Itinerary for Annapurna Basecamp Trek

Overview:

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of Nepal's most iconic and rewarding treks, taking you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. It's renowned for its diverse landscapes, charming Gurung villages, lush rhododendron forests, and of course, the incredible mountain views.

Here's a detailed itinerary, important information, and a packing list to help you plan your Annapurna Base Camp adventure:

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: A Comprehensive Itinerary (Typically 10-12 Days)

This itinerary assumes you arrive in Kathmandu and includes travel to/from Pokhara, the gateway city for the Annapurna region.

Trek Difficulty: Moderate. While it doesn't require technical climbing skills, it involves sustained walking, significant altitude gain, steep stone steps (especially around Ulleri and Chhomrong), and variable terrain. Good physical fitness and mental resilience are essential.

Best Seasons:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendron forests. Trails are vibrant with flowers.

• Autumn (September to November): Stable weather, crisp air, and excellent visibility of the mountains. This is generally considered the best time, but also the busiest.

Permits Required:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required to enter and trek within the Annapurna region. As of recent updates (late 2023/2024), the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card is no longer required for most routes, only the ACAP.

  • Cost: NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals (approx. USD 22-25), NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

  • Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or Pokhara (Lakeside). This will be our responsible.

  • Documents needed: 2 passport-sized photos, photocopy of your passport.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593 ft)

• Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

• Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Thamel, Kathmandu's bustling tourist hub, or simply relax and prepare for your trek.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Fly to Pokhara (822m / 2,697 ft) & Drive to Nayapul (1,070m / 3,510 ft) and Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m / 6,365 ft)

• Morning: Take a scenic domestic flight (approx. 25-30 minutes) from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Enjoy views of the Himalayas from the plane.

• Afternoon: From Pokhara, drive to Nayapul (approx. 1.5-2 hours) which is the starting point of the trek.

• Begin your trek along the Modi Khola river, passing through local villages. The trail ascends steadily to the beautiful traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours.

• Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghandruk.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,210m / 7,250 ft)

• Enjoy sunrise views over Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre from Ghandruk.

• The trail from Ghandruk is mostly downhill initially to Modi Khola, then a steep uphill climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forests to Chhomrong. Chhomrong is a large Gurung village and a major stop on the ABC trail, offering fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours.

• Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhomrong.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,345m / 7,694 ft)

• Descend a long stone staircase from Chhomrong to cross the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge.

• The trail then ascends steeply to Sinuwa (2,340m), followed by a gradual ascent through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests to Bamboo.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours.

• Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m / 10,597 ft)

• Continue ascending through the bamboo and rhododendron forests, passing Dovan (2,600m) and Himalaya (2,920m).

• The vegetation starts to thin out as you gain altitude, giving way to more open landscapes and views of the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours.

• Accommodation: Teahouse in Deurali.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4,130m / 13,550 ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)

• This is a crucial and exhilarating day. The trail from Deurali to MBC (3,700m) is a challenging but incredibly scenic ascent, often traversing through areas prone to avalanches (your guide will assess conditions).

• At MBC, you're surrounded by an incredible panorama of peaks, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. Take a well-deserved break and soak in the views.

• From MBC, it's a relatively shorter but steeper climb to Annapurna Base Camp. As you enter the "Annapurna Sanctuary," the views become even more dramatic and awe-inspiring, with glaciers and glacial moraines all around.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours.

• Accommodation: Teahouse in Annapurna Base Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Explore ABC & Trek to Dovan (2,505m / 8,218 ft)

• Morning: Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna range. The golden rays illuminating the snow-capped peaks are truly unforgettable. Explore the base camp area, take photos, and feel the raw power of the Himalayas.

• After breakfast, begin your descent, retracing your steps back through MBC and Himalaya to Dovan.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours.

• Accommodation: Teahouse in Dovan.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8: Trek from Dovan to Jhinu Danda (1,760m / 5,774 ft)

• Continue descending from Dovan, passing through Bamboo and Sinuwa.

• From Sinuwa, you'll have a steep descent to Chhomrong Khola, followed by a steep ascent back up to Chhomrong.

• From Chhomrong, a final steep descent takes you to Jhinu Danda, famous for its natural hot springs.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours.

• Accommodation: Teahouse in Jhinu Danda.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9: Enjoy Hot Springs & Trek to Nayapul (1,070m / 3,510 ft) & Drive to Pokhara

• Morning: Relax and soak in the natural hot springs by the Modi Khola, which are a perfect way to soothe your tired muscles after days of trekking. It's about a 20–30 minute walk down from Jhinu Danda.

• After the hot springs, begin your final trekking leg. The trail from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul is relatively easy, mostly downhill or flat, passing through picturesque villages and terraced fields.

• Upon reaching Nayapul, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Pokhara.

• Trekking Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours.

• Drive Duration: Approx. 1.5-2 hours.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 10: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu & Departure

• Enjoy a relaxed morning in Pokhara, perhaps stroll by Phewa Lake.

• Take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu.

• Depending on your international flight schedule, you can either head to the airport for your departure or spend another night in Kathmandu.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu (if not departing immediately).

• Meals: Breakfast.

Important Considerations for the ABC Trek:

• Acclimatization: The itinerary is designed to allow for gradual acclimatization, with reasonable daily altitude gains. Listen to your body and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.

• Teahouses: Accommodation along the trail consists of basic teahouses. Rooms are generally small with twin beds. Facilities are basic; expect shared bathrooms, and hot showers may be available for an extra fee (not always reliable at higher altitudes).

• Food: Teahouses offer a variety of Nepali and international dishes. Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup) is a staple and highly recommended for trekkers.

• Water: Bottled water is available for purchase, but to minimize plastic waste, consider carrying a reusable water bottle and using water purification tablets, a Steripen, or a LifeStraw. Teahouses often sell boiled water.

• Porters & Guides: Hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended (and often mandatory for international trekkers as of April 2023). A porter can significantly lighten your load.

• Electricity & Charging: Charging facilities are available at teahouses, usually for a fee. It's wise to carry a power bank.

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in many teahouses for a fee, but can be slow or unreliable.

Packing List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek:

Documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Visa (ensure it covers your trek duration)

• ACAP permit (and any other necessary permits)

• Passport-sized photos (for permits)

• Airline tickets

• Travel insurance details (highly recommended)

• Nepali Rupees (for smaller purchases, tips)

Clothing (Layering System is Key!):

• Base Layers (moisture-wicking): 2-3 short-sleeve tops, 1-2 long-sleeve thermal tops.

• Mid-Layers (insulation): 1-2 fleece jackets/sweaters.

• Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.

• Down Jacket: Essential for higher altitudes and cold evenings/mornings.

• Trekking Pants: 2-3 pairs (quick-drying, comfortable; convertible pants are good).

• Shorts: 1 pair (for lower elevations).

• Comfortable Pants/Tracksuit: For evenings at teahouses.

• Underwear: 3-5 pairs (quick-drying).

• Socks: 3-4 pairs of wool or synthetic trekking socks, 1-2 pairs of warm thermal socks for sleeping/evenings.

• Gloves: Warm, waterproof outer gloves and thinner inner gloves/liners.

• Hats: Warm wool/fleece hat, sun hat/cap.

• Buff/Neck Gaiter: For warmth and sun protection.

Footwear:

• Trekking Boots: Worn-in, waterproof, comfortable, good ankle support.

• Camp Shoes/Sandals: For evenings at teahouses (crocs, flip-flops, or lightweight trainers).

• Gaiters: Useful if trekking in snow or muddy conditions.

Gear:

• Duffel Bag: For your main luggage (carried by porters if you hire one).

• Daypack (20-35 Liters): For your daily essentials (water, snacks, camera, layers, rain gear).

• Sleeping Bag: (Rated to -10°C / 14°F or warmer, especially for ABC). Teahouse blankets are provided, but a sleeping bag adds warmth and hygiene.

• Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for stability, especially on descents and steep steps.

• Headlamp/Flashlight: With spare batteries.

• Water Bottles/Hydration Bladder: At least 2 liters capacity.

• Water Purification Tablets/Filter: To save money and reduce plastic waste.

• Sunglasses: Good quality, UV protection.

• Sunscreen: High SPF.

• Lip Balm: With SPF.

Toiletries & Personal Items:

• Quick-drying towel

• Toothbrush, toothpaste

• Biodegradable soap/shampoo (travel size)

• Hand sanitizer

• Wet wipes (biodegradable)

• Toilet paper (available in shops, but good to have a roll)

• Small mirror

• Feminine hygiene products

• Moisturizer

• Small first-aid kit (pain relievers, blister treatment, antiseptic wipes, bandages, personal medications)

• Prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions)

Miscellaneous:

• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit)

• Camera & extra batteries/memory cards

• Power bank/portable charger & adapter

• Book, journal, playing cards

• Small padlock (for teahouse room or duffel bag)

• Plastic bags (for wet clothes, trash)

Enjoy your incredible Annapurna Base Camp trek! It's an experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Nepal's stunning Himalayan beauty and unique culture.