Annapurna Base Camp Trek 16 Days/ 14 day option

Overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek combines some of the most spectacular mountain scenery, providing a fascinating insight into the modern hill life of Nepal. This Unforgettable Adventure unique trek along local trails, through forests, villages and terraced farmland treats you to unparalleled mountain scenery, surrounded by enormous glaciers giving you an inside experience into the Nepalese life and culture.

16 Days / 14 days option available

The trek to Annapurna base camp follows the Modi River and passes through dense stands of rhododendron and bamboo. By the time you reach the large rock over hanging, known as Hinku Cave, you will have noticed that the vegetation has thinned and the gorge narrowed to be only a few hundred meters wide. Steep snow-clad ridges falling from Hiunchuli on the left and Machhapuchhre on the right from the entrance to the Sanctuary. As we pass through the “gate” and enter to the Sanctuary, you find yourself in a huge amphitheatre enclosed by a solid wall of snow capped peaks.

Annapurna base camp trek starts and ends in Pokhara or it can be tailored as part of the Annapurna Circuit or the Jomsom / Miktinath trek, by trekking from Tatopani through Ghorepani and Tadapani and joining the main Sanctuary trails at Chommrong. Private treks can be arranged at any time. View our selected departure dates on our website.

Detailed itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters). Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Unforgettable Adventures signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel. (No meals included)

Day 02

Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. In the morning, after breakfast, At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trek. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy.

After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at 9.45 AM in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. We visit Boudhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty five windows, art galleries, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel. Overnight at Hotel. (Breakfast Included)

Day 03

Drive to Pokhara (900 m) by tourist bus – 7 hrs. Our trekking staff will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30am and escort you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30am. A beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek. Overnight at a hotel. (Breakfast Included)

Day 04

Drive to Nayapul (1,010m) – 1 hr. Trek to Tikhedunga (1,570m) – 3 hrs. We begin our trek at Nayapul after a 1-hour drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015m) a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495m and after a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,570m. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy, a prelude to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 05

Trek to Ghorepani (2,840m) – 5 hrs. We move on towards the steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at an altitude of 2,070m. The trail ascends more gently from this point, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2,250m. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2,460m. After an hour walk we arrive at Ghorepani (2,840m). Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 06

Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m); and trek to Tadapani (2,610m). Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210m, a brilliant mountain range spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. There we spend about 1 hour, then returning to Ghorepani we take a hot breakfast at a hotel. Then we make a climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2,960m). After that we descend to the Banthanti, then turning off to Tadapani. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 07

Trek to Chommrong (2,140m) – 5 hrs. The day starts with a steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend through the forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people, with an easy walk to Chommrong at an elevation of 2,140 m. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 08

Trek to Dovan (2,500m) – 5.5 hrs. Today the trail drops down to the Chhomrong Khola and again we continue climbing to Khuldighar at 2,380m where there used to be an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check post. There is a clearing in the forest a little further on, from which, the route travels very steeply down a rock bank then levels out, running through thickets of bambooat the bottom of the gorge, keeping always on the west side of the river. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 09

Trek to Deurali (3,200m) – 4 hrs. It’s a short walking day today because of altitude and risk of snow avalanches in the area that we need to cross the next morning. Our day begins with the climb through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to the Himalayan Hotel and on to Hinko cave. The accommodation will be in Deurali, on the ridge above Hinko is the stretch of trail that is most subject to avalanche. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 10

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) – 5 hrs. Today the trail climbs on past the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, which isn’t really a base camp since climbing the mountain is not permitted. Since it is totally surrounded by mountains, this area is known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. Two hours trek from Machhapuchhare Base Camp takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at elevation of 4,130m. There, you will view unobstructed views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 11

Trek back to Bamboo (2345m) – 6 hrs. We follow the same trail down today the trail drops by 1,700m to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo at 2,345m where there are a few teahouse/lodges available to stay at. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 12

Trek to Jhinu hot spring (1,780m) – 5 hrs. We follow the same trail until Chommrong. Once we have passed Khuldighar there is an experimental sheep farm, the trail continues through rhododendron and bamboo fields. From Chomrong the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinu hot spring, where you can bathe in natural hot springs. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 13

Trek to Nayapul (1,010 m) – 4.5 hrs. Drive to Pokhara – 1 hr. From Jhinu hot springs we walk at the right side of Modi Khola for 4.5 hrs to Birethanti which can be considered one of the best and the most relaxing walks of the entire trek. We reach Nayapul then an hour drive will take us back to Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 14

Pokhara City tour. Your sightseeing trip will start at 9am after breakfast. Places we visit are Fewa Lake, Bagnes Lake, Devi’s water fall, museums, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave. You will have a relaxing afternoon. Overnight at a hotel. (Breakfast Included)

Day 15

Flight back to Kathmandu (1,345m) and farewell dinner. You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking and other activities. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.) Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Breakfast and farewell dinner Included)

Day 16

Transfer to international airport for your final departure. The trip concludes today. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal. (Breakfast Included)

The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.

NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Prices and departures

From USD $1750.00
For departure dates and private group treks availability, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Inclusions and exclusions

Cost Includes

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
• Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
• Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included (4 nights).
• Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. (3 nights)
• Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private tourist vehicle.
• All your standard Meals during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
• Tea, coffee, hot dink at B/L/D (one per meal).
• Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trek (9 nights Trekking Guesthouse in twin sharing and occasionally dormitory style).
• Local Unforgettable Adventures licensed English-speaking guide.
• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
• Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
• Annapurna Conservation Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
• Down Jacket and sleeping bag (which need to be returned after the trek).
• Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
• Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara (On Day 2nd and 14th).
• Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (On Day 15).
• All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
• Official expenses.

Cost does not include

• Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
• Travel insurance, which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
• International airfare and airport departure tax.
• Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
• Personal trekking Equipment.
• Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
• Any other expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.

FAQs

What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?

Everest base camp and Annapurna base camp standard trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.

To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking or stairs involving relatively steep ascents and descents.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Unforgettable Adventures signboard outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?

We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you Unforgettable Adventures sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around a potbelly fire in teahouses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in teahouses provides essential and basic facilities and are always outside the room.

Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay deposit later or do I HAVE to pay deposit at booking/reservation?

Yes! The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and $500 deposit payment. The balance is payable 30 days prior to departure.

Is there a possibility of getting separate rooms for the Kathmandu portion of the trip? If so how much extra will this cost?

Yes! We can surely book separate rooms in Kathmandu for your portion of the trip. During the trek we will try our best but normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled room instead of a single room. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when the room is free and additional cost is not required. The additional cost is USD 70 per person for booking a single room in Kathmandu for four nights when booking for groups of two or more than two people.

Is this a guaranteed departure even if I am alone stating in the request trip?

YES all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well.

What sort of food can I expect in trekking?

Most teahouses (lodges) in Everest Base Camp trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatisation. It is good to eat some every day. In many larger villages you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

Is the food in mountain prepared to international standard in terms of safety?

YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.

Is water provided and is there still water available at higher altitudes? Is it filtered/boiled? Readily available?

Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses. You can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 to higher elevation per litre. You can also drink the normal tap or spring water if you bring the purifying aid with you.

What mode of transportation do you use?

Unforgettable Adventures is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more maneuverable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas. For domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu), we use Tara Air, Agni Air -popular domestic airlines.

What is the best season for this trekking?

Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, October, November, December are the best time to do Everest base camp trek.

What is the weather and temperature like in trekking?

Every trekking trip up the mighty Mt. Everest presents its own amazing, unforgettable moments that forever live on in the hearts and minds of those brave enough to make the climb. One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest region is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything. Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the Everest region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C, only to dip down as low as -20 degrees C in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.

Spring – March / April / May / June

Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different species of flower are visible in the lower altitude. During springtime, the average temperature is 17 degrees C with a maximum of 25 degrees C during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

July / August Through Mid-September is Monsoon Season.

This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it rains sometimes and although it is also sometimes dry, very few people travel during this season. There are positives to trekking during the monsoon months, however. The excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds. The maximum temperature during the monsoon season averages 25 degrees C during sunny days with a minimum -15 degrees C in the morning and night at areas above 4000 meters. The average temperature tends to hover around a comfortable 18 degrees C.

Autumn – End of September / October / November.

Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest region is also a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views from just about every angle. The average temperature during the fall is 15 degrees C with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C during sunny days and a minimum of -10 degrees C in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude. Regardless of time of year, trekkers should always plan accordingly and bring clothing for both cooler and warmer temps. Layering is always recommended, as are pants that can double as shorts. For a full list of clothing and materials to bring to account for various temperatures and weather changes that can occur in the Everest region, visitors should work closely with their travel provider. This will ensure that the adventure will be enjoyable no matter what the weather and that every possible scenario will be accounted for ahead of time.

I’m a Vegetarian, is that a Problem?

No problem at all because the lodges mostly serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.

Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?

Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).

What safety measures are in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry with them on trek to deal with sickness/accidents?

Our guides are well trained for the high altitude problems and first aid. They always carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well. All our guides carry the local mobile phones and SAT phones for the emergency.

Do you know about how many miles the trek is?

Total distance of the entire trek is about 75 miles.

Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?

Yes, you need to book your own International flights.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipment on my trip?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters!

Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

In the cities, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 15 to USD 18 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 200 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is expected. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?

In major places (Namche Bazar, Lukla), we arrange guesthouse with hot shower. And in rest of the places, hotel water in bucket will be provided for shower; it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower.

Are Unforgettable Adventures staff insured?

Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters.

Where do we toilet along the trail? Is it similar to Kilimanjaro and just wherever we can find privacy?

At most cases you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.

Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?

Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.

Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.

Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for the trek?

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend to trekkers?

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags we provide are about -10 deg C, we can provide liner or extra blanket if the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you.

Do you guys have a PAC Portable Altitude Chamber?

Yes, we do have PAC but we dont use it for Everest Base camp trek since you only have to stay a night above 5000 meters. We will surely provide one if required.

I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip.

Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport?

YES, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.

What immunizations will I need?

No vaccinations are compulsory in Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

We also recommend:

A dental check-up prior to travelling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Unforgettable Adventures at the time of your booking.