21/07/2013
Annapurna Base Camp Trek-11 Days
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is believed to be one of our most popular treks in the world. Mt. Annapurna rises to 8091m and is the 10th highest mountain in the world. The Annapurna region lies in the foothill of Mt. Annapurna in North-central Nepal stretching along with Lamjung Himal from the Kali Gandaki in the west to the Marshyangdi in the east. This invigorating trek to Annapurna Base Camp passes through waterfalls, villages, farmlands, rhododendron forests, and mountain vistas. The Annapurna Base Camp trek, like others in the Annapurna region, takes off from the lake city of Pokhara at a mere height of around 800 meters to a high altitude of over 4,000 meters with gradual acclimatization process. We also pass through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with amazing ranges of flora and fauna in between. Needless to say that throughout this trekking journey we get to enjoy the sheer magnificence of the Himalayas, including two mountains that are above eight thousand meters - Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m); hospitality and rich culture of the local community and the brilliance of nature. Just imagine being in the company of some of the highest mountains on earth and the magnificence of the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas. Extraordinary!
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier will arrange to pick us up from the airport. We will then be transferred to Hotel Shanker or similar category hotel. We can either visit Himalayan Glacier’s office in Thamel or take rest at our hotel room during the late afternoon. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be served to us in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic cuisine with a brief cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meal: Dinner (D)
Note: B refers to Breakfast, L refers to Lunch and D refers to Dinner
DAY 02 : Fly to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft): 30 minutes and Trek to Ghandruk (1940m/6360 ft): 6 hours
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara and catch great views of the Himalayas from the right side of our airplane. After arriving in Pokhara, the beautiful lake city we are again greeted with great views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna and others. After taking rest for some time, we drive to Naya Pul and start the trek. From Birethanti, we trek uphill on the trail to Ghandruk. While on the trail, we again enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains, pass along various small villages like Chimrong, Syauli Bazar, and Chane. After crossing the suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, we reach Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. We also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. Overnight in Ghandruk (B, L, D)
DAY 03: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft): 5 hours
At this juncture, we climb up for an hour up to Ghandrukkot and then a steep descent takes us to the Kimron Khola. After another steep ascent from Kimron Khola, we have an easy walk of about an hour. Then, we take a steep climb continuing up to Chhomrong. While climbing, we encounter the mighty peak of Annapurna South above the village and the view of Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) facing across the valley. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. Overnight in Chhomrong (B, L, D)
DAY 04: Chhomrong to Dovan (2580m/8460ft): 6 hours
We head out of Chhomrong along the Modi Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high step and wooded slopes of the Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through a thick and dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then, we descend long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests through which we reach Doban shortly. Overnight in Dovan (B, L, D)
DAY 05 : Doban to Deurali (3230m/10,595ft): 4 hours
The day starts with a gentle gradual ascent following the trail above the river through thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. We pass by Himalaya Hotel and cross two streams over small bridges. The trail passes through solitary places. We get a sense of peace from the beauty of Mother Nature that surrounds us. There is also the possibility of seeing a variety of wildlife species such as wild pigs, deer, and maybe even snow leopards. We climb again to Hinko Cave, an overhanging rock. Our further climb paves the way to Deurali. Overnight in Deurali. (B, L, D)
DAY 06 : Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m/12135ft): 3 - 4 hours
Today, we start our trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). We make a gentle climb through a river bed and then a steep climb over to the mountain side. There are avalanche prone areas at some point on the trail. We have to be on alert to protect ourselves. If there is any wind after about half an hour walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in the middle of a river bed surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. When the sun rises, the snow on the mountains shines and the river valley is filled with warm sun rays. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding view of the majestic Machhapuchhre is certainly a rewarding experience. At this juncture, we enjoy the views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and, of course, the Fishtail or Machhapuchhre itself. Overnight at Machhapuchhre Base Camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 07: Machhapuchhre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,545ft): 2 - 3 hours
On the way to Annapurna Base Camp from Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the vegetation disappears. We will see the snow boulders melting and forming small streams. The path widens as we enter the sanctuary. We follow a stream and then climb to a few huts alongside a moraine. There are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. After arrival at this view site, we savor the mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310m/7575ft): 6 hours
At dawn, we relish the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas from Annapurna Base Camp. After breakfast, we start descending from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo back through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan until we finally reach Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. We will see the waterfalls that drop down from a high point to the rocks below. We further pass through the forests with great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains. Overnight in Bamboo. (B, L, D)
DAY 09 : Bamboo to New Bridge or Jhinu Dada (1760m/5770 ft): 6 hours
From Bamboo, we head for a steep ascent to the Kuldi Ghar and then to Sinuwa following the stone steps that lead to Lower Chhomrong. Then, we ascend on the thousand stone steps taking us to Upper Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, we descend to Jhinu Danda. Today we will have an opportunity to enjoy hot springs just 15-min walk from Jhinu Danda. Overnight in Jhinu Dada. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Jhinu Dada to Naya Pul to Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive
In the beginning, we trek from Jhinu Danda to New bridge and then to Kyumi village. After having lunch, we trek to Syauli Bazaar and then down to Birethanti. Further, after about an hour's trek from Birethanti, we will be at Naya Pul. The trek ends at Naya Pul. From Naya Pul, we drive in a public transportation and reach Pokhara within an hour. We fly to Kathmandu in the afternoon. The left side of the airplane offers some amazing views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be es**rted to our hotel. We enjoy the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any landmarks we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will attend a celebration dinner together. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Final Departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Himalayan Glacier representative will es**rt us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)
