Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara
Annapurna I
Way to Annapurna Base Camp
Duration5 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude4,130 m
ActivitiesTrekking
Group SizeMin. 1 pax
StartsPokhara
EndsPokhara
Best TimeMarch-May & September to November

Trek Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek out of Pokhara is one of the most exciting adventures across Nepal, inclusive of great mountain views, rich culture, and lots of landscapes. In just 5 days, It takes trekkers deep into the Annapurna region, which starts right from the lovely city of Pokhara.

Best for nature lovers and trekkers, one goes through forests, waterfalls, and then crosses over the villages full of charm. All the way, trekkers get to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan peak towers—this interesting section of them is Annapurna and Machapuchare. They dominate the horizon, giving good feelings all through the journey.

At 4,130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is the highest point of the trek. The feeling of reaching this iconic spot after 2 days of trekking is hard to describe. You’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks in every direction. The beauty of this natural amphitheater makes the journey worthwhile.

It starts in the green forests with rhododendrons, bamboos, and oak trees. As you go up the look changes: the forests turn into mountain fields and then rough land; that means that each day is different because of a different landscape.

You will pass through suspension bridges over rivers, see terraces under farmed agriculture. These hillside farms are a fount of some clue to what powerful people these locals are. In this delightful mix, nature's beauty combines with human ingenuity.

Unlike the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the trek does not go very high in altitude, but rather, it is a cultural trek made by passing through the villages of Gurungs and Magars. Their houses, style of living, and traditions tell the long history of life in these regions and are the windows to mountain life.

You will be accommodated in tea houses along your trek. A few teahouses are managed by the locals themselves. The guesthouses offer a warm spot to rest and taste typical Nepalese food. Dal bhat, or rice with lentils, is the traditional meal and your diet throughout your journey.

This Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not too hard, it can be quite tough in its altitude and steep parts but is generally manageable by most trekkers. Naturally fit persons find this trek easy even for beginners as trails are well marked and the daily distances one has to walk are easy to handle.

It's a shorter hike, but no less rewarding. When you finally do get to Annapurna Base Camp, the feeling of success is strong. At that point, you'll feel as though you've been airlifted into the heart of the Himalayas.

Highlights of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp

  • Pass through beautiful rhododendron forests and over rivers, observing different perspectives on the scenes in Annapurna's area.
  • Observe carefully those high mountains of Annapurna and Machapuchhare.
  • Get absorbed in the local cultures: Gurung and Magar villages teeming with people warm in hospitality.
  • Annapurna Base Camp is a beautiful sunrise destination with the snow-capped mountains.
  • Enjoy a challenging but accessible, 5-day trek—perfect for novices and experienced trekkers.
  • Find comfort in the nature around with tall, mighty Himalayan mountains everywhere.

When are the best months to visit Annapurna Base Camp?

The best time to trek is in spring, between March and May, and in autumn, from September to November. The weather truly is the best; the time of year is clear and mild. Then in the spring, the rhododendron forests in bloom will add some wonderful color.

Autumn affords the clearest views of the surrounding peaks. The trail will see more people on it during these months, but the great views and good weather make it worth the hike.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

The trip to the Annapurna Base Camp begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Jhinu, crossing through lush hills and wild rivers that are part of the Annapurna region. The excursion from the village of Jhinu—a popular place for its hot springs—will start uphill, using even stairs winding over this part of dense forests. This will give the hikers an insight into some unique flora and fauna.

You'll pass suspension bridges on your way to flat farmlands. Continue up, reaching the small village of Sinuwa at 2,340 meters above sea level. This quiet village enjoys spectacular views from its surroundings, and it is also a good area to acclimatize with the altitude level. Quiet evening; rest, enjoying the thrill and buzz of what's in store.

Max Altitude: 2,340 meters Meals: Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Teahouse

It is a continuation deeper into the Annapurna region as you head towards Deurali today. From Sinuwa, you still have a small descent ahead of you before you take to the stiff climb upwards through forests of bamboo and rhododendron, taking in the surrounding natural beauty. The varying landscape makes for an interesting trek, and if desired, one can stop often to take moments and look around.

The higher you climb, the altitude increases and then the plants start to get sparse—an indication that you are getting closer to Deurali at 3,230 meters. The village has been in a very beautiful spot since high mountains with rugged terrain surround it. Probably this may be your perfect stopover overnight, with the very far-away sounds of the waterfalls and the refreshing mountain air in your lungs.

Max Altitude: 3,230 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Teahouse

Today will be the most important day of your walk because you will arrive at Annapurna Base Camp. Starting from Deurali, you make a slow ascent towards the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. As you trek at the entrance of the sanctum, to your excitement, stand tall the mountains of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare-or Fishtail- creating a view that raises your hair.

At 4,130 meters above sea level, Annapurna Base Camp lies in a space constrained by the vast massif of the Annapurnas. The white peaks surrounding it join together in a natural amphitheater, spreading 360° of visibility, with giants rising among the highest on the face of this planet. There is no feeling quite like reaching ABC; rest, reflect, and enjoy all of the magnificence the Himalayas have to offer.

Max Altitude: 4,130 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Teahouse

Just after having caught all the great views in Annapurna Base Camp, you will commence your way back downwards to Bamboo. Following your previous pathway, you see that going downwards is a little bit easy but again the steep parts are a bit tough. The several views you will be able to see downhill from the high mountains to the green forests make the unique difference from the previous days.

The Bamboo village trail follows through a forest around 2,310 meters high. It is very quiet surroundings, great to spend a night in, relax, and go over the hiking trip. A great way of remembering how the adventure just went by, as most of the tough parts of the hike are finally over.

Max Altitude: 2,310 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IncludedAccommodation: Teahouse

The final day of the trekking goes on to Jhinu, quite slower as the ground reaches a low level. You will be routed through well-known forest paths, fast rivers, and stepped fields for the last view of beauty in the Annapurna area.

Your walking will be completed once you reach Jhinu, have time to enjoy the relaxing hot springs, and drive back to Pokhara. Achievement settles down in earnest only after one has re-entered society following completion of the amazing journey through some of the most breathtakingly vivid landscapes that Nepal has to offer.

Max Altitude: 822 meters Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
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Cost Details
Included
  • Pokhara - Jhinu Dada - Pokhara in a Jeep
  • Local guest house accommodation in the mountains.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Sleeping bag, and duffel bag which has to be returned after the completion of the trek
  • First Aid Kit
  • Service charge and government taxes
Excluded
  • International airfare
  • Meals and accommodation in Pokhara
  • Meals not mentioned in included section
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Essential Information

How is it different from other treks, Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp has equally breathtaking scenery compared to the Everest Base Camp, but it is much easier and convenient to reach, as it is less time-consuming and considerably lower in height. It is much less crowded than Everest, so it is very peaceful.

Unlike Everest, most walking in the Annapurna area lies below the tree line. The forests, villages, and open meadows add up as other major attractions for this trek in terms of culture. There is a great opportunity to meet local people.

Is this a trek for beginners?

Yes, it is reasonably fit for beginners: Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Though a bit steep here and there, it does not involve any technical climbings. While it's not technical climbing, there are some really steep sections with altitude gains for every day that take 5-7 hours of walking; much of this falls into a rhythm with a plentiful supply of resting points along the way, and the luxury of the well-established paths and tea houses providing ample accommodation.

While the altitude at Annapurna Base Camp reaches a high point of 4,130 meters—high enough to require the need for acclimatization—the graduated rise in altitude significantly reduces acute mountain sickness. Any amateur can certainly complete this trek, even one who is completely inexperienced, given appropriate training and pacing.