Annapurna Base Camp Trek

We start our day by having our breakfast at hotel and go for one whole day sightseeing around UNESCO world heritage sites at Kathmandu. Starting from Kathmandu Durbar Square, we go at monkey temple of Swayambhunath, then take a drive to Pashupatinath and finally end at Boudhanath. All these heritage sites are worth to visit. These sites show us the best of Nepal culture, Hindu and Buddhist religion, values, along with beautiful architectures and temples. We also do organize pre-trip meeting and complete our trek preparation. Meet your trekking guide, get familiar with trek, team and enjoy rest of the day. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast.

We take a 6 hours long comfortable drive to Pokhara enjoying green valleys, ridges, rivers, fields and settlements in between along the drive. We do have lunch stop in restaurant. And upon arrival at beautiful lake city, valley of seven lakes, Pokhara, we enjoy overall atmosphere, take stroll around lake side of Phewa Lake or simply shop and hop into any nice restaurant, pubs etc. We stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara. Accommodation: Hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast.

Real Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins today after we take an hour's drive towards north of Pokhara. Our drive ends at Nayapul which is the starting point of our walk. As we start walking, we arrive at the small town of Birethanti across passing through couple of suspension bridges, bamboo forests through long waterfall and finally arrive at Tikhedhunga. Overnight stay at local teahouse. Walking time: 4 to 5 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

We have our morning meal at our tea house. And our day gets little tough as we will be climbing straight more than 3000 stone stairs to arrive at Ulleri. Excellent views of Annapurna is seen along the route. And after getting at the top, we gradually walk through meadows, forests and river streams. We are at the heart of nature, so we do see many beautiful birds. It will be heaven for keen bird watchers too. In this way, further trekking north passing through our lunch stop at Nangethati, we arrive at Ghorepani. Overnight stay at local teahouse. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

Nothing seems more beautiful than panoramic views of Annapurna Himalayan Ranges from Poon hill. And we wake-up very early in the morning with this excitement. After couple of minutes walk in a dark with help of torch light, we arrive at Poonhill viewpoint and suddenly the magic happens. As the golden rays of sun slowly reveals the snow capped mountains, the scenery simply can’t be explained in words. The view of Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Nilgiri and other nearby himlayas is seen. Then after, we make our way downwards through beautiful forests towards Tadapani. Accommodation at local teahouse. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

We will lose altitude today while descending down further from Tadapani to Gurjung Village. Passing through waterfalls, suspension bridges and couple of ascends and descends, we arrive at Chhomrong. It is a beautiful village located at lap of Annapurna Himalayas and excellent views of snow capped mountains is seen from here. Accommodation at local tea house. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

We follow river gorge leaving behind Chhomrong today. And we couple of downhill walk takes us near Chhomrong River. We cross through suspension bridge and climb out of the side valley through bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests. In this similar passion, we cross through refreshingly green forest, spot some flora, fauna over there and reach Dovan at the end of the day. Accommodation at local teahouse. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

We start our day today with a climb through bamboo forests and we walk enjoying the nature at its best, the valleys, rivers and flowers with many stone steps. Deurali is at foot of Modi Himal and we have our lunch there. We cross the small bridge at Modi Khola, and continue climbing towards scattered glacial valley. From this point, different side of Fishtail Himalaya is seen and we find difference in vegetation as well. After walking for couple of hours following the Modi Khola again, we find tea houses there. And we spend one night before pushing ourselves to Annapurna base camp. As we are very close to Himalayas, the views gets even more upclose and special. Overnight stay at local teahouse. Walking time: 3 to 4 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

There won’t be a much of walking today, as we are that close to our destination and major highlight of this trek. In just two hours, we will be there at Annapurna Base Camp. We don’t see much vegetation at this altitude. Also known as Annapurna Sanctuary, we feel like we are being surrounded by high Himalayas from all direction. We are free to explore around Annapurna Base camp throughout the day. Accommodation at local tea house. Walking time: 2 to 3 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

Today will also be the beautiful sunrise watching day. We wake up before sunrise, as the sun rays hits the Himalayas, we take plenty of pictures. Then after having our breakfast in hotel, we return Bamboo. Walking down, it won’t be that tough task today; however you should take care of shaky legs. Furthermore, we walk through beautiful glaciers, forests; we arrive at Bamboo at end of the day. There will be huge drop of 2000 meters in elevation. Accommodation at local lodge. Walking time: 6 to 7 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

We continue returning back to where we all began. Today we head back towards Chhomrong through rough terrains, and slightly ascends. Afterwards, the route takes us down through plenty of stone stairs. And we cross the river. With couple of ascend and descends, we arrive at Jhinu Danda today. The major attraction at this place is the natural hotspring. Walking 20mins down the main trail, we take a dip at hotspring and simply relax. Finally after relaxing our tired muscles, we step into local teahouse for overnight stay. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

Leaving behind Jhinu Dada, we descend down until we see the river stream, again climb through valleys and down through the forests. Ascends and descends continues as we finally arrive at Sauli Bazar and Nayapul at an end of the day. In this way, finally after arriving at Nayapul , we take a drive towards Pokhara and conclude our amazing Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Accommodation at local lodge. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meals: B, L, D.

We drive towards Kathmandu. Upon arrival at capital city, we will organize farewell dinner at one of the cultural restaurant with good performances. Accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu. Driving time:  6 to 7 hours, Accommodation: Hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Quick Note:  You also have an option to extend your Nepal trekking trip with an extra day at Pokhara to explore even more natural and cultural attractions. Similarly, Chitwan Safari, Rafting, or Bungee jumping and Paragliding, Everest mountain flight and there are many more activities that you can experience while you are in Nepal.

With plenty of wonderful Annapurna Base Camp Trekking memories, you will be transferred to TIA for your scheduled international flight by one of our office representative. We hope that you like our services, and look forward to organize even more treks, tours and adventures in near future. See you soon. Farewell! Included Meals: Breakfast

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is comparatively easier than other high altitude treks and anyone who loves to travel with normal fitness level can join this trip. Previous trekking experience is not required and one of the best trip to join if you are first time trekking in Nepal. The best way to begin your preparations is starting daily workouts and cardio exercises like running, skipping, treadmill, cycling etc which will help you increase your stamina and take on the challenge put in front of you.  If you are taking any medications especially of blood pressure, cholesterol, neurology and respiratory system, then you need to consult your doctor before planning the trip. Therefore, if you are physically fit with passion towards hiking the Himalayas then this Annapurna trial is definitely for you.

ABC is a popular tea house (lodge to lodge) trekking with well developed trails along the route. These tea houses are clean and provide basic to standard facilities at twin sharing basis. There are single and dormitory rooms also available and above Dovan, to ABC, there are only six teahouses at each stopping point, therefore at high season you might need to sleep at dining hall too. And the toilet is usually squat style outside the room.

We offer full board meals i.e. breakfast lunch and dinner during all of our trekking days. If you are vegetarian, then it is advised to inform us in advance so that we can arrange the meal items accordingly. At lower elevations, there are many menu items whereas as the altitude rises, prices of meals go high and usually on offered items are rice and lentil, noodles, pasta, porridge, bread, including Nepali, Indian and Tibetan style food.

ACAP has introduced number of safe and cheapest drinking water stations at several spots of conservation area. If there aren’t any, then you are advised to use the iodine tablets for purification. And always ask for boiled (and cooled) water at your tea house.  Don’t use water from local source and don’t use plastic water bottles as it causes environmental pollution.

There are basically two main trekking seasons in Nepal. One is during the spring season on March, April and May months whereas other one is during autumn season on September, October and November. There will be blossoming rhododendron trees during spring season while clear views of Himalayas at perfect temperature during autumn. Both of these times are best for trekking.

Packing essentials is very essential. You are advised to pack a less but don’t miss an essentials. First of all if you already have your down jacket, trekking shoes, sleeping bag, mat, then it is advised to bring your gears. Or, you also have an option to buy or hire at Kathmandu/Pokhara. Packing essentials are listed here.

For this trekking, every non Nepali citizen should obtain ACAP permits and TIMS card. Both of these permits will be arranged by our company. And you need to bring couple of pp size photographs to fill up the forms.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers and you are recommended to get travel insurance policy that covers helicopter rescue (medical evacuation) upto 4000m for ABC trek. You can get it online from your home country. This travel insurance will provide peace of mind and economically beneficial during contingencies.

Legally, you do not need any vaccinations to enter Nepal. But it is recommended to consult nearby physician and get Malaria, Typhoid, Meningitis and/or other vaccinations specially if you are visiting during summer or spring season when mosquitoes and other bugs appears.

You are already supporting local economy if you are traveling with companies like Icicles Adventure Treks that hires local porters and creates employment opportunities. Also, the prices of basic meals are fixed by local Tourism Management committee, so please do not bargain on price. You don’t need to at all as all 3 times a day meals during the trek are included in your trip cost.

And you can also support local inhabitant’s business by buying locally produced goods and services. However don’t buy items made from wildlife parts. Leave flora and fauna at their natural state, do not disturb them.

There are two major cell phone operators in Nepal, NTC and NCELL. You can easily get gsm sim cards from these operators at their stalls at Kathmandu Airport or at most of the local stores/communication shops.  Most of the hotels/restaurants at Kathmandu and Pokhara offer free wifi and you can see few cyber cafes at tourist areas.

You can recharge your mobile, camera freely at hotels in lower elevations. However at higer elevations near base camp, you might have to pay little extra amount (couple of hundred rupees) for charging batteries. Mostly charging is made available at dining hall. And also get extension plug for charging. If you have extra batteries, then it would be even better.

We are a travel company that focuses on sustainable tourism policies and we do put in practice by organizing treks that has minimum negative impacts on environment and society. You are not advised to lit a campfire specially near forest areas, we advise to order same meal for all members of group to save the fuel for cooking. You will be also carrying out what you carried in and minimize use of plastic materials. In short, trekking ABC with Icicles means conserving forest, stopping pollution and also protecting the wildlife.

The first and foremost safety trekking tip would be never trek alone. Always trek with local trekking company’s authorized trekking guide. Then you also need to have information on altitude sickness, you need to be alert while taking photos and trek at your own pace, its not a race after all; enjoy every moment of it.

Yes, like most of our trips, Annapurna Base Camp  is also customizable and can be tailor made (modified) according to need and requirement of clients. Either you are looking to skip Kathmandu sightseeing and directly start trekking from Pokhara or add extra days; it is always possible. For tight budget travelers to luxurious trips, we organize treks just like our client’s wish. Simply let us know your vacation (holiday) plans. We will make it happen.