Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a maximum elevation of around 13780 feet (4210m), whereas the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you to over 17770 feet. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and famous trekking trails. Annapurna Base Camp Treks is situated in the foothills of the great Himalayan range in the northern part of Nepal. It constitutes some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. Hike to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal offers prospective tourists and visitors majestic views of the snow-clad mountains. Important to note about this trek is that there are no worries of high-altitude sickness, unlike in some other Himalayan trekking routes.

During this fascinating and breathtaking trek, we explore everything that is on offer on the Annapurna region trek and its close vicinity. At one point on the trekking route, there is a place to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of almost 11 towering snow-crowned mountain peaks. The trail also follows a sparsely inhabited settlement area, passing through the local communities with their indigenous culture.

It is also commonly known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, and it is one of Nepal’s most frequented trekking destinations. Moreover, the path that leads to the ABC  is lined with beautiful rhododendron forest. The walk becomes even more fascinating once you arrive at Ghorepani, the place more known for its breathtaking vista of the early sunrise. As the trek does not entail much physical energy and is not strenuous, anybody who wishes to experience the charm and beauty of the beautiful Annapurna can embark on the tour.

During this trek, the scenery you are bound to see will long embed in your memories, making this trip to Annapurna base camp almost unforgettable throughout your life. Many endangered species such as snow leopards, Himalayan Thar, and tigers inhabit this region. The best possible time to trek around Annapurna is September, November, March and May. Trekking during the monsoon season, i.e. between June to August, is not advisable as it is quite risky as the snow is slippery due to rain. ABC route map,  cost and more information regarding Annapurna Region weather, Annapurna trekking route can be readily available from our office.

 Summary of Itinerary

• Day 01–Arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu (welcome dinner)
• Day 02–Drive to Pokhara (910m) 6 hrs
• Day 03–Pokhara to Thikedhunga (1480m)
• Day 04–Trek to Ghorepani (2860m)
• Day 05–Trek to Tadapani (2630m)
• Day 06–Tadapani to Sinwa (2360m)
• Day 07–Trek to Durali (3200m)
• Day 08–Durali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
• Day 09–ABC to Bamboo (2540m)
• Day 10–Bamboo to Jhinudanda (1780m)
• Day 11–Back to Pokhara from Jhinudanda
• Day 12–Drive back to Kathmandu
• Day 13–Departure to TIA’ Farewell!’

Checklist

The following gives you a general idea of the personal items you can bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest and choice. The most important fact that one should keep in mind has enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas. In a supported trek, heavy items are carried by porters or yaks, and personal belongings you may need for the day, such as money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun cream, toilet paper, etc., should be carried by yourself. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags. We will supply complimentary water and a windproof duffel bag you can use on the trek and is carried by porter/s. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the tour. You can leave your bag with your non-trek items at the hotel in Kathmandu and collect them after the trek.

General

• For sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it, but it is to be returned after the trek)
• Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (We will provide one complimentary duffel bag for you to keep.)

Daypack

• Down Jacket (Optional/we can provide if you need one but is to be returned after the trek)

Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes

• Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place. It can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.
• Warm wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears.
• Balaclava – lightweight, thinner variety.
• Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cube. It protects your eyes from the sun’s intense rays due to the thinner atmosphere, which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.
• Headlamp – Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperature. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc., so don’t go cheap here.
• Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should be sufficient, but this is a personal choice (optional).
• A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it (optional).

Hand

•     One pair of liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves/mitts for additional warmth.
•     One pair of warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool).
•     One pair of shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.

Instant hand warmers are consistently excellent in a pinch but shouldn’t be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above should be sufficient (optional).

Core Body

• T-shirts (2).
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
• Fleece jacket or pullover.
• Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
• Two women’s sports bras, Synthetic, no cotton!

Lower Body – Legs

• Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts – Quick drying type, not cotton!
• Underwear, stay away from cotton (4).
• Two pairs of lightweight, long underwear – Capilene or other synthetic.
• One pair of softshell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
• Two pairs of trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees, so they double as shorts.
• One pair of rugged shell pants. Waterproof/breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom – this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
• One pair of cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).

All clothing should be dry using waterproof sacks or large, puncture-resistant plastic bags.

Feet

• Four pairs of liner socks, synthetic or Capilene.
• Three pairs of heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.
• One pair of lightweight socks is a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.
• One pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Ensure a good fit with layered socks, and you have worn them before to get used to them (otherwise, you will get lots of blisters).
• One pair of light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.
• One pair of hiking gaiters is good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes/boots and keeping your feet dry (Optional).
• One pair of sandals (Optional).

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you bring your first aid kit as well)

• Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
• Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhoea.
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss this with us before starting to take this medicine.
• One small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.

Miscellaneous, but Important!

• Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
• Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave on at our office in KTM if you need to change your flight date).
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
• Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 stick. Handy as it prevents you from having to stop and look for it.
• Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its’ effectiveness over time.
• Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
• Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
• Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitiser, towel, soap, etc.
• Two bandanas.

Optional

• One pair adjustable trekking pole.
• Favourite snack foods, no more than 2 pounds (Optional).
• Paperback books, cards, mp3 player (there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items lightweight (Optional).

Binoculars (Optional).

• One lightweight point & shoot camera. Digital cameras are ok, but you must keep the batteries warm when not used (Optional).
• Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator (Optional).
• There is a pee bottle for men and a pee funnel for women (Optional).
• One small stainless steel thermos (Optional).

This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for lower prices.

Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra, can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.

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