10 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary) trek is a moderate Plus (Reasonably demanding trekking at altitude up to 4,500 meters with trip to higher elevation and could include treks away from Villages on ill-defined mountain trails) an stunning trek through various landscape and rich culture with great Himalaya views, terraced fields, charming Gurung, Magar, Thakali villages (with their great hospitality), natural hot spring, water streams and a broad variation of flora and fauna. The trail leads you to the base camp of the 10th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091m). The Annapurna Base Camp is at an elevation of 4,130m/13,549ft, which is one of the most famous walk in the Himalayas of Nepal. The trek offers you the splendid views of Annapurna I, Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Gangapurna,Tent Peak, Annapurna south, Hiunchuli, and many other dazzling peaks along with beautiful sunset and sunrise.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Trip Info
Weather
Equipment
Useful Info

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Ghandruk [1,945 m]. "B,L,D". (02-03 hrs).
Day 03: Trek to Chhomrong [2,170 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 04: Trek to Deurali [3,230 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs) Little long day.
Day 05: Trek to Annapurna Base camp [4,130 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (06-07 Hrs).
Day 06: Trek to Bamboo [2,310 m] or Sinuwa. "B,L,D". Trek (07-08 Hrs).
Day 07: Trek to Jhinu Danda [1,760 m]. "Hot Spring". "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 08: Trek to Matkyu then drive to Pokhara [970 m]. (B,L). Trek (An hour) drive 03-04 hrs.
Day 09: Fly to Kathmandu [1,338 m]. “B”. (Car+Flight+Car).
Day 10: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. “B”. (Car).

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival In Kathmandu - [1,338 m]: Once you arrive at the airport, a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be to pick you and transfer to the hotel. A short briefing will be done after you have settled down. If you have any queries always feel free to ask us. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: Off to Pokhara [970 m] and drive to Ghandruk [1,945 m] - (B,L,D): After very early breakfast we will head to the domestic airport to board our flight to Pokhara - the beautiful lake city - and catch great views of the Himalayas on the way. Upon landing, we will be picked up from the airport and drive around four hour to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. After lunch if time permits, we visit the Gurung museum. Overnight in Ghandruk.

Day 03: Trek to Chhomrong [2,170 m] (2170m) - (B,L,D): At this juncture, we climb up for around an hour up to Kimrungdanda. On the way, we can enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Ganggapurna. Next, it’s a steep descent takes us to the Kimrong Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimrong Khola to Chere Danda, we descend for a while then it’s a gentle walk to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. Overnight in Chhomrong. Walking hour 5-6 hours.

Day 04: Trek to Deurali [3230 m] - (B,L,D): After breakfast we leave Chhomrong and head towards Chhomrong Khola. We cross the river on a suspension bridge and start trekking uphill high above the Modi Khola on its west bank. We reach Kuldi, a village at 2,340m via Tilche and Sinuwa. The trail then is a steep stone staircase heading in the direction of Bamboo where we will have our lunch. The trail continues along the west bank of the Modi Khola valley through dense bamboo forest, occasionally dropping to cross tributary streams, but ascending continuously, and reaches the settlement of Doban at 2630m. We finally reach Deurali after passing Hinko Cave at 3,160m from where Deurali is 30 min away. Overnight in Tea house. Walking hour 07-08 hours.

Day 05: Trek to Annapurna Base camp [4130 m] - (B,L,D): The valley broadens and is less steep above Deurali. This day is also the highlight of the trek. The path resumes to meet Modi Khola which takes us to BAgar, a meadow at 3,310m. Ascending ahead we reach at the foot of Fishtail, Machhapuchhre Base Camp where we stop for our lunch. After lunch with extraordinary mountain views we continue our journey towards Annapurna Base Camp which will take around 2-3 hours. On arrival at ABC we get a superb view of the near vertical south face of Annapurna that towers above the Sanctuary to the north-west, which was climbed in 1970 by Don Whillans and Dougal Haston on an expedition led by Chris Bonington. The views of Annapurna Range once we reach at the base camp are beyond explanation. Overnight in Tea house. Walking hour 06-07 hours.

Day 06: Trek to Bamboo [2,310 m] - (B,L,D): We retrace our footsteps towards Bamboo. The trail today is mostly downhill and we will be using the same path which we used to reach at the base camp. We spend the night in Bamboo. Overnight in Tea house. Walking hour 07- 08 hours.

Day 07: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda [1,760 m] - (B,L,D): After breakfast we begin our trek towards Khuldighar. We ascend up to Khuldigar followed by descend towards Chhomrong Khola from where we trek further downhill to Jhinu Danda where we can find natural hot water springs which heals the aching body. We can spend some time in the hot water spring. . Overnight in Tea house. Walking hour 05-06 hours.

Day 08: Trek to Samrung then drive to Pokhara [970 m] - (B,L): From Jhinu Danda the trail descends towards the river where we will cross a long suspension bridge, longest of the whole trip. After crossing the bridge we begin to hike uphill. On our way we drive alongside the Modi Khola River. Around an hour hiking and 03-04 hrs driving. Lunch will be in Pokhara and after lunch leisure time.

Day 09: Fly to Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): We take a thrilling mountain flight to Kathmandu. Arriving at Kathmandu we will transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 10: Fly back home (1,330m) - (B): A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport according to your flight time. Returning with memories that last lifetime. “NAMASTE !”.

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

All Local Transport.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
Domestic Flight with Airport Tax.
Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Trekking Guide and Porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
Annapurna Base camp Trekking Region map.
Tims / National park / ACAP / Conservation entry fees.
All Government taxes Income tax plus VAT 13%.
Office service charge.
Farewell dinner with cultural program.
Water purification tablets.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 30 for 15 Days) and (US$ 50 for 30 days) you should get visa open your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower, Wifi etc during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from September to Mid June. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to Early -September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period: In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM: This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT

1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.