Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 10 Days

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is, indeed, one of the most popular trekking destinations on the planet. Specifically, this classic route is located to the north of Pokhara. As you begin to explore this trek, you will journey through deep valleys, alpine terrains, and foothills of mountains. Additionally, you will explore sub-tropical jungles and dry landscapes. Notably, the scenery has remained unchanged for centuries.

Starting of our journey

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara on winding roads following the raging waters of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Once, you’ll reach Pokhara the following day head out on a short drive to Siwai. Siwai is the starting point of your trek. From Siwai head towards the settlement of Chomrong traversing across a dense sub-tropical wet hill forest.

Next head from Chomrong to Dovan. Once you reach Dovan you’ll notice the change in the topography of the region. Where the tree line disappears into the dry arid alpine terrain. From Dovan head on mountain terrain filled with dry scrubs and stones towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp. After spending a night at MBC head towards Annapurna Base camp early in the morning. The trail is relatively easy, but the altitude can be a problem. So, take it slow and have frequent rest. Upon reaching the base camp you’ll notice rings of mountains. Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Annapurna I, is the 10th highest mountain in the world at 8,091m (26,545 ft) above sea level. Apart from the Annapurna 1, the Annapurna massif includes thirteen peaks over 7,000 meters and sixteen more over 6,000 meters. Once you witness the sunrise head back to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and next to Dovan.

From Dovan retrace your steps back to Chomrong and Siwai, passing through various settlements and endless woodlands along the way. After reaching Siwai, head back to Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, explore the various attractions around the city, and then proceed to return to Kathmandu. Finally, be a part of this thrilling adventure with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Brief Introduction:

Annapurna Base Camp Trek 10 days is arranged for trekkers having a limited time. It is the Short Version of the Annapurna Base Camp trek customized for you. This trek offers enough time to witness the staggeringly beautiful peaks of all the Annapurna giants that encircle the basin: Annapurna 1 (8091m), Annapurna South (7273m), the Glacier Dome, Gangapurna (7454m), the unclimbed Fang (7647m), and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre (6997m).

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal guarantees you an experience of nature but also gives insight into the cultural heritage of the tiny Himalayan country. It is one of the most beautiful trekking routes. Passing through settlements of diverse ethnic groups and dense vegetation forests with a wide range of biodiversity to the foothills of the Himalayas.

Travel Insurance:

All clients engaging in any activity must, therefore, have smart travel insurance or emergency evacuation insurance. Consequently, Alpine Club of Himalaya highly suggests that you obtain a comprehensive insurance plan from a reliable insurance firm. This plan should, in addition, cover emergency evacuation insurance in high altitudes, personal injury, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and, furthermore, any other misfortune.

Passport and Visa:

Each client must be issued a valid visa with a six-month validity from the date of return by the Nepalese embassy in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you’ll be provided with various Nepali and Tibetan ethnic cuisines and varieties of continental as well as Western meals. The region has a number of tea-house along the trail and is run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities to luxury ones, where you’ll have an opportunity to taste various cuisines which you’ll miss it most of the trekking trails of Nepal.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail which is untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails. Specifically, these options range from basic accommodations to luxury and grandeur ones. In addition, luxury hotels and teahouses are situated along the trail, catering to various budgets. Consequently, they provide comfortable beds with pillows, electric blankets, hot and cold showers, free WiFi, and many more amenities.

Teahouse along the Annapurna region provides you with hot shower and western attached bathrooms, and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with a hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.

Best Time to Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The best season for trekking to Annapurna Region is during the season of autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, with varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you’ll witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green highlands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Equipment list for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport-size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars, pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, and snacks, and purchasing your own drinks and gifts
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

Head

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition-weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.

Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• Hiking shorts 1 pair
• 1 pair of Hiking trousers
• lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal) 1 pair
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric 1 pair

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*- We will provide and need to be returned after accomplished.

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
• 1 large duffel bag *
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
• Water purification tablets or the water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror