Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 11 Days
Trip Itinerary
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. Moreover, we reach our destination via Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), which is revered by the Nepalese for its unique beauty. Thanks to the well-groomed itinerary of the Annapurna Base Camp trekking package, it is a popular choice among diverse outdoor enthusiasts, from solo female travelers to hikers traveling in groups in Nepal.
Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary comprises 11 days, which is shorter compared to most treks in this region leading up to the base camp. This particular route is designed for globetrotters who wish to hike to the base camp of the spectacular mountain but are limited by time. For travelers who want to experience more trekking in Nepal in a relaxed manner, they can try a different route like the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek – 14 Days, which would be a better option.
Why to choose Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
- Scenic Landscapes: Trek through lush green forests to alpine meadows, terraced fields, and panoramic mountain vistas.
- Himalayan Panorama: Majestic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare.
- Sunrise: Spectacular sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Cultural Encounters: Unique culture of Gurung communities in Ghandruk and visit the ghandruk museum.
- Hot Springs: Natural Hot Springs at Jhinu Danda is perfect for relaxing and soaking in therapeutic hot water.
- Varied Terrain: Diverse terrain, including suspension bridges, rhododendron forests, steep ascents, and descents.
- Annapurna Sanctuary: Witness 360-degree panoramic views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli, and many more.
Overview
Arrival City
Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure City
Kathmandu, Nepal
Lodging Level
Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Meals
9 dinner, 10 breakfast, 8 lunch
Trip Grade
Moderate+Demanding
Maximum Altitude
4,130m/13,551ft
Attractions
Ghandruk, Pokhara, Annapurna Base Camp
Activity
Trekking and Hiking
Styles
Active Adventures
Outline Itinerary
| Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | - |
| Day 02 Fly to Pokhara; drive to Kimche & trek to Ghandruk | 1,940m/6,365ft | 50 min |
| Day 03 Ghandruk to Chhomrong | 2,170m/7,120ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 04 Chhomrong to Bamboo | 2,310m/7,579ft | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 05 Bamboo to Deurali | 3,230m/10,598ft | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 06 Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp | 4,130m/13,551ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 07 Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo | 2,310m/7,579ft | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 08 Bamboo to Jhinu Danda | 1,760m/5,775ft | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 09 Trek to Mathque; drive to Pokhara | 827m/2,713ft | 1 hour |
| Day 10 Fly to Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | - |
| Day 11 Final Departure | - | - |
- Accommodation in Standard Hotels on Twin Sharing Basis
- Equipment
- Domestic Flights
- Local Guide & Support Staffs
- All Private Ground Transportation Including Airport Transfers
- Meals in the Mountain
- Small-Group Adventure
- Guaranteed Departures
- Lifetime Deposit
- No Booking Fee
For Your Information, International flights aren’t included. Rooms are usually shared by two people unless you request for a private room. Also, you can upgrade to better hotels in the mountain and even in the cities. For your customized services, please specify during the booking process or contact our Destination & Products Specialist
Additional Note
Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We will do our best to avoid such delays, and arrange the next flight for you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 3500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. Still, we suggest you to be prepared for possible delays/cancellations, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. If everything runs smoothly and you still have a few days of your buffer days left then you may even engage yourself in optional activities which can be arranged by VI Glaciers upon request. The optional activities may include visiting places/landmarks of your choice, adventure sports, shopping, etc.
In case the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other region. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no refund, if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.
During our Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the tea-houses or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available while in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.
We will be accommodated in Yatri Suites & Spa or Similar in Kathmandu, Hotel Landmark in Pokhara and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis.Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 325. Although single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation, it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a relatively easier hike in comparison to the Everest Base Camp trek. The reasons behind it is because hiking to Annapurna Base Camp involves shorter days of trekking, reaching elevations of maximum 4,130m/13,550 feet, and staying for a minimum number of days on higher elevations. Also, because of the green forests in the low altitudes Annapurna region has more oxygen level in the air as compared with EBC trek. Annapurna Base Camp trek begins at an altitude of 800m/2,625 feet thereby allowing sufficient days for acclimatization. Although Annapurna Base Camp trek may be easier than EBC trek, the fitness level required on both the treks isn’t any different. Trekkers do not require technical expertise or rock climbing and mountaineering skills as the trek is basically a long hike on low elevations in the green hills of Annapurna massif’s southern flank. The trek is only taxing because of its duration of 9 days hike with lots of uphill and downhill walks (11 days, including arrival and departure). However, the trek can be accomplished in 7 days by traversing the shorter route if you are short of time.
The best time to do Annapurna base camp trek is during the pre-monsoon months of March through to May. It is also favorable to trek during the post-monsoon months from late September till December. It is also possible to trek to Annapurna base camp in February and early September but the most preferable time for this trek is as stated above.
Yes, absolutely! Under normal circumstances, all our booked trips are guaranteed to run. Please note that you will still be doing your Annapurna Base Camp trek even if other hikers cancel their trip. This is one significant reason why VI Glaciers is different from other operators, who usually cancel their whole trip a month or even a week before the actual trip date. We are a specialized tailor-made company, so the number of participants does not stop any of our trips. Remember to find us in case your trip has been canceled by your operator and you are in a last-minute stress so that we can assist in sorting out your trip decisions. Unless there is a situation which is out of our control such as a political riot, natural disaster, pandemic, epidemic or weather catastrophes, our trips are 100% guaranteed to run.
VI Glaciers offers a lifetime deposit policy which allows you the flexibility to transfer your deposit to anyone or any other trip. If you wish to cancel your booked trips, certain cancelation charges apply. Please visit our booking terms and conditions for detailed information.
Rest assured that you will be in good hands with our experienced trek leaders, who have multiple years of experience trekking in Nepal. All of our guides, known as VI Glaciers dedicated Guides, are locals with a deep understanding of the mountain, its people, culture, health, hygiene, and most importantly, your safety. They are fluent in English and will be able to communicate effectively with you throughout the trek. Our guides are passionate about their work and will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
You need to pack light yet sufficient for at least 8 days on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Unless you pack wisely, it is certain that you will not be able to enjoy your journey in the Himalayas. Since this is a lodge-to-lodge trek, you will be sleeping in small lodges or teahouses during the entire trip. You need to be prepared with the right clothing and equipment as it may get colder at higher elevations especially during the cold months. For detailed information about what to carry with you during the trek, please visit our comprehensive packing list for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
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