Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
This extravagant high region includes the Poonhill , famous view point ,from where entire annapurna range can be observed , and some of the famous peaks including Annapurna I, the first 8000m peak climbed in Nepal. The trek passes proceeds through scenic, deep valleys, lush rhododendron forests, scattered villages over high ridges and ascends the narrow gorge of the tumbling Modi Khola. The trail above Chomrong can be rough and sometimes challenging but the rewards that await in the sanctuary are worth every bit of effort you spend. Its challenging even its short and easy,since some parts of the route passes through avalanche region.This trek can be added with Annapurna Circuit to be completed in 26 days.
Trip Facts
Trek Duration :
15 days
Starting from
: Pokhara
Ending at
: Pokhara
Trek Departure
: Every day throughout the week
Maximum Elevation
: 4130 m
Mode of Trip
: Teahouse (Lodge to Lodge)
Activities
: Trekking + Tour
Group Size
: 01 (minimum)
Per Day Hiking
: 5-7 hours
Best Time
: Jan, Feb, March, April, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
Trip Price::
USD 975.00 per person
Trip Highlight
- Scenic drive to Pokhara
- Typical Gurung villages at Landruk,
- Ghandruk, & Chhomorung;
- Machhapuchhare Base Camp;
- Great mountains views from Annapurna Base Camp;
- Sunrise and mountains views from Poon Hill;
- Visit the inner sanctuary of the Annapurnas;
- Panoramic views of Annapurna, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare);
- Hot springs at Jhinnudanda and so on.
Day to day Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
On your arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by our representative who will take you to the hotel for the night.
After having breakfast you take a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You will visit many Buddhist and Hindu temples which reflect the local culture and tradition of Nepalese society. In the afternoon you will be taken back to your Hotel.
You are driven from Kathmandu to Pokhara, arriving at lunch time. Take the afternoon to look around the lake side and return back to Hotel, B.B. O/N at Pokhara.
Take a one hour drive to Nayapul where your trek will start following the path of Modi Khola (river) passing Birethanti (1000m), a large and prosperous town. From there you will reach Tikhedhunga. O/N at Tikhedhunga.
The trail crosses Tikhedhunga continuing to the large Magar village of Ulleri (2080m) and climbs to Banthali (2250m). Observing the magnificent oak and rhododendron forest you climb to Nangathanti (2460m) and walking an hour uphill you will reach Ghorapani. O/N at Ghorapani.
Early in the morning you will climb about one hour to Poon Hill (3210m), here at sunrise you have magnificent views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Himchuli and Machhapuchchhre mountains. Back at the Hotel you will have breakfast and start your trek. You will climb to Gurung Hill (just like Poon Hill), crossing pine and rhododendron forests with excellent views you will trek down to Deorali (3090m), further trek down to Banthati (2650m). Passing Banthati trek down to the small river and climbing up the trail heads to Tadapani. O/N at Tadapani.
From Tadapani the trail descends through dense forests and reaches to Chiule (2170m) then further descends to Siprung. Crossing an old suspension bridge over the Khumbu Khola(river), the trail start climbing and reaches�Ghurjung (2010m) and then to Dhiklyo Danda (2180m). Climbing about one hour to Taglung and a short walk later you will reach Chhomrong. O/N at Chhomrong.
From Chhomrong the trail descends on a stone staircase, crosses the Chhomrong Khola (river) and climbs on a rocky trail to Sinuwa. Then you climb for about an hour more through the rhododendron forest with orchids and ferns to pass through Kuldi (2470m). Descend on a steep, slippery stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to Bamboo. From Bamboo, the trail climb steeply through forests of bamboo and rhododendron and then crosses tributary streams and ascends continuously. The route proceeds to Doban (2540m); beyond Doban the trail crosses a stream and climbs through a dense forest with a small temple and further climbs to reach to Himalayan Hotel. O/N at Himalayan Hotel.
From Himalayan Hotel walking about an hour through the forest the trail reach to Hinko (3100m) and crosses a ravine, then climbs through large smooth rocks to Deorali (3140m). The trail then descends to meet the Modo Khola (river) and follows it to Bagar (3270m). From Bagar climbing through a sparse birch forest you will reach to Machhapuchchhre Base Camp from where you have views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Machhapuchchhre. O/N at Machhapuchchhre Base Camp.
The route proceeds following the stream, then climbs to a few huts alongside a moraine. Here you can see a large flock of sheep grazing. After a while you will get to Annapurna Base Camp. You have tremendous views of the South face of Annapurna. If you walk west passing the porters shelter and volleyball court you will have a spectacular view of the monument of the well-known climber Anatoli Boukreev. You have the panoramic view of several peaks-Tharpu Chuli (5663m), Singu Chuli (6501m), Hiunchuli, you can also observe a few birds, thar, Himalayan weasels and pika. O/N at Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek back to Sinuwa. O/N at Sinuwa Hotel
From Sinuwa, the trail leads downhill to the Modi Khola, closing the day with a steep climb to Chhomrung and trek downhill to Jhinu Danda. Visit the Hot Spring. O/N at Hotel in Jhinu Danda.
The trail decend to Modi Khola and after crossing the Modi khola on the suspension bridge, the trail climbs to Landruk, a large Gurung village then trek to Tolka. O/N at Tolka.
From Tolka, the trail ascent gently through the fine green forest full of beautiful birds, ferns and orchids, and reaches Deorali (2150m) from where you will have a spectacular view of Annapurna South and Himchuli. The trail descends to Dhampus via Pothana observing the view of Machhapuchchhre along the way. O/N at Dhampus.
The trail descend observing the excellent agricultural fields to reach Phedi. From Phedi you will have half an hour drive to Pokhara. O/N at Pokhara.
Sightseeing around Pokhara (Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake and David's fall). O/N at Pokhara.
Drive back to Kathmandu (6 hours drive by car/van), Hotel, B.B. O/N at Kathmandu.
Altitute Sickness
Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from your travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.
1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry.
Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.
- Periods of sleeplessness.
- Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
- Occasional loss of appetite.
- Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
- Periodic breathing.
- The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
- Runny nose.
- Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
- Dizziness.
2. Mild AMS Symptoms - NEVER GO HIGHER
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.
- Mild headache.
- Nausea
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Sleeplessness.
- Dry Raspy cough.
- Fatigue/Tired.
- Loss of apatite.
- Runny nose.
- Hard to breath.
What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?
- If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
- If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest, drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close by.
- If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.
- If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
- If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse. You're here to enjoy trekking not to feel sick.
3. Serious AMS Symptoms - IMMEDIATE DESCENT
- Persistent, severe headache.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
- Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
- Mental confusion or hallucinations.
- Liquid sounds in the lungs.
- Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
- Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
- Severe lethargy/fatigue.
- Marked blueness of face and lips.
- High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
- Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
Dangerous cases of AMS
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It In most cases the first five symptoms on the mild and severe lists previously. Coma from HACE can lead to unconsciousness are death within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms, but normally takes 1-2 days to develop. At the first sign of ataxia begin treatment with medication, oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first does, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 liters /minute oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag will often be used first if available.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often accompanied by a mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a minute but using PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good substitute. If there is no PAC bag or oxygen then descent will be life saving. HAPE can lead to unconsciousness are death very quick.
Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
- Don't make rapid Ascent. Don't go too far too fast.
- No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
- Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
- Climb high and sleep low.
- Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
- Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
- Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
- Never leave or descent sick person along.
- Avoid getting cold.
- Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.
First Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter (optional)
- Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
- Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
- Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
- Gel hand cleaner.
What to Pack
Essential Equipment List
Luggage should be restricted to a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg). We recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation.
- Passport/Tickets/Vaccination Certificates/Spare Passport Photos/Travel Insurance Policy
- Money Belt
Recommended general packing list
- Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
- Toiletries
- Biodegradable Laundry Soap
- Torch/Spare Batteries
- Sun Hat
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes/santitizer
- Sunglasses
- Camera – film/batteries/memory card/charger
- Travel alarm clock
- Sewing kit
- Reading material/Guide Books
- Padlocks
- Travel pillow
- Swiss army knife
- Travel clothesline
- Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
- Student ID (if applicable)
- I-pod/MP3/Discman
- Pens and Notebook
Clothes and Footwear
- Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
- Underwear/socks
- Swimwear
- 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
- 2 x shorts
- Skirt/dress
- Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
- 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
- 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
- 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
- Hiking boots if any trekking involved
- Flip Flops/Thongs/Jandals – also for the showers
Recommended First Aid Supplies
- Sunscreen
- Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
- Antiseptic
- Blister pads
- Pain killers
- Diarrhorea remedies
- Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
- Malaria Tablets (if required)
- Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
- Contact lenses and solution
- Cold/flu decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
- Contraceptives
- Mosquito Repellent
- Insect bite cream
- Tampons
- Tweezers
- Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
- 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at 4star hotel in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee during the trek.
- Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
- 1 highly experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people), their food, accommodation, salary, equipments, insurance.
- Surface Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Annapurna conservation permit, and all necessary permits.
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of Government taxes and breakfast.
- Tourist service charge, Vat.
- Office Service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Any meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast.
- Travel Insurance.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 15 days, US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 30 days. You may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
- Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24.
- Items of a personal nature
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot water, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
- Trekking Equipments (down sleeping bag and down jackets are available to hire or buy in Kathmandu, which would cost approximately US$ 1 per day per item to hire and US$ 60 to US$ 100 per item to buy).
- Tips for guide, porters, driver.
