokhara.

Between Himalayan Hotel and Machapucchre Base Camp there can be a risk of avalanches, make sure you inform yourself properly before setting off.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek can easily be done by yourself if you wish to. It is possible to do this trek in all seasons, however, in the winter the Base Camp is sometimes closed due to the level of snow. In spring time the huge rhododendron forests are in full bloom which gives the trek an extra appeal.

Itinerary

Day 1 Pokhara to Nayapul (1 1/2 hrs), trek to Ulleri (1940 m) 6 hrs

Day 2 Trek to Ghorepani (2750m) 5 hrs

Day 3 Trek to Poon Hill (3194m) for sunrise and to Tadapani (2590m) 6 hrs

Day 4 Trek to Chomrong (2210m) 4 hrs

Day 5 Trek to Himalayan Hotel (2840m) 7 hrs

Day 6 Trek to Machapuchare Basecamp (3700m) 4 hrs

Day 7 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m) 3 hrs (1/2 day hike to glaciar optional)

Day 8 Return to Bamboo (2310m) 7 hrs

Day 9 Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780 m); visit hotsprings

Day 10 Trek to Ghandruk (5 hrs)

Day 11 Trek to Nayapool (5 hrs) and by bus to Pokhara ( 1 1/2 hrs)