This 12 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek itinerary is specially designed for the trekkers who wanted to complete Annapurna Base Camp but are restricted time-wise. If you want to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek more relaxed way, we would recommend you to join our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek–17 days.
| Trip Duration | 12 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) |
| Trekking destination | Thyangboche Monastery at 3867m |
| Trip Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Activities | Trekking & cultural sightseeing tours in Kathmandu |
| Altitude | Minimum 1350m ( Kathmandu ) & Maximum 3867m (Thyangboche Monastery) |
| Best Seasons | Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring(March to May) |
| Accommodations | 04 nights at Kathmandu & 07 nights in lodge/teahouse during trek |
| Meals | 11 Breakfast, 07 Lunches & 08 dinners |
| Trip Starts/Ends: | Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) |
| Transportation | Private vehicle / domestic flights (Kathmandu/ Lukla/Kathmandu) |
Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our representative. Please look for signage of Natraj Trekking with your name once you come out of Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your luggage. You will be escorted by our representative to the hotel.
Welcome to Kathmandu, capital of the ancient Mountain Kingdom of Nepal, has the air of a medieval city with a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be provided welcome drinks along with the room key. Before you check in at your room, there will be a short trek briefing by our trek guide as you fly to Pokhara tomorrow in the morning so that our guide make sure that you will be well equipped for trekking ahead.
In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with the Nepali fine meal.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Dinner
Fly to Pokhara and drive to Phedi (approx 1 hr drive). Trek to Dhampus- About 3 hrs walking
After breakfast, you will be driven in a private vehicle to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for flight to Pokhara (25 minutes flight). During the flight, we get to savor the most mesmerizing views of the magnificent 8000 meter Mount Manaslu and the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. Soon after touch down in Pokhara, you will be met by our trekking crew and we take a leisurely approx 1 hour drive to Phedi (1130m) along the graceful Modi Khola Valley. On reaching our destination, we begin our highly panoramic Annapurna trek. The route skirts through lush forest and countryside to the hill top village of Dhampus. The mountains we see from Dhampus include Annapurna South, the Fishtail, Hiunchuli and Lamjung. We spend our first night in Dhampus
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Dhampus to Landruk -About 5-6 hrs walking
Beyond Dhampus we get our first clear views of the mountains ahead, as we ascend through forest on a trail which is often made up of stone steps on the steeper sections. Passing through Pothana, we reach a clearing on a pass, at a place called Deurali (pass). At this point we are high up on the east side of the Modi Khola, the river which flows out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Deurali we descend steeply down through forest then contour around through villages and terraced fields to camp in the picturesque Gurung settlement of Landruk, which affords spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge (teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Landruk to Chhomrong-About 6 hrs walking)
We descend all the way down to the river, to cross at New Bridge. Our route now climbs quite steeply, high above the river, through bamboo forest and isolated farmsteads. Lunch is served at the tea-houses at Jhinu Danda. Those who are energetic can take the path 20 mins down to bath in the hot springs here next to the river after lunch. From Jhinu Danda it’s a hot climb to reach the crest of the ridge and then around to Chhomrong, our overnight place for tonight. Chhomrong is built on the steep hillside and has a few shops and several tea-houses, wooden lodges and the whole village has stunning, prominent views towards Macchappuchare (Fish-Tail Peak)
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan-About 7 hours walking
We leave Chhomrong along the Modi Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high step and wooded slopes of Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through thick and dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then, we descend a long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests through which we reach Bamboo. After gentle climb of 1 ½ hrs walking, finally we reach our destination at Dovan for overnight
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Dovan to Macchappuchare Base Camp (About 7 hrs walking)
Climbing steeply we reach a fire-blackened overhang of Hinko Cave. From here we will reach at Deurali. Leaving Deurali the valley narrows even more as we enter the gateway to the Sanctuary. We climb up to the area which is called Macchappuchare Base camp, a level and grassy moraine platform with several lodges. In the afternoon we can go up to the ridge behind camp to look down onto the glacier and absorb the distant view of Annapurna 1 & 3, Gangapurna and by straining your neck upwards…the now nearby Fishtail.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Sanctuary (About 2 ½ hrs walking)
Another short day today, as it is a fairly gentle ascent from our camp to Annapurna South Base Camp, and a distance of only about 4 kilometers or 2½ miles. Increasingly impressive views reward us for our efforts as we climb the last steep section before reaching the basecamp area. The afternoon is free to relax and admire one of the most stunning mountain amphitheatres in the Himalaya. Optionally, if conditions and route permit there’s a chance to walk out towards the Annapurna Base Camp. (4130m).
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from ABC to Bamboo (About 6 hrs walking)
Get up in the early morning and savor the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas from ABC. After taking breakfast, we start descending from ABC to Bamboo back through MBC, Deurali, Dovan and finally reach Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. You will see the waterfalls that drop down from a high point to the rocks below. We pass through the forests with great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight in Bamboo
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda–About 6 hrs walking
From Bamboo we make a steep ascent to the Kuldi Ghar and then to Sinuwa following the stone steps that leads to Lower Chhomrong. Then we ascend on the thousand stony steps taking us to Upper Chhomrong. From Chhomrong we descend to Jhinu Danda. We today get opportunity to enjoy hot springs lying just a 20-min walk from Jhinu Danda.
Dinner and overnight at the local lodge (Teahouse)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul–About 6hrs walking
Trek from Jhinu Danda to New bridge and then to Kyumi village. After lunch, we trek to Syauli bazaar and then down to Birethanti. After about an hour trek from Birethanti, and we arrive at Naya Pul. The trek ends at Naya Pul.
You will be picked you up at Nayapul and approx one hour drive takes you to Pokhara. We check in to our hotel late afternoon. Rest of the day free to wonder around.
Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Drive back to Kathmandu (approx 7 hrs drive) by Deluxe Tourist Bus including lunch
Leaving Pokhara we take the Prithvi Highway originally constructed by the Chinese in 1975. We drive initially through mostly Brahmin and Chhetri villages, distinguished by their ochre coloured houses. We soon leave the flat Seti Valley behind though and then cross the Madi Khola near Damauli, where there may be good views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu to the north up the valley. We’ll pass the Marsyangdi hydroelectric project and soon afterwards the town of Mugling, at the confluence of the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers. The road starts to climb once we reach Naubise, and reaches a pass on the Kathmandu Valley rim via a series of breathtaking zigzags, from where we complete the journey back to the Nepalese capital.
Alternatively you may choose to take the half hour flight between Pokhara and Kathmandu (The cost of flight will be USD 102 per person (this cost includes airfare and transportation in Pokhara and Kathmandu)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or if you prefer you may celebrate dinner together with our trekking guide.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to airport for final departure
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and we expect that you plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal again.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, a representative from Natraj Trekking will transfer you to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport, Entrance Fee, Guide, etc
Accommodations
Airfare
Airfare Kathmandu/ Lukla/Kathmandu
Trekking Portion
The above rates are valid till December 31, 2013
Note: The price does not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
You are advised to consider the following equipments as essentials while packing for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be done according to your needs, interests, duration of your trip, season of your trip, etc. You can find variety of these gears to hire or buy in Kathmandu..
Please remember that at the start of the trek, apart from your day pack, your luggage that will be carried by porters should have weight limitation of approximately 12 kg.
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Accessories
Toiletries
Personal Hygiene
Extras/Luxuries
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is graded as Moderate Trek and suitable for all walkers who have the capability to walk at least 6-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Some days, you may even need to walk more than above. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in a good health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can achieve the 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is a good idea to improve your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an advantage but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital that you consult with your doctor before you decide and set up for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform Natraj Trekking before booking the trek.
Our accommodation whilst on trek on twin room sharing basis in a simple locally run lodges, known as teahouses and it’s a great pleasure to support these small local businesses. Rooms are simply furnished with just a bed and occasionally a small table. You will need to bring a sleeping bag. Please note, normally washing and toilet facilities are shared and may be in a separate part of the teahouse or outside. It’s great to enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and share a tale with other trekkers in the evening in the dining area.
If you are a solo traveler, you will share a room with someone else of same sex of your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying extra as indicated on cost section. But, you need to understand that in teahouses/lodges of higher elevation area single room is not always possible. We guarantee single room in Kathmandu & Pokhara only. During your trek single room is not possible
On this trek we provide standard breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water (extra cost to be paid) and treat with water purification pills.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 kg. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel’s safekeeping. You may also leave your extra things at your hotel which is not required for your trek in your main luggage. Please note that we will provide complimentary kit bag for you before your trek starts so that you can pack all your necessary things.
On tea house trek you will be accompanied by a team of local crew whose aim is to make the trek as comfortable and enjoyable as much possible. The crew consists of a trek guide/leader and a team of porters to carry all your gear. On average, there will be a ratio of one porter to every two trekkers.
The most important thing that makes your Trek successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek guide and the crew members with ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by experienced trek guide. All of our trekking guides/leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.
Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
On this trek breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided during your trek. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a ‘meeting and greeting’ service at the Kathmandu Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your baggage where you will see our representative /guide standing with a placard that states Natraj Trekking’ with your own name.
Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature. However, please note, there may be snowfall / avalanches during the winter.
Depending on the prevailing situation, itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your trek guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
If you are obtaining Nepal Visa upon arrival (please note that some of nationalities cannot get visa upon arrival), please be noted that Nepal Visa Application Form can be received through us by e-mail. Two passport size photo graphs are required and following visa fee to be paid at the airport as per your stay in Nepal
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Note: Please note that visa fees and rules are subject to change.
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.
It is recommended of joining any of Natraj Trekking trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we do not arrange or sell insurance. Altitude 4130m to be covered by Insurance Company
Natraj Trekking is the one of the leading and oldest trekking agency in Nepal since 1967. We organize Tibet, Bhutan & India tour as well. We excel in this field because we genuinely love what we do and are committed to providing you with the best services as we commit you.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Natraj Trekking, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible.
CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFFS
We make sure that all porters and all other staff climbing in high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We also ensure that the porters we hire are insured. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG- www.ippg.net).
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships.
TIPPING
Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ for good service. Tips do not form part of the wages of your guides, porters and trek crew but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.