Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal’s iconic trekking destinations. Trekkers take diverse trails to the ABC within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which ranges from rhododendron forests to high-altitude landscapes, offering the true form of Nepal’s Himalayas. The trek to base camp begins from Nyapaul, taking through the rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forest. Likewise, the trail involves crossing several suspension bridges over rivers.

As the trail moves above the Bamboo village, the landscape of the route changes to alpine terrain with fewer trees but an amazing view of mountain peaks like Annapurna and Macchapuchhre. Similarly, the trail involves walking through a narrow gorge via glacial moraines in an open landscape from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp. In addition, the trail of the Annapurna Base Camp trek takes through varied geography, combining natural beauty with exceptional forms of nature, providing remarkable memories in anyone’s mind.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek costs USD 1,499 per pax with Highland Expeditions. This cost is based on a twin sharing basis and is an all-inclusive cost. The cost will vary if you choose to amend any part of the itinerary or services. Compared to the services we have included, you will find our cost to be very reasonable.

If you are a bigger group, please contact us for group cost and availability information.

Mountain Views

Who doesn’t love to get surrounded by mountain peaks while walking on rough terrain? Who doesn’t love to start their day with a view of smiling, towering peaks? And who doesn’t love to witness the snow-covered peak up close? Yes, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp provides you with that experience. The trek offers an eye-catching mountain panorama, including the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli, Hinchuli, and other peaks.

Hot Spring

Everyone gets tired after long trekking days and wants some refreshments. In such cases, the hot springs of Jhinu Danda help trekkers rejuvenate their muscles, making them ideal points for relaxation. Thus, trekkers may also like the hot spring on the return way, as it provides them with much pleasure and rejuvenation.

Hospitality

Who doesn’t want to be loved and pleased by the locals where they travel? The Trek to Annapurna Base Camp takes trekkers through the ethnic group of Magar and Thakalis, who treat guests as their gods. So, trekkers definitely like the hospitality of the locals along the trek.

Nature

Everyone wants to immerse themselves in the majesty of nature, and the journey to ABC provides this beauty in exceptional form, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Each step of the trek provides a view of another form of nature, from lush green hills to dense forests to soothing rivers. The change in terrain from lush valleys to rocky cliffs and glacial moraine provides a visual feast to those preferring to witness diverse landscapes.

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is more than just a journey through natural beauty; besides, it passes through several Gurung and Magar villages, offering a unique insight into the region’s culture and traditions. One of the most famous and culturally rich village trekkers on the way to ABC is Ghandruk, a Gurung village known for its traditional houses, stone-paved trails, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna ranges.

Furthermore, Chhomrong is the largest Gurung village on the trail to Annapurna Base Camp. It lies on the region’s hillside and offers a stunning view of the mountains. The village also holds historical significance, as the locals are descendants of brave Gurkha soldiers. Similarly, Deurali provides a mix of cultural charm with diverse ethnic groups residing there, and Jhinu Danda is an excellent village to interact with the Gurung and Magar communities.

The natural hot spring in Jhinu Danda is one of the prominent highlights and is considered the best place to visit while trekking in ABC. The hot spring lies in the village of Jhinu Danda, a 30-minute walk from the main village. Likewise, the spring lies on the riverside of Modi Khola, and beautiful trees surround it. The soothing geothermal hot spring of Jhinu Danda contains minerals believed to have healing properties for muscle pain, joint immobility, and tiredness.

After the journey to Annapurna Base Camp, trekkers relax their sore muscles in the hot spring, making it an ideal location for relaxation after long days of hiking. Moreover, the hot spring has three pools with different water temperatures, allowing travelers to relax in their desired warmth.

The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are mandatory trekking permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Obtaining the permit before starting the trip is crucial, as trekkers must show it at the trek’s entry points, checkpoints, and exit points. Highland Expedition arranges those permits without any trouble for our clients so that they can travel without any problems along the trek.

ACAP is essential for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, where trekking occurs. Likewise, TIMS is paramount for allowing authorities to monitor and ensure the safety of trekkers on the trail. ACAP costs approximately US $24 (3,000 NPR) for foreigners and approximately US $8 (1,000 NPR) for SAARC nationals. Moreover, the TIMS Card costs USD 17 (2,000 NPR) per pax.

As mentioned earlier, the voyage of Annapurna Base Camp takes place within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Thus, trekkers on their journey to ABC can expect to witness rare wildlife. Established in 1986, the conservation area has 128 species of wild mammals, 40 species of reptiles, 518 species of birds, 23 species of amphibians, and 348 species of butterflies. In addition, the conservation area has 1,352 species of plants.

Annapurna Area is home to various endangered species like the Himalayan Musk deer, Chinese Pangolin, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, and Red Panda. Similarly, the ACAP area is the first that found out some rare mammals like Steppe Polecat (Mustela everyman), Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus manual), Wolf (Canis lupus), Argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni), Tibetan Gazelle (Procapra picticaudata), and Kasmir Musk Deer (Moschus cupreus) which were first to be seen in Nepal. In addition, ACAP is the only protected area where all six species of Himalayan Pheasants can be found: Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, and Cheer Pheasant.

Unlike other base camps, the Annapurna Base Camp has a good lodging facility at the teahouse. However, some trekkers may also prefer to experience a different way by camping at the base camp, which is also possible but less common. To camp at the Annapurna base camp, trekkers must carry the required gear, from tent to sleeping bag to cooking equipment.

However, trekkers should be ready to face challenges while camping at Annapurna Base Camp. The first and foremost challenge is extreme cold and the need to carry food, water, and camping gear, which can add to the overall load of the backpack. Thus, we recommend that trekkers stay in a tea house, available at the base camp, instead of camping.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate trek route in Nepal that requires a general fitness level and proper preparation. But what makes the trek quite challenging? It’s the altitude, trek distance, varied terrain, and unpredictable weather.

• Altitude: The journey to ABC involves gaining elevation from the starting point to the ultimate destination. The highest elevation of the trip is 4,130m above sea level at the base camp of Annapurna itself. At such an elevation, the air pressure is thinner, making it difficult to breathe, adding to the trek’s difficulty.
• Varied Terrain: The trek to Annapurna Base Camp passes through varied terrain, including stone steps, rocky paths, and uneven surfaces. Likewise, the trek involves a steep ascent and descent section, making it physically challenging. The narrow, winding sections and cliff edges can be uncomfortable for acrophobes (those who have a fear of heights).
• Trek distance: The total distance covered throughout the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is about 110 km/68 miles, requiring 5-6 hours of trekking daily. However, trekkers who have never been hiking or trekking may find it challenging.
• Unpredictable Weather: The weather in Nepal’s Himalayas, including the Annapurna region, changes frequently and is unexpected, especially at high elevations. Thus, sudden changes in weather impact trekking and come with risks.

At Highland Expeditions, we aim to provide a wonderful holiday in our part of the world and ensure that our clients enjoy the holiday as much as possible with minimized risks and worry-free trips, monetary, physical, or emotional. Here is why you should choose us for your never-to-be-forgotten trekking experience at Annapurna Base Camp:

• All the logistical arrangements required for the trip will be made prior to your arrival, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
• On the trek, you will be led by an experienced and medically trained guide/leader with a high staff ratio.
• On the ABC trek, all meals and accommodation are included with an OPEN/CHOICE menu option, allowing you to choose your meal straight from the menu.
• The Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary considers every aspect, from acclimatization to good lodging to real-life experiences.
• We ensure you are safe throughout the trip as we keep your safety first over anything.
• Our team is highly experienced and passionate about the Himalayas and their beauty. We deliver in-depth information about the Annapurna region.
• The trek to ABC is customizable, allowing trekkers to customize their itinerary according to their time and needs.
• Highland Expeditions was awarded the Travel and Hospitality Awards, USA, as the best trekking company in Nepal for 2018/19.