Annapurna area was first explored by the British adventurer Col. James O. M. ‘Jimmy’ Roberts in the year 1956, when it was first exposed to the world as the ‘Sanctuary of the Gods’. It has been known as the Annapurna Sanctuary ever since. A scenic trek all the way to Annapurna Base Camp, in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, this trek offers a fascinating introduction to Nepal’s cultural and natural beauty.
The trail passes through a range of different climates, vegetation and cultures, from terraced rice fields through lush forests to high mountain glaciers. Beginning this trek from an elevation of only 800 mtr above sea level to the height of 4200 mtrs Annapurna Base Camp is an exciting adventure. Walking through the fine tuned rice terrace fields, exploring through the thick bamboo forest along the Modi Khola valley and finally to the welcoming Annapurna massifs is surely an experience one will treasure for many years to come.
Natural Experience
The trail is equally a pleasure for natural experiences. On the third day of our trekking, we leave our luggage in a hotel at Ghorepani for Poon Hill hiking before dawn to enjoy a spectacular panorama. Poon Hill is the best viewpoint during the trek for a sun-rise view and mountain vista. Mount Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna Range and Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) to the northern part and the Butterfly Peaks in the far western part are all visible from atop Poon Hill. Finding yourself in the base of giant Annapurna I (8091m) surrounded by 360 degree Himalayan view is just amazing.
Hot springs
There is a natural hot spring near Jhinu Danda, you can cleanse yourself spiritually in natural hot springs with bathing areas in the lap of the mountains. Locals believe that the waters have a healing quality that ease away your aches and pains.
People and Culture
The locals we will encounter in Annapurna Base Camp Route are mix ethnic groups; there are Brahmans and Chhetris in lower elevations and Mongoloid Himalayan people in Himalaya. Mostly there are Gurung and Magar people in the area, famous for Gurkha regiment. In this region there is rich cultural and traditional heritages and one of the best scenery as some 55000 people trek there every year.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu. Trip briefing. Welcome dinner with culture dance.
Day 2
Morning city tours for half day. After lunch afternoon free.
Day 3
BIRETHANTI (1,000m) Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive about 2 hours to Birethanti.
Day 4
BANTHANTI (2,300m) Our first day on the trail, we trek through oak and rhododendron forests and follow the Bhurungdi Khola (river) to Banthanti.
Day 5
GHOREPANI (2,850m) We continue along the Bhurungdi Khola and ascend Ulleri Hill, eventually arriving at Ghorepani where there are perfect views of the Annapurna range.
Day 6
POON HILL – TADAPANI Rise early to climb up Poon Hill to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalaya. From west to east you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurnas and Machapuchare – breathtaking! We then continue to Tadapani, trekking through open grassland and deep forests. On the way there are excellent views of Annapurna South and the Manaslu range.
Day 7
CHOMRONG (2,000m) Today, we have a steep descent through rhododendron forest to the valley bottom, with fabulous mountain views. Later the path climbs steeply again before we arrive at the lively trekking hub of Chomrong.
Day 8
DOBAN (2,500m) Our trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chomrong Khola before climbing through deep rhododendron and bamboo forests to Doban.
Day 9
MACHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP (3,600m) The goal today is to pass through the gates of the sanctuary. We trek up the muddy surface of the Modi Khola, then along a rocky trail to Hinku cave. From here we climb towards the base camp of Machapuchare. There are stupendous views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna I & III, Gangapurna and Machapuchare, the ‘fish tail’ mountain peak.
Day 10
ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4,100m) We continue our exploration of the sanctuary and ascend to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 11
BAMBOO (2,500m)
Day 12
JHINU DANDA (1,750m) – A beautiful spot for hot spring.
Day 13
POTANA (1,600m)
Day 14
PHEDI – POKHARA
Day 15
Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 16
International Departure
Plenty of flora and fauna. Hot spring. Interaction with different ethnic tribes. Meeting the famous Ex-Gurkhas. Magnificient views of Annapurnas and surrounding peaks.
Trip Destination | Annapurna Base Camp |
Total Duration | 15 Days |
Trek Duration | 11 Days |
Grade | Moderate to Streneous |
Group Size | Min – 2 |
Best Season | Autumn and Spring |
Max. Altitude | 4130m |
Accommodation | Teahouse and Lodge |
Transportation | Tourist Bus and Car |
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