Experience the glorious trek to Annapurna Base Camp, one of Nepal's classic short treks among spectacular high peaks, reaching an altitude of 4130m/13549ft!
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is one of the most popular trekking experiences in Nepal. It is an amazing walk through a diverse landscape and culture, complete with stunning mountain vistas, terraced fields, quaint Gurung villages, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Mt. Annapurna (8091m) is the 10th highest mountain in the world, and the hike to its base camp, which sits at an altitude of 4130m/13549ft, is one of the best treks in Nepal.
Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking |
---|---|---|
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel | 1400m | N/A |
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation | N/A | N/A |
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 820m | N/A |
Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedhunga | 1540m | 4 - 5 hours |
Day 5: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani | 2860m | 6 - 7 hours |
Day 6: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill, Trek to Tadapani | 3210m | 5 - 6 hours |
Day 7: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong | 2170m | 5 - 6 hours |
Day 8: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo | 2310m | 5 - 6 hours |
Day 9: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali | 3230m | 4 -5 hours |
Day 10: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp | 4130 | 5 -6 hours |
Day 11: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo | 2310 | 6-7 hours |
Day 12: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, Hot Springs Relaxation | 1780m | 5 -6 hours |
Day 13: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Siwai, Drive to Pokhara & Return to Kathmandu | 1400 | 3 - 4 hours |
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu | 1370 | N/A |
During the trek, meals are simple yet nourishing, designed to provide the necessary energy for high-altitude hiking. The staple meal is Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepali dish consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles, often with unlimited refills. Other common options include noodles, soups, Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, momos (dumplings), and fried rice. Breakfast typically consists of eggs, toast, porridge, or chapati with tea or coffee. While fresh vegetables and meats are available in lower elevations, food choices become more basic at higher altitudes due to limited supplies. Trekkers on a budget can stick to Dal Bhat for the best value, while those wanting variety can try different local and Western dishes offered in teahouses.
Accommodation along the Annapurna Circuit Trek is in teahouses, which are basic mountain lodges run by local families. These teahouses provide small rooms with twin beds, simple mattresses, blankets, and pillows. In lower elevations, some lodges offer attached bathrooms, but as you go higher, shared squat toilets and bucket showers become the norm. While Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging facilities are available, they come at an extra cost. In peak season, teahouses can get crowded, so early arrival is recommended to secure a good spot. For budget trekkers, basic rooms are free as long as meals are purchased from the lodge. Despite the simplicity, the hospitality and warmth of the locals make staying in teahouses a unique and memorable experience.