Overview
Region :- Nepal
Duration :- 9 Days
Grade :- Moderate To Difficult
Max Altitude :- 13,550 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 70 Kms.
When we talk about the Annapurna Base Camp, there is a sense of admiration that starts building up which leaves every trekker spellbound. There are very few treks that have this aura of making you fall in love with the landscapes and bring you closer to the base of 7,000 and 8,000-meter peaks in such a short period of time. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. The trail is a majestic one which takes you through rice paddies, lush rhododendron forests and high altitude landscapes with the Annapurna Range looming in front of you most of the times.
The Annapurna range has such stunning mountain views which are a buffet for every mountain lover. You will also be greeted with views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli even before you set foot on the trek, which is one thing that is surely a bonus for all the trekkers. Views of different peaks of the Annapurna massif and Machapuchare will always be in the sight all the way till Sinuwa.
Accommodation on the Annapurna trail is organized in classic teahouses where delicious Nepali dishes are served. These tea houses are run by locals of the area who migrate from other parts of Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek because you trek along the protected area’s trail. A lot of floral and faunal species are also found in this area which will surely amaze you the beauty if has to offer. From a height of 4,000 meters, you’ll be able to see the entire sanctuary that is oval-shaped surrounded by a ring of the Annapurna Mountains.
The starting point of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the beautiful city of Pokhara, which lies just 5 to 6 hours away from the capital. You can reach Pokhara city from Kathmandu via road or via plane as well. The easy accessibility of the trek makes it an ideal choice for many trekkers as the chances of any flight cancellations or delays are greatly reduced. The trekking journey is also massively feasible with good communication services and safety. Annapurna Base Camp is a real trekking experience for all trekking enthusiasts.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Pokhara
Altitude: 1,400m/4,600ft
Stay: Hotel (checkin at 12noon)
Briefing about the trek in the evening
Sightseeing: Phewa lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Himalayan views, International Mountain Museum (not included in the cost)
Day 2 – Pokhara to Nayapul (drive) and trek to Ghandruk
Altitude: 2,000m/6,500ft
Pick up time: 7:00 am
Drive to Nayapul: 40km, 1:30 hours
Trek 5km, 5-6 hours
Gradual ascend throughout
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Views: Machapuchare and Annapurna south
Day 3 – Ghandruk to Chomrong
Altitude: 2,200m/7,200ft
Trek 10km, 6-7 hours
First 1 hour descent followed by an uphill hike of 5-6 hours to Chhomrong
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Views: Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Fishtail, Hinchuli, sunset on Annapurna range
Shops for batteries, memory card etc
Day 4 – Chomrung to Dovan
Altitude: 2,500m/8,200ft
Trek 11.2 km, 5-6 hours
Descend on 2500 stone steps to ChomrungKhola, steep ascend to Sinwa to Bamboo village
Steep descend from Bamboo to Dovan village
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Views: Annapurna III and Fishtail peaks
Day 5- Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Altitude: 3,700m/12,150ft
Trek 7 hours, 8-9 km
Ascending trail with boulders, rocks, snow patches, snow bridges. Crossing ModiKholariver
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Views: moon rise on Machhapuchhre and views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna
Day 6 – Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan
Altitude: 4,130m/13,500ft
MBC to ABC to MBC: Trek 6 km, 4 hours; MBC to Dovan: 8-9 km, 4-5 hours
A gradual ascent at the start then walk through big peaks, glacial waters
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Views: Entire Annapurna range, panoramic views of Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli and Machapuchare
Day 7 – Dovan to Chumrung
Altitude: 2,500m/8,200ft
Trek 11.2 km, 5-6 hours
Retracing route with gradual ascend and descend
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Day 8 – Chumrung to Jhinu Hot Spring
Altitude: 1,700m/5,600ft
Trek 8 km, 5-6 hours
A mixture of steep ascending and descending trail
Enjoy a bath in hot springs
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Day 9 – Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
Trek 6-7 hours, 11 km
Easy trail to Nayapul
Water source: Refill water bottles at tea houses
Reach Pokhara in the evening
Who Can Go:-
Here are the fitness criteria one has to match absolutely for conquering Goechala Trek with us:
Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 1 trek.
The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
A goods carrying benchmark relevant in this expedition, the climber should be able to carry a 10 to 15 kg expedition bag pack.
Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have these conditions mentioned above.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Pokhara
After a pleasant flight journey, arrive in Pokhara. It is the hub of mountaineers that lies on the Phewalake. All the big expeditions and trekking start from here. Enjoy the Himalayan views, rice fields and Nepalese culture around. Rest in your hotel and have hot dinner looking forward to the exciting thrills.
Day 2 – Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk
After breakfast, you will have a ride of 1 and half hours to Nayapul. The actual trekking begins henceforth to Ghandruk crossing Lower Gandruk. The path is well paved having stairs intermittently. The trek has gradual ascent taking 5-6 hours to reach our camping site.
Gandruk is considered the biggest village on the trek route. It is inhabited by stone built small houses. The village is loaded with tea houses that serve typical Nepalese cuisine. In the south, you can notice Machapuchare and Annapurna views. Relax in your bed for the wonderful night in the mountains.
Day 3 – Ghandruk to Chhomrong
The hike today is through delightful muddy trail laid up with scenic villages on both the sides. After a descent of 1 hour, you will reach KimrongKhola. A beautifully snow-covered array of peaks, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Fishtail, Hinchuli, begin to appear. The route henceforth goes uphill until Chhomrong (4-5 hours hike). Picture perfect hilly settlements surrounded by green banana fields, rhododendrons, fern etc. are seen throughout. Chhomrong lies on a hilltop having stone paved stairs. It is the gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary and permits are granted here. The sights of Annapurna South become prominent. Again there are numerous tea houses and shops selling batteries, memory card and other accessories. Watch the peaceful sunset on the Annapurna range and rest for the day.
Day 4 – Chomrung to Dovan
Welcome another amazing morning in the lush green hilly setup. Start with a descend on 2500 stone-built stairs leading to a bridge. The hanging bridge then takes you to Chomrung Khola, seems like entering into dense forests. The Sanctuary is flourished with rhododendrons, oak, alpine trees. Therefore the trail looks lush adorned with reddish-pink flowers.
The trail again goes steep, just like climbing stairs till Sinwa village, which an hour away. Notice a tiny hamlet called Tilche just 15 minutes before you reach Sinwa. Sinwa is divided into Lower and Upper Sinwa. Both are about 20 minutes away. Sinwa is marked with a few teahouses and lodges. It is enclosed between a thin forest cover. You can take a small tea break here. Annapurna III comes into clear visibility here.
From here onwards you will be walking in Annapurna Sanctuary filled with dense forests. Climb up for 30 minutes until you reach ACAP check post. The trail similarly descends on the stone staircase for 30 minutes until Bamboo Village. Look out for waterfalls around. Cross a wooden bridge, followed by 35 minutes ascend to another wooden bridge. Hold your breath, because your next camp Dovan is just 5-10 minutes far.
Day 5- Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp
Get all braced with enough energy as this is the strenuous day of the trek. Yet, the trail will show changing vegetation from sub-tropical to alpine and the sights will keep you revitalised. The height gain is close to 4000 feet, therefore take it slow and stay hydrated. Mix path of gradual ascends and descends with a muddy trail will lead to Himalaya. The Wooden bridge comes in 25 minutes and in another 30 minutes, the shrine is seen on the trail. Keep following the muddy route till Modi Khola. You can now see houses of Himalaya from here. Another 15 minutes walk and you arrive in Himalaya. Himalaya has quaint tea houses. You will walk through bamboo forests. Eventually, you will rise above the treeline slowly.
A few landslide and avalanche-prone areas will be seen on the path ahead. An overhanging cave called Hinku arrives after an hour’s hiking up. The trail magically passes through a valley now. There are rocks and boulders laid, that end at 2 snow patches back to back. Furiously flowing Modi Khola is seen in the valley. Cross the snow patches and river followed by 20 minutes climb up, Deurali arrives. You can take a break for lunch here.
You will be walking next to the river as you see the valley also gets bigger. Machapuchre and Gangapurna peaks will be seen every now and then. Another section of the rocky terrain of 40 minutes direct to Bagar. There is a bridge over Modi Khola, after crossing this bridge the next halt Machapuchre Base Camp is 30 minutes away.
MBC is a stunning place well-known for mesmerising moon rise on Machapuchremountain, do not miss this wonderful night sky. Along with it, other peaks seen are Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna.
Day 6 – Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan
Get ready for the most awaited day of the trek. This day is a walk literally into the mountains, on the mountains. The route takes a sharp 90-degree turn to the left for ABC. The initial trial has steep ascend followed by gradual ascend. You will be hiking above treeline; hence no traces of trees will be seen.
Just as you get closer to the camp, the magnificent Annapurna I becomes bigger and bigger. Watching the fluorescent rays lighting the Annapurna range, slowly slowly. The ABC is like being on an island encircled by giant peaks and huge never-ending ranges. 360-degree spectacles of magnificent Annapurna range, Gangapurna, Gandharvachuli and Machapuchare. Enjoy your lunch looking at the white clouds waving over these peaks. Spend the rest of the day breathing with the mountains. Live every moment and get ready to retrace steps back to Dovan. Follow the same trail and rest in your shelters after the blissful day.
Day 7 – Dovan to Chumrung
This is the same trail while you are retracing the steps back to Chumrung. The trail is mostly descending. Again retrace your path to Sinwa then to Bamboo village. Look back to get the sights of Annapurna III peak. Slowly you will enter into the vegetation of oak, alpine trees, rhododendrons. After a steep descend to Chomrung Khola, cross the same hanging bridge towards Chomrung Khola. Another steep ascent will lead to Chomrung village. Try to re-picture the sights you captured earlier and enjoy them.
Day 8 – Chumrung to Jhinu Hot Spring
Today will be a short trail giving you the last chance to say goodbye to the Annapurna peak and its buddies. The trail ascends to signpost Juini. From the trail descends for almost 2 hours to reach Jhinu Danda. Enjoy the refreshing hot springs of Jhinu 20 minutes away. Cherish your last night of the trek.
Day 9 – Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
Wake up early to embark upon the last day of the trek. The trail to Nayapul is pleasant with landscape views of Nepal. Say goodbye to them and board a vehicle to Pokhara. In 2 hours you will reach your hotel in Pokhara.
How to Reach
By Air :-
The Pokhara Airport is a regional airport operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The airport is small and can only accommodate eight small propellor planes at a time. It provides for regular connectivity to Kathmandu and Jomsom and seasonal connectivity to Manang. Gorkha Airlines, Nepali Airlines, Sita Air, and Tara Air operate flights to and from Kathmandu and Jomsom while Buddha Air, Simrik Airlines, and Yeti Airlines provide connectivity to only Kathmandu. Nepali Airlines also operate flights on a seasonal basis to and from Manang. Given the limited capacity of the airport, flights can often be redirected to other airports in cases when the airport lacks capacity, so be prepared for the odd delay.
By bus :-
Bus accessibility to Pokhara is available from Kathmandu and from Sunauli, which is next to the Indian border. There are several options available with several operators running on the Kathmandu to Pokhara route. Local buses that tend to be crowded are available at the New Bus Stand in Kathmandu. More luxurious tourist buses like the Greenline are available at Tourist Bus Station. The local buses leave about every 30 minutes from 7:30 in the morning to afternoon. There is even a night bus but the ride is considered painful. Additionally, there is also a Super Deluxe luxury bus service operated by Pokhara Jagadamba Travel. In Pokhara, buses can be boarded at the Tourist Bus Park and the local Bus Station.
By Train :-
Pokhara is not connected to any Railways.
Cost Terms
Inclusions: –
1. Accommodation: (Sharing basis)
• Day 1 and 9 Hotel in Pokhra.
• Day2 to 8 Teahouse.
2. Private Transport: (According to Itinerary)
• Pokhra to Nayapul and return.
3. Support:
• 1 English Speaking Guide.
• Assistant Guide.
4. All meals during trek: (As per the itinerary)
• Day 2 Lunch to Day 9 Lunch
5. All necessary permits and entry fees.
6. TIMS card.
7. High-altitude sleeping bag.
8. First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinder.
9. Store room facility in Pokhra for extra luggage.
10. Insurance of Trekking Guide and porters.
11. Services from Pokhra to Pokhra.
Exclusions
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Porters for the personal bag*
3. Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers
4. Nepal entry visa (approximately $40 USD) only for foreigners (Not for Indian)
5. Customary gratuities for guides & porters
6. Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc
7. Evacuation and medical expanses*
8. Drinks: We don’t include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu/Pokhra for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle)
9. Travel Insurance: We require some travel insurance. I suggest to get travel insurance from World Nomads it should be around $100 per/person and covers the helicopter evacuation and medical.
10. All costs not outlined under “What’s included”
Note: Offloading for the personal backpack:
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can hire a porter.
Charges of offloading backpack:
INR 4800/-including GST, please let us know 10 days in advance
Cancellation Polices:
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek get 95% refund.
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek get 70% refund.
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek No refund.