The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as  the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, is a wonderful way to get to know Nepal’s culture, people and nature.

South of Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain on the planet, in the beating heart of an amphitheater of amazing peaks called the “Sanctuary”, lies the Annapurna Base Camp. The Annapurna Base Camp is east of the deep gorge of the Kali Gandaki river and at the end of the long Modi Khola valley at a height of 4,130m. It is also the starting point for extreme mountaineering adventures or, commonly speaking, the ultimate goal of all those trekkers who want to live an unforgettable experience in close contact with nature. The Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most beautiful treks in the world.

Light trekking suitable for everyone, the ABC trail follows the course of the Modi Khola as you gradually climb between the Chhetri and Gurung villages, among terraced cultivations, Tibetan bridges and long staircases. On our ABC Short Treks we get to know their cultures, their lifestyle and their traditions. Plus, everyday the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Himchuli mountains get closer and each sunrise is a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas while the landscape changes from green pine trees to rocky valleys to a thick layer of snow.

ABC Trek – Journey to the most Epic of mountains in Nepal

Once in Chhomrong, the last village, the view of the mountains really becomes spectacular! At 14,000, lies the Annapurna sanctuary, from where we have a breathtaking view of Annapurna South, Annapurna I and III, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre. On the way back, we can relax in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda and then retrace our way back to Pokhara.

Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek is unique; in 13 days you get to know the cultural life and beauty of Nepal and is completely doable for anyone without any previous experience in the Himalayas. Come join Keep Walking Nepal – as part of our extended family – to explore the Himalayas.

Trip Highlights

• 14 day, fully-supported trek to Annapurna Base Camp
• Spectacular 360-degree views of surrounding Himalaya ranges: Machapuchare, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Himchuli, and other ranges
• Encounter the ethnic Magar and Gurung cultures and lifestyle
• Variable flora and fauna; temperate to alpine forest
• Relaxing hot spring at Jhinu Danda on the trek

Trip Grade - Moderate – Challenging

Trip Summary

• Day 1 :Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu: Meet & Greet
• Day 2 :Day 2: Guided tour in Kathmandu
• Day 3 :Drive to Pokhara (205 km; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 4 :Drive from Pokhara to Khimche (1.5 hrs; 53 km) and trek from Khimche to Ghandruk (1 hr; 1940 m)
• Day 5 :Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong village (2,170 m; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 6 :Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,290m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 7 :Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3,250m; 3-4 hrs)
• Day 8 :Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m); 5-6 hrs
• Day 9 :Trek from ABC to Dovan (2,580m; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 10 :Trek from Dovan to Jhinu Danda (1,760m; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 11 :Trek from Jinuwa to Siwai (1,375m; 3-4 hrs) and drive to Pokhara (2 hrs)
• Day 12 :Early afternoon flight to Kathmandu (30 min)
• Day 13 :End of Trip

Daily Movements

Day 1: Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu: Meet & Greet

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure and go on a welcome dinner with the KEEP WALKING FAMILY.

Look out for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL board behind the railing once you exit the airport terminal.

Overnight in Hotel Tibet (D)

 

Day 2: Day 2: Guided tour in Kathmandu

After breakfast you will get to experience the 2 most important sanctuaries in Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath & Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupati is the most important Hindu site in Nepal. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the fierce god appears there in his benevolent aspect of Pashupati. A holy place often compared to Varanasi (in India), the last rites of Hindus are carried out on the banks of Bagmati river.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is the largest Stupa in Asia. In the bygone days caravans after crossing the Himalayas arrived at the Stupa to thank lord Buddha when the trip went well. The eyes of the Buddha painted at the four cardinal points cast an observant gaze on men and their actions.

After lunch, you will drive back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, you will be briefed by your trek guide on your upcoming adventure.

Overnight in Hotel Tibet (B)

 

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (205 km; 6-7 hrs)

You will drive along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi river, the latter famous for rafting, to reach Pokhara. Along the way, you can even see the Ganesh and the Manaslu peaks.

Pokhara, a.k.a. the city of lakes, is a commercial hub but is renowned for its natural and cultural attractions – caves, temples of Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as mountains. Once at the city, the rest of the day is at leisure. You explore Pokhara on your own or rest at the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara. (B)

 

Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Khimche (1.5 hrs; 53 km) and trek from Khimche to Ghandruk (1 hr; 1940 m)

After breakfast you will drive to Kimche along the Modi Khola. The route offers scenic views of terraced plantations, stone houses and roaring hills.

Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung village. The villagers are mostly Buddhist and still practice Shamanism and nature. Gurungs were mostly farmers and shepherds but many are now enrolled in the British Gurkha Regiment. The village offers beautiful mountain views and has a Gurung Museum – detailing life and way of the local people, a monastery and a temple.

Overnight at a local lodge in Ghandruk (B,L,D)

 

Day 5: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong village (2,170 m; 6-7 hrs)

Hiking from Ghandruk to Chhomrong, you will follow the contours of the foothills of the Annapurna South and navigate through 2 river valleys.

You will start early on the undulating trail that ascends steeply to Deurali and then descends to Kimrung Khola. The hike is beautiful as you steadily climb through unspoiled nature to Chhomrong but the route can be sometimes blocked by landslides or a washed away bridge. Chhomrong itself is a nice village that lies on the slope of the Annapurna South and has a few beautiful lodges and stunning view of Annapurna south.

Overnight at a local lodge in Chomrong. (B, L, D)

 

Day 6: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,290m; 4-5 hrs)

The beginning starts with a steep descent from Chhomrong all the way to the river banks. From the river, the trail ascends steeply up to Upper Sinuwaand then gently undulates to Bamboo. From Bamboo it’s about 1.5 hrs hike to Dovan.

This section of the trek is invigorating for both landscape and wildlife lovers; the views on the descent to the river is beautiful and from Sinuwa to Bamboo the lush green forest with numerous small waterfalls, boulders, moss covered tress with birds chirping is mesmerizing.

Overnight at a local lodge in Bamboo (B, L, D)

 

Day 7: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3,250m; 3-4 hrs)

It is quite a tough day with a lot of uphill walking.

You will see a shrine just 30 minutes from Dovan, the sacred home of the deity Panchhi Baraha and next to it a view of an impressive waterfall.

From Bamboo to Himalaya the trail goes through the forest, the ascents are not too steep, except the one just before Himalaya village. From Himalaya to Deurali the scenery starts changing as you go over the tree-line; fewer trees, more rocks, and some patches of snow here and there. About an hour from Himalaya is a huge rock that is locally called the Hinku Cave, a popular campsite and landmark for mountaineering expeditions.

At Deurali, you will have gorgeous view of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other peaks of the Annapurna massif.

Overnight at a local lodge in Deurali (B, L, D)

 

Day 8: Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m); 5-6 hrs

Today is the highlight of the trek – the fruit of your toil and sweat in the Himalayas – the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Above Deurali, the valley becomes less steep and more spacious as you arrive at the “gates” of the Sanctuary, formed by Hiunchuli on the left and Machhapuchhre on the right. You slowly climb to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m). Machhapuchhre is a sacred mountain in Nepal and climbing permits aren’t issued. The view of the mountains is breathtaking: you can see Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and of course Machhapuchhre .

From Machhapuchhre Base Camp the route climbs progressively towards the Annapurna base camp located on the edge of a huge glacier. At the base camp, the 360° view offers an unforgettable panorama of the mountains that rise on all sides; especially the immense south face of Annapurna I, one of the highest in the world with nearly 3800 meters of the face between the base of the glacier and the summit at 8,091 meters.

Overnight at a local lodge in Machhapuchhre Base Camp (B, L, D) or Annapurna Base Camp (B,L,D)

 

Day 9: Trek from ABC to Dovan (2,580m; 6-7 hrs)

After a breathtaking sunrise view over the Himalayas and a hearty breakfast, you will retrace your steps along the Modi Khola to Dovan. The descent is pretty step but the views and nature is refreshing.

Overnight at a local lodge in Dovan (B, L, D)

 

Day 10: Trek from Dovan to Jhinu Danda (1,760m; 6-7 hrs)

You will retrace your steps to Chhomrong and after lunch tackle a steep descent for about 45 minutes to the settlement of Jhinu Danada

There is a hot spring on the banks of the Modi Khola some 30 minutes descent from the village.

Overnight at a local lodge in Jhinu Danda (B, L, D)

 

Day 11: Trek from Jinuwa to Siwai (1,375m; 3-4 hrs) and drive to Pokhara (2 hrs)

Today is the last day of the trek.

From Jinuwa, you will go across the Modi Khola river on a suspension bridge, and hike on the  ridge covered by rhododendron and oak forests. The terrain is gently undulating and perfect for birdwatchers.

A gentle climb and the trail contours and then descends down again to the Modi Khola. Hereon, you will find scattered Gurung settlements all the way to Siwai. After lunch, you will drive back to Pokhara.

You will have the rest of the day at leisure at Pokhara.

Overnight at Pokhara (B,L)

 

Day 12: Early afternoon flight to Kathmandu (30 min)

After spending the morning at leisure, you will fly back to Kathmandu on an afternoon flight. You will spend the rest of the day at leisure.

At evening, you will join Keep Walking Nepal family to celebrate your successful Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Overnight at Kathmandu (B)

 

Day 13: End of Trip

A KWN representative will drop you at the international airport at the appropriate time for your flight back home.

(B)

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes: