Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 'must-do' trek for all trekkers. Walk on Nepal's oldest trekking trail and arrive at the heart of Annapurna Region. Trek through a typical Nepalese mountain landscape dotted with terraced fields, rhododendron forest and rustic villages. Swap stories with elderly Gurung and Magar villagers, many of whom have served in the British army, and yes marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna peaks..
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to one of Nepal’s oldest and most popular trekking trails. The first trekkers to Nepal had trodden on these paths. Take the same trail taken by the pioneers. Visit settlements of the valiant Gurkha warriors and set foot on Annapurna Base Camp. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp leads you from the verdant hills to a wondrous world of snow and ice. Step on a glacial sanctuary fortified by the spectacular Annapurna Massif. Celebrate the incomparable beauty of the Himalayas at ABC. You lie in a frozen ring of 7000 and 8000-meter peaks including Annapurna I, the tenth highest peak in the world.
Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from Kimchi village. From the first day’s trek to the last, our seasoned trek leader will be there to lend support and guidance. Hike past traditional Gurung villages and green terraced fields neatly sculpted on mountainsides. The forked summit of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) looms over the trail. Annapurna Region has seen major development in the past few years, yet the trail to Annapurna Base Camp remains untouched. It is a joy to walk beneath soaring Himalayan peaks and trees laden with flowers. During spring the trail bursts into a profusion of pink, red and white rhododendron blooms. In addition, on the last leg of your trek, enjoy a relaxing dip at Jhinu Danda’s hot springs. Finally in Pokhara, get nostalgic at Phewa Lake. Gaze at the reflection of peaks under whose shadows you had walked.
If you are reasonably fit and looking for a high altitude walk lasting for just over a week, then this short Annapurna trek is just right for you. Within a short duration of eleven days, you will be able to reach an elevation of 4130m, cross two base camps (ABC and Machhapuchhre Base Camp) and stand at a natural amphitheater, close to some of the world’s highest peaks. An experienced guide will be with you throughout your trek.
But if you are looking for something challenging, then we have our Annapurna Circuit Trek which involves a crossing of a high mountain pass, Thorung La, at 5,416m. Covering the circuit will let you experience the unique Bhotia culture and dramatic landscapes. If you have fitness issues but still want an Annapurna experience, then our Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is ideal for you.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the ideal seasons for Annapurna Base Camp trekking. The daytime temperature is just perfect during this time. It is neither too hot nor too cold during these times. While an autumn trek promises clear skies and stunning mountain vistas, a Spring trek will let you experience the first blooms of the season. Walk on a trail filled with colorful rhododendron trees. Nights on the mountains are usually cold. Above 4,000 meters, you can expect nighttime temperatures to drop as low as -10 degrees
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Welcome to Kathmandu! Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Meet the other team members and trek leader at the pre-trip meeting held later in the day. A briefing by your trek leader on your Annapurna adventure will follow. Listen carefully as your trek leader describes in detail the trail and what to expect during the trek. Further check your gears for the final time. If you have forgotten any item you can buy or hire it from any of the shops selling trekking gear. Get suggestions from your trek leader. Later head to the lively tourist hub of Thamel. We recommend you to schedule your arrival to Kathmandu in the morning or during the day, so as to enable you to attend the group briefing. After the meeting you can take a stroll around Thamel. Enjoy your first evening in Nepal by attending a welcome dinner hosted by us. End your first day of your trip with a taste of Nepali traditional cuisine at an authentic Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Get up early and prepare to leave Kathmandu. From the domestic airport in Kathmandu take a scenic flight to Pokhara, a pretty lakeside town. On reaching Pokhara, board a vehicle and drive to Kimchi. A two and a half hours drive brings you to this small settlement from where your trek begins. Climb on well-laid stone steps all the way to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village and home to brave Gurkha soldiers. Explore the village. There are many interesting places you can head to, like the Gurung Museum for instance. There’s also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Immerse yourself in the local mountain culture while interacting with the villagers. Enjoy fantastic views of Annapurna Himal. Overnight in Ghandruk.
Walk past terraced fields, and follow a winding route down to Kimrong Khola, occasionally passing through cascading waterfalls. From time to time stop for awhile to take in the views. Cross a bridge and thereafter take a steep ascent via a stone staircase to Chhomrong, another Gurung village. As soon as you reach the village head towards a teahouse and rest your aching muscles. From Chhomrong, the snowy walls of Annapurna South and Machhapucchre (Fishtail Peak) seem very close. Take pictures and simply let the majestic beauty of the mountains work its magic on you. Overnight in Chhomrong.
Today’s trek involves more steep descents and ascents on stone staircases. Walk down a flight of steps to Chhomrong Khola and cross the metal suspension bridge. An uphill hike through a wooded trail filled with oak, bamboo and rhododendron trees brings you to Khuldighar. From here take an easy descent down to Bamboo, your stop for the night. Bamboo is made up of a cluster of teahouses catering to trekkers on the Annapurna trail. Overnight in Bamboo.
Hike through a track shaded by thickets of bamboo. The path opens up after Himalaya Hotel offering delightful views of the glacial river flowing down the valley. Your itinerary involves a steep ascent to the historic Hinku Cave that served as an overnight camp for the first group of climbers daring to ascend Annapurna I. Follow an undulating path till you reach Deurali, a small settlement with few blue-roofed stone huts. As you gain altitude the temperature begins to dip and you begin to feel the cold, especially at night. Overnight in Deurali.
Leave Deurali behind and make a quick descent down to a glacial river. In order to reach ABC you need to first cross Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Enter the Machhapuchhre Base Camp through a narrow valley flanked by steep mountainsides. The walk through the ‘natural gateway’ to Annapurna Sanctuary (abode of the gods according to local folklore) is an unforgettable experience; one that you will remember long after your trek is over. As you get higher the tree line disappears and the vegetation gets sparser. From Machhapuchhre Base Camp enjoy glorious views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail peak), Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli. Though the area is known as Machhapuchhre Base Camp, climbing on the peak is strictly forbidden. The mountain is a guardian deity of the locals. Ascend higher till you reach Annapurna Base Camp. The base camp lies in a valley surrounded by glaciers and the grand peaks of the Annapurna Massif. The awe inspiring sight will be enough to melt away all your aches and pains! Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.
First thing you do is get up early to catch the sun rising over the snowy peaks. Secondly head down to the Annapurna Sanctuary to witness this phenomenal sight. Watch the spectacular display of light and colour, as the first rays of the sun touch the frozen peaks making them seem like a ring of melted gold. Capture this moment in your mind and your camera to be treasured forever. Explore the glacial bowl and stand beneath the icy circle formed by the peaks of Annapurna Himal, including Annapurna South, Tharpu Chuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III & IV and Annapurna I, the tenth highest peak in the world. Later on take a long descent down to Bamboo. Overnight in Bamboo.
From Bamboo head to Jhinu Danda, a beautiful settlement famous for its natural hot springs. Follow an up and down trail past a verdant trail. Hike through Chhomrong before you make a final descent to the ridge-top settlement of Jhinu Danda, your overnight stop. After checking into the teahouse, immediately walk down to the riverside and relax your tired muscles with a dip in the naturally heated pool. Later head to a teahouse and celebrate the completion of your trek with the crew and team members. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
The last leg of your trek takes you to Siwai. Walk past terraced fields and traditional farms till you reach Siwai. As soon as you reach there, board a vehicle and head to Pokhara. Once you arrive in Pokhara check into your hotel. The lakeside city is frequently visited by international as well as domestic tourists. The rest of the day is for you to spend it on your own. Take a well deserved rest or stroll around the lakeside area. Sit by the serene Phewa Lake gazing at Machhpuchhre’s reflection and colourful boats. If you want to see more of Pokhara you can book a half-day guided sightseeing tour at an extra cost. Overnight in Pokhara.
Take an afteroon flight to Kathmandu. Before you fly back to to the capital, you can visit the popular sightseeing spots of Pokhara or try paragliding. These activities will incur extra costs. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, check into your hotel. Take rest for as long as you like. Later on, go souvenir shopping or visit some places of interest. Celebrate the conclusion of your Nepal Annapurna Base Camp Trek with a complimentary farewell dinner with your guide or a representative from our office. Overnight in Kathmandu.
You will be driven to the airport in due time to catch your flight (three hours prior to the scheduled departure). If you want you can extend your trip and explore more of the country. Choose from our vast range of itineraries or allow us to customize a tour for you. Bid goodbye to Nepal !
Domestic flight (Pokhara - Kathmandu)
Accommodations in Kathmandu, Pokhara and on the trail are included in the package cost. You will be ataying at 4-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Stay for 2 nights at Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu and 1 night at Atithi Resort & Spa in Pokhara. Both these hotels are centrally located and feature well-appointed rooms, spa, swimming pool, restaurants, bar etc.
While trekking, 7 nights’ accommodation at the best avaialble teahouses or mountain lodges. These are run by local families and is a source of sustenance for mountain communities. At Ghandruk, Chhhomrong and Jhinu Danda your rooms will have attached bathrooms and you can enjoy free hot showers. At higher elevations, only basic facilities will be available at the lodges– bed, shared washroom (western style toilet) and a communal sitting and dining area. You need to pay extra for using the wi-fi hotspot and charging your electronic devices.
Accommodation is arranged on a twin-sharing basis. If travelling solo, you get to share the room with a fellow traveller of the same gender. Single room will be available on request, at added cost. It’s possible to get a single room in Kathmandu, Pokhara and at lower elevations while trekking. But at higher elevations there are few lodges and single rooms are not available during high season.
Meals:
Enjoy breakfast, welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu. Only breakfast in Pokhara.
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Each day you can expect 5 to 7 hours of walking, covering around 10 to 14 km. However when you reach 3500m, you will be walking around 5 to 7 hours but the distance covered will be less as you will be walking slowly at higher altitudes. We want you to know that all our itineraries are flexible and can be altered by weather, geographical and physical condition of the individual participants
Teahouse trekking is one of the most popular ways of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking has almost replaced old style camping treks in Nepal along the popular trekking routes of Annapurna and Everest regions. Teahouse Trek involves resting or stopping at teahouses or lodges scattered along the trail for the night. The teahouses are locally owned and they provide accommodation and food. While the standard of teahouses varies, most of these establishments usually offer very basic services - small rooms (usually on a twin sharing basis with comfortable beds), shared washroom, a heated communal dining area and a menu with a range of dishes. Some may offer wi-fi and hot shower. As these teahouses are located in remote locations, one should not expect the service of a city hotel while staying in one
Mountain weather is very difficult to predict. During winter (November to February) it will be a bit colder than the other months but the days during winter can be beautiful and warm if the sun is out. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (late September to early November) are the best time to trek in the Annapurna region. During the rainy season (June to early September) there is usually torrential rain in the mountain regions and trekking is not advisable. But in hindsight, no one can predict the weather conditions in the mountains. One can only expect the unexpected in the mountains
Our fixed departures for 2020 will be on up our website shortly. If you want to book a private trek, you can book anytime you like. But if you want to join a group you will have to wait until we work out the dates for 2020. We usually book our flights with Yeti Airlines or Buddha Air. But it depends on availability. Sometimes during peak season it gets difficult to get a ticket. In such cases we buy tickets from any airline that has available seats.
As a child, I used to go hiking with my father and years later upon hiking with my office colleague I realized how much I love it. Ever since that, I made a conscious effort to go on trekking holidays and this time it was Annapurna Base Camp. The serenity of the mountains has a calming effect on me. Trekking peacefully amidst lush hills, meandering river marveling at the diverse landscape, rich mountain culture and tradition. We had cloudy, rainy and sunny days; experienced all. I have seen best sunrises during this trek so I doubt if I would like anything less than that! Awesome and Unforgettable experience. There is a big question if you should take a guide and potter. Personally, I like to bask in the beauty of the region and let someone take care of food and accommodation. Also, anything can go wrong in the mountains so I believe the guide is for those difficult days! Health and safety come first.
The trek was challenging for me; the uphill climb and descend took a toll on me. However, the encouraging words of my guide kept me going. The weather wasn’t much in our favor but we didn’t miss the amazing sunrise from Annapurna Base Camp. Firstly, I was surprised at being surrounded by mountains which I couldn’t see earlier due to low visibility; we were in the amphitheater of mountains. The Himalayas were so close I felt it could be touched. With sunrise, the snowcapped mountains slowly turned into sheer gold; it is one of the most prized memories from the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Felt like living a quote which says difficult road leads to beautiful destinations. A big thank you to the team of Third Rock Adventures for turning my dream of trekking high in mountains a beautiful reality!
A friend of mine had done the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. After going through his Instagram pictures and videos of his trek, I was hooked. I knew I had to do this trek and visit this wonderful place. My friend had trekked with Third Rock Adventures and he recommended this company. According to him they were highly professional and employed some really good guides. He was not wrong. I booked my ABC trek with the company and I had no complaints. My guide Shiva, was jolly and quite knowledgeable about the local area and culture, while Ram (the porter) was humble, patient and ever smiling. The villages and terraced fields along the trail were beautiful. The joy and relief that I felt on reaching ABC cannot be put into words. The experience was simply incredible. Thank you Third Rock Adventures for this amazing journey! If I take another adventure in Nepal in the near future, it will definitely be with you guys!
We did Annapuruna trekking with Third Rock Adventures! The porter and guide was very very good people so the trekking was best to me. If I come back again I choose this agency again. Thank you very much because thanks to this agency I had a very happy time! I really recommend to you guys.
I came to nepal with my friends with hope of standing next to the great Annapurna ranges. Third Rock Adventures made our dream come true. They took care of everything,from an excellent english speaking guide, porters, accomodation and food, everything was taken care of. Their responsible attitude and unmatched service has really touched us to the core. We felt blessed to be among such beautiful mountains and we felt even more blessed to have Third Rock Adventures guide us all the way to the top. I highly recommend Third Rock Adventures to everyone who want to trek in Nepal.
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