The 6 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an ideal adventure for those people who have a tight schedule but still want to experience the amazing landscape and the fascinating lifestyles of the Gurung culture & villages. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) (4130m) is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. This trek offers close up views of vast mountain ranges, including Hiunchuli, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Annapurna South peaks.

The ideal time for this trek is in spring when the Rhododendron forests are in full bloom (red, pink & white). However, this trek can be done at any time of the year. These are just some of the peaks you will see along the trail: Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m) Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7041m), Mt. Machapuchare (6998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6986m) and Tukuche Peak (6920m).

ABC offers views of Tharpu Chuli (5663m), Singu Chuli (6501m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and South Annapurna (7219m). Evidence of the Tibetan Buddhist influence in this region is noticeable by the many chortens (Buddhist stone monuments), and prayer flags along the trail. You will also see yaks grazing, bamboo forests and the distinctive Tibetan style architecture in the villages in this region.

Your adventure begins in Kathmandu where you will drive to Pokhara and on to Nayapul (1050m) where we start our trek with the Modi Khola River below us and terraced rice fields above. Our next stop along the way is Chomrong (2170m) and then on to the Himalaya Lodge at Ghandruk (1940m). The next day we follow the trail to the Himalaya Lodge at Ghandruk where you will have time to explore this mountainous town and learn about their distinct culture.

Himalayan Explorers and Trekking have more than 40 years in this business and have an excellent reputation. We will take care of all permits, accommodation and meals throughout the trek.

• Day 1 : Drive from Pokhara Siwai and trek to Chomrong (2,210m) (Duration: 5-6 hours.
• We begin with a 3 hour drive from Pokhara to Kimche via Nayapul and Birethanti (a tourist check point). We then begin our trek to Kimche passing through the picturesque villages of Sauli Bazaar and Chane. We then cross the Khumnu Khola (river) before reaching the Gurung town of Siwai, The day begins with a trek to Chomrong village which is the last settlement before the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp. The trail begins by descending down from Ghandruk to the Kyuri Khola and we then follow the trail leading to Kimrong Danda. Along the way you will pass through the terraced farmlands and continue on to Gurung. From here it is an easy trek to Chomrong where we will stay overnight at a guesthouse.

• Day 2 : Trek from Chomrong to Himalaya (2,840m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
• Today the trail descends to the Chomrong Khola and then ascends to Khuldighar- 2,380m, where there used to be an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check point. As you go higher you will notice the decreasing forest and more arid landscape. We follow the trail on the west side of the river and before reaching our destination will have to walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests before reaching Ghandruk (2920m). We will stay at a guesthouse tonight.

• Day 3 : Trek from Himalaya to ABC (4,120m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

  Today’s the trail, often covered in snow, takes us to ABC. We then follow a trail that takes us by Hinku Cave and Deurali and then passes Machapuchare Base Camp (3720m) before reaching ABC. From ABC you have unbelievable views of Annapurna I (8091m), Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machapuchare a colossal mountain vista right before your eyes! ABC has several teahouses where we can rest and take a break while viewing these magnificent peaks. We will stay here tonight.

Day 4 : Trek from ABC to Bamboo (2,310m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

We follow the same trail down which descends 1,700m to the banks of the Modi Khola and then make our way to Bamboo (2,345m) where we will stay overnight at a teahouse.

• Day 5 : Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (Hot spring (1,750m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
• After leaving Bamboo in the morning we have a short uphill trek to Sinuwa Village (2320m) and then on to Chomrong. After a short rest break at Chomrong we again head uphill and then finally descend to Jhinu Danda Village. This is an excellent chance to relax your tired muscles in the hot spring just below the Modi River. We will stay here tonight.

Day 6 : Trek from Jhinu Danda to Naya pul and drive to Pokhara (827m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

This is our final day on the trail and after leaving Jhinu Danda Village we follow the trail alongside the Modi Khola River for about 4 to 5 hours until we reach Birethanti Village. We will then continue to Nayapul before driving back to Pokhara.

– Pokhara to Nayapul to Pokhara transportation By private car/Jeep

– Best Possible Teahouse, lodge accommodation (Generally twin Sharing room)- 5 Nights (Accommodation Notice ) “During peak trekking seasons (mid-March to end of May & mid-September to end of November), teahouses in regions such as the Himalayas, Deurali, MBC, Annapurna Base Camp, and Bamboo typically offer shared rooms with 4–5 beds. Private rooms are generally not available during this time due to high demand. Please be prepared for shared lodging, as this is the standard accommodation setup in these high-traffic areas.”

– All Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek

– Government License holder English Speaking Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s experienced and qualified trek leader,(8 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).

– Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).

– Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).

– Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).

– Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt

– Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.

– Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.

– All government, Local taxes, and official Expenses

– Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance)

– Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s appreciation of certificate after the successful trek

– Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.

– Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.

• Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara – lunch, and dinner.
• Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
• Personal travel and medical insurance.
• Hotel accommodation In Pokhara & kathmandu
• International airfare.
• Your personal expenses.
• All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
• All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
• Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
• Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
• NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself

                     EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

               General

• All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it,  but has to be returned after the trek)
• Duffle bag ( Himalayan Explorers & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
• A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
• Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

• A pair of half gloves
• A warmer hat that covers the ears
• Sunglasses
• Neckwarmer
• Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
• Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

HANDS

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

• long sleeve t-shirts
• Thermal tops
• wool jacket or pullover
• Sports bras for women and girls
• Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

• Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
• windproof and waterproof trousers
• warmer trousers
• Comfortable trekking pants
• Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

• A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
• Pair of sandals
• 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
• Sock liners
• Light shoes and sneakers
• First Aid Kits and Medicines
• Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
• Blister treatment cream or similar
• Insect / anti-itch ointment
• Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
• Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
• Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
• Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous – but must useful on the trek

• 4  passport size photos with original passport
• Water bottle & filter
• Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
• Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

• Comfortable trekking poles
• Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
• Power bank and music players
• Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses – having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.

Physical Fitness

This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.

Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!