Boutique trekking in the Himalaya
Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
- Western-Educated Leaders
- Personal Trekking Chefs
- Uncompromised Attention to Detail
- Premium Concierge Service Available
- Our Fair-Wage Guarantee
Trekkers Talk: Just Back from Annapurna Base Camp
Trekking Life: Wine and Cheese Included
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts
- Trip Destination: Annapurna Region
- Group Size: Min-2, Max 12,
- Highest Altitude: Annapurna Base Camp 4130M
- Grade: Challenging
- Transportation: Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight
- Type of Tour: Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Culture
- Trekking Hour: Approximately 5-6 hours each day
- Total Days: 14 Days
- Trip Cost: Deluxe Package - USD 1750
Trip Map
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Sanctuary / Base camp trek is a hike into the dazzling natural amphitheatre formed by the staggeringly beautiful peaks of the giants - Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and the fishtail peak of Machapuchare. Although there is only one entrance to the sanctuary itself, we follow locally known, lesser-used approaches and exit routes on our premier Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The vast amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary is encircled by the famous Himalayan peaks – the 'fishtail' spire of Machapuchare (6997m), Gangapurna (7454m), Annapurna 1 (8091m), the unclimbed Fang (7647m) and Annapurna South (7273m). The only approach follows the Modi Khola Valley through forests of oak, rhododendron and bamboo, passing through local Gurung villages to a world of soaring peaks.
The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes us past three 8000m giants . We start our Annapurna Base Camp Trek with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. We walk to a village by the Modi River, Birethanti(1000m). Walking through oak forest we cross several side valleys, which run into the Modi Khola, and climb a stone 'staircase' to the Gurung village of Chomrong (2060m). Trekking past Hinku cave, we reach what is known as the 'gate' into the Sanctuary – a pass between the spectacular peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.
The glaciated and snow covered peaks of the Sanctuary form a spectacular barrier .Dazzling views confront us as we trek up through the last permanent settlements to the Machapuchare Base Camp (3729m) where we are rewarded with superb views of 'Fishtail' mountain. While here we will also visit the Annapurna South Base camp.
Trip Information
Day to Day Outline Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 1 | - | Arrive Kathmandu. |
| Day 2 | - | Fly to Pokhara and trek to Hille. 1500meter. 5 hours |
| Day 3 | - | Trek to Ghorepani. 2850 meters. 6-7 hours walking |
| Day 4 | - | Trek to Chuile. 1900 meters. 6 hours walking |
| Day 5 | - | Trek to Sinuwa. 2340 meters. 6-7 hours walking. |
| Day 6 | - | Trek to Himalaya. 2900 meters. 5-6 hours walking. |
| Day 7 | - | Trek to Machapuchare Base Camp. 3700 meters. 5 hours walking. |
| Day 8 | - | Trek to Annapurna base camp 4130 meters. 2 hours walking. Allows you to stay the night and possibly enjoy fantastic sunrise the next morning. |
| Day 9 | - | Trek to Bamboo. 2600 meters. 6 - 7 hours walking. |
| Day 10 | - | Trek to Jhinu Danda enjoy the afternoon soaking in the Hot-springs. 5-6 hours walking. |
| Day 11 | - | Trek to Dhampus. The longest day of the trek 8 hours. |
| Day 12 | - | Trek for 2 hours to Phedi and drive for 30 minutes to Pokhara. Rest of the day free in Pokhara. |
| Day 13 | - | Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning or afternoon( let me know which time of day is your preference) |
| Day 14 | - | International departure. |
Day to Day Detail Itinerary
| Day | Activities on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek | |
| Day 1 | - | Arrive in Kathmandu, Check-in, and then attend an Adventure briefing with the group, led by your Expert Trek Leader. |
| Day 2 | - | Kathmandu to Pokhara Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Nayapul and then trek to Hille or Tirkhedhunga (1700 m) and stay overnight in either Hille or Tirkhedhunga depending on the time of the flight.(5 hour walk). |
| Day 3 | - | Hike to Ghorepani (2850 m) Trek on trails bordered by whitewashed houses along terraced fields, oak and rhododendron forests, following the Bhurungdi River to Banthanti. We continue along the Bhurungdi River and then ascend Ulleri Hill until arriving at Ghorepani (2850 m) where we have perfect views of the entire Annapurna range and also stay overnight (6 hour walk). |
| Day 4 | - | Hiking to Chuile Early morning climb to Poon Hill to watch the most magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. From west to east you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurnas and Machapuchare - breathtaking! We then continue past Tadapani, trekking through open grassland and deep forests where there are excellent views of Annapurna South and the Manaslu Mountain range until we arrive in Chuile for an overnight stay (7 hour walk). |
| Day 5 | - | Trek to Sinuwa The steep descent through a rhododendron forest to the valley bottom, and then later climb steeply before arriving at the lively trekking hub of Chomrong (2060 m). The trail after Chomrong includes several thousand steps down to the Chomrong River and then another steep climb to Sinuwa for an overnight stay (6 hour walk). |
| Day 6 | - | Trek to Himalaya (2,900 m) The morning trail through rhododendron and bamboo forest, then hiking past Bamboo and Doban with a climb before reaching Himalaya (2,900 m) for an overnight stay (6 hour walk). |
| Day 7 | - | Trek to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,600 m) via the gate of the sanctuary: first up the muddy surface of the Modi Khola, and then along a rocky trail to Hinku Cave. Today we find stupendous views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna I & III, Gangapurna and the “fishtail” of Machapuchare peak, with an overnight stay at the camp (5 hours walk). |
| Day 8 | - | Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,100 m) while we continue our exploration of the sanctuary before ascending to Annapurna Base Camp for an overnight stay (2hours walk). |
| Day 9 | - | BAMBOO (2,500m) Retracing our steps, we return along the only route to Bamboo. |
| Day 10 | - | JHINU (1,750m) Descend to Chomrong, continue to Jhinu hot spring where we can enjoy a hot spring bath and soothe our trekking muscles! |
| Day 11 | - | Trek to Dhampus. The longest day of the trek 8 hours. |
| Day 12 | - | PHEDI - POKHARA A short morning trek to pick up our vehicle for the journey to Pokhara. Rest of the day at leisure in this beautiful lakeside city. |
| Day 13 | - | Afternoon Flight to Kathmandu. |
| Day 14 | - | KATHMANDU Annapurna Base Camp Trek tour ends. International Departure |
Fact Finder
| Duration | - | 14 day Annapurna Base Camp Trek |
| Trip Details: | - |
|
| Activities | - | Cultural Experiences, Touring, Walking, Trekking |
| Trip Grade | - | Challenging |
| Mode of Travel | - | Private coach, Domestic flights. |
| Group & Staff | - | Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver. |
| Accommodation | - | 3 nights boutique hotels, 11 nights teahouse lodges during trek |
| Land Cost | - | Deluxe Package - US$2000 Now US$ 1750 ( Budget Trip- USD 1150 Click here) |
Departure Dates
Trip dates for 2013
| Start Date | End Date | Trip Cost/ Pax | Availability | Trip Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17th February | 2nd March | UD$ 1750 | Available |  |
| 4th March | 17th March | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 18th March | 31st March | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 1st April | 14th April | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 15th April | 28th April | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 29th April | 12th May | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 23th September | 6th October | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 7th October | 20th October | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 21st October | 3rd November | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 4th November | 17th November | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 18th November | 1st December | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 2nd December | 15th December | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 16th December | 29th December | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
| 25th December | 5th January | UD$ 1750 | Available | |
Trip Cost
Cost Includes:-
- Boutique hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis
- Boutique hotel in Pokhara on bed and breakfast basis
- Hotel/ Lodges on twin sharing basis
- All transportation
- Responsible Adventures' Expert Trek leader (Click to watch video of trek leaders)
- Complimentary T-Shirt
- Use of trekking kit bag during trek
- 1 Assistant guide between 4 trekkers
- Trekking "Chef" - We are the first and only trekking company that has this post
- 1 porter between two trekkers
- Good clothing for porters and crew
- Food for porters & crew members (We are less then handful of trekking companies that provide this facility)
- Insurance for crew and porters
- All permits
- Twin sharing room on trek
- All meals on trek (best trekking meals in the whole of the Himalayas)
- Domestic airfare.
Cost Does Not Include:-
- Visas
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (Compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
- Tips(suggested amount US$50 per week for staff only); Leader's tip at your discretion
- Items of a personal nature e.g alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenir etc.
Client Reviews
My husband and I went on a trek in Nepal this past August, and we had a fabulous time. It was truly the most unique, beautiful outdoor travel experience that either of us have ever had. For anyone considering trekking in the Himalayas, we highly recommend Raj Tamang as a guide. His company, Responsible Adventures (www.responsibleadventures.com) and (www.notjusttreks.com), is professional and customer-service oriented. We were amazed at the ways that Raj and his employees went above and beyond to make this experience memorable for us. Raj is a 'walking encyclopedia' of information about the culture and history of Nepal, and his confident, welcoming nature put us at ease. He was experienced at facilitating positive, genuine interaction between Himalayan villagers and Western trekkers such as ourselves, and that made all the difference in our 10 days touring the Manang valley. His company offers a service that is truly a cut above the rest.
We can't wait for another opportunity to trek with Raj! Feel free to check out our story and pics at www.joshandelise2008.blogspot.com
Elise and Josh Drexler
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
